Traveling as a COPD Patient in Iceland
COPD is one of the most common long-term respiratory conditions and the third leading cause of death worldwide. It is a progressive, life-altering condition with no cure, yet it can be prevented if only caught in time.
Travelling with oxygen in Europe can be a real challenge, getting lost in a maze of bureaucratic, country-specific procedures involving a wide range of different stakeholders. This is why EFA joined forces with its COPD Community to make travel more accessible and safer for COPD patients who rely on oxygen therapy.
EFA’s “COPD Beyond Care” project aims to improve the quality of life of people with COPD, as well as access to treatment, care, and adequate support. The project aims at reducing the burden patients face when planning trips by providing clear guidance, practical resources and cross-country support through a dedicated network of National Contact Points (NCPs), represented by the EFA member organizations
COPD patients need to plan in advance
As a lung patients you need to plan their travel well in advance 4 - 8 weeks before departure is recommended. Like everyone else the you need to remember to bring you passport but they also need to:
-
Consult a pulmonologist about issues related to you and your illness
-
Keep a good stock of necessary medications
-
Remember your European Health Insurance Card (see below)
-
Do you need other insurance?
-
Save energy by ordering wheelchair access at airports
-
Order oxygen for longer flights if possible or have your POC ready
-
Check extra batteries and charger with you on the flight
-
-
Check the climate at destination location
-
staying at high altitudes, e.g. in the Alps, the air is thinner and more oxygen is needed
-
-
Keep all necessary contact details for any possible emergencies (e.g. due to worsening of symptoms, equipment failure or medical issues+
And for more Check this checklist
EHIC European Health Insurance Card
Is a free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland or the United Kingdom under the same conditions and at the same cost (free in some countries) as for people insured in that country More information about the EHIC can be found here.
Specifics related to EHIC and traveling in Iceland
As stated above travelers can expect to get access to the same healthcare provision as the local inhabitants however you need to have a valid EHIC card. For more information read the Icelandic page on the EU website In some cases, you will have to pay for medical care yourself but may be entitled to reimbursement from your health insurance in your country. It is therefore extremely important to keep all the paperwork in order, receipt and any information regarding the services you receive to ensure proper reimbursement from your national health insurance provider.
EHIC is not a travel insurance
It is important to point out that EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. It does not cover any private healthcare or costs such as a return flight to your home country or lost/stolen property so if that's what you need, you'll have to find other means to take care of that.
Traveling in Iceland
COPD patients need to plan their travel well in advance (4 - 8 weeks before departure) and be confident that they have got everything covered. A good check list is a start
Iceland is a very big country and very scarcely populated in many places. It is therefore important to get acquainted with available options in case of distressful situations. So if you are travelling in remote parts of the country it is recommended to visit Safetravel for more information. (Safetravel is run by ICE-SAR — The Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue)
Traveling to Iceland by air
When traveling by air, there are general rules that apply to all passengers. When it comes to specific rules for patients with COPD, things can get more complicated and different rules may apply to different airlines. Therefore, you need to check what kind of services are available and what conditions you need to meet. And in general whether you can fly with the airline you have chosen!
As an example the following instructions apply to COPD patients traveling with Icelandair (Follow this link for up to date informations):
POC or Portable oxygen concentrator
POCs are welcome on board. You can bring one POC system in addition to your carry-on allowance. Here’s what you need to know before you fly: Notify us at least 48 hours before departure with your POC make and model. A physician’s note is required for verification. If your POC is battery-powered, carry spare lithium batteries (100 Wh to 160 Wh) in your carry-on. Each passenger is allowed up to two batteries within this range. Not all Economy seats have electrical outlets. Please prepare for the possibility that your POC cannot be plugged in during the flight. For more details on battery restrictions, visit our page about baggage restrictions.
Oxygen tanks
If you require supplemental medical oxygen, Icelandair can provide oxygen bottles with advance notice. Important Information: Notify us at least 2 business days before departure to arrange oxygen supply. The amount of oxygen provided is based on the length of your flight to ensure your well-being. Service charges apply for medical oxygen. Icelandair offers 2L and 4L oxygen bottles to suit different needs. Personal oxygen tanks are not permitted on board, except under special circumstances with prior approval. To arrange oxygen for your flight, please contact us well in advance.
Service providers and contact information
Oxygen concentrators and Oxygen providers
Linde Gas is the only provider of bottled oxygen in Iceland. They also provide service for travelers with concentrators leas for your stay in Iceland. You can contact Lind Gas directly or order online through Oxygen World
Linde Gas ehf.
Búðahella 8, 221 Hafnarfjörður
Ísland
Webpage
Tel: +354 577 3000
Mail: sala.is@linde.com
Landspitali - University Hospital
All health centers and hospitals are public in Iceland. Almost all specialists have a contract with the government and thus a part of the public system. For more information you can call +354 543 1000 or visti the website
For emergency Call 112
Pulmonary Nurse Advice and Services
At Landspitali - University Hospital the outpatient department provides services for pulmonary patients and their families in the form of follow-up, education and support. You can call the outpatient department on weekdays between 08:00 16:00 tel. 543 6040 for advice
