Travel insurance for heart conditions

There's no reason you can't relax and enjoy a holiday with a heart condition. You will be required to tell insurers of your condition when applying for travel insurance.

But getting a policy that covers your condition can give you that extra peace of mind. Especially knowing if something happens while you're away, the cost of medical care is paid for.

Can I get travel insurance with a heart condition?

Yes you can! Your doctor must clear you to travel, but there are policies for people with pre-existing medical conditions known as medical travel insurance.

It can be taxing searching for a specialist policy to cover you, but it can offer the right level of protection for your condition.

It's likely your quotes might be more expensive than you were expecting, some insurers may refuse to cover your condition. But the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) have set up MoneyHelper, who have a directory of insurers to help cover pre-existing conditions like heart conditions.

Is travel insurance for people with heart conditions more expensive?

It can be. This is because insurers may consider you a higher risk due to your condition. Your insurer could be required to pay for any medical care you may need if something happens while you're away.

Travel insurance typically costs more as you get older. For example, you're more likely to pay more for travel insurance for over 70's than those who are in their 40's. It's also likely that the more severe your heart condition is, the more you might end up paying. That's why it's important to compare travel insurance before you buy, to make sure you get the right level of cover at the best price ready for your holiday.

Here's how much you might pay for travel insurance with a heart condition depending on your age:

^{_{*Cheapest policy for 1 adult, travelling to Spain for 7 nights, declaring arrhythmia as a condition with no ongoing treatment - Confused.com data - April 2024}}

What sort of questions will I be asked when getting a quote?

To get the most accurate travel insurance quotes, we'll ask you a number of questions relating to your holiday and your heart condition.

Information about your holiday:

• Type of cover (single-trip, annual, backpacker)
• Where you're travelling and how long for
• Personal information (name and date of birth)
• Type of insurance (family, couple, group)

Information about your heart condition (using arrhythmia as an example):

• How your condition has been treated
• How many unplanned hospital visits you've had in the last 12 months
• Whether you need further treatment
• Whether you're taking medication to thin the blood as part of your treatment
• If you've collapsed, fainted or blacked out as a result of your arrhythmia
• If you suffer from other conditions (angina, heart attack, stroke)

Tips for travelling with a heart condition

It's worth considering the following tips so you're cleared to travel, prepared, and have everything you need while you're away:

• Speak to your doctor before you travel: It's important they clear you for travel to your chosen destination and any activities you have planned. They can help give you some advice on how best to look after your condition while you're away, as well as providing you with enough medication for your trip if necessary.
• Make sure you've got enough medication for your holiday: You should also consider packing medication in both your hand luggage and suitcase in case either is lost.
• Let your insurer know when you're travelling just incase there's anything specific they need to know: This is particularly important if you're anticipating on having surgery relating to your heart condition between buying your policy and travelling.
• Prepare any medical documentation: If you have an internal defibrilator fitted, you may need to be hand searched rather than go through machinery at the airport. Having your documentation at hand can help you navigate through airport security more smoothly.
• Take copies of your insurance documents and any notes from your doctor related to your condition: It's important to have paper and email copies of documents and notes handy if there's is an emergency relating to your condition while you're away.
• Carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)/ Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC): These cards entitle you to state-funded healthcare in many countries throughout the EU at a reduced cost or free. They aren't a replacement for travel insurance as they don't cover other costs such as medical repatriation back to the UK, if required. But it's helpful to take your card when you travel.