Having asthma should not prevent you from travelling and enjoying your holidays.
Planning ahead is key to having a great time away and dealing with any potential problems with your asthma.
Health experts advise preparing for a trip four to six weeks before you travel.
Things to consider as part of your preparation include:
- health check
- asthma triggers
- air travel
- travel immunisation
- travel insurance
Health check
See your GP or asthma nurse before you travel to review your personal asthma action plan and to make sure it's up to date.
If you don’t have a personal action plan, now is the time to get one. It will allow you to recognise deteriorating asthma and alter your treatment to stay well.
Find out how you can get medical help (such as a local ambulance or doctor) if necessary at your destination.
Take spare inhalers in case of loss or theft. These can usually be carried in your hand luggage.
Bring enough medicine to last throughout your trip plus a few extra days.
Take a print-out of your regular prescriptions, including the generic names of medicines, in case you need medical assistance during your trip or your medication is lost.
For information, read Asthma UK’s travelling with asthma.
Asthma triggers
If being exposed to feather pillows makes your asthma worse, you could bring your own non-feather alternative or ask your hotel for a pillow with synthetic filling.
If you’re sensitive to tobacco smoke, ask your accommodation provider whether you should book a non-smoking room as smoking rules vary from country to country.
Some holiday activities, such as scuba diving, may be hazardous to people with asthma, and special considerations may apply.
Ensure your asthma is fully controlled as exposure to allergens and viral infections in confined spaces, such as planes and ships, may make your condition worse.
Air travel
If you're always short of breath, even when resting, you may need a special evaluation before you fly because of the reduced oxygen levels at high altitude.
Carry all your asthma medicines as hand luggage, in case your checked-in luggage goes missing or your medicines are damaged in the baggage hold.
Under current security restrictions, you cannot carry containers with liquids, gels or creams that exceed 100ml in your hand luggage.
You can carry essential medicines of more than 100ml on board, but you’ll need prior approval from the airline and airport and a letter from your doctor or a prescription.
All asthma medicines taken on board should be in their original packaging, with the prescription label and contact details of the pharmacy clearly visible.
For more information, read the British Lung Foundation’s advice on air travel with a lung condition.
Travel immunisation
Your GP or practice nurse can tell you what vaccinations and precautions you need to take for the country you're travelling to.
You can have the usual travel jabs that are recommended for your destination, unless there are other health reasons for not having them.
Tell your GP or practice nurse if you have recently used high-dose oral steroids before you have any vaccinations.
Asthma and its treatment don't usually interfere with malaria tablets.
Travel insurance
Take out travel insurance and check that it will cover your asthma. Many insurers ask you to get permission from your GP before you travel.
Shop around for the best deal. Travel insurance quotes vary depending on your age, medication and destination.
For travel in Europe, make sure you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to reduced-cost and sometimes free medical treatment.
Take out travel insurance as well because an EHIC may not cover all the costs of your treatment. An EHIC doesn't cover the cost of being flown back to the UK.
See the Asthma UK website for more information on finding travel insurance if you have asthma.
Travelling with a long-term condition such as cancer isn’t straightforward, but many difficulties can be avoided with good planning.
Discuss your travel plans with your doctor to assess whether you're fit to travel.
Different types of cancer have different treatments and often require you to take specific precautions when you travel.
Health experts advise preparing for a trip four to six weeks before you travel.
Things to consider as part of your preparation include:
Air travel
Under current security restrictions, you cannot carry containers with liquids, gels or creams that exceed 100ml in your hand luggage.
You can carry essential medicines of more than 100ml on board, but you’ll need prior approval from the airline and airport and a letter from your doctor or a prescription.
All medicines taken on board should be in their original packaging, with the prescription label and contact details of the pharmacy clearly visible.
See the UK Gov website for more information on air travel hand baggage rules.
Flying may not be advisable if you're always short of breath, anaemic, at risk of brain swelling, have had recent surgery or have problems with your ears or sinuses.
Long-haul travel, especially by air, can increase your risk of developing a blood clot in your legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT).
Some people with cancer, particularly some types of lung, stomach and bowel cancer, have a higher risk of DVT.
See your doctor before you travel and read our tips on preventing flight-related DVT, which include exercises and compression stockings.
Travel vaccinations
If your destination requires you to have vaccinations, check with your doctor before you book your trip whether it’s safe for you to have them.
Some travel vaccines cannot be taken or may be less effective if you have a particular type of cancer or cancer treatment.
If you’ve had chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, you may have lost your immunity to diseases that you were previously vaccinated against. Therefore, you may need new jabs.
Travelling with medicines
Take enough medicines to last throughout your trip plus some extra in case of delays.
If you’re going on a long trip, check if you can get your medicines in the country you’re travelling to.
If you need to keep medicines cool, buy a small cool bag from a pharmacy for the journey. Check whether your room at your destination has a fridge.
Keep a list of all your medicines (including the generic names) and doses in your purse or wallet, just in case you lose any of them or you run out.
Travelling across time zones can affect when you take regular medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you plan adjusting the times of your medicines.
Find out if you need a letter from your GP explaining to customs officers your need to carry certain medicines, syringes or portable medicine pumps.
Some GPs charge for writing a letter, so if you travel frequently, ask them to write it in such a way that it can be used more than once.
Travel insurance
Getting travel insurance when you have had cancer can be very difficult. It’s a good idea to start looking for cover before you’ve booked your holiday.
Get advice from your GP before purchasing an insurance policy. They will be able to help you answer the medical questions about your health.
For travel in Europe, make sure you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to reduced-cost and sometimes free medical treatment.
Take out travel insurance as well because an EHIC may not cover all the costs of your treatment. An EHIC doesn't cover the cost of being flown back to the UK.
Macmillan Cancer Support has information about finding travel insurance if you have cancer.
Having diabetes should not prevent you from travelling and enjoying your holidays.
Planning ahead is key to having a great time away and dealing with any potential problems with your diabetes.
Health experts advise preparing for a trip four to six weeks before you travel.
Things to consider as part of your preparation include:
Diet
Whether you're at home or abroad, make sure you still eat healthily.
You should be able to choose foods from local menus and still eat a balanced diet. Overseas travel is also an ideal time to try different foods.
If you’re flying to your destination, don't order a special diabetic meal on board. These are often low in carbohydrate so they're generally unsuitable.
On long-haul flights, take some healthy snacks with you as airline meals tend to be smaller than average meals.
In some countries, blood glucose is measured differently from the UK. See Diabetes UK's blood glucose conversion chart.
Medicines and travel vaccines
See your GP or diabetes specialist for information on travel jabs and how the local weather and changing time zones can affect your condition.
Vaccines may disrupt your blood glucose control as your body makes antibodies to fight the disease that you've been inoculated against.
Carry a diabetes ID (either a card or jewellery) so that if you become unwell, people are aware that you have diabetes.
Bring twice the quantity of medical supplies you would normally use for your diabetes.
Travelling to a hot or cold climate may affect how your insulin and blood glucose monitor work.
Travel insurance
Most travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing medical conditions, including diabetes.
Make sure you declare all your medical conditions, including your diabetes. Making a mistake or omission could result in a claim being refused.
Diabetes UK recommends that everyone you're travelling with is insured on a policy that covers pre-existing medical conditions.
For travel in Europe, make sure you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to reduced-cost and, sometimes, free medical treatment.
Also take out travel insurance because an EHIC may not cover all the costs of your treatment. An EHIC doesn't cover the cost of being flown back to the UK.
See the Diabetes UK website for more information on finding travel insurance if you have diabetes.
Air travel
Bring a letter from your GP explaining your need to carry syringes or injection devices and insulin.
Some GPs charge for writing a letter. If you travel frequently, ask them to write it in such a way that it can be used more than once.
Carry all your diabetes medicines as hand luggage, in case your checked-in bags go missing or your medicines are damaged in the baggage hold.
Diabetes UK advises against storing insulin in checked-in luggage as the freezing temperatures in the hold may damage it.
If you have to take insulin in your checked-in luggage, place it in an airtight container or in bubble wrap, then a towel, and pack it in the middle of your suitcase.
When you arrive, check that the insulin hasn't been damaged in the hold. Look out for crystals and test your blood glucose levels more frequently.
Most people with a heart condition are able to travel, as long as they feel well and their condition is stable and well controlled.
If you're recovering from a heart condition, such as a heart attack or heart surgery, it's often best to wait until you’ve fully recovered before you travel.
Your GP or heart specialist can advise you on whether you're fit enough to travel by air.
Health experts advise preparing for a trip four to six weeks before you travel.
Things to consider as part of your preparation include:
Your destination
When you book your holiday, think about how to make your trip as convenient as possible. Stay in accommodation that's easily accessible and close to any amenities.
Avoid destinations that are hilly, unless you've recovered enough and you're fit enough for potentially strenuous activity.
Avoid travelling to high altitudes (over 2,000 metres) as lower levels of oxygen can cause breathlessness or angina. Get advice from your doctor.
Avoid countries where there are extreme temperatures, either very hot or very cold, as this can put an added strain on your heart.
Find out how to get medical help (such as a local ambulance or doctor) at your destination.
Keep an up-to-date list of all your medication (including the generic names) and doses in your purse or wallet, just in case you lose any of them.
Take enough medicines to last you throughout your trip plus a few extra days.
Travel insurance
Take out travel insurance and check that it will cover your specific heart condition.
Declare all your past and present health conditions. Making a mistake or omission could result in a claim being refused.
Get advice from your doctor before you purchase an insurance policy. They can help you answer the medical questions about your health.
For travel in Europe, make sure you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to reduced-cost and sometimes free medical treatment.
Take out travel insurance as well because an EHIC may not cover all the costs of your treatment. An EHIC doesn't cover the cost of being flown back to the UK.
See the British Heart Foundation website for more information on insurance if you have a heart condition. They also have a list of insurers recommended by people with a heart condition.
Air travel
See your doctor before you book your flight for advice on whether you're fit enough to travel by air.
If you have a heart condition or a history of heart disease, you may have an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Get tips on preventing flight-related DVT, including exercises and compression stockings.
Consider arranging support at the airport terminal, such as help with your luggage and early boarding onto the plane.
It's safe to use your glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) spray while you're on the plane.
Under current security restrictions, you cannot carry containers with liquids, gels or creams (including medication) that exceed 100ml in your hand luggage.
You can carry essential medicines of more than 100ml on board, but you’ll need prior approval from the airline and airport and a letter from your doctor or a prescription.
Pacemakers and ICDs
If you have a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), bring your device identification card with you.
Tell security staff that you have a pacemaker or ICD as it can set off the security metal detector alarm.
Ask to be hand searched by security staff or checked with a hand-held metal detector. The metal detector should not be placed directly over your device.