Travel insurance for asthma

Can you get travel insurance if you have asthma?

Yes, you can get travel insurance for asthma. However, you may need to use a specialist medical travel insurance provider like JustCover. We’ll consider more than 1,300 pre-existing medical conditions, including asthma, COPD and arthritis. We can even offer cover if you have multiple conditions at once. 

Travel insurance for people with asthma typically includes cover for emergency medical costs and repatriation, protection for inhalers, medication, and medical aids if they’re lost, stolen, or damaged, as well as cancellation if your condition worsens. It can also extend to travelling companions on the same policy, with access to a 24/7 medical helpline for support while abroad.

Why do you need travel insurance for asthma? 

When you have a pre-existing medical condition like asthma, you’re more likely to need emergency medical care while you’re away. Travel insurance for asthma will make sure you don’t face high costs from your own pocket. Along with protecting you for lost or stolen belongings, personal liability and more. 

It’s important to know that even mild asthma counts as a pre-existing medical condition. You must declare asthma in our medical questionnaire; otherwise, you may invalidate your policy. 

Holiday insurance for asthmatics is a trip essential:

• Those with asthma can be more likely to need emergency medical care. Allergy Ireland explains that: “Every year in Ireland, there are approximately 50,000 asthma attendances in GP out-of-hours services and 20,000 asthma attendances to Irish hospital emergency departments. 5,000 of these patients require admission to hospital, while 100 are admitted to ICU.” 
• If this happens to you while you’re away, costs can be high. The Asthma Society of Ireland says: “We know that asthma care can come with a cost – whether it’s paying for medications, attending appointments, or accessing essential support. These costs may place a significant financial burden on individuals and families.” 
• The change in environment when you’re away can trigger asthma attacks and complications. The HSE states that hot, cold or changeable weather, air pollutants, dust, pollen and more can impact your asthma.

Travel knowing you're covered, it's that simple. Get travel insurance for people with asthma today. 

Do you have to declare asthma for travel insurance purposes?

You must declare any pre-existing medical conditions, including asthma, in our medical questionnaire. You need to do this even if your asthma is mild. If you don’t declare any conditions you might invalidate your travel insurance for asthma policy. Then you won’t be covered for any claims you make, even if they’re not linked to your asthma. 

A pre-existing medical condition is any condition that falls within the medical warranty. You must disclose to us if you or anyone else insured on this policy has: 

• In the last two years, taken any prescribed medication or received medical treatment or advice at a hospital, clinic, GP surgery or via remote consultation or received or been offered palliative care;
• Been placed on a waiting list that could cause you to cancel or curtail your trip; 
• Been advised of a terminal illness.

Read our asthma and travel insurance Policy Wording for full details. 

What to expect in the medical questionnaire

We aim to make our medical questionnaire as simple as possible. We use your answers to tailor your travel health insurance for asthma cover to you. It can help to have your medical history on hand, as well as any prescriptions and other helpful information. 

Once you declare any pre-existing medical conditions and answer the questionnaire, you’ll get your quote. Meaning you can go on to buy your policy straight away or save it for later. 

If you’re buying holiday insurance with asthma, questions we might ask include: 

• When were you diagnosed with asthma? 
• What type of asthma do you have? (e.g. allergic asthma, difficult asthma, severe asthma, eosinophilic asthma, etc).
• What treatments, inhalers, or medications are you currently using?
• Can you walk a short distance on the flat without experiencing symptoms?
• When was your last review with your asthma or respiratory care team? 
• When did you last need unexpected or emergency care for your asthma? 
• Do you have other pre-existing medical conditions?

How much does travel insurance cost for people with asthma?

Travel insurance for asthma will probably cost more than a standard policy. This is because you’re more likely to need to make a claim while you’re away. However, as a specialist medical provider, we tailor your cover to you. So if your asthma is mild and well-controlled, your quote is likely to be lower than someone with difficult or severe asthma.

Factors impacting the cost of travel insurance with asthma cover include:

• Where you’re going: Some places, like the USA, have expensive medical care if you need to make a claim.
• How long you’re going for: You’re more likely to face an issue if you’re away for three weeks rather than a weekend.
• The severity of your asthma: For instance, if you often need emergency care or have frequent asthma attacks. If you have any other pre-existing conditions or are a senior holidaymaker, this will also impact your chances of needing to make a claim.
• Any optional cover you need: We offer protection for gadgets, golf holidays, cruises, winter sports and more.

Find the best asthma travel insurance 

We’ve got your back, wherever you’re heading. Whether you’ve got lots of trips planned this year or just the one holiday, we have policies to suit your needs: 

Single trip travel insurance

Holiday insurance for asthmatics with one trip planned in the next 12 months. Get a policy tailored to your break. Protecting you if something goes wrong. 

Annual multi-trip travel insurance

Love to travel? Our multi-trip policies protect you for every holiday you take over the year². Just pick the region and cover that suits you and your plans. 

Why choose JustCover for your asthma travel insurance? 

Whether you have allergic, eosinophilic, exercise-induced or another type of asthma, we can help you with holiday insurance for asthmatics: 

• 98% of our customers rate us as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Great’³
• Get up to unlimited cover for emergency medical expenses and repatriation
• Plus up to €10,000 cancellation cover⁴
• Our 24/7 emergency medical helpline will be there when you need it
• 98% of our customers would recommend JustCover to family and friends⁵

Specialist travel insurance for people with asthma

Travel insurance for asthma that suits you and your trip, it’s that simple. Whether you’re relaxing on a cruise or going away with the whole family. At JustCover, we offer:

Seniors' travel insurance: Many standard providers have an upper age limit. At JustCover, we don’t, even if you have asthma. Everyone deserves to enjoy their holiday knowing they’re covered.  

Travel insurance with medical conditions: We’ll consider more than 1,300 pre-existing medical conditions. Even if you have more than one. We can cover diabetes, COPD, disabilities and more. 

Family travel insurance: Get everyone on the same policy and you’ll all be covered if the worst happens. Whether you have to unexpectedly cancel due to your asthma or face a medical emergency. 

Cruise travel insurance: There are many unique and expensive issues you may face on a cruise. From illness onboard to cabin confinement and missed excursions. Get extra cover for cruises. 

Destinations covered by asthma travel insurance

Whether you’re planning a bucket list trip across the world or a quick break in Europe, we offer travel insurance for asthma. We help you take off with confidence, knowing you’ve made the smart choice:

Europe: Quick trip to the UK to visit family or a romantic getaway to France? Or maybe you’re soaking up the sun in Spain? Get holiday insurance for asthmatics on a trip to Europe.  

Worldwide: Whether you’re visiting the USA, Canada or Australia, we’ve got your back. Get cover for emergency medical expenses, personal liability and your things being lost or stolen. 

Will an EHIC cover you abroad if you have asthma?

Your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) only works in some countries, most of which are in the EU. It gives you access to some emergency state healthcare at the same price as locals. This isn’t always free, and you may be required to cover any costs before receiving treatment. 

The EHIC does not cover all emergency costs, such as medical repatriation. This can easily reach thousands of euros. This is why it’s essential to take travel insurance, as well as your EHIC, when travelling to countries that accept it.

Tips for travelling with asthma

Just like with any pre-existing medical condition, you should prepare carefully for a trip with asthma. As well as buying travel insurance, you should speak to your doctor and research your destination:

Speak to your doctor and think about your asthma triggers:

• Check whether you’re fit to travel and ask about any precautions you should take. You should review your asthma action plan with your doctor and what to do in a flare-up.
• Whether you have allergic asthma or another type, you’ll face many things that could trigger your asthma on holiday. The HSE advises that temperature, dust, air quality, animals, pollen, damp and more can do this. Be prepared for triggers and avoid them when you can.
• Your doctor should also be able to advise you on vaccinations and whether they are suitable for asthmatics.
• Take your doctor’s details with you, as well as a list of your medical history and any inhalers or medications you’re using.

Get ready for your flight:

• Ask whether you need a fit-to-fly certificate. You should also check with your airline if you need to bring any medical equipment on board or need assistance at the airport. 
• Carry any medication, inhalers and aids you may need while on the plane in your hand luggage.
• Talk to your doctor to make sure you’re well enough to fly. They may give you emergency steroids to take in case you need them.

Prepare your medication and medical equipment:

• Take plenty of medication, inhalers and aids, including extra in case you’re delayed or have to stay longer.
• Pack back-ups in another bag in case yours are lost, stolen or damaged.
• Certain prescription medications are banned from entering some countries. Check before you go. Even if your medications and inhalers are allowed in, it’s sensible to carry your prescription and a note from your doctor with you.

Research your destination: 

• Pick your accommodation carefully, as smoky or dusty rooms can make your condition worse. Asthma & Lung UK say that “you could ask about your accommodation's smoking policy or look at previous reviews to see if other people have had issues.”
• Think about how to get to places you want to visit without getting out of breath. This is particularly important if you have exercise-induced asthma.
• Know what to do in an emergency. Read up on where the nearest hospitals are and whether they offer the treatments you would need.

Buy holiday insurance for asthmatics:

• Declare your asthma and any other pre-existing medical conditions, even if you only have mild asthma. Make sure you answer our medical questionnaire accurately. 
• Take both travel insurance for asthma and your EHIC if visiting a country that accepts it. Asthma & Lung UK advises: “You should always get travel insurance if you’re travelling abroad, even if you have a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).”