Travel insurance with high blood pressure

Key takeaways

• It is important to disclose high blood pressure to the insurer so they can provide the right coverage.

• Travel insurance may cost more for those with high blood pressure, but not disclosing the condition could invalidate your policy.

• Compare cheap travel insurance quotes with MoneySuperMarket for peace of mind that your health conditions are covered on your trip.
  

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition that affects one in four women and one in three men in the UK (source: https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/news/media-centre/blood-pressure-facts-and-figures/#:~:text=Around%20one%20in%20three%20adults,high%20blood%20pressure%5B4%5D ). It's a common health issue which needs to be taken seriously. But it shouldn’t deter anyone from leading an active lifestyle or exploring the world. However, you will need to declare it to your travel insurer – and it could lead to higher premiums. Understanding how to navigate the insurance landscape with high blood pressure is crucial to ensure you're adequately covered for your adventures abroad.

Can I get travel insurance with high blood pressure?

Yes, if you have high blood pressure you can still get travel insurance. In fact, there are policies specifically designed to cover health issues that may arise while you're abroad. Insurers are well-versed in dealing with customers who have pre-existing medical conditions such as hypertension. The key is to find the right policy that will give you peace of mind during your travels.

Properly managing your high blood pressure, following your doctor's advice, and taking prescribed medication as directed is vital not only for your health but also for maintaining valid insurance coverage.

Do I need to tell my insurer if I have high blood pressure?

While you're not legally obligated to disclose your medical conditions when buying travel insurance, it's highly advisable to do so. 

High blood pressure comes with an increased risk of strokes, heart attacks, and aneurysms. So insurers will want to know about the condition so they can assess the risk of a claim accurately.

If you don’t tell your insurer, then it may refuse to payout if you make a claim related to the condition or it could even void your policy altogether.

This could leave you facing significant out-of-pocket expenses for treatment that could have been covered if you had declared your condition before buying.

What questions will an insurer ask about high blood pressure?

When applying for travel insurance, insurers may ask a series of questions to understand your condition better. These questions could include:

• What medication are you taking to manage your high blood pressure?

• Have there been any recent changes to your medication?

• What is your current dosage, and have you had any recent increases?

• Are you also taking medication for high cholesterol?

These questions help insurers assess the level of risk and determine the appropriate coverage for your needs.

Will having high blood pressure make my travel insurance more expensive?

Travel insurance may cost a bit more for individuals with high blood pressure. However, not disclosing the condition could invalidate your policy, which is a far more costly scenario should you need medical assistance while abroad. Considering the high cost of medical expenses in some foreign countries, it's important to have the right cover in place.

What is covered by a travel insurance policy for high blood pressure?

A specialist policy for high blood pressure will include standard cover, as well as specific provisions for incidents related to the condition. So, as well as covering things like lost baggage and personal liability, it will also cover incidents such as:

• Emergency medical expenses: Costs for treatment or replacement medication for hypertension.

• Repatriation: If your condition means you need an emergency flight back to the UK.

• Cancellation: Cover if you need to cancel your trip or cut it short because of your condition.

Tips for travelling with high blood pressure

It’s a good idea to take some additional precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip if you are travelling with high blood pressure. Here are some tips to consider:

• Have a check-up with your doctor if your recent readings are high.

• Allow plenty of time for your journey to reduce stress. You could stay near the airport the night before the trip, for example.

• Organise your medication well in advance, including obtaining repeat prescriptions.

• Pack your necessary medication in your hand luggage, with extra supplies in your checked suitcase. 

• Keep a copy of your repeat prescription with you.

• Move around the plane periodically to reduce the risk of deep-vein thrombosis. You can also buy cheap DVT travel socks to wear while on board.

• Avoid alcohol and salty foods on flights. Bring your own healthy snacks.

• Stay hydrated, especially if your medication has a diuretic effect.

• Scuba diving is one example of an adventure sport that involves rapid changes in pressure within the body. If this is in your plans, you may need a medical examination first.

• Ensure you choose the right travel insurance policy that provides coverage for high blood pressure-related issues.

Find cheaper travel insurance quotes

When it comes to finding affordable travel insurance that meets your needs, MoneySuperMarket is here to help. We work with 38^{^} so you can compare cheap travel insurance deals with MoneySuperMarket. You just need to let us know a few details about yourself, your travel plans, and what you need the cover for. It’s fast, free, and simple to get a quote.

Embarking on a journey with high blood pressure doesn't have to be daunting. With the right preparation and a comprehensive travel insurance policy, you can set off on your travels with confidence, knowing that you're well-prepared for whatever comes your way.