Travel insurance with high blood pressure: What you need to know

Getting travel insurance with high blood pressure doesn't have to be difficult. Here's our tips to help you get the cover you need, including the information you'll need to provide and what you could expect to pay.

Can I get travel insurance if I have high blood pressure?

Yes, having high blood pressure or hypertension doesn't stop you from getting a travel insurance quote. But it’s important to make sure you’ve got suitable cover in place before you travel.

Do I need to tell my insurer about my high blood pressure?

Yes, you have to tell your insurer about any pre-existing medical conditions. This is to make sure you get the appropriate level of cover. You'll need to check that the policy you buy covers high blood pressure, as a pre-existing condition.

If you don't tell your insurer about any pre-existing conditions that you knew about before buying the policy, it could invalidate your cover. This means the insurer could reject any claim linked to your high blood pressure. You would then be responsible for paying for any treatments on your own, which could be quite costly.

What information do I need to provide to get a quote?

When you're ready to get a quote, we'll need a few details from you including some information on the following:

• If you’ve been prescribed medication for your condition in the last 2 years
• How many different medications do you take to manage your condition
• Whether your dose has increased in the last 6 months
• Some lifestyle questions like whether you smoke
• Whether you have been advised to take medication to lower your cholesterol

Cost of travel insurance with high blood pressure

Travel insurance usually gets more expensive as you get older, particularly for over 50's. This is because you're at a higher risk of developing health issues. If you already have a medical condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, your policy is likely to cost more as well.

¹_{Cheapest policy for 30 to 70 year olds travelling to Spain for 1 week in June 2024, declaring high blood pressure as a medical condition - Confused.com data March 2024.} 

Tips for travelling with high blood pressure

Here are some simple steps you can follow to reduce your worries and enjoy your time while traveling:

• Prepare for delays and cancellations by packing plenty of medication. Keep some in your hand luggage and hold luggage
• If you're travelling to Europe, take your EHIC or GHIC so that you can get essential medical treatment if needed
• Allow a little extra time for travel, checking in luggage, and getting through security. This will help you avoid rushing so you can relax before you get on the plane
• Move around on the plane to boost circulation
• Stay hydrated, especially if you’re visiting somewhere warmer
• Keep an eye on your blood pressure while you’re away

Don't forget to add your travel insurance documents to your holiday checklist. Make sure you can access them, in case of an emergency.