Does Sleep Apnea Affect Travel Insurance?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A chronic condition, like sleep apnea, is something insurers will want to know about when you apply. If you’re living with sleep apnea, life insurance is still within reach.

It won’t automatically prevent you from obtaining life insurance

, but it can play a role in the type of coverage you can buy.

Is sleep apnea considered a high risk medical condition?

Key Takeaways. Despite mounting evidence,

obstructive sleep apnea has yet to be listed by the CDC as an underlying medical condition

that puts patients at an increased risk of COVID-related hospitalization and death.

Is sleep apnea classed as a respiratory condition?

Abstract. Purpose of review:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) represent two of the most prevalent chronic respiratory disorders

and cardiovascular diseases are major co-morbidities in both.

Does sleep apnea disqualify pilot?

FAA Policies and Certification Issues

Under current policy as outlined in the FAA Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners,

any degree of sleep apnea is disqualifying for all classes of medical certification

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Does CPAP machine count as carry on?


Your CPAP doesn’t count as a carry-on device

You can still carry your roller bag and your laptop or purse (please check with your airline for specific rules, but your CPAP does not count as an additional carry-on).

Is sleep apnea a terminal illness?


Although a person with sleep apnea does not necessarily die while sleeping, the risk of death increases significantly if sleep apnea is untreated

. The reason people with sleep apnea do not usually die in their sleep is that when the brain senses that it doesn’t have enough oxygen, it alerts the body to wake up.

Do you have to declare sleep apnea to car insurance?


If you suffer from severe or regular sleep apnea, you should disclose it immediately

. Mild sleep apnea or fainting spells without excessive sleepiness may not need to be disclosed, but this should be confirmed with your doctor. If you are in any doubt then declare your condition.

Do I need to tell car insurance about sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea or fainting spells

However,

if you experience severe sleepiness, they must be notified

. If you experience regular fainting spells, it’s imperative that you notify your car insurance company should this happen while you’re driving.

Is sleep apnea a comorbidity for COVID-19?

At this moment,

OSA has not been stablished as a risk factor for patients with Covid-19

. However, the comorbidities of this sleep disorder, such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and arrhythmias have been strongly associated with severe Covid-19.

Should you use your CPAP If you have COVID-19?

If I have symptoms or have tested positive for Coronavirus, should I continue using my CPAP? Coronavirus doesn’t change your sleep apnea diagnosis – or your need to continue using CPAP therapy.

You should continue to use your CPAP machine because a full night’s sleep benefits your overall health.

Does sleep apnea put you at risk for Covid?


Untreated sleep apnea was associated with a higher rate of COVID-19 infection

, the findings showed. “Greater PAP adherence, when therapy was used at least four hours a night during the pandemic period, also showed a reduced infection rate,” the researchers reported.

What are the 3 types of sleep apnea?

A person with sleep apnea stops breathing during sleep. There are three forms of sleep apnea:

central, obstructive, and complex

. The most common of these is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Can sleep apnea damage your lungs?

So it might have you wondering: Can sleep apnea cause lung problems?

It’s true that sleep apnea affects your breathing

.

Can using CPAP weaken lungs?


Yes, using a defective Philips CPAP, BiPAP, or ASV sleep apnea machine or ventilator can severely damage your lungs, particularly if you have been using it for a long time

. This is because your exposure to the toxic chemicals and off-gases released by the polyurethane foam in the device occurs primarily via inhalation.

Can you get a waiver for sleep apnea?


OSA is a disqualifying medical condition that requires a waiver to continue flying

. To be considered for a waiver, a crewmember must be successfully treated with any of the above methods and have a repeat sleep study showing an AHI of 5 or less.

Can commercial pilots have sleep apnea?


Yes, pilots with sleep apnea requiring treatment will need a special issuance to keep flying, but there should be no significant period of grounding involved

. Sleep apnea comes in two forms: obstructive and central. The term “apnea” simply means “without respiration.”

What comes with a CPAP machine?

CPAP components

These include air filters, which filter dust and pet dander from the air going into your machine; a humidifier tub to hold the water for your humidifier; and the air tubing, which is the hose that connects your CPAP machine to your mask.

How do you travel internationally with a CPAP machine?


Pack Your CPAP Machine In a Clear Plastic Bag

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You’ll need to take your CPAP machine out of its carry case to go through the x-ray scanner, but you can leave it in a clear plastic bag. If you forget to bring a bag, you can request one from the TSA agent.

How do people with sleep apnea travel?

You’ll sleep better on a pillow that can accommodate your CPAP mask and keep you comfortable.

If traveling by air, it’s best to carry on your CPAP

. CPAP machines are medical devices, meaning you can carry them in addition to the standard number of bags that you can take on a plane.

Should I take my CPAP on vacation?

Using a CPAP device every night is important for the health and well-being of those with sleep apnea. Forgoing your CPAP machine while away from home will not only deprive you of a good night’s sleep,

it is not the best choice for your health

.

What is the life expectancy of someone with sleep apnea?

If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can shorten your life from anywhere between

12-15 years

. While there is no permanent cure for obstructive sleep apnea, proper diagnosis and treatment is necessary to alleviate its effects and to ensure that your OSA won’t shorten your life.

Why does CPAP cause weight gain?

The lack of fat accumulation does not support that

a positive energy balance resulting from a decrease in BMR and increase in caloric intake

is the main mechanism leading to weight gain during CPAP therapy for OSA.

How many times does someone with sleep apnea stop breathing?

People who have sleep apnea stop breathing for 10 to 30 seconds at a time while they are sleeping. These short stops in breathing can happen

up to 400 times every night

. If you have sleep apnea, periods of not breathing can disturb your sleep (even if they don’t fully wake you up).

Can you drive trucks with sleep apnea?

Can you drive a truck if you have sleep apnea? Yes. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and your doctor told you that you need to treat it,

you can continue to drive as long as you are compliant with treatment

.

Do you have to declare sleep apnea to DVLA?

You must tell DVLA if you have: confirmed moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome ( OSAS ), with excessive sleepiness. either narcolepsy or cataplexy, or both. any other sleep condition that has caused excessive sleepiness for at least 3 months – including suspected or confirmed mild OSAS.

Can you work with sleep apnea?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) no longer has a disability listing for sleep apnea, but it does have listings for breathing disorders, heart problems, and mental deficits.

If you meet the criteria of one of the listings due to your sleep apnea, you would automatically qualify for disability benefits

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James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.