Hi , I'm newly diagnosed with mild copd and wondered if anyone knew the procedure for flying / health insurance , do I need to declare to airline as well as health insurance ? Feel more comfortable phoning them if I'm armed with a bit of information .
Thanks x
Hi
Best checking the airline web sight.
From easy jet
easyjet.com/en/help/boardin...
COPD is mentioned in "travelling when you have had a recent illness or surgery.
If you are carrying medication you will need a doctors certificate.
If its mild and your doctor thinks you do not need a fit to fly certificate (usually for people with severely damaged lungs ad those using oxygen)
You could well be ok, and perhaps don't need to mention your COPD.
I guess also it depends how far you are flying and if you are going by economy flights, if the air con is a good and the blowers are working.
Last time I flew I was mild to moderate, I flew by flybe 1 hour 30 minute flight. the aircon was rubbish and blowers weren't working I found it very hard to breath but I do think others were having difficulty too.
I didn't mention I had COPD back then on insurance. I've not flown since, lungs are worse now, guess I would have to be confident air quality was up to standard and everything working as it should be.
Long distance flights like, air singapore, air new zealand, quantas I've always found exceptional historically, back in the days before lungs got damaged, I would probably have more confidence in airlines who maintain cabins to a high standard.
Never flown easyjet, I guess some airlines would have customer feedback on cabin comforts, it would be a good idea for those with damaged lungs to check out if they can.
I think people on oxygen always get insurance and I believe they find breathing easier when flying because they are not breathing the cabin air.
Just have a chat with your doc, ultimately it would be your choice if you think there is risk.
Medication travelling with Thomas Cook: thomascookairlines.com/en/f...
Only 2.30 hrs flight with ryanair, i flew with them ( same flight ) last month before diagnosis, but they may view things slightly different now. Will do a search for ryanair / passenger / damaged lungs ect , may turn something up .
Thankyou for reply much appreciated
The problem is that if you do not mention the COPD to your insurance company when booking then your insurance is not valid for any problem that you may face, from a broken leg to a lost bag. It is a big gamble to take.
Hi definatley speaking to insurance company tomorrow. Went to Spain last month and declared that I'd recieved treatment / prescription for chest infection but things have obviously changed now . Read to many horror stories of underinsured people to risk any thing.
Thanks for your reply
I fly a lot and the only problem I have on the actual flight is once it is pressurised my lungs feel tight so I try not to move about too much and it gets a bit worse when the plane defends and it takes a day or so to get back to normal.
The traveling through the airport can be an issue so get assistance if in doubt. I can walk Gatwick South as there are loads of translators but Gatwick North I get assistance as it's just too far to walk.
I have declared COPD on my travel assistance as I carry emergency meds with me and I am confident with that.
Flying from east midlands so tiny airport, no issues with getting around . When I was diagnosed last week I never thought of all this kind of stuff , have to think things through more .
Grateful I found this site , people have been so kind and helpful
You need to declare it, but I'd shop around for insurance as some companies have a heavy loading. I used Virgin Money this time and the loading was only £25.00. Good luck. XXX
You don't need to tell airline but do need to declare any illness when taking out travel insurance. Telling the insurance company will put your premium up but if you don't tell them you won't be insured should you need to make a claim. If travelling to Europe make sure your EHIC is up to date too, they are only valid for 5 years! Enjoy your holiday. Joy.
Hi, I have moderate to severe COPD and have flown loads in the last year inc. 3 long hauls.
Have been fine, airlines not informed. Take your ventolin inhaler with you and don't deplane too quickly and am sure will be fine.
Travel insurance a must outside EU I would say.
Safe travels 😊
I've flown more than dozen times since diagnosed mild copd; usually c 5hour flights - Canaries, Cyprus, Egypt, Kos. Never had problem on a plane.
You don't need to have any kind of certificate for inhalers, but they maybe should be in a clear plastic bag and in your hand baggage. Do not put them in hold baggage as it may get lost.
I paid £27 declared conditions (more than just mild copd) for 2 travellers to Europe last few times with Get Going - found through Medical Travel Compared comparison site. medicaltravelcompared.co.uk/
Thankyou Soulsaver , definatley put my mind at ease .
Recent COPD diagnosis
Helping to Raise COPD Awareness.
My share COPD / Emphysema
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