Hey there...just wondering has anyone on here gone travelling with having lupus and/or other conditions and what their experience would be in other countries regarding their illness/treatment etc. Also any difficulties they faced due to this and if you could recommend any good travel insurance that wouldnt cost me a fortune?
Thank v much
ashley
I have not travelled abroad anywhere near as much since becoming ill, and if I do so its always a consideration as to how to deal with any possible emergency that might arise.
I have not flown anywhere as my medical extras that I carry would take up too much space in a suitcase. So I tend to only go to places that can be accessed by car or train.
With that in mind I know it is risky but I have never bothered with insurance. I have so many add ons that I would be hard pressed to get an insurance company to cover me without taking a mortgage or without them wriggling out if I were to claim.
In generally having access to a car and driver, I see that as my insurance policy for getting home.
It does limit holiday options though.
I went abroad for 5 days. I asked on the lupus website about insurance and they gave me a few choices that insure people with certain illnesses. it cost me £20 and that was no excess too.
I have been given quite a few labels though. It always seems like there would be too much wriggle room for insurers
I traveled from Canada to San Diego, California, last March. Big difference in temperature. I told Rheumie I was going and he gave me prescription for Prednisone for "just in case". Just in case happened with all the sun and water down there, I had prednisone and was able to slow down flare even though I did get some surprised looks on flight home. It was all worth it and planning for the unexpected worked.
Go on holiday, it's not like tomorrow will be a better time, enjoy today.
I go aboroad and have been admitted to hospital once but found the treatment was better than at home lol and my insurance company were great I use insure and go hope this helps
Hi Dandy_14,
You can find a list of travel insurance providers which have been helpful for our members in the past on our website here - lupusuk.org.uk/living-with-...
Ashley,
Go and TRAVEL! You will get tired the same way we do even if we do nothing. Justs pace yourself. My husband and I cruise often. We feel a cruise ship has a great medical department and if I get sick, there are always two doctors and 3 nurses. Cruise ships are as equipped to handle any emergency and can take labs, xrays, etc. I take prescriptions with me - CBC, Coumadin check, etc. Lupus never takes a vacation - but don't let it stop YOU from taking one! Don't give up what you love....stay active and live your life! Take the best insurance you can and make sure it excludes pre existing. We can't do the traveling we used to - Europe, etc., but we still can take a cruise and enjoy it.
Hey all...thanks for the replies. I have went on holiday to dubai spain etc but i want to go away for a year travelling thailand, oz, america (sorry i should of stated that previously). Ive wanted to go for a while now but have kept putting it off in case i get unwell but dont think i should live like that and should experience traveling while i still can. Was going to be going on my own but didnt know what it would be like in these countries living with our illness.
Thanks for the names of insurance complanys, ill ring and see how much they will quote to go travelling for a year.
thanks
When I was younger, I didn't know what was wrong with me. Every time I felt well, I believed I would stay well--and it pretty much worked out that way when I traveled. I traveled all over. And I'm happy I have been able to travel as much as I have. Now I usually use prednisone, which helps with fatigue, pain, and cognative problems. I also coat myself with sunscreen. If I go to the beach, I use an umbrella or find shade, and try to avoid sunburn like the plague. I also rest a lot. Usually, after traveling, I have to take a vacation from my vacation, since I'm pretty done it. But I think it's worth it. As far as travel insurance, I investigate what I may need country by country. Anyone coming to the US, should definitely have travel insurance, although I don't know how a hospital will track you down in England or abroad. But the last few times I went abroad I did get travel insurance. The most expensive thing is being flown home, if it would be needed.
Thanks anny for your reply. Want to do it before i regret it and before i get too old lol. Will look into each country before/if i go.
Thanks
ashley
Hi
I have travelled long haul quite a few times over the past 20 years to visit family and I have learned that what was good one time is not necessarily the same the next time. For example, we stopped over in Singapore for several days, thinking it would help with the jet lag, pain, muscle cramps, time differences in taking medication etc. I didn't really feel much benefit as there was the palaver of travelling to the airport again, of another 3 hour check in and a 12 hour flight to our final destination.
The next time we went straight through, yes we suffered from jet lag, but at least the flight was all over in one go. I had taken the advice of my rheumatologist and added 5mg prednisolone to my normal dose the day before travelling, during the journey, and the day after landing and I found that helped. It really is trial and error unfortunately.
Naturally this is only my experience, and you may be given different advice from your GP or rheumy.
Take your Blue Badge with you if you have one, although it is issued to EU member states, I have found it useful in Australia and New Zealand. I have always found passing traffic wardens or parking assistants very helpful in explaining the conditions of use for that particular area. Naturally in Europe it is accepted, but like anywhere you need to be aware of any restrictions.
Stupidly I forgot to pack my prednisolone and levothyroxine one time and had to make an appointment for the local GP who was extremely helpful and issued the prescriptions, although I had to pay for the consultation and the tablets. I had taken a repeat prescription form with me to satisfy the customs when I arrived with a holdall of medication, which I would advise you to do, so the doctor was able to do this without hesitation.
Some airlines request a "Fitness to Fly" form, which your GP fills in and charges about £20.
Tell the airline that you require assistance at the airports, they are required by law to supply you with a means to get you to the plane and boarded. It may be a wheelchair or a golf type buggy and you may find you board using a portable lift. Don't be embarrassed, it means less effort for you and you arrive in better shape.
As regards insurance, I found going to an independent broker the best option. I have got fed up of phoning insurers because they won't accept you online, asking me to list my conditions, then telling me as I have more than 3 they will not insure me!
Also the premium depends on where you go, (the US is particularly expensive), and how stable your condition is, as well as having an annual or one trip travel insurance.
My experience with airline staff, ferry operators, and train companies in this country and abroad is very good. The important thing is to notify them in advance, once they know you need a little help, they are very willing to oblige.
Good luck with your travelling, the world is your oyster!!
Good to read useful information. I haven't been on an aircraft for 10 years flying to Barbados next week and then on to a 7day cruise.
I'm worried as I have Lupus and psoriasis but excited at the same time. I have packed all medications, also topical applications /shampoo, steroid creams, oils as I have scalp and body psoriasis wth sle.
I was so tired of missing out every year and was afraid of my health so I refused to travel. This year I've plucked up courage and got medical insurance Which was expensive but will be worth it. Last trip to US I was on I had a TIA and flared up, it put me off traveling long haul. This time I've Prepared everything I can think of, although you can never prepare enough. I know I will feel anxious next week, I'm gonna try to meditate and keep calm.
Jayne x
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