Travel with oxygen toolkit for COPD patients
Travelling with oxygen often requires contacting several organisations, healthcare providers, insurers, oxygen suppliers and transport companies, sometimes across multiple countries.
To help COPD patients in this process, EFA coordinates the European network of National Contact Points, which helps you by:
- Centralising unclear or scattered information.
- Explaining procedures and connecting you with the right services.
- Creating a European network so you can rely on consistent and updated support across borders.
What are the EFA National Contact Points?
The EFA National Contact Points (NCPs) are EFA member organisations based in different European countries, who work together as a network to ensure support to COPD patients and consistent information sharing. They act as facilitators to help you navigate the practical challenges of travelling with oxygen. They connect you to the right services and ensure you are informed about procedures and requirements.
Their services include:
- Guidance before travel: what documents are needed, how to arrange oxygen and where to find support.
- Information during travel: who to contact in case of issues, local patient organisations and emergency resources.
- Country-specific advice: adapted to national healthcare systems, airline rules and insurance procedures.
- Language support: providing documents in English and national languages, or connecting patients to translation help.
- Collaborate across borders to keep information up-to-date.
Available resources for COPD patients travelling with oxygen
| Pre-travel checklist |
| Email templates |
List of National Contact Points
The project is powered by EFA’s member organisations. Click on the links below to get in touch with the relevant National Contact Point and to find more resources on the organisation’s website (including medical guidance, oxygen equipment information, country-specific resources, practical tools and insurance and administrative support).
France – FFAAIR - French Federation of Friends of Respiratory or Disabled Patients’ Associations – Contact point: Liliya Gentet
Germany – DAAB - German Allergy and Asthma Association – Contact point:
Iceland – Icelandic Lung Association - Samtök lungnasjúklinga – Contact point: Andrjes Guðmundsson
Italy – Associazione Nationale Pazienti RESPIRIAMO INSIEME APS – Contact point:
Spain – Federación Española de Asociaciones de Pacientes Alérgicos y con Enfermedades Respiratorias, FENAER – Contact point: Juan Fuertes
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning
Is there a checklist available that will help me prepare to travel as a COPD patient?
Yes, a checklist is developed by EFA and the National Contact Points and is available here.
When should I start planning for my trip?
Don’t leave the planning until the last minute! Start at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance to ensure everything is well organised and ready on time.
Should I plan to visit my doctor before I travel?
Yes! Your doctor will advise you if you are fit for travel. It is also often necessary when traveling by plane to have a letter or certificate from your doctor that confirms your diagnosis and oxygen requirements for travel.
Documents (certificates, prescriptions, insurance documents, etc.)
What are the most important documents I need to have to be able to travel as a COPD patient without issues by plane?
This depends on the airline services. This checklist is available and may support you in having the correct documents with you, but make sure to check the airline services website, which you can find on the website of your National Contact Point above.
What are the most important documents I need to have to be able to travel as a COPD patient without issues by train?
This depends on the train services. This checklist is available and may support you in having the correct documents with you, but make sure to check the train services website, which you can find on the website of your National Contact Point above.
Should I have a certificate or letter from my doctor to state my diagnosis and the need for oxygen?
Yes, it is advised to have this document on hand, as it is often required for traveling by plane and/or train.
Will my extra costs be covered by my insurance?
This depends on your insurance company and your current insurance coverage. It is advised to check what is covered before traveling! For more guidance on this, visit the website of your National Contact Point (list available above).
Do I need to request a specific insurance document?
Yes, having with you the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/Blue Card) has great benefits. We advise you to check with your insurance company.
Oxygen
Can I bring my portable oxygen concentrator (POC) and supply of oxygen while traveling by plane or by train?
This depends on the airline and train services. They also have rules on what type of POC you can bring, the amount of oxygen that is allowed, and the battery life your POC should have before travelling. To find links and information specific for your country, visit the website of the corresponding National Contact Point (list available above).
How can I obtain oxygen supplies in the country I am travelling to?
Before travelling, it is important to identify and contact local or international oxygen suppliers that can supply you with the amount of oxygen you need during your stay in your destination country. Visit the website of the corresponding National Contact Point (list available above) to find a list of local suppliers. Their website will also provide you with more guidance on how to arrange oxygen with local suppliers.