If you have broken a bone like an arm or a leg but have a trip coming up most standard travel insurance usually excludes cover for pre-existing medical conditions including broken bones and fractures, even when they have been seen by a doctor and are now in a cast or sling. If you have a had a fracture or break, you will need to disclose it when applying for travel insurance to ensure that you are covered for your trip. Even old breaks and fractures can cause long lasting issues especially if you have had to have a joint replacement due to the break so it is always worth declaring them as not doing so can invalidate a claim. When travelling in Europe, it is also important to make sure that you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
What does travel insurance for a broken or fractured bone cover?
With a travel insurance policy that covers a broken or fractured bone, in the event any complications whilst on holiday you would be able to access a 24 hour emergency medical assistance line, with operators fluent in many languages who can speak to medical staff wherever you are. Expenses such as ambulance and hospital admission costs, and repatriation to the UK, also tend to be covered by the medical expenses section of a policy. Cancellation cover would mean that if you were deemed unfit to travel before your holiday, for reasons relating to your broken or fractured bone, you would be entitled to make a claim.
What bone breaks can be covered?
We can cover for most broken bones however certain breaks are more common and can be added via a different name for cover while others are more severe and often come with other related conditions and issues. Please try to be specific with your declared conditions to make sure you get the right cover for you. Below are some of the more specific broken bone titles and terms that you can add when using our system.
- Broken arm - if you have a broken arm you can search for and add it separately.
- Broken leg - as with broken arms if you have a broken leg you can find and add it separately.
- Broken ankle - as with broken arm and leg, broken ankle can be found and added separately.
- Broken rib - ribs are often difficult to deal with but can be covered in the same manner as the others here and are listed independently.
- Broken back - is a separate and often more severe break that is definitely worth adding separately to make sure you get the cover you need.
- Broken neck - as with broken back, broken necks are often more severe and have more related issues so please ensure you specifically search for and answer the related questions for it.
- Broken bones - if your broken bone isn't listed or you can't find it in our system you can add it under the more generic broken bone option, this will ensure you are covered for it even though a specific term for it may not be available.
- Fracture - fractures can happen to any bone just like breaks and can be just as severe dependent on the fracture, please make sure you declare any fracture you have. Specific fractures are available just as with broken bones so it is worth being as specific and detailed as possible to ensure correct cover.
Our online medical screening makes it easy to compare travel insurance that covers your broken bones and fractures along with any other pre-existing medical conditions you might have. When entering your details you will be asked some questions relevant to your conditions, such as any related conditions they may have, whether it has interfered with your activities or daily living at all, and any treatments or surgeries you have undertaken. The answers you provide will allow us to quickly assess your current health situation, so that we are able to provide you with travel insurance quotes that will provide the correct cover for you.
For further information and advice on travelling with a broken bone, you may find the links at the below helpful.
This page uses information from the following sources:
FAQs
Fractured and broken bones aren't usually covered in a standard travel insurance policy. So, to ensure you're fully covered, you'll need to purchase a specialist travel insurance policy. With Medical Travel Compared, you can access travel insurance for people with medical conditions in no time.
Do you need to declare broken bones on travel insurance? ›
If you have a had a fracture or break, you will need to disclose it when applying for travel insurance to ensure that you are covered for your trip.
Is fractured bone covered by insurance? ›
In case the bone is completely deformed or broken, you may be hospitalised and require surgery. This may not only be physically excruciating but can also take a toll on your finances if you are not prepared for it beforehand. This is where the Fracture Cover from Care Health Insurance can help you.
Is a broken bone a medical condition for insurance purposes? ›
Most travel insurance companies will not offer cover for pre-existing conditions including broken bones but we at Direct Travel are different. You will need to tell us all the details about your current broken bones or those that you have broken in the past as they can still cause problems later down the line.
Can you fly abroad with a broken bone? ›
Flying with a fracture is safe as long as it is minor and stable, and the plaster cast is put on at least 48 hours before the flight.
Is a broken bone a pre-existing condition? ›
So what do health insurance companies mean by “pre-existing condition”? A pre-existing condition can refer to the following: A past injury or illness that you have already recovered from (such as a broken ankle from your youth)
Can I get travel insurance with a broken leg? ›
Travel insurance for a broken bone
Fractured and broken bones aren't usually covered in a standard travel insurance policy. So, to ensure you're fully covered, you'll need to purchase a specialist travel insurance policy.
Is a fractured bone considered a broken bone? ›
Bone fractures and broken bones are the same injury and mean the same thing. You might see them used interchangeably. A fracture is the medical term for a broken bone, so your healthcare provider will probably refer to your broken bone as a certain type of fracture after they diagnose it.
What type of insurance covers broken bones? ›
Accident insurance typically covers hospital stays, emergency room visits, intensive care, ambulance rides, broken bones, physical therapy and a variety of other benefits.
Does a broken bone count as a serious injury? ›
In most cases, any broken bone will be considered as a serious enough injury to justify compensation. Each state has a set of criteria in place regarding what is considered to be a serious bodily injury.
In most cases, doctors recommend you wait at least 24 hours after a cast fitting to take a short flight and at least 48 hours to take a longer flight. If your doctor believes you're at risk of complications, you can opt to fly with a medical escort or take an air ambulance flight to reach your destination safely.
How much compensation do you get for a fracture? ›
Fractured/Broken Bone Compensation Payout Amounts
Compensation for a broken wrist can range from £3,530 – £59,860 depending on how severe the fracture is. A simple fracture of the Tibia or Fibula could see a payout of up to £11,840. A simple Femur fracture, £9,110 to £14,080 compensation.
What is considered a preexisting condition for travel insurance? ›
With many travel medical insurance plans, a pre-existing condition is defined as any medical condition, sickness, injury, illness, disease, mental illness or mental or nervous disorder or resulting consequence, regardless of the cause, that existed with reasonable medical certainty during a specified amount of time ...
Why can't you fly with a fracture? ›
Most airlines won't permit passengers to fly within 24 - 48 hours of the cast being fitted in because of the high risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Tissue swelling can occur around the fracture and those that do get their cast split would need to keep the fracture away from harm whilst on the plane.
What injuries can you not fly with? ›
recent heart attack. recent stroke. recent operation or injury where trapped air or gas may be present in the body (e.g. stomach ,bowel, eyes, face, brain) severe long term diseases that affect your breathing.
How do you travel with a fracture? ›
Erickson said, “It is safe to travel by car or plane with a broken bone as long as the fracture is appropriately immobilized. For lower extremity fractures, travel is easier with a knee scooter instead of crutches. Patients should remember to elevate the injured extremity during and after travel to decrease swelling.”
Does osteoporosis need to be declared on travel insurance? ›
Don't worry though, we're here to help. Whilst osteoporosis isn't a critical illness, you may have to tell your travel insurance provider about this health condition when taking out your cover. We want to take care of the insurance part, so you can take care of the holiday planning.
Does travel insurance cover broken items? ›
Baggage and personal items coverage pays to replace your belongings if they are lost, stolen or damaged during a trip.
Do I need a fit to fly certificate with a broken arm? ›
Flying with a plaster cast requires some precautions. Before travelling, you should obtain a “fit-to-fly” certificate from your doctor in good time. The airline should be informed about the cast and any adjustments to the cast may be necessary.
Which circ*mstance are not covered in travel insurance? ›
Most travel insurance policies won't pay out if you're negligent while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and have an accident or have property stolen.
