I live in rural Lincolnshire and would love to go on holiday abroad but I am having great problems trying to obtain a fit to fly assessment, so that I am covered on insurance. I have copd not sure what stage any help would be gratefully appreciated
Thanks
I asked my GP for a fit to fly he said I didn't need it got my insurance very cheap price ..im stage 3 copd so if that helps you any ...i don't use o2 so it may be worth asking your GP and get their advice as it can vary you also need to know what stage you are at for insurance company xxx
Your GP should be able to discuss your fitness to fly with you and recommend you need to be tested for oxygen. Your GP can't make the decision and should refer you to the nearest hospital to have a full fitness to fly test. If you find that you do need oxygen for your flight please give the BLF Helpline a call on 03000 030 555 during office hours and they can talk you through the procedure for arranging oxygen on the aeroplane and at your destination.
Hi, your GP can't tell if you need airplane O2 - it doesnt depend on whether you are on oxygen therapy. Several years before I needed ambulatory oxygen, I needed oxygen to fly, as shown by the fit to fly test. I experimented with taking off the canulla during the flight and within about 30 seconds my sats had gone down to high 70s. Everyone is different and your GP shouldn't be making assumptions about you.
The respiratory testing at Lincoln County Hospital didn't seem to be very sophisticated. You might have to go to Nottingham. Ask your consultant's secretary, or your GP. They should be able to advise you. Have you actually been told you need a test? I hope you can get it sorted out. Enjoy your holiday when you have got things sorted out. Good luck
it is the airline that decides whether you need a fit to fly certificate, some of the airlines we have used have "no you don't need that" but others such as Air Canada have insisted upon it the biggest benefit has been that we were upgraded for free and given special seats. Even though the airline say they do not need it we always get it so that the insurance companies do not have a "get out of jail" card. Does Pilgrim Hospital not have the facility?
It should be your Consultant Physician who decides whether or not you are able to fly. Sometimes the answer will be "yes", other times it will be "no" and sometimes he or she will ask for a fitness to fly test which will be done by a respiratory technician. When I had fitness to fly tests they were always done in the Chest Clinic of the hospital and arrangements were made by the Consultant or the respiratory nurse.
I have never seen a consultant in the 6 years since being diagnosed with Copd when I do see my GP which is very rare he tells me I am not I'll enough to be referred my GP is a waste of time.
I don't have a consultant either Meagan never been referred to one either xx
I was told I need a fit to fly test to go on a plane but then they kicked me in the teeth and said that they cannot guarantee I may not be fit to fly home even if they say I am on the outward bound? So they do not recommend I fly at all! 
I cannot get a fair price insurance anyway with Pulmonary Hypertension more so now I am severe!
Hope yours is easier?
Be Well
fit-to-fly' test which simulates flying conditions
Spirometry and Fit to Fly Test
Fit to fly ?
COPD Assessment Test
