Travelling with sleep apnea can raise a lot of questions, especially when it comes to travel insurance and flying with a CPAP machine.
This guide goes over everything you need to know about travelling with sleep apnea and a CPAP machine, so you can be informed before your trip.
Can You Get Travel Insurance if You Have Sleep Apnea or Use a CPAP Machine?
Most travel insurance providers do not automatically decline travellers because they have sleep apnea or use a CPAP machine.
In fact, policies do not specifically reference sleep apnea at all, including emergency medical policies available for Canadian travellers through BestQuote Travel Insurance, such as Allianz, AwayCare, Destination Travel, GMS, TruStone, TuGo, and Travelance.
Instead, sleep apnea coverage depends on whether your condition is considered stable during the required pre-existing condition stability period.
Understanding Travel Insurance Stability Periods
A condition is generally considered stable if there have been no new symptoms, medication changes, new treatments, new diagnoses, specialist referrals, investigations or testing, or hospitalizations during a specified timeframe before the policy's effective date.
The stability period requirement depends on the insurer and the traveller’s age, and can even be as much as 365 days or more.
Some common sleep apnea examples that may exclude you from sleep apnea travel insurance coverage include, but are not limited to:
A recent sleep apnea diagnosis
Recently starting CPAP therapy
A recent change in CPAP pressure settings
A new medication or dosage change
Awaiting sleep study results
Severe uncontrolled sleep apnea
Sleep apnea connected to other significant conditions, such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis
Every travel insurance policy has its own stability period and definition of stable. To determine whether you meet the criteria for coverage, you need to review the policy wording, including policy exclusions, eligibility criteria, and the medical questionnaire of the policy you plan to purchase.
Travel Insurance Exclusions Related to Sleep Apnea and CPAP Machines
Even if sleep apnea is not specifically excluded, certain situations may still not be covered in the event of a claim.
1. Unstable Pre-Existing Conditions
If your sleep apnea or any other medical condition is considered unstable before departure, claims related to that condition will be excluded.
2. Non-Emergency Treatment
Travel insurance is designed for unexpected emergencies, not routine care.
Most policies generally do not cover:
CPAP replacement masks
Tubing or filters
Routine sleep apnea follow-ups
Buying a new CPAP machine during a trip
Routine maintenance
Before purchasing an insurance policy, review your policy wording to check what may be covered.
3. Failure to Disclose Medical Information
If a medical questionnaire asks about sleep apnea, respiratory conditions, or related treatment, you must answer accurately.
Failure to disclose relevant information could result in denied claims or policy voidance.
Even if sleep apnea itself is not specifically named in the wording, undisclosed related conditions may still affect eligibility.
4. Related Medical Conditions
Some insurers exclude or heavily restrict medical conditions or medical equipment, such as:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Respiratory failure
The use of home oxygen
You should check the policy wording carefully to determine if any related conditions may be excluded.
Travelling with a CPAP Machine
Travelling with a CPAP machine is generally straightforward, especially on major airlines, but preparation is important.
Can You Bring a CPAP Machine on a Plane?
Yes. CPAP devices are generally permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage.
According to CATSA:
CPAP devices are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage
Distilled water used with the device is exempt from liquid restrictions
Medical documentation is generally not required for screening
CATSA also notes that travellers may either:
Place the machine in a clear plastic bag during screening, or
Leave tubing and masks in the carrying case while screening the main unit separately
Flying with Air Canada CPAP Rules
Air Canada Accessibility Services provided information on CPAP usage for travellers flying with them:
CPAP and BiPAP machines used for sleep apnea generally do not require medical approval
Passengers should bring sufficient battery power for the full duration of travel
Onboard electrical outlets cannot be relied upon to power medical devices
Devices used during flight must fit safely under the seat
Travellers using CPAP or BiPAP machines for respiratory failure, rather than sleep apnea alone, may require additional medical approval.
