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Is arthritis a medical condition I need to declare on my travel insurance?

As arthritis (and its different variations, like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis) is a pre-existing medical condition, you will need to declare it on your travel insurance.

Does air pressure affect arthritis?

Local weather can increase arthritis pain. On average, this pain will increase incrementally for every 10-degree drop in temperature. As for air pressure, fluctuations can cause the tendons, muscles, and bones to expand and contract. Both these changes in air pressure and colder temperatures can make flying result in more pain than usual for those with arthritis.

What to prepare before your flight

To prepare for a flight if you have arthritis, you will want to:

  • Have pain medication on hand
  • Know the security and customs rules and regulations - you might need medical certification
  • Inform the airport and airline in advance if you have special requirements
  • Choose flights that will help minimise pain (e.g., multiple layovers for long-haul flights)

During your flight

There are many ways to cope with potential arthritis pain during a flight. These include:

  • Taking pain medication
  • Providing joint support to your affected limbs
  • Sitting upright in your seat
  • Walking and stretching regularly throughout the trip
  • Using heating or cooling pads

Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Holiday Extras Cover Limited, registered office address: Ashford Road, Newingreen, Hythe, Kent CT21 4JF.

Holiday Extras Cover Limited is an insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 828848. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register

Holiday Extras™ is a Trading Name of Holiday Extras Cover Limited. The insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 13436330 and whose registered office address is 10 Fenchurch Avenue, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 5BN.

Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number 955859. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register