Firstly, what exactly is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the body’s joints. Structural changes occur within a joint or across several joints which causes pain and loss of function. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage (a smooth cushioning substance) on the ends of the bones becomes permanently
damaged. Our joints are exposed to low levels of stress and damage throughout our lives and while our body can mostly repair this damage, sometimes damage cannot be fully repaired.

Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint, but most commonly affects the hips, knees, hands, big toes and spine.

What causes osteoarthritis?

Excessive loads placed on our joints that causes irreparable damage precipitates the condition.

Hence some risk factors for the disease include:

• Joint injury (eg sporting injury, prior joint surgery)
• Overuse of joints – for example, performing repetitive actions such as lifting heavy loads, kneeling or squatting
• obesity – excess weight puts added stress on the joints in addition to normal wear and tear.

Other risk factors include:

• Female gender
• Age (although the risk increases with age, osteoarthritis is not considered a normal part of the
• ageing process
• Family history – some types of osteoarthritis have a strong genetic component
• Other medical conditions that may affect the joints – for example rheumatoid arthritis or bony abnormalities

Osteoarthritis and travel insurance

Having osteoarthritis should not stop Australians from having a great holiday, particularly as

insure4less specialises in providing affordable travel insurance for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions.

For your own peace of mind, you can relax in the knowledge that you have the protection of one of the world’s largest insurers and medical emergency teams to support you whilst overseas if you suddenly suffer from an osteoarthritis related illness. We ask you to declare your osteoarthritis when completing your online travel insurance (normally there is no extra to pay) and then when you receive your policy via email it will confirm in writing exactly what your cover is. You can then simply travel and relax.

Here are a few osteoarthritis travel tips

• Ensure you carry any prescribed medication with you on your carry on luggage if you are flying.
• Make sure you move around regularly in the cabin if you are flying to prevent joints from becoming
• Stiff and painful. If driving, make regular stops and get out of the car, walk around and keep your joints mobile.
• Let travel staff know you have osteoarthritis so they can provide you with more comfortable seating options if required.

For more information please contact us or fill out the “get a quote” form at the top of this screen. You may also see our related page for existing medical conditions: https://www.insure4less.com.au/page/medical-conditions/