Travel insurance for asthma

What is ashthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that affects around 11% of the Australian population. It can make breathing more difficult, and can be triggered in a tonne of different ways, including exercise, cold weather and pollution or pollen. Asthma attacks can typically be controlled with medication in the form of inhalers, but a bad attack, untreated, can turn fatal.

Is asthma covered by travel insurance?

Yes, medical costs associated with asthma can be covered by a travel insurance policy. In fact, asthma is often covered at no extra charge - though not always. However, it is considered a pre-existing condition, which means you need to declare it when you take out insurance.

I know it can feel like a lot of effort to fill out the pre-existing medical declaration for something that you've become so used to as part of your life, but it's really important. Remember that even just replacing a lost or stolen inhaler can cost hundreds of dollars overseas, without Medicare subsidies. Plus, you really want your medical bills to be covered if you are hospitalised.

Will asthma travel insurance cost more?

Most insurers cover asthma automatically, provided you are under a certain age (usually 60) and have not been experiencing any symptoms. This includes hospital admissions, emergency department attendance, or changes in medication or treatment for your asthma in the past 24 months.

Even if you don’t meet these conditions, you may still be able to get cover for asthma by undergoing a medical assessment and paying a higher premium. Conditions vary from insurer to insurer, so the best thing to do is shop around for the cover you need.

Which travel insurance brands provide automatic cover for asthma?

Brand	Details	Apply
	You're covered for asthma 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.	Bonus Get quote
	You're covered for asthma 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.	Bonus Get quote
	Cover for asthma may be available subject to medical screening and the payment of an additional premium.	Get quote
	Cover for asthma may be available subject to medical screening and the payment of an additional premium.	Finder AwardBonus Get quote
	Cover for asthma may be available subject to medical screening and the payment of an additional premium.	Get quote
	You're covered for asthma provided you: have no other lung disease are less than 60 years of age at the time You purchase the policy have not been hospitalised in the past 12 months	Get quote
	You're covered for asthma provided: 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.	Bonus Get quote
	Their policy doesn’t automatically cover asthma. However, if you complete a medical assessment, they may be able to offer you cover for your pre-existing medical conditions.	Finder Award Get quote
	You're covered for asthma provided 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 haven't required hospitalisation for asthma in the last two years, including as an outpatient	More info
	You're covered for asthma 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 including Chronic Bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Emphysema or Pulmonary Fibrosis	Get quote
	You're covered for asthma provided: You have no other lung disease You are under 60 years of age on the date of policy purchase	Get quote
	You're covered for asthma 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 including Chronic Bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Emphysema or Pulmonary Fibrosis	Get quote
	You're covered for asthma provided: You have no other lung disease You are less than 60 years of age at the date of issue of the Certificate Of Insurance.	More info
	You're covered for asthma provided you: have no other lung disease are less than 60 years of age at the date of issue of the certificate of insurance	More info
	They will only provide cover for claims which arise directly or indirectly from asthma if you have disclosed the condition to Allianz Global Assistance and they have agreed in writing to include cover under your policy for the condition. Details of the approved pre-existing medical condition(s) will be set out on your Certificate of Insurance or Medical Terms of Cover document.	More info

^{Note: This information was last updated November 2024}

How do insurers define asthma?

Asthma is defined for insurance purposes as a chronic inflammatory disease. Asthma causes a narrowing of the airways and obstruction of airflow, which leaves the sufferer wheezing or gasping for air. Asthma attacks can vary from mild to severe and can be life-threatening when left untreated.

The symptoms and triggers that lead to asthma attacks vary from person to person. Triggers can include cold air, aerosol sprays, allergens, cold and flu viruses, exercise, dust mites, air pollution, certain foods, mould, pets, medications, smoking, stress and anxiety.

Most people use medications to prevent asthma attacks and relieve symptoms, such as inhalers, nebulisers and even steroids in extreme cases. Because each asthma sufferer experiences symptoms differently, insurers refrain from lumping all asthma sufferers together and instead review cover on a case-by-case basis.

How to declare asthma for travel insurance

Even though asthma is often automatically covered, you still need to declare your condition at the time of applying for travel insurance. Your insurer needs to know about all pre-existing medical conditions in order to have an accurate picture of your health and medical history.

A pre-existing condition is a medical condition that you are aware of and have sought treatment for, or are taking medication for, or have had surgery for in the past. You have a duty of disclosure to tell your insurer about such conditions, as they can influence the cost of your premium and the extent of cover provided. Failure to do so means your insurer can legally refuse any claim related to that condition that arises at a later date.

Frequently asked questions

• Is asthma automatically covered by travel insurance?

  Many Australian travel insurance providers offer automatic cover for asthma, but conditions apply. Typically, you must be under 60 years old, have no other respiratory conditions, and haven't required hospitalisation for asthma in the last two years. However, it's essential to carefully read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) of each policy, as coverage conditions can vary between insurers. Even if asthma is automatically covered, you should still declare it when signing up to ensure that you're covered.

• What if I don't meet the criteria for automatic asthma coverage?

  If you don't meet the criteria for automatic coverage, make sure you declare your asthma during the insurance application process. This usually involves completing a medical assessment questionnaire - it's really quick. Based on your responses, the insurer will determine if they can offer coverage and may charge an additional premium. Some insurers may refer you to a specialist provider for a more comprehensive assessment, but it's not common for asthma.

• Will travel insurance cover my asthma medication if it's lost or stolen?

  Most travel insurance policies include coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings, which can include medication. However, each policy will have a range of terms and conditions - for example they may only cover the original cost of the medication. The cost of visiting a doctor to obtain a new prescription might not be covered either.

• What should I do to prepare for travelling with asthma?

  To prepare for travelling with asthma, it's recommended that you: 1) Have a check-up with your doctor before your trip, 2) Get a letter from your doctor detailing your condition, 3) Take more medication than you think you'll need and keep it in your hand luggage, 4) Research your destination for potential asthma triggers, 5) Ensure your travel companions know about your condition and how to help in case of an attack, and 6) Have an up-to-date asthma action plan. Additionally, make sure your travel insurance policy adequately covers your asthma[5].

Written by

Tim Bennett

Insurance expert

Tim Bennett is a Finder insurance & utilities expert. For over 10 years he's reported on news, politics, finance and other topics as a journalist and radio presenter. Tim's roles have included radio news reader and breakfast at the ABC, news producer for SBS and producer for Fairfax Media. Tim regularly appears as a health insurance expert on programs like Sunrise and SBS news, as well as in the Australian, The Daily Telegraph, The Courier Mail and more. See full bio

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