Travelling with a Breast Abscess

What is a breast abscess?

A breast abscess is a painful build-up of pus in the breast, caused by a bacterial infection. It commonly happens in women who are breastfeeding, if mastitis hasn't cleared up - although women who aren't breastfeeding can also get them. It's listed with our other infectious conditions.

It usually shows as a tender, hot, swollen lump, and can be accomopanied by a fever. Treatment is normally antibiotics and drainage, either with a needle or through a small cut, sometimes more than once. You can read more on the NHS breast abscess page, and our general page on abscesses covers other types.

Why do I need to declare a breast abscess for travel insurance?

A breast abscess you have now, or are still being treated for, is a pre-existing medical condition. It may need draining more than once, and if the infection spreads or comes back while you’re abroad you could need antibiotics, a procedure, or even an early flight home.

That’s why we need to know about it. If it isn’t declared, a related claim may be refused, or paid only in part.

You won’t need to declare every medical condition you’ve ever had or been diagnosed with, only those that fall into the initial set of medical questions.

Can I get travel insurance with a breast abscess?

Usually you can. Whether cover is offered depends on your screening result, and an abscess that has healed is generally viewed differently from one that keeps returning or is still being treated. An abscess that starts for the first time while you’re away would normally be dealt with as a new illness.

What we’ll ask about your breast abscess

Our online screening is easy to follow. It asks a few questions about your breast abscess, including whether it has been drained and the antibiotics you’ve had. When you’ve declared this condition, carry on with any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions.

Finishing the medical declaration takes you through to the quote page. Provided your breast abscess and your other declared conditions can be covered, you’ll be presented with a list of quotes. The premium you see already includes cover for your medical, and if we cannot provide cover, you’ll know before going ahead.

If your health changes before travelling

Abscesses can come back. If the abscess returns or needs draining again, your antibiotics change, you’re admitted to hospital, or you’re referred for tests between now and departure, you must let us know. It may mean reviewing your cover or referring your medical situation to the underwriters, and in some cases we may not be able to proceed with cover. Not telling us about a change in your medical can lead to a future claim being affected or denied.

What can breast abscess travel insurance cover?

With a declared abscess accepted, emergency treatment abroad can be covered if the infection returns or gets worse. If you develop a high temperature and need the abscess drained in hospital while staying in Majorca, the costs can be covered, and repatriation can be if it’s medically needed. This is all subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If the abscess flares up shortly before you leave and a doctor advises you not to go, you may be able to claim for non-refundable costs under cancellation cover.

There’s no cover for treatment you planned to get abroad, or for anything linked to a condition you didn’t declare.

Will a breast abscess affect the cost of travel insurance?

It could do. We can’t give a figure in advance, because the price depends on how you answer our online screening. Expect to be asked how the abscess is being treated and whether the infection is controlled. Your age, destination, and trip length will also be taken into account. The quote shows the full price, so you can make up your mind before buying.

Single trip or annual cover with a breast abscess

Single trip cover is often the obvious choice for one family holiday. If you’re planning more trips over the year, annual multi-trip cover is worth a look, depending on your screening result.

Travelling with a breast abscess: practical tips

These are general tips. They’re not part of your insurance cover.

If you’re breastfeeding, the NHS advises carrying on, as it helps drain the breast and stops milk building up. Travel can upset your feeding routine, with long journeys, car seats and time differences, so try to keep feeds or expressing regular. Pack your pump, spare parts and a way to clean them.

Finish your antibiotics even if the lump feels better, and pack enough to last the whole trip in your hand luggage. Ask your GP or pharmacist whether they’re suitable while breastfeeding if you haven’t already.

If you still have a wound or dressing, ask your practice nurse for spare dressings and advice on keeping it clean and dry. Swimming is best left until it has healed.

Hot weather and a busy itinerary make it easy to get dehydrated, which doesn’t help milk supply or recovery. Drink plenty, wear a comfortable supportive bra that isn’t tight, and rest when you can.

Know when to get help. A lump that’s growing, redness that spreads, a fever or feeling shivery and unwell should be checked by a doctor rather than left until you’re home. Spreading redness in the skin can also be a sign of cellulitis.

How to get a quote

Pop your travel details in, declare the breast abscess in the medical questions, and pick the cover you want. The price is there before you pay.

Get a Quote

Other Useful Infectious Pages

• Abscesses Travel Insurance
• Brain Abscess Travel Insurance
• Breast Abscess Travel Insurance
• Cellulitis Travel Insurance
• Chickenpox Travel Insurance
• Glandular Fever Travel Insurance
• HIV Travel Insurance
• Influenza Travel Insurance
• Lyme Disease Travel Insurance
• Meningitis Travel Insurance
• Norovirus Travel Insurance
• Sepsis Travel Insurance
• Tuberculosis Travel Insurance

Don't worry if your condition is not listed above - we cover plenty more medical conditions.
* Please note that cover will vary depending on individual medical screenings.