Going on holiday

Traveling can be exciting! If you have a lung disease or lung cancer, planning ahead will help you enjoy your trip and stay healthy. You might have some worries, but a good plan can make a big difference.

Before you go

A good first step is to discuss your travel plans with your doctor or healthcare team well before you go away. They can tell you if it’s safe to travel and help you be well prepared for your trip.

Get your tests and results

Getting any tests you need to do well before you go is a good idea. This gives you time to get your results and make any adjustments to your care plan as needed. Take a copy of your latest results with you in case you need them while you’re away.

Review or create your action plan

If you have bronchiectasis or COPD, update or make an action plan with your doctor. It helps you handle symptom changes while you are away. 

Learn about your destination

Health risks can change from place to place, so it’s good to research your destination. Read travel guides, talk to people who have been there and check weather apps to see what it can be like. For international trips, check Smartraveller.

Get travel insurance

It’s highly recommended to get travel insurance before your trip. It can help you avoid expensive medical bills if you get sick, especially when travelling overseas.

Tips to consider when choosing travel insurance:

• Ask if your policy covers all of your medical conditions. If not, try another insurer.
• Fill out any health forms for your insurance so they understand your condition and current situation.
• Ask your doctor for a letter or medical certificate about your health. This can help with getting a policy in some cases.

Prepare your medications

Take enough of your daily and emergency medications (such as for flare-ups) for your trip. If going overseas, take enough of your usual medication for the time you are away as you may not be able to buy them. Ask your doctor for a letter about what medications you take, how much, and that they are for you. Keep them in their original packaging. Check medication rules for your destination on Smartraveller.

Getting there

Talk to your specialist doctor about your travel plans, especially flying. Airlines or cruise ships may have special rules for medical equipment. Contact them to see what you may need to do.

Medical equipment

Don’t forget to pack your respiratory aids: spacers, nebulisers, mucus clearance devices, oxygen, and CPAP machines. If you need to take mobility aids or other medical equipment, contact your airline or cruise ship ahead of time. They can inform you about onboard restrictions, luggage requirements, and boarding procedures.

If you need a nebuliser on the flight, check with the airline. Most airlines require portable or 12-volt cord nebulisers. Battery-operated nebulisers need enough battery for the flight.

Oxygen

If you already have an oxygen prescription, check in with your specialist doctor to see if you will need oxygen during your flight. Your airline will probably ask you to complete a Travel Clearance Form. Each airline can have different policies, from paying for oxygen on flight to what concentrators can be carried on board. Read our blog for more information about travelling with oxygen.

High altitude tests

If you’re worried about your oxygen levels while flying or visiting a higher-altitude destination, you can explore getting a high altitude simulation test (HAST) with a respiratory specialist.

While you’re away

With your planning and preparation all done, it’s time for you to enjoy yourself as you travel at your destination.

Relax and enjoy

Don’t try to do too much in one day. Prioritise your activities, pace yourself and take breaks to recover where needed. This way you can maximise your energy levels and enjoy your holiday.

Weather

Try and avoid places with weather that can make your symptoms worse or cause a flare-up. Use weather apps to check the forecast for the next few days while on holiday. Talk to your doctor or healthcare team about your triggers before booking your next trip.

Travel companion

It’s a good idea to travel with someone who knows about your lung disease or lung cancer and can help. If you have a flare-up, they can help you manage your symptoms or assist in speaking with health professionals. Take time to discuss your condition and treatment plan with them before you go.

What to do when things go wrong

For travellers visiting another country, Smartraveller has prepared information about medical assistance for when things go wrong while on holiday.

Helpful links

• Smartraveller
  Smartraveller is an information service provided by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for Australians travelling overseas. It contains important travel advice and recommendations for travelling overseas.