Flying with broken bones is not easy. But if you need to travel somewhere when you have limited mobility, it is certainly possible to fly with a broken bone. However, utmost preparation is necessary to ensure your safety and avoid further injuries.

Can you Fly with a Broken Bone?

It is safe to travel by plane with a broken bone, as the fracture is set and secured appropriately. Consider flying with a plaster cast if you have been given one by the hospital, as this will protect the injured limb and minimise further damage. It’s also essential that patients should make sure to elevate their injured limbs while travelling on a plane to minimise swelling.

When flying with broken bones, you must be very careful to avoid further trauma to the fractured site. Having broken bones in your leg while travelling could increase the risk of blood clots, as this will minimise how often you can get up and move around during the flight. Patients should speak to their doctor about the best ways to minimise their risk of blood clots while travelling with a fractured bone.

Can I Fly with a Cast?

It is okay to fly with a plaster cast as long as your cast does not cover your knee and you can sit on a regular plane seat. However, if your plaster cast covers your knee, making it extremely difficult for you to bend it, you may need to arrange a special seat or an extra seat with the airline. 

Some airlines will allow flying with a plaster cast, but you may be required to buy additional seats, depending on your circumstances. Also, you will not be allowed to sit on one of the seats close to the emergency exits, which often have more legroom, unless you will be able to move in case of an emergency.

When Can’t you Travel?

Although it is possible to fly with broken bones, there are situations where you should avoid it.

• If your healthcare professional advises you against flying because it’s not safe for your condition, then you should avoid flying at all costs. Wait until such time that your doctor gives you the go signal to travel.
• If your injury has made it difficult for you to bend your knee, making it unbearable to sit on a regular plane seat, it is best to avoid flying as it might lead to further injury.

Tips for Flying with Broken Bones

If you do decide to travel with an injury, here are some tips to bear in mind:

• Consult with your doctor if it’s safe for you to travel on a plane. If it is, ask for tips for minimising your risk of getting further injuries while flying with broken bones.
• If you need to take an extra plane seat to elevate your leg, call the airline and purchase extra seats in advance. 
• Consider buying travel insurance with emergency medical cover. If you break your leg whilst on holiday and have to return home with a broken bone, this insurance will cover any additional costs and give you a provider to help arrange any extra transportation or accommodation 

Summary

Flying with broken bones is possible. Your injury should not prevent you from taking your next great adventure, as long as the breakage doesn’t leave you incapacitated or needs a long time to set undisturbed. To be sure, always be sure to consult with your doctor before flying.

If you’re looking for a travel insurance provider that can cover incidents such as broken bones, Navigator Travel has a wide range of policies that cover all kinds of medical emergencies whilst on holiday. Get in touch to find out more about our comprehensive cover.