Travel Insurance for an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) happens when there is a bulge or swelling in the part of the aorta which passes through the abdomen. It is most common in men over the age of 65, and is one of several blood and circulatory conditions declared on medical travel insurance policies. An aortic aneurysm in the chest is called a thoracic aortic aneurysm, and is declared in the same way.

Most AAAs do not cause any symptoms, and are found through a screening or scan for something else. Small ones can be monitored with regular ultrasound checks, while larger ones might need to be repaired with surgery. The NHS abdominal aortic aneurysm page covers screening and treatment.

Why do I need to declare an abdominal aortic aneurysm for travel insurance?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a pre-existing condition, regardless of whether it has been repaired, is being monitored, or awaiting surgery. It’s important that we know your diagnosis due to the risk of spontaneous rupture carried by larger aneurysms. A sudden increase in size, or planned surgery, could also force you to cancel your holiday.

If an AAA is known and not declared, any claim linked to it could be refused, or claimed funds reduced.

You won’t need to declare every medical condition you’ve ever had or been diagnosed with, only those that fall into the initial set of medical questions.

Can I get travel insurance with an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Yes, it’s possible to get travel insurance if you have an AAA, although the medical screening result will determine whether cover can be offered. The size and growth of an aneurysm makes a difference, as does treatment and the recency of any treatment. Being on a surgical waiting list, high blood pressure, and other heart or circulatory problems are also taken into account.

What we’ll ask about your abdominal aortic aneurysm

Our online medical screening is quick and straightforward. You’ll answer a handful of questions about your aneurysm, covering its size and whether a date for surgery has been set. Once this condition is done, carry on and declare any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions.

When the medical declaration is complete, you’ll move on to the quote page. Where your aneurysm and any other conditions are coverable, a list of quotes appears, with the cost of covering your medical already built into the premium. If cover isn’t possible, you’ll find out before you proceed.

If your health changes before travelling

Aneurysms are monitored closely and plans can change. If, before your trip, your aneurysm has grown, a date for surgery has been set, your medication changes, or you’re referred for tests, you must let us know. It may mean reviewing your cover or referring your medical situation to the underwriters, and in some cases we may not be able to proceed with cover. Not telling us about a change in your medical can lead to a future claim being affected or denied.

What can abdominal aortic aneurysm travel insurance cover?

When your AAA has been declared and accepted, you can be covered for emergency medical treatment for it while you’re on your trip. For instance, if you develop sudden severe pain while on holiday in Cyprus and need emergency surgery, those hospital costs can be covered. This is alongside repatriation to the UK if it’s medically necessary to help you home. This is subject to policy terms, exclusions, limits, and excesses.

Cancellation cover could also help with any non-refundable costs if you have to cancel your travel plans due to your abdominal aortic aneurysm. Bear in mind, being called in for planned surgery isn’t always a covered reason for cancellation, so read your Policy Wording.

Pre-arranged treatment abroad, or claims tied to an undeclared condition, are not covered.

Will an abdominal aortic aneurysm affect the cost of travel insurance?

Depending on the results of the medical screening, an AAA can affect the cost of your travel insurance. When you go through the medical screening, you may be asked about how your aneurysm has been treated, and how well the condition is managed at present.

Alongside any medical declaration, your age, trip length, and destination can also affect your premium. Whatever the outcome, you’ll see the price of the insurance before deciding whether to go ahead.

Single trip or annual cover with an aortic aneurysm

If you're planning a one-off trip, single trip cover will do the trick. If you travel more than once a year, it's worth quoting for an annual policy too. Please be aware than getting annual cover may depend on your medical screening result.

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Travelling with an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Practical Tips

This is general guidance and isn’t part of your insurance.

Keep your surveillance schedule going. If a scan is due around the time you’ll be away, ask your vascular team whether it's possible to rearrange. Knowing your latest measurement before you go is useful for you and for any doctor who treats you abroad.

Know the warning signs. Sudden, severe pain in the tummy or lower back, feeling faint or sweaty, or a fast pulse needs an emergency ambulance straight away, wherever you are. Save the local emergency number on your phone, and carry a note of your condition in your wallet.

Lifting heavy suitcases puts strain on your body, so use a wheeled case and ask for help at the airport. If you’ve had a repair recently, your surgeon will tell you how long to wait before flying and when you can lift again.

High blood pressure puts extra strain on the aorta, so keeping it under control matters on holiday too. Take your tablets at the usual times, and if you’re crossing several time zones, ask a pharmacist how to adjust. Avoid very strenuous excursions or activities you wouldn’t do at home.

How to get a quote

Put in your trip details, complete the medical declaration (including any questions about your aneurysm), and proceed. You'll see if we can provide cover, the available quotes, and the premium before you go any further.

Get a Quote

Other Useful Circulatory Pages

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Travel Insurance
• Atherosclerosis Travel Insurance
• Blood Clots Travel Insurance
• Brain Aneurysm Travel Insurance
• Cardiovascular Disease Travel Insurance
• Deep Vein Thrombosis Travel Insurance
• Haemophilia Travel Insurance
• High Blood Pressure Travel Insurance
• High Cholesterol Travel Insurance
• Iron Deficiency Anaemia Travel Insurance
• Kawasaki Disease Travel Insurance
• Low Blood Pressure Travel Insurance
• Lymphoedema Travel Insurance
• Peripheral Vascular Disease Travel Insurance
• Pulmonary Embolism Travel Insurance
• Pulmonary Hypertension Travel Insurance
• Sickle Cell Disease Travel Insurance
• Stroke Travel Insurance
• Thalassaemia Travel Insurance
• Transient Ischaemic Attack Travel Insurance
• Varicose Veins Travel Insurance
• Vascular Dementia Travel Insurance

Don't worry if your condition is not listed above - we cover plenty more medical conditions.
* Please note that cover will vary depending on individual medical screenings.