Travel Insurance for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

What is COPD?

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is a long-term lung condition in which the airways become narrowed and the lungs are damaged, so air doesn’t flow in and out as easily as it should. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis both come under the COPD umbrella, and it is one of the most common lung and breathing conditions in the UK.

People with COPD typically notice breathlessness when they are active, a cough that won’t go away, and frequent chest infections. Smoking is the main cause. The damage can’t be reversed, but inhalers, pulmonary rehabilitation and stopping smoking can slow it down and help a lot with day-to-day life. You can read more on the NHS COPD page.

Why do I need to declare COPD for travel insurance?

COPD is a long-term lung condition, so it’s treated as pre-existing even when it’s mild. It needs declaring because flare-ups can be triggered by chest infections, cold air or the strain of travelling, and a bad one abroad may mean emergency treatment or a hospital stay. Breathing problems can also force a cancellation close to departure. If COPD isn’t declared and you claim for something connected to your lungs, the claim could be refused or reduced.

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 COPD?

Many people with COPD can. It doesn’t automatically rule out cover, even if your breathing is quite limited. The things that make the biggest difference to whether it’s offered are usually how breathless you get, whether you use oxygen, how many flare-ups (exacerbations) you’ve had recently, and whether any of them put you in hospital. Other conditions that often go alongside it, such as heart problems, are taken into account too.

What we’ll ask about your COPD

Our online screening is easy to follow. It asks a few questions about your COPD, including the inhalers or medication you use, and if you need oxygen. 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 COPD 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

COPD can shift over a winter. If you have a flare-up that needs hospital treatment, you start using oxygen, your medication changes, or you’re referred for further tests between now and departure, you must let us know. Your cover might need another look, your medical situation may have to go to the underwriters, and in some cases we may not be able to continue with cover. A future claim can be affected or denied if a change in your medical isn’t reported.

What can COPD travel insurance cover?

With COPD accepted, a flare-up on holiday is treated like any other medical emergency. Picture a chest infection that leaves you badly short of breath halfway through a week in Tenerife and lands you in hospital on nebulisers and antibiotics. Emergency medical treatment can be covered with travel insurance, as can repatriation if you need medical support or an escort to fly home. Everything is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits, and excess.

If your breathing worsens shortly before you leave and a doctor says you shouldn’t travel, cancellation cover may refund non-refundable costs you have already paid.

There are limits. The policy won’t pay for treatment you planned to have abroad, or for claims linked to conditions you didn’t declare. Check the policy wording for how oxygen and medical equipment are dealt with.

Will COPD affect the cost of travel insurance?

COPD can raise the cost of a policy. To find out by how much, go through our online medical screening, which may ask how your COPD is treated and how well your breathing is controlled. Your age, the destination, and how long you’ll be away all count as well. Nothing is charged until you’ve seen the price and chosen to buy.

Single trip or annual cover with COPD

If you take one main holiday a year, single trip cover is often enough. For more frequent travel, annual multi-trip cover may be offered, depending on your screening result.

Travelling with COPD: practical tips

These tips are general guidance to help your trip go smoothly. They are separate from your insurance cover.

Air pressure in a plane cabin is lower than on the ground, which means less oxygen in each breath. Most people don’t notice, but with COPD it can matter. If you are breathless at rest or already use oxygen, talk to your GP or respiratory team well ahead of booking. They may suggest an assessment to see whether you need oxygen on the flight. Airlines have their own rules on in-flight oxygen and portable concentrators, and many need several weeks’ notice.

Heat, humidity and pollution can all make breathing harder. Cities with heavy traffic in high summer may be tougher than a coastal resort in spring or autumn. High altitude destinations can also be hard going, as the air is thinner there too.

If you have a rescue pack of steroids and antibiotics, ask your GP or nurse whether you should take it with you and when you should start it. Carry a written list of your medicines and keep your inhalers and spacer in your hand luggage. If you use a nebuliser or concentrator, check the plug type and voltage at your destination.

Book free airport assistance through your airline. A buggy or wheelchair to the gate saves your energy for the holiday itself. Pick accommodation with a lift or a ground floor room where you can.

1. make sure your flu and pneumococcal vaccines are up to date
2. pack more medication than you need, split between two bags if you are travelling with someone
3. see the medication travel guide for packing and paperwork advice

Some people with COPD also have asthma or heart failure. If that is you, declare each condition during screening.

How to get a quote

Tell us about your trip, answer the medical questions for COPD and any other conditions, then choose your level of cover. You will see the full price before buying.

Get a Quote

Other Useful Respiratory Pages

• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Travel Insurance
• Asthma Travel Insurance
• Bronchiolitis Travel Insurance
• Bronchitis Travel Insurance
• COPD Travel Insurance
• COVID-19 Travel Insurance
• Cystic Fibrosis Travel Insurance
• Laryngitis Travel Insurance
• Pneumonia Travel Insurance
• Respiratory Tract Infections Travel Insurance
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Travel Insurance
• Silicosis Travel Insurance
• Sleep Apnoea 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.