Travel Insurance for Aviophobia (Fear of Flying)

What is a fear of flying?

A fear of flying, sometimes called aviophobia, is a type of phobia. It sits under mental health conditions because it’s a form of anxiety rather than a dislike of planes. For some people it means a racing heart and sweaty palms at take-off. For others the dread starts weeks before the trip, and some avoid flying altogether.

It can be linked to other worries, like being in an enclosed space, heights, or not being in control, and it sometimes follows a previous experience on a bad flight. Phobias often respond well to treatment, especially talking therapies such as CBT. The NHS page on phobias covers symptoms and the help available.

Why do I need to declare a fear of flying for travel insurance?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a phobia or anxiety disorder, prescribed medication, or had therapy for it, a fear of flying counts as a pre-existing medical condition. Severe panic on a flight can occasionally mean medical help on arrival, and some people end up cancelling because they can’t face the journey.

Declaring it makes sure it’s on your policy. If it’s missing, a related claim could be turned down 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 a fear of flying?

Yes, and for a lot of people it won’t change much. Recent changes to medication, ongoing therapy and any wider anxiety or panic attacks are the kind of details that can make a difference to whether cover can be offered.

What we’ll ask about your fear of flying

Our online screening is easy to follow. It asks a few questions about your fear of flying, including anxiety-related ones. 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 fear of flying 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

Anxiety around travel can change as the date gets closer. If your medication changes, you’re referred to a specialist, you have a hospital stay, or you receive a new diagnosis between now and departure, you must let us know. Your cover may need reviewing, we may need to refer your medical situation to the underwriters, and in some cases we may not be able to proceed with cover. If you don’t let us know of any changes in your medical, a future claim can be affected or denied.

What can fear of flying travel insurance cover?

Once accepted, your policy can cover emergency medical treatment abroad, including help if you become unwell because of severe anxiety. Imagine a panic attack in Tenerife that ends with a trip to hospital. Emergency care there can be covered, and so can repatriation if you need to travel home with medical support. Everything is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

It’s worth being clear about cancellation. Cancellation cover can help when a doctor advises you not to travel because your health has become worse. Deciding not to fly because you’re nervous, on its own, isn’t normally a valid reason to claim.

Treatment you arrange abroad on purpose isn’t covered, and nor are claims linked to a condition you didn’t declare.

Will a fear of flying affect the cost of travel insurance?

A fear of flying might affect the price. Your result from online medical screening decides that, and the questions may cover how the fear is treated and how well it’s controlled. Age, destination, and the length of your trip are counted alongside it. When the screening is done, the price appears before you commit to buying.

Single trip or annual cover with a fear of flying

If you only fly once a year, single trip insurance may be all you need. Taking more trips than that, perhaps some by ferry or train? Annual cover could suit you better, depending on your screening result.

Travelling with a fear of flying: practical tips

None of these tips form part of your insurance. They’re just ideas that other nervous flyers have found useful.

Several UK airlines run fear of flying courses, usually a day of talks from pilots and cabin crew followed by a short flight. Learning what turbulence actually is, and why the noises you hear are normal, helps a lot of people. Self-help books and apps based on CBT are another option, and your GP can refer you for talking therapy if the fear is affecting your life.

Be careful with sedatives. Many GPs are now reluctant to prescribe them for flying, partly because they can slow your reactions in an emergency and partly because some are controlled drugs abroad. If you are prescribed something, check the rules for your destination and our guide to travelling abroad with medication.

Small choices on the day add up. An aisle seat over the wing tends to feel steadier and less closed in. Arrive early so you aren’t rushed, and tell the cabin crew you’re a nervous flyer; they’re used to it and will often check on you. Cut back on caffeine and alcohol, which can both make anxiety symptoms worse.

A few other ideas:

1. practise slow breathing before the trip so it comes naturally on board
2. download films or podcasts to keep your mind busy
3. start with a short flight to build confidence before a long-haul one
4. if claustrophobia is part of it, ask about seats with more space

How to get a quote

Enter your trip details, then declare a fear of flying in the medical questions if it’s been diagnosed or treated. Choose your cover and you’ll see the final price before paying.

Get a Quote

Other Useful Mental Health Pages

• Anorexia Travel Insurance
• Anxiety Travel Insurance
• Aviophobia Travel Insurance
• Bipolar Travel Insurance
• Claustrophobia Travel Insurance
• Depression Travel Insurance
• Eating Disorders Travel Insurance
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Travel Insurance
• Panic Disorder Travel Insurance
• Personality Disorders Travel Insurance
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder 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.