Can You Fly with a Pacemaker from the UK?

/in /by

If you’re among the thousands of people who live with a pacemaker, you might be wondering whether it’s possible to travel with this device. 

The answer? Yes, it is definitely possible to fly with a pacemaker. However, there are a few important things you need to be aware of.

What is a Pacemaker?

A pacemaker is a small, battery-operated device implanted near the heart to help regulate the heartbeat. This device is usually worn by people who have been diagnosed with conditions that can affect the way their heart beats, such as bradycardia. The device is implanted into the chest through a surgical procedure.

Pacemakers will only work when needed. If the heart starts to beat irregularly, the pacemaker will send electrical signals to the organ to correct the beating. Some of the newer models of pacemakers also have sensors capable of detecting body motions and breathing rates, which will send signals to the device to increase the heart rate during an exercise or when performing an activity that requires heavy breathing.

Pacemaker

What Heart Conditions Require a Pacemaker?

Pacemakers are used for the treatment of heart rhythm disorders and other related conditions, such as the following:

  • Fainting spells (syncope)
  • Heart failure
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  • Slow heart rhythm (bradycardia)

Is it Safe to Fly with a Pacemaker?

It is definitely safe to travel with a pacemaker, as long as you come prepared and that you consult with your doctor before flying. Your doctor will provide you with tips to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

You should not encounter any problems while on the plane with a pacemaker. During the flight, you must make sure to stay hydrated and move around as much as you can, as any passenger on a plane should. If you need to sit for a longer time, try to perform simple leg movements and ankle rotations to allow the blood to fully circulate in your body and reduce the risk of developing a blood clot.

Advice for Flying with a Pacemaker

Here’s some advice for flying with a pacemaker:

  • Make sure to always carry your patient ID card with you.
  • Bring enough supply of medications that will last until the duration of your trip. Pack your medications in a carry-on so they will be with you during the entire journey. 
  • Carry a photocopy of the prescriptions from your doctor, along with any pharmacy information, so you can easily purchase medications when needed. 
  • Ask your doctor to give you a copy of the last printout from your pacemaker during your recent evaluation.
  • More importantly, purchase comprehensive travel insurance that will cover the expenses in case of medical emergencies. Don’t forget to inform your insurance provider about your heart condition, as it will only cover any potential medical expenses if you fully declare your medical history.

 

 

Summary

Having a pacemaker does not automatically mean you cannot fly. You can still fly and travel to wherever you want to go, but there are safety tips to keep in mind. And since everyone’s situation is different, it is best to talk to your doctor about the different ways to ensure safety when flying with a pacemaker.

For more advice on the best travel insurance when flying with health conditions that require devices such as a pacemaker, get in touch and speak to a member of our team.

Can you Fly with Concussion from the UK?

/in /by

Whether it’s caused by falling over, an accidental blow to the head or a more serious accident, a fair proportion of people suffer a concussion at some point in their lives. It’s rarely a left-threatening injury, but can be an annoyance and make it difficult to carry on with your day-to-day life.

It can be unfortunate if you manage to get a concussion just before you are about to catch a flight. Many people worry about whether it is safe to fly with a concussion, which is why we have created this guide with all the answers.

Headache

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a temporary brain injury that occurs after someone has suffered a moderate blow to the head. It causes a temporary disruption to normal brain function as a result of damage to the nerves and blood vessels in your brain which affects the chemical processes and makes it hard to concentrate, balance and stay awake.

A serious headache is the main symptom of a concussion, along with dizziness, memory loss, feeling sick, balance problems and changes in behaviour and vision. Most people with a concussion only experience symptoms for several days, although it can take up to two weeks to feel completely back to normal. 

Is it Safe to Fly with a Concussion?

In the majority of cases, it is safe to fly with a concussion. You should always check with a doctor or medical practitioner before you do so, but as long as no serious complications have been identified from whatever caused the problem, flying after a concussion shouldn’t be a problem.

If you have only just sustained a concussion then you may be advised not to fly, as sometimes symptoms can worsen before they start to improve. You may also be left feeling particularly unwell if you have a concussion, which will make long flights particularly unpleasant.

Whilst flying with a concussion is safe in the majority of instances, some aspects of air travel may worsen your symptoms. Stress and anxiety related to travel, the bright lights and loud noises at the airport, and the experience of take-off, landing and turbulence can all make having a concussion feel a lot worse.

Planes on a Runway

Tips for Concussion and Air Travel

If you do decide to fly after a concussion, there are some steps you can take to make the experience more pleasant.

  • Take any medication that has been prescribed after your concussion
  • Bring sunglasses and headphones if you are finding extreme light and noise difficult to handle
  • Make sure you get a lot of rest before flying so that fatigue doesn’t make you feel worse
  • Stay hydrated on the flight
  • Avoid looking at small screens or anything that requires close reading and eyesight strain

If you do suffer a head injury that leaves you with a concussion whilst you are travelling, having medical travel insurance will ensure that you are seen by a doctor as soon as possible and can receive the necessary treatment to get you back home without any complications.

Navigator Travel offers flexible insurance coverage options that take into account your health, where you are travelling and the risk of further medical complications. You can find out more about our options here.

Can You Fly With a Hernia from the UK?

/in /by

Hernias are a common medical condition that can affect almost anyone. As not all hernias require surgery to be removed, some people with the condition may be planning on travelling after their diagnosis and be unsure of whether this is safe to do so.

If you’ve been wondering about the risk of flying after hernia surgery or want to know if you can go on holiday with a hernia, this post has all the answers.

Stomach Pain

What is a Hernia?

A hernia is a medical condition where an internal part of the body pushes through a weak point in a nearby muscle or the surrounding tissue wall. They usually happen in a location in your lower torso and can have no symptoms except for a lump appearing around your abdomen/groin area.

There are several different types of hernias that are caused by different medical issues. Whilst most tend to be brought on by repeated strain on the stomach, some hernias occur if a surgical wound hasn’t properly healed, for example.

Whilst most hernias do not pose a life-threatening risk to the patient, surgery may be required to remove them or treat any complications that have arisen. If you have been diagnosed with a hernia then you may be classed as having a pre-existing health condition when organising travel insurance, which can change the coverage you require.

There are also several risks associated with flying with a hernia, which we will discuss below.

 

Can I Fly With a Hernia?

Flying with a hernia has a couple of risks. The first of these is that there is a small chance that the changes in air pressure in the cabin could cause the hernia to strangulate which would require immediate medical attention that is not possible whilst on a plane.

Secondly, if you are travelling with a lot of luggage then the necessary lifting and moving of these heavy objects could also lead to a strangulated hernia.

Finally, even if a hernia is causing you minimal discomfort and is deemed to be stable, there is still a risk of complications whilst you are away. Depending on the country you are visiting, it could be very difficult to get the necessary medical attention you need and this process could also be expensive if you haven’t got the right medical travel insurance.

The best advice is to talk to your doctor if you have a hernia and are thinking about flying, as they will be able to advise you on whether the risk is significant and how to manage your condition whilst you are away.

Plane Aisle

Advice for Flying With a Hernia

If you have asked your doctor “Can I go on holiday with a hernia?” and they have agreed that a trip poses a low risk to your health, there are several pieces of travel advice that you should follow to make your trip as smooth as possible.

Firstly, avoid carrying or manoeuvring any heavy bags whilst you are at the airport. This kind of physical activity can cause a hernia to rapidly worsen, so ensure your luggage is easy to transport or ask for assistance.

For some people, sitting for long periods of time with a hernia can be very uncomfortable. Try to minimise very long journeys if possible, and get up and move around if you are in pain on the flight.

Make sure that you understand the symptoms of a strangulated hernia or other serious complications so that you can identify if something does go wrong on the flight. It can also be worth notifying the cabin crew of your condition, just in case there is a problem.

Finally, ensure that you have bought travel insurance that covers your hernia as a pre-existing health condition, to cover you in the event of any sudden, necessary medical care. You can purchase comprehensive travel insurance for conditions like a hernia from Navigator Travel, so if you’re looking for cover get in touch and find out more about what we offer.