Hi all
Does anyone have any advice on long haul flights/ cruising. We should have gone on a Caribbean cruise for my 60th but due to pandemic it was cancelled. Since then I have been diagnosed with cirrhosis. I am struggling to get an appointment with my gp for advice as they say it’s not urgent. I know I will have to get medical advice before I decide but can anyone give me an idea if it’s possible to go on this trip or should I just forget it.
Thanks
Portal Hypertension and varices tend to be the potential big issue when flying (especially long haul). Most insurers I think need you to have an all clear from recent endoscopy before giving cover ............... a mid flight bleed being the scary issue when you can be held responsible for any emergency landing costs, your own hospitalization, liability for onward travel costs for all other passengers etc. (We had a former forum member who was flying back to UK from Africa and this scenario occured, emergency landing in France, emergency hospital treatment and onward/delay travel costs for all other passengers).
You need to try and get in touch with your consultant for advice as to the staging and risks in your own particular case.
Katie
Hi Ruby,
As Katie says below, it is important to have a detailed medical assessment by your liver specialist prior to booking any long haul trips.
You may also find our webpage on insurance useful to look at;
Hi Ruby
I was in a similar situation. I have portal hypertension no varices. I have confirmation from my doctor that I am ok to fly. I fly with work and have got my first flights booked. I also have a holiday booked later in the year and have already taken out cover stating all my conditions. I have done this for a year cover which has already started just in case (fingers crossed) nothing changes in between time which also would mean you are covered. Guess the main bit you need is yours doctors approval . Then happy holidays although we used to cruise all the time and we’re actually 2 days from getting on the ship in 2020 in the Caribbean when lock down happened so had to fly home. Not sure I am ready to cruise again yet but that’s obviously each of our own choices
Hope you get the thumbs up
Sue x
Thank you for your reply. I am due my 6 monthly scan in march and I think the consultant said I could have 12 monthly endoscopies, which would be in May. I’ve read that the majority of people with cirrhosis go on to develop varices. Here’s hoping I get the all clear and I’ll get in as many holidays as I can this year! I too have taken out the annual insurance policy with Staysure at £32/month. It will be twice that if I extend the cover to worldwide, as that only covers me for Europe.Good luck with your travels.
Dont listen to my advice. I shouldnt even type it but as a person living with both I just go. OK I understand 'normal gold' travel insurance WILL NOT COVER YOU for undisclosed illnesses itll cover your bags and other things. Its not stopped me. If I die abroad feed me to the sharks or sprinkle me over a cactus. I dont want a funeral anyway. Im not saving up for the rest of my life and going to a caravan in a cheapo place. Each holiday might be my last and I dont go often so its save save save. Speaking personally, nothings happened to me and I hope not to anyone you know. As long as you arent yellow or feel ill bleeding dont let it hold you back. If you have a family who want your body back against your wishes for a big to do for them. Thats a different thing. x
I admire your outlook but I couldn’t do it to my family. After speaking to doctor I have decided to stick to short haul flights. She assures me that it it is only the long flights that could cause a problem ( at this stage). Also my insurance covers me for travel within Europe. With that in mind I have booked 3 holidays to Greece, April for the Greek Easter, May and June/July. Good luck with your travels and I wish you all the best.
The happy end of a long road 😊
Why does it take so long
How long to un-inflame liver?
Long wait for consultant appointment
