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

Key takeaways

• It is important to disclose high blood pressure to the insurer so they can provide the correct cover

• 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 to get the cover best suited to your condition

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.

📣 Did you know? High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition that affects one in four women and one in three men in the UK.

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

Yes, you should disclose your medical conditions when buying travel insurance.

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 any claims you make relating to your condition could be rejected, and your policy could be completely voided.

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?

Yes, having high blood pressure can make travel insurance more expensive, especially if your condition is poorly controlled, you’ve had recent medication changes, or you have related heart conditions.

However, if your blood pressure is stable and well managed, the increase in premium is often relatively small.

Always compare policies using our helpful comparison tools and check the terms and conditions before committing to a policy.

Here are the average prices our customers pay for travel insurance with and without a pre-existing medical condition:

What is covered in my travel insurance policy for high blood pressure?

A specialist travel insurance policy for high blood pressure typically includes cover for:

• emergency medical treatment abroad

• replacement medication

• trip cancellation

• emergency repatriation to the UK

• travel disruption

• lost baggage and personal belongings

Cover levels vary between insurers, so always check policy wording carefully before travelling.

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

Where can I buy travel insurance for high blood pressure?

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.