Fitness to travel
Most insurance companies will ask for a medical certificate or questionnaire to be completed by the patient and/or their GP or hospital consultant. Some may also want a letter from your GP or consultant confirming that you are fit to travel and what the chances are that you may become ill while you are away.
Some companies may ask you to have an assessment by one of their own doctors before they will give you insurance. It’s worth remembering that travel insurance can take some time to arrange. If possible, make sure that your travel insurance has been confirmed before you finalise your holiday booking, just in case you get ill before you travel.
Air Travel
Some people who are ill may be advised not to travel by air under particular circumstances, as oxygen levels and air pressures change at high altitudes.
You may be advised not to fly if you:
- Are breathless.
- Are anaemic (have a low number of red blood cells).
- Are at risk of developing an increased pressure or swelling in the brain (cerebral oedema) due to a brain tumour.
- Have recently had surgery or a medical procedure – as this can introduce gas into the body that may expand to cause pain and stretch your wound. Air travel should be avoided for 10 days after any surgery.
- Have recently had surgery to your chest. Air travel should be avoided for 3–4 weeks after chest surgery.
- Have recently had surgery to your brain.
- Have problems with your ears or sinuses, where pressure changes may make symptoms worse.