Try to arrange full travel insurance as early as possible before going away.- It is up to you to make sure that you inform the insurance company of your medical history and answer all their questions honestly. Check that your insurance policy covers all of your medical conditions. Withholding information may make your insurance invalid.
- Insurance companies often charge more for people who have long term medical conditions as there is the increased risk that a claim may be made. This can make travel insurance expensive so give yourself time to shop around.
- It is important to have travel insurance as it will protect you against having to pay huge medical bills if you are unwell or have an accident while abroad.
- Take your insurance documents away with you, and keep them in a safe place. When travelling keep them in your hand luggage.
- If you are planning to take more than one trip an annual travel insurance policy is often more cost effective.
- If you are going on holiday in Europe you can apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to free or reduced cost medical treatment in certain countries if you fall ill when travelling in Europe. It is not a replacement for travel insurance.
CHSS cannot make any specific recommendations but does have contact details for companies known to be sympathetic to people affected by chest illness.
