Living with a long term condition like PNH can present some challenges such as travelling overseas, however we hope that we can provide you with some information to make this as smooth as possible.
Travel Insurance
When travelling abroad, travel insurance is vital and should be considered an essential part of your trip. Travel insurance can be purchased directly through a travel insurance provider or through an insurance broker, either online or over the phone or in a travel agency or shop. If you do not advise your travel insurance company of a pre-existing medical condition, treatment for this condition will not be covered by the policy.
It is important to check the details of your policy for what is and is not included. It is advisable to check the small print of your policy and ensure that you are covered for medical and repatriation costs so that if the worst does happen your medical fees will be paid and you will be able to return home. Medical costs abroad can be very expensive with a broken leg costing from £10,000 to £25,000 to treat. The cost of getting someone home can be up to £25,000.
Examples of travel insurance companies with which PNH patients have reported good experiences and who know about PNH are set out below:
UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.
If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. You can find more information on EHIC here.
You can use a GHIC or an EHIC if you’re travelling to an EU country.
You cannot use a GHIC or an existing EHIC in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland. You’ll need travel insurance with healthcare cover.
You can use a UK passport to get medically necessary healthcare in Norway (for example emergency treatment, or to treat a pre-existing condition).
You can apply for a GHIC on the NHS website.
It’s free to apply for a GHIC. Some websites charge to help you apply – these are unnecessary and you do not need to use them.
You’ll need to provide your:
- full name
- address
- date of birth
- National Insurance or NHS number (England and Wales)
- CHI number (Scotland)
- Health and Care number (Northern Ireland)
Some people can apply for a new UK EHIC that they can use in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, as well as in EU countries.
People who can apply for the new card include:
- nationals from the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland who started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, and their families
- some British State Pensioners who started living in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland before 1 January 2021, and their families
- UK students who started living and studying in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland before 1 January 2021
Find out how to apply for a new EHIC on the NHS website.
Travel when on treatment for PNH
Please speak to your Clinical Nurse Specialist at the PNH National Service if you are being treated with eculizumab, ravulizumab or pegcetacoplan.