Travel Insurance by Heart Condition

What are heart conditions?

Heart conditions affect how the heart works, whether that's the way it pumps blood, maintains a regular heartbeat, or receives its own blood supply. There are many and varied types, including coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, heart valve problems, and conditions which affect the heart muscle itself.

Some people are born with heart conditions (congenital), while others develop them later in life. Symptoms can include chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations, or fatigue, although some conditions cause very few noticeable symptoms. Treatment might involve regular medication, monitoring, or procedures such as fitting a stent or pacemaker.

Having a heart condition doesn't automatically mean you can't travel, but your diagnosis, medical history, and any ongoing treatment can influence the insurance available to you.

We have individual guides for several heart conditions, including:

• Angina
• Aortic Valve Disease
• Arrhythmia
• Atrial Fibrillation
• Cardiomyopathy
• Congenital Heart Disease
• Coronary Heart Disease
• Endocarditis
• Heart Attack
• Heart Failure
• Heart Valve Disease
• Pericarditis
• Supraventricular Tachycardia

If your condition isn't listed, you may still be able to get cover. Search for it by name when completing your medical screening.

Can I get travel insurance with a heart condition?

In many cases, yes. Plenty of people with heart conditions can arrange travel insurance, although this depends on their current health, treatment, and previous medical history.

Recent heart attacks, surgery, ongoing symptoms, or investigations may affect what's available. In some circumstances, particularly following a recent cardiac event or while waiting for treatment, we may be unable to offer cover.

You'll need to declare any heart conditions that fall within our medical screening questions, including relevant previous diagnoses or procedures. Other conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, may need declaring too.

Leaving out a condition when required could mean a future claim is rejected or not fully paid.

The medical screening
When you get a quote, we'll ask you to enter your condition and answer some questions about it. These could cover your medication, previous heart procedures, hospital admissions, current symptoms, or how far you can walk without difficulty.

We'll use this information to assess whether cover is available and calculate your premium. Your age, destination, and trip duration will also influence the price.

Depending on your screening results, you may be able to choose between single trip and annual multi-trip travel insurance.

Changes to your health
If you develop new symptoms, have an unexpected hospital admission, change medication, or are referred for further investigations after buying your policy, you must let us know.

We may need to reassess your cover or refer the changes to your policy's underwriter. Make sure you contact us in plenty of time before travelling, so we can review your circumstances.

What can heart condition travel insurance cover?

Declaring your heart condition and having it accepted on your policy means you can be covered for unexpected medical emergencies relating to it while abroad.

For example, if you develop an abnormal heart rhythm that requires urgent hospital treatment during your holiday, your travel insurance may cover the medical expenses. If necessary, this can also include medical assistance to get you home.

You may also be able to claim for non-refundable holiday costs if your heart condition unexpectedly worsens before departure and you're medically advised not to travel.

Planned medical treatment abroad isn't covered, and claims linked to undeclared medical conditions may be refused or not fully paid. All cover is subject to your policy's terms, conditions, limits, exclusions, and excesses.

Travelling with a heart condition

If your heart condition is stable and well managed, travelling may not present any significant difficulties. However, it's worth taking a few precautions, particularly if you've recently received treatment.

Before flying after a heart attack, surgery, or another cardiac procedure, speak to your cardiology team about when it's safe to travel. Airlines may also have their own medical requirements, so check these before booking.

Think about your destination, too. Very hot or cold temperatures, high altitudes, and strenuous activities can place additional strain on your heart. If you're unsure how your condition might affect your plans, discuss them with your medical team beforehand.

During long journeys, try to move around regularly when it's safe to do so, and follow your doctor's advice about staying hydrated, particularly if you have a fluid restriction.

Keep essential medication in your hand luggage, along with a copy of your prescription. If you use a GTN spray, make sure it's easily accessible. Anyone with a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) should also carry their device identification card for airport security.

Get a quote

Enter your destination and travel dates, then complete the medical screening for your heart condition and any other relevant medical history.

We'll show you any available policies and their prices, so you can review your options before purchasing.

Get a Quote