TRAVEL INSURANCE GUIDE

Medical conditions that could stop you from flying

Understand what to check before you take off, when you may need medical clearance and why keeping your travel insurance up to date matters.

Check before you take off

Some medical conditions may affect whether you're able to fly. This could depend on how well you're feeling, whether you've had recent treatment or surgery, and your airline's set requirements.

Read on to explore:

• Illnesses you'll need to think twice about before flying
• When you might need medical clearance
• Getting ready to fly if you're not well
• Travel insurance and health conditions
• GP support while you're away

Holiday Extras is not a medical expert. This guide is therefore based on information from various health websites. Follow the links or consult with your doctor if you need professional advice.

Six medical conditions that may affect your travel plans

Illnesses can affect people differently, but if you're experiencing any of the below, it's best to check with your doctor before going abroad.

Infectious disease

Because they're infectious, illnesses such as flu, COVID-19 and chickenpox could prevent you from flying. As some are still contagious after their symptoms start, you may need medical clearance before travelling.

Respiratory condition

If you have a respiratory condition, you might need to think twice about hopping on a plane, especially if your illness affects your breathing.

If you have a long-term condition such as COPD or asthma, check with your doctor about managing it while you travel. If you have a short-term health issue like pneumonia or bronchitis, it's also worth getting medical advice, as some may cause breathlessness or be infectious.

Heart condition

While it's usually safe to fly with heart conditions that are well controlled and stable, you should speak with your doctor and airline before you travel. Essential medical supplies should be kept in your hand luggage, and you may need approval from your airline as well as a letter from your doctor explaining what they're for.

Arrange in-cabin oxygen well in advance if you need it, and make sure you keep your medication at hand.

Ear and sinus infection

If you have an ENT infection, air pressure changes during takeoff and landing could cause discomfort, dizziness or a ruptured eardrum. If you're unwell, talk to your GP, or wait until you're feeling better before you plan your trip.

Stroke

Having a stroke may increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on long-haul flights, so ask your medical team about any precautions you should take. If it happened recently, you may have to wait before you travel, depending on its severity. Consult a medical professional for the best advice.

Recent surgery

You might want to consider staying grounded for a little while longer if you've just had an op. Changes in cabin pressure can cause swelling, discomfort, blood clots and other complications, so ask your airline and GP before you make any travel plans.

When to get a fit-to-fly certificate

If your airline has concerns about how flying might affect your health, you could be asked to provide extra information about your condition and may need a fit-to-fly certificate.

These requests are made in your best interests, so if you aren't well, don't wait until you're standing at check-in to find out more. If you're travelling with oxygen or are boarding with any special medication, you should inform your airline first.

Quick tips for flying with health issues

Here are some important things to add to your pre-holiday checklist:

• If you're unsure whether you're fit to travel, speak to your GP
• Check your airline's medical requirements before you book your ticket
• Ask about any rules for carrying medicines and equipment
• If you need airport or onboard assistance, arrange it ahead of time
• Keep any medication you may need in your hand luggage health documents and prescriptions with you
• Declare any pre-existing medical conditions to your travel insurer

Buying travel insurance with a medical condition

Did you know that if you get sick abroad, treatment could cost you a lot? That's why we offer single and annual multi-trip travel insurance that has your back.

Our Bronze, Silver and Gold policies include AnywhereGP and access to 24/7 medical emergency assistance while you're away from home.

If you have a pre-existing health condition, make sure you declare it during our easy-to-navigate screening process, or you may not be covered should you need to make a claim. You should also let us know if anything changes after you've booked your policy for the same reason.

Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and excesses apply to all of the above, so please read your policy wording for all the details.

About AnywhereGP

Powered by Air Doctor, this easy-to-use app gives you quick, around-the-clock access to English-speaking and multilingual medical professionals. Whether you need an in-person visit, a video consultation or a prescription, you can access outpatient medical support while you're away from home.

For medical emergencies, contact our team for 24/7 assistance.

• +44 (0) 1403 788 718 if you are not in the USA, Canada or Mexico
• 00 1 844 780 0494 (toll-free) if you are calling from the USA or Canada
• 00 1 819 780 0494 if you are calling from Mexico

Your questions, answered

Ready for takeoff?

Health issues don't have to put a damper on your holiday plans. Tell us about your medical conditions, and we'll let you know whether we can offer cover for them. Please read our policy wording for all the details.

Disclaimer: Cover, limits and excesses vary by policy, cover level and optional extras selected. Eligibility criteria, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Insurance Product Information Document and policy wording before buying.