Can I travel abroad after an angioplasty?

What is an angioplasty?

An angioplasty is a procedure to open up a narrowed or blocked artery. A thin tube is passed into a blood vessel, usually at the wrist or groin, and guided to the problem area, where a small balloon is inflated to widen the artery. In most cases a stent, a tiny mesh tube, is left in place to keep it open. A blocked artery is one of the most common treatments among the heart conditions we see on travel insurance applications.

Coronary angioplasty treats the arteries supplying the heart. It may be planned, to ease angina caused by coronary heart disease, or done as an emergency during a heart attack. Angioplasty is also used in the legs for peripheral vascular disease. The NHS coronary heart disease page covers the treatments, including angioplasty and stents.

Why do I need to declare an angioplasty for travel insurance?

You do not need to declare the angioplasty itself, but you should declare the reason you had it. A diagnosis of heart disease, blocked arteries, angina, or a heart attack can result in an angioplasty, and the diagnosis itself should be declared. We ask about it because it shows your coronary arteries have been narrowed, which can mean a greater chance of chest pain, a further blockage or a heart attack while you’re away.

If it’s missing from your policy, a heart-related claim could be refused, or settled for less.

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 after an angioplasty?

Often, yes. The whole picture is looked at, so the condition the angioplasty was treating, such as angina or a heart attack, is screened alongside it. How recently the procedure took place, whether you’ve had chest pain since and whether further procedures are planned all shape whether cover can be offered.

What we’ll ask about your angioplasty

Our online screening is easy to follow. It asks a few questions about your angioplasty, including when it was done and the heart condition behind it. When you’ve declared this condition, carry on with any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions.

Finishing the medical declaration takes you through to the quote page. Provided your angioplasty and your other declared conditions can be covered, you’ll be presented with a list of quotes. The premium you see already includes cover for your medical, and if we cannot provide cover, you’ll know before going ahead.

If your health changes before travelling

Recovery doesn’t always go in a straight line. If you’re told you need another stent, your medication is changed, you’re readmitted, or you’re referred for more tests between now and departure, you must let us know. Your cover might need another look, your medical situation may have to go to the underwriters, and in some cases we may not be able to continue with cover. A future claim can be affected or denied if a change in your medical isn’t reported.

What can angioplasty travel insurance cover?

Once accepted, your heart condition is treated like any other on the policy if something goes wrong abroad. If you develop chest pain in Turkey and need emergency investigations or another stent, emergency medical treatment can be covered, as can repatriation if you need medical help to come home. Cover is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If your recovery stalls before departure and your doctor advises you not to go, cancellation cover may help with non-refundable costs.

The policy won’t cover planned procedures or follow-up appointments abroad, or claims tied to undeclared conditions. If you have other heart problems, such as atrial fibrillation, declare those too. Our main heart condition travel insurance page has more background.

Will an angioplasty affect the cost of travel insurance?

Having had an angioplasty could raise your premium, but the amount isn’t fixed. It depends on your online medical screening result. The screening may ask how the underlying heart condition is treated now and how well it’s controlled. Your age, destination and how long you’ll be away make a difference as well. Before you buy, the full price is there to check.

Single trip or annual cover after an angioplasty

A first holiday after a stent is often booked as single trip cover. If you’re recovered and travelling regularly, annual multi-trip cover may be offered, depending on your screening result.

Travelling after an angioplasty: practical tips

The following is general advice and is not part of your insurance cover.

Timing comes first. How soon you can fly after an angioplasty depends on whether it was planned or done during a heart attack, and on how you’ve recovered. Your cardiologist or GP is the person to ask, and airlines may set their own rules too.

Blood thinners matter more than ever after a stent. Most people take antiplatelet medicines for months afterwards, and stopping early can be dangerous. Pack more than enough for the trip, carry them in your hand luggage, and set reminders if you’re crossing time zones. Our travelling abroad with medication guide explains what paperwork to take.

Being on blood thinners also means you may bruise or bleed more easily, so take care with activities that risk falls or cuts. On long flights, keep hydrated and move about to help your circulation.

Carry your stent card or discharge summary. If you’re seen by doctors abroad, knowing the type and date of your stent helps them treat you quickly.

Ease back into activity. Long walking days, heat and heavy luggage can all be tiring in the early months. Build in rest and consider booking airport assistance for your first trip.

How to get a quote

Give us your trip details, answer the questions about your angioplasty and heart condition, then choose your cover. You’ll see the full price before paying.

Get a Quote