Author Archives: Jackie Aim

Fit to fly assessment

There are different ways that you can be assessed to see if you are ‘fit to fly’. This may include one or more of the following:

  • You may be asked about your medical history, including your symptoms.
  • A physical examination.
  • If you have flown before you may be asked how you felt and if you became unwell during the flight.
  • A walking test to assess your breathlessness.
  • Your oxygen levels may be checked using a pulse oximeter.
  • A ‘Hypoxic challenge Test’ (HCT) may be carried out.
  • Lung function has been found to be a poor indicator for how you will feel when you take a flight. Air travel can affect you differently than someone else with a similar respiratory condition.

Hypoxic challenge test

This aims to reproduce the effects of flying by breathing in air that has less oxygen in it. It is carried out by a health care professional who will monitor you closely.

  • Your oxygen levels will be checked regularly.
  • If you normally use oxygen then you will wear this during the test. The test may help to identify whether your oxygen is set at the right level for during the flight.
  • If you do not usually use oxygen then the test will help to identify whether you need to wear oxygen during the flight.

Fit to fly?

Not everyone will need a medical assessment before they go on holiday. However, it is important to speak to your GP or specialist before booking a flight.

  • There are a variety of ways in which you may be assessed to decide if you are fit to fly.
  • The airline may also have their own medical paperwork that needs to be completed.

Medical clearance is usually required if you:

  • Have an existing unstable medical condition.
  • Have a respiratory or heart condition.
  • Use medical equipment, including oxygen, which will be required onboard.
  • Have had a recent illness, surgery, injury or hospitalisation.
  • Are travelling for medical reasons, or to receive medical treatment.

Not all airlines use the same paperwork or tests so it is important that you check this with them. Do this before you make a booking so that you can be sure that you will be allowed to fly.

Flying and asthma

  • Flying_asthmaThe air pressure within the cabin of a commercial airplane is not the same as the air pressure at sea level. This means that when you travel by plane, oxygen will not enter your body as easily as it does normally.
  • Anyone travelling in an aircraft will have a drop in the amount of oxygen getting into their blood, although they are unlikely to feel any different.
  • When you have a chronic lung condition this can make your chest symptoms worse. You may feel more breathless, your chest may feel tight.
  • The longer your flight lasts, the more likely you are to experience symptoms.
  • With the right medical advice and precautions, very few people experience problems when they fly.
  • If you use portable oxygen see Oxygen and air travel.

Cruises

  • Discuss your needs with your travel agent, or check if the cruise company has a dedicated helpline for those requiring assistance. This will allow you to discuss all you needs.
  • If you are taking your car to the terminal, find out if you can book a disabled space near to the entrance or boarding area.
  • Look online to see if there are maps of the terminal. This will help you to decide if you need assistance.
  • Think about what kind of cabin you will need, for example close to the stairs, or with wheelchair access. Discuss this with the Cruise company or travel agent.
  • Remember to take all your medication in hand luggage. Make sure you have enough to take during your stay.
  • Try to give as much notice as possible to make sure assistance can be provided.

Self management

Medical forms
You may need to complete of medical form to inform the Cruise company if you have:

  • Restricted mobility.
  • Medications.
  • Dietary requirements.

Do you need extra help when travelling?

medication_on_journeyNot everybody will need extra help to travel.

  • If you do, check if the transport company has a dedicated helpline for those requiring assistance. This will allow you to discuss all your needs.
  • If you are taking your car to a station or ferry terminal or airport, find out if you can book a disabled space near to the entrance or boarding area.
  • Ask if you can reserve seating – for example close to the toilet, or with wheelchair access.
  • Some transport companies may have a form that you can fill out in advance to let them know what help you need.
  • Look online to see if there are maps of stations or terminals. This will help you to decide if you need assistance. Remember you may need to walk large distances in some airports.
  • Try to give as much notice as possible to make sure assistance can be provided.

Self management

Travel outside the European Union

Outside_EUSome countries outside Europe have an agreement to provide emergency medical treatment to people from the UK. You will be treated in the same way as a resident of the country you are in, although this may not cover all the things you would get for free on the NHS. The high commission, consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting should be able to give you information on the health care services available. More information on this can be found at the Department of Health website.

There can be also be unforeseen costs of falling ill, for example living expenses and the cost of being flown back to the UK. These costs can also apply to your travel companion.

Try to arrange your travel insurance before booking your holiday, just in case you get ill before you travel. People who have a chronic illness can find travel insurance more expensive. Companies are often reluctant to insure patients for travel to countries where healthcare is expensive, for example, the USA and Canada, or for trips that involve long flights, such as to Australia or New Zealand.

Information

It is very important that you have adequate private travel insurance. Make sure this will cover your lung condition and any other long term health problems. In non EU countries you will have to pay the full cost of any healthcare that you have if you become ill.

Some insurance providers may ask you to have an assessment by one of their own doctors before they will give you insurance.

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland can provide information on sympathetic insurance companies that may be cheaper.

Going to European Union Countries

There is an agreement that people from the UK will able to access oxygen supplies in the same way as local residents. This does not mean that it will be free – if a local resident has to pay a fee then so will you.

Member States of the European Union (polar stereographic projection) EN

To access this you will require:

  • A letter from your specialist, GP or nurse detailing your condition. This should be translated into the language of the country you are visiting.
  • A copy of your European Health Insurance Card.
  • A copy of your passport.
  • A cover letter requesting treatment under the reciprocal arrangement. This should be translated into the language of the country you are visiting.

In most cases, you will have to use the authorised oxygen company for the country you are travelling to.

You will also have arrange for permission from your accommodation to have the equipment delivered and installed. There may be additional costs involved in this.

You can find a list of the European union countries on the Gov.uk website.

Travel within the European Union

European Health Insurance Card entitles you to free or reduced-cost medical treatment in the European Economic Area (EEA) country and Switzerland. The EEA includes all European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

  • The EHIC covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip, because of either illness or an accident.
  • You will be able to access state-provided medical treatment in that country.
  • The treatment you receive will be the same as a resident of the country you are visiting.

Information

Other countries may not offer all the things you get free of charge from the NHS. You may still need to make a financial contribution to the cost of your care. The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. You must take out a private travel insurance policy before you travel. Make sure this will cover your lung condition and any other long-term health problems.
The EHIC does not cover:

  • the cost of bringing you back to the UK.
  • the cost of private healthcare or services that are not part of the country’s healthcare system i.e. some European countries have private ambulance services and you will be charged for your journey to hospital.

Apply for your FREE EHIC card at: EHIC – European Health Insurance Card.
You can also get forms from your local post office for your EHIC card.

Vaccinations

  • injection_vialIf you are travelling outside of the UK you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world.
  • Some vaccinations are free, but you may have to pay for others. For more information visit NHS Inform
  • Talk to your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic about immunisations at least six weeks before travelling.
  • Some medicines or vaccinations have to be given well in advance of date of travel.
  • You can find out more about which vaccinations you may need by visiting NHS Fit For Travel.