Going on holiday...

Weepth2k10
Weepth2k10 Member Posts: 28
edited 22. Jun 2018, 10:26 in Living with Arthritis archive
Evening folks. Last night we booked a holiday to orlando, only for a week. I take anti TNF medication (benepali) and sulphasalazine. Should i be worried about taking these medications and going on holiday. Is there anything i should speak to the Dr about, any advice on what travel insurance companies i should have a look at?
Many thanks.

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    If you look at the top of this forum there's a very useful thread entitled 'Topic with suggestions for travel amd holidays.' I think it covers most bases other than travel insurance. For my money you just have to trawl the net for the best deal and don't presume either that companies that specialise in people with health problems will be the cheapest or that comparison sites list all you need. Personally I always ring up to ensure I haven't missed anything important. It's very time consuming but essential.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 3,635
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Dear Weepth2k10

    This is the thread Stickywicket is referring to:

    https://arthritiscareforum.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=49031

    Traveling with biologics is the first item mentioned!

    Hope this helps :)

    Ellen
  • jennand
    jennand Member Posts: 131
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Travel Insurance, my experience. I declare my arthritis but the companies that I have dealt with have tended to not charge an extra premium for the condition. Admittedly, I have not had any joint replacements and this is a question I am always asked and I think it may also depend on how many medications you take for arthritis. I have usually been on 2 but recently started biologics and I rang to inform them but they still didn’t apply any charges. However, it is really important that you declare the condition. I once heard a tale about someone who didn’t declare it, consequently fell whilst on holiday and fractured her leg and the insurance company wouldn’t pay out because she hadn’t declared that she had arthritis. I also have spinal nerve damage which I take 1 medication for and they don’t charge extra for that either. My husband, however, has heart conditions and they do charge for that, but surprisingly not as much as I thought they would. Insurance that you get with your bank account tend to heap the charges on if you have medical conditions so it always pays to shop around. Money supermarket is a good place to try. My most recent company is Getgoing, taken out after getting quotes through Moneysupmarket. I’ve not needed to claim on it yet so can’t comment on the delivery if it’s needed.
  • jennand
    jennand Member Posts: 131
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Incidentally Weepth, I have just returned from a holiday in Disneyland Paris. It’s been many years since I visited the Orlando Disney and goodness me, the difference I noticed in my stamina was vast. Obviously there was lots of walking, not normally too much of a problem for me, but this is not “normal” walking. It’s shuffling around, back & too, ducking & diving around pram, people and Mickey & friends. I have to capitulate after the 2nd day, have a rest and then re evaluate my programme. After that, I planned my activity better, took regular rests and pain relief and generally slowed down. I’m not a spring chicken any more and some of this may just be age rather than limitations of arthritis, ut it is worth bearing all this in mind when planning your holiday. Go have a ball.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    When I was having my injections done at the hospital they were unconcerned by my missing a week or two when going away. Now I do my own but also remain unconcerned by missing a week or two. I will bother to pack the junk when going away for three or more weeks but wouldn't bother if going abroad because that would not be for so long.

    I've had years of playing the game and know that for me missing a week or three is not an issue. The meds are cumulative and the resource is there within to keep things under control for that period of time. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Weepth2k10
    Weepth2k10 Member Posts: 28
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for the advice guys. I was thinking just miss that week out, docs have enough to do without typing out supporting letters. Ill still take me sulph and lodine with me. As for the insurance i got insured, let them know i had a condition this was noted and told them about my meds they were'nt really bothered and was'nt noted. This will be a holiday maybe a day or 2 at the parks ive had enough of daisy and donald. Kids are looking more forward to the pool and hot spa at the villa, but not more so than me.
    Thanks.

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