Travelling
If you are planning a trip overseas make sure you plan ahead. Be aware of flight restrictions, make sure you have sufficient medication for the trip and obtain travel insurance. We have included some information to get your plans started. Remember to plan in advance do not leave it till the last minute!
Travel Insurance
There are many things you will need to think about when obtaining travel insurance. Basic travel insurance is not a problem, however you will also need cover for “a pre-existing problem” so that you are covered for CF treatment whilst you are away should you need it.
It can sometimes be difficult to obtain travel insurance to cover CF as a pre existing condition. The following are some important points for applying:
- Apply within 90 days before you plan to leave. DO NOT leave it until the last minute.
- Apply to a number of travel insurance companies for pre-existing cover at the same time. If you only apply to one company and are rejected, you will have to disclose that fact when you complete the application form for the next company.
- It is essential to obtain a letter from your CF specialist providing details of your state of health, a list of your current medications and your treatment plan. Some information about your medical history e.g. frequency of hospitalisations could also be useful.
- Ask your CF specialist (rather than your GP) to complete the medical report section of the application. They are more likely to know details of your hospitalisations, medications etc. If you are applying to multiple insurance companies, choose the most comprehensive medical form and ask your specialist to complete it. You can then photocopy that completed report to submit to all the insurance companies – it will save your specialist filling out a lot of forms. Please remember your clinic team are busy people and need substantial time to complete the travel insurance health forms for you as many of the forms require detailed info re last admission, medication etc. finally, CGU has most recently insured someone whilst other have been refused again, so bear in mind it is different for each individual! For more info please contact Ros @ CFNSW on 9878 2075.
It may not be possible to obtain cover for long term travel. Bear in mind that you will be able to obtain ordinary travel insurance which covers you for most things e.g. losing your luggage, breaking your leg, etc. The only problem can be getting cover for CF (as a pre existing condition). If you haven’t declared it and need to be hospitalised for CF when you’re away, you will not be covered.
This is a list of insurers that you can contact. Please note we do not guarantee these insurers can offer you coverage.
CGU Travel Insurance
03 9601 8252
www.cgu.com.au
QBE Travel insurance
1300 555 017
www.qbe.co.au
Covermore Travel Insurance
1300 728 822
www.covermore.com.au
Aussie Travel cover
1800 888 448
www.aussietravelcover.com.au
Medications
You should take sufficient supplies with you to last whilst you are away. Discuss this well in advance with your CF specialist. Contact our office on (02) 9878 2075 or Country Freecall 1800 650 614.
It may not be possible to post some medications overseas. You must check with the embassy of the country you are travelling to BEFORE YOU LEAVE. Some countries do not permit certain drugs to be imported. We recommend you take sufficient supplies with you to cover the length of your trip.
New airline rules
You may have seen in the news that the Australian Government have brought in new restrictions regarding what can and cannot be taken on board on any international flights to and from Australia. We are aware that when travelling overseas for holidays, people with Cystic Fibrosis may need to take nebulised medications and insulin that will need to be cold throughout the flight. As the hold of the aircraft can reach temperatures below zero, insulin and pulmzoyme will need to be carried as before in an esky as hand luggage. Since the restrictions have been introduced, you should be aware of the changes and restrictions:
- Containers which have a total capacity greater than 100 millilitres will not permitted through the screening point, even if they are only partially filled.
- Completely empty containers or vessels are permitted to be carried through the screening point.
- Yes, liquids, aerosols and gels such as drinks, creams, perfumes, shampoo and toothpaste can be transferred from larger containers to containers 100 millilitres or less. This is something you might wish to do at home.
- However, restrictions on dangerous goods still apply. You should check with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) www.casa.gov.au if you think any of your items might be considered a dangerous good.
- Each passenger is allowed only one, transparent, resealable plastic bag with a volume no greater than one litre.
Exemptions for medicines:
· Prescription medicine and prescribed medical devices are exempt from LAGs restrictions.
· Where the medication is non-prescription, you may take the amount required for the flight.
· You should determine the reasonable quantity of non-prescription medication required for the duration of your flight, as it may be assessed by security screening staff. Reasonable amounts include what is required for length of the flight as well as possible delays and flight diversions.
· If you have any prescription or non prescription medications, have them ready for inspection. It is also best to have any supporting documentation (ID cards, letters from doctors etc) ready for inspection should it be required.
As above, the rules do not facilitate medications for your entire holiday, to be carried onboard. We therefore advise that you discuss your needs with your airline/ travel agent prior to travel to ensure you comply with the new rules and regulations. Further information can also be sought from http://www.dotars.gov.au/
CF Clinics overseas
We can provide contacts for CF Associations and CF clinics overseas.
Travelling to the UK?
Australia has a reciprocal health agreement with the U.K. but your entitlements vary according to your length of stay in the U.K. Contact Amy at the office on (02) 9878 2075 or Country Freecall 1800 650 614 and she will provide you with full details.
Plan your travel carefully and remember that some countries such as those in Asia and many developing countries have no facilities for CF care.
TRAVEL PUMP HIRE
CFNSW has Travel pumps for hire for you to take on your holidays. The hire cost is $10 per week with a $50 deposit. We suggest during busy holiday periods you book your pump in advance by phoning our office.
The pump is suitable to take anywhere in the world and is fitted with a Australian three-pin plug, but you will be required to supply your own adaptor plugs to comply with the country where you are travelling. The pump also comes with a 12 volt DC cable for use with a car cigarette lighter socket. An information leaflet on how to use the pump is also included. This equipment is expensive and if travelling by plane, arrange with the airline to carry it onto the plane as hand luggage, NEVER put it in the baggage compartment as it will get thrown about and is likely to stop working.
Overall, please look after the travel pump so that it can look after you whilst on your travels. We appreciate your co-operation which enables us to provide this service to as many of our members as possible.
