Fitness to fly letter for travel insurance?

[Lysistrata]

Hi all,

Does anyone with more severe asthma have experience with needing a fitness to fly letter?

I have my insurance (GetGoing) for trip to Chicago later this month and it appears to say they don't cover you if declared unfit to fly. Ok fair enough but I am less certain whether this means I am ok and covered as long as no one has said I am definitely unfit, or if I need a positive statement that I am fit to fly? I have declared the asthma and all conditions and am covered for them.

My concern here is that should anything happen asthmawise while I am there, they might try to wriggle out of it by saying well you didn't have proof you were ok to fly - even if it has nothing to do with flying! I have been to the US before but thankfully not had to claim. A friend has just pointed out the potential for this.

Not anticipating anything but with US medical costs I feel better to be sure and get one if it is needed.

For anyone who has one how did you get it? GP? I am aware I may need to pay which is fine. Organising it with the asthma clinic would be less ideal.

[PMRPete]

caa.co.uk/Passengers/Before...

"The majority of individuals with conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sometimes called COPD, can travel perfectly safely on board an aircraft. It is essential however to carry all relevant medications, such as an inhaler, in cabin baggage. Contrary to popular belief, modern aircraft are not pressurised to sea level equivalent and fly with a cabin altitude of between 5,000 and 8,000 feet, causing a slight reduction in oxygen. This should not cause symptoms in the majority of individuals with mild / moderate disease. It is important that you discuss your intention to travel with your treating physician who knows all your medical details, in order that an accurate assessment can be made. In general terms, if a passenger can walk 50 yards/metres at normal pace, or climb one flight of stairs without significant breathlessness, oxygen should not be required."

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to PMRPete]

Thanks PMRPete. I guess I'm not anticipating needing oxygen etc - I am familiar with how I respond to flying, but travel insurers don't always seem to operate the same way as anyone else or go on common sense/basic medical information. eg when I was searching before my last holiday, they appeared to lump 'change of medication' in with 'being on a waiting list for major surgery'.

So good to know the airline probably isn't bothered - just more whether the travel insurance would want a definitive statement rather than a general 'no one has told you not to'.

[Wheezycat in reply to Lysistrata]

Yes, travel insurances seem to have their own rules, I agree. Mine was recently upped slightly though there was nothing bad going on. It wasn’t asthma related so I won’t go through it here.

I did get a letter to confirm I need to bring a peak flow meter, as apparently some airlines can be funny about it. I also checked with the relevant airlines. I got it from a surprised, but helpful, gp. And of course I had to pay. I doesn’t compare with yours, but it was straight forward (I composed the letter myself).

Hope it all works out OK for you.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Wheezycat]

Thanks! Maybe GP will provide - I can always ask! How odd re the PF meter - never thought about that and travelled with it, but guess it does look odd if you don't know what it is.

[Sylvsmum]

In 2016 I was hospitalised many times with chest infections and asthma. I planned to fly to NZ for my son's wedding the following January, and my consultant ordered a 'flight assessment' test. I had to have oxygen at altitude the whole time I was flying,and this meant ordering through the airlines. Was with British Airway and Cathay Pacific, both of whom were excellent. I also always take advantage of "Airport Assistance" which means I can be taken in a wheel chair to the departure lounge, be on first and feel looked after. Have been assured that most airlines would rather you do this, than get stressed and possibly late. Since then I have also flown to Italy, short flight so no need for oxygen (and Easyjet do not supply anyway) but I have an oxygen concentrator which runs on batteries and I took for reassurance. Good luck

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Sylvsmum]

Thanks! Hoping I would not need an assessment - but NZ is a very long flight and after all the trouble you has can see why it would be needed. Glad you made it to your son's wedding