Today marks the start of Breathe Easy Week 2013, so we’d like to take the opportunity to talk about travel and travel insurance for people with lung conditions such as COPD, asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

It is estimated that one in five people in the UK are affected by lung disease with millions more at risk. Established in 1984, the British Lung Foundation (BLF) is a charity offering support to sufferers, while funding research, and promoting better understanding of lung disease within the UK.

In order to highlight their efforts the BLF organise Breathe Easy Week which consists of a variety of events designed to educate and support. This year Breathe Easy Week is being held from 10th — 16th June and the theme will focus upon the 230 Breathe Easy groups that meet every month across the country.

Each group has been set up by people looking to share experiences and support while operating as a support network to the BLF as a whole. There will be a variety of fund raising events which anyone is welcome to attend and people will be on hand to offer advice to fellow sufferers.

Holidays and Lung Disease

Many people suffering from lung conditions will be looking to take a holiday over the next few months, particularly to hotter climates where the air is easier to breathe.

If you are planning a holiday it is important to speak to a doctor before travel in order to identify any potential obstacles in advance.

High altitude destinations are likely to cause problems, while access and terrain should also be considered. Airlines have procedures and guidelines in place for passengers with respiratory problems: The air-conditioning within an aeroplane can impact upon breathing but the airline will have a policy for the use of additional oxygen as long as it is discussed prior to the flight.

The key to keeping healthy on holiday is to discuss your concerns thoroughly with your doctor prior the trip or seek advice from the British Lung Foundation who can provide a leaflet and checklist for holiday goers.

Travel Insurance and Lung Disease

Whenever you travel it is very important to buy travel insurance which includes cover for your existing medical conditions, including lung disease.

Goodtogoinsurance.com is proud to be able to offer travel insurance with cover for all types of lung and respiratory conditions, including COPD, asthma and lung cancer.

To ensure that your medical conditions are properly covered by your travel insurance you must declare them when you get a quote. It should only take a few minutes to declare your medical conditions and you can choose to do it online or by phone, whichever is best for you.

It is very important that you declare all of your medical conditions and answer the questions honestly and accurately, if you don’t, you could find that you are not covered when you come to make a claim.

Always check with your doctor or health care professional before you book any trips to ensure that you are fit to travel and be aware that if you choose to travel against your doctors’ advice your travel insurance will become invalid.

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