Travel Insurance After Surgery

There are many reasons why you might need to undergo surgery, however, whatever the reason, the experience weakens the body, and so demands certain precautions are taken.

These usually include restrictions on air travel, although the length of time doctors recommend patients avoid flying varies according to what procedure they’ve had done. Simple procedures, such as laser eye surgery, only prevents you from flying for 2-3 days (more complicated eye surgeries may prevent you from flying for longer); for abdominal or chest surgeries, minor procedures carry a 4-5 days ban on air travel, whereas more invasive treatments can mean you cannot fly for 4-6 weeks, or even as long as 3 months for joint replacement or lung resection surgery.

The reason for these restrictions is that changes in air pressure, having to sit down for long periods of time and being in close proximity to other passengers can increase the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), infections, expansion of air in body cavities and severe headache for post-surgery patients. As emergency medical assistance is not immediately available during long flights, these conditions can carry serious, and possibly fatal, consequences.

The most important thing when deciding whether or not it is safe to fly is to consult your doctor, as a medical professional is the only one able to give you the all clear to travel.

Whether or not you have booked your holiday already, you can use the buying power you share with other post-surgery patients to save money on your travel insurance. Join this group today to get a discounted quote.

By Ronny Lavie