Travel Insurance for COPD
Compare Travel Insurance for COPD from a panel of specialist insurers, with cover for pre-existing medical conditions and no upper age limit on many policies. Whether you're living with COPD, emphysema or chronic bronchitis, we'll help you find cover that suits your travel plans.
- Compare quotes from a panel of specialist insurers
- Cover available for COPD, emphysema and other declared conditions (terms apply)
- No upper age limit on many policies (terms apply)
- Choose from 3 levels of cover across multiple insurers
Can I Get Travel Insurance if I Have COPD?
COPD is a commonly declared condition we see, with around 115,000 new diagnoses a year in the UK, according to the NHS. COPD is classed as a pre-existing medical condition, so it needs to be declared when doing your medical screening, even if it feels well controlled.
We will support you to find travel insurance with your COPD diagnosis. The cover available depends on your answers to medical screening, the insurer and the trip you’re planning. An inhaler, recent chest infection, hospital treatment or prescribed oxygen may affect the options you see, but none should be left out of the conversation.
Do I Need to Declare COPD For Travel Insurance?
When travelling with a pre-existing medical condition like COPD, it’s important to ensure you have the right cover for your needs. Not declaring your condition could mean a claim being rejected later, so you need to provide information that is as accurate as possible during your medical screening.
Not sure whether to declare your COPD? It’s important to declare your condition, even if you:
- Manage with inhalers
- Haven’t had any recent flare-ups
- Only have semi-regular flare-ups
- Have had or are waiting for oxygen therapy, or a nebuliser
How to Get Travel Insurance With COPD?
We cover people traveling with epilepsy to provide them with peace of mind for their trip abroad. The first step is for us to understand your condition so we can show you the policy options that cover your needs.
3 quick steps:
1. Provide trip details
Choose your destination(s), the duration of your trip, and details like whether you’re looking for Single or Annual policy options.
2. Complete medical screening
Tell us about your COPD and any other pre-existing medical conditions. We’ll ask some questions about things like any prescribed medication and recent hospital visits, to inform our policy comparison.
3. Compare insurance quotes
We’ll use the information to find quotes that meet your needs, ensuring you are shown cover options that suit your COPD. You can review your options and choose a policy that is right for you.
Our Expert Says
“When arranging Travel Insurance with COPD, have details of your inhalers, any recent chest infections or hospital treatment, and whether you use prescribed oxygen to hand. Accurate answers help us compare the policies available for your health and holiday, so you can choose cover with the right medical and cancellation limits.”
Katie Williams
Product Expert at Just Travel Cover
What Does COPD Travel Insurance Cover?
Typically included:
All our policies provide the following as standard:
- Full cover for pre-existing medical conditions
- Cover for emergency medical expenses up to £10 million
- Cover for repatriation
- Cancellation cover up to £50,000 per person; limited to £100,000 per policy upon referral
- Curtailment cover up to £12,500 per person
- Baggage cover up to £3,500 per person
- Missed departure up to £1,500 per person
- Emergency medical assistance available 24/7
- Plus Smart Luggage – optional or included on gold.
Typically not covered:
- A medical condition that should have been declared but was not
- Travelling against medical advice or for planned medical treatment
- A destination or activity that is not included in the policy
- Changing your mind or another reason not listed under cancellation cover
- Events known before the policy was purchased
- Possessions above the stated item limit or left unattended
- Alcohol, drugs or reckless behaviour where an exclusion applies
Read all your insurance policy information carefully, making sure you understand your policy’s wording and medical declaration before paying.
Holiday Tips for People With COPD
Travelling with COPD may require a little extra planning, but being well prepared can help you feel more confident and comfortable throughout your journey and holiday.
Here are some tips to consider when travelling with COPD:
- Plan ahead for medication
Ensure you have all your medications and medical supplies for the trip – it’s worth packing extra, just in case. You should pack medication in your hand luggage, and carry a copy of your prescriptions. - Avoid strenuous and high altitude activities
Both can exacerbate COPD symptoms. Opt for light activities and tours that are less likely to impact your pre-existing medical condition. - Stay hydrated and well rested
When you’re travelling make sure to drink plenty of water and ensure you build in time to rest. - Consider Your Holiday Type
Depending on where you’re going, air quality can vary, for example if you’re planning a cruise. If required, ensure your policy includes specifics, like cruise Travel Insurance cover for COPD.
Our Content Review Process
It’s crucial that you receive accurate information on travelling with a medical condition such as COPD. Our specialist travel insurance team regularly reviews our published content to ensure the information you receive is up to date with industry guidance. This page covers insurance guidance only – for advice about managing your COPD day to day, please speak to your own doctor or nurse.
Authorised and regulated
Just Travel Cover is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 610022) for General Insurance Distribution activities, ensuring we guarantee transparency in our policy documents and prioritise fair treatment of our customers during a claims process.
COPD Travel Insurance FAQs
Do I have to declare COPD if I only use an inhaler?
Yes. Even if your COPD is well managed, you’ll need to declare it and answer the screening questions accurately to ensure you don’t risk a claim being rejected later down the line.Yes. Even if your COPD is well managed, you’ll need to declare it and answer the screening questions accurately to ensure you don’t risk a claim being rejected later down the line.
Will travel insurance cover a COPD flare-up abroad?
A policy may cover unexpected emergency treatment related to COPD if you declared it. Check your policy wording so you clearly understand any exclusions, medical limits, and instructions for contacting emergency assistance.
Will I be covered if COPD means I have to cancel my trip?
If cancellation for an unexpected change in your accepted condition is included and the circumstances meet the policy terms, you may be able to get compensation in the case of a cancelled trip due to COPD. Check your policy terms, limits, excess for your exact cover.
Are emphysema and chronic bronchitis covered by a COPD declaration?
When you complete your medical screening, you can tell us about any other medical conditions that may or may not be connected to your COPD. Don’t assume that everything is covered under your COPD declaration. If in doubt, it’s best to declare it, to make sure you don’t risk a claim being denied later down the line.
Can I use a GHIC instead of travel insurance?
Not instead. According to the NHS, GHIC may help with eligible state healthcare in participating countries, but it does not replace travel insurance for costs such as cancellation or medical repatriation.
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