Quick summary for busy readers
- Asthma doesn't necessarily prevent you from getting travel insurance, and some insurers automatically cover asthma as a pre-existing medical condition, subject to eligibility criteria.
- Automatic cover varies between insurers. Conditions may include your age, how recently you experienced an asthma exacerbation, whether you have other lung or respiratory conditions, smoking history and whether you require prescribed oxygen.
- Some insurers require a medical assessment before they'll provide cover for asthma, and an additional premium may apply.
- Always check the PDS to confirm whether your asthma is covered and what conditions or exclusions apply.
- If you're travelling with asthma, plan ahead: see your doctor, take your medication in your hand luggage, carry an asthma action plan and make sure your travelling companions know what to do in an emergency.
- Travel insurance can still provide cover for other insured events, such as lost luggage, eligible cancellations, rental car excess and personal liability, subject to the policy terms.
Does travel insurance cover asthma?
Having asthma doesn't necessarily mean you can't get travel insurance. Many insurers automatically cover illnesses such as asthma, diabetes and osteoporosis as a pre-existing medical condition, provided you meet their eligibility criteria.
The conditions for automatic cover vary between insurers and may include factors such as your age, how recently you experienced an asthma exacerbation, whether you have any other lung or respiratory conditions, your smoking history and whether you require prescribed oxygen.
If your asthma doesn't meet the criteria for automatic cover, you may still be able to obtain cover by completing a medical assessment. An additional premium may apply if cover is offered.
Because pre-existing medical conditions are treated differently by each insurer, always check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand whether your asthma is covered and what conditions apply.
Common conditions of automatic asthma cover
Some insurers may automatically cover asthma if you meet certain eligibility criteria. These can include:
- You have no other lung or respiratory disease
- You are under a specified age limit, such as 60
- You have not experienced an asthma exacerbation requiring treatment by a medical practitioner within a specified period, such as the past 12 months
Who covers what?
The following table highlights which insurers automatically cover for asthma and conditions that apply.
**Click on each row to expand and see more details**
| Provider | Conditions | Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 1Cover | Not automatically covered. Medical assessment required | Quote | ||
 TINZ | Covered, providing that you have no other lung disease and are less than 60 years of age at the date of issue of the certificate of insurance. | Quote | ||
 Zoom | Not automatically covered. Medical assessment required. | Quote | ||
 Southern Cross | Not automatically covered. A medical assessment needs to be completed. | |||
 State Insurance | Covered, provided you don’t need prescribed oxygen outside of a hospital. You don’t have a chronic lung condition or disease (whether chronic or otherwise) including Chronic Bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Emphysema or Pulmonary Fibrosis. | |||
 AA Travel | Not automatically covered. Medical assessment required. | |||
 Cover-More | Covered, provided you are less than 60 years of age when You purchase the policy. In the last 12 months, You haven’t had an Asthma exacerbation requiring treatment by a medical practitioner. You have been a non-smoker for at least the last 18 months. You don’t need prescribed oxygen outside of a hospital. You don’t have a chronic lung condition or disease (whether chronic or otherwise) including Chronic Bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Emphysema or Pulmonary Fibrosis. | |||
 Tower Insurance | Covered, provided the condition is stable and well controlled, treatment (including medication) has not changed in the previous 12 months, and the other automatic-cover criteria are met. Otherwise, medical assessment may be required. | |||
 World Nomads | Covered, provided at the time you buy your policy, you are under 60 years of age; have no other known or underlying respiratory conditions (including sleep apnoea); haven’t required cortisone medication, except taken by inhaler or puffer; and haven’t required hospitalisation for asthma in the last two years, including as an outpatient. | |||
 AMI Insurance | Covered, provided you are less than 60 years of age when You purchase the policy. In the last 12 months, You haven’t had an Asthma exacerbation requiring treatment by a medical practitioner. You have been a non-smoker for at least the last 18 months. You don’t need prescribed oxygen outside of a hospital. You don’t have a chronic lung condition or disease (whether chronic or otherwise) including Chronic Bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Emphysema or Pulmonary Fibrosis. |
General Advice Warning: The contents of this article were accurate at the time of writing. Insurers change their policies from time to time, so some information may have changed. You should always read the Product Disclosure Statement of your chosen insurer to understand what is covered and what isn't. The information provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account any personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your personal circumstances.
Tips for travelling with asthma:
Having asthma may require some extra planning when you travel, particularly if your symptoms can be triggered by changes in climate, altitude, allergens or activity. These steps can help you prepare for your trip:
- See your doctor before you travel. Discuss your destination and travel plans, and make sure your asthma is well controlled. Ask whether there are any specific precautions you should take while away.
- Carry your medication with you. Take enough medication for your entire trip, plus extra in case of delays. Keep your medication in your hand luggage and in its original packaging so it remains accessible throughout your journey.
- Keep your asthma action plan up to date. Make sure you know what to do if your symptoms worsen while travelling and have an appropriate supply of medication with you.
- Consider your destination and planned activities. If your asthma is triggered by particular allergens, climate or exercise, research your destination and consider whether any activities could affect your symptoms. If you're planning activities such as scuba diving or travelling to high altitudes, discuss these with your doctor beforehand.
- Carry relevant medical information. A letter from your doctor outlining your condition and medication may be useful if you need medical assistance while overseas.
- Make sure your travel companions know about your asthma. Let them know what to do if you experience an asthma attack or need assistance with your medication.
You may still be covered for other insured events
Even if your asthma isn't covered by your policy, travel insurance may still provide cover for other unexpected events during your trip, depending on your policy.
Lost, stolen or damaged luggage: Travel insurance may provide cover if your luggage or personal belongings are lost, stolen or accidentally damaged during your trip, subject to your policy's terms, conditions and benefit limits.
Trip cancellation and disruption: Depending on your policy, you may be covered for eligible trip cancellations, delays or interruptions caused by unforeseen events. Purchasing travel insurance soon after booking your trip may also provide cancellation benefits before you depart.
Rental vehicle excess: Many comprehensive travel insurance policies include cover for rental vehicle excess, subject to the terms, conditions and limits of your policy.
Personal liability: Many comprehensive travel insurance policies include personal liability cover if you accidentally cause injury to another person or damage to their property while travelling. Cover limits and conditions vary between insurers, so check your PDS.
What's next?
Before purchasing a policy, compare options, and check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand how your asthma affects your cover. If you're unsure whether your condition is covered, contact the insurer directly before you travel.
Once you've chosen a policy, make sure you understand any conditions that apply to your pre-existing medical condition and have the medication and documentation you need for your trip.
*Please note: the contents of this article were accurate at the time of writing. Insurer's change their policies from time to time, so some information may have changed. You should always read the product disclosure statement of your chosen insurer to understand what is covered and what isn't.
