Travel Insurance for a Brain Aneurysm

What is a brain aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain that bulges outwards, a bit like a small balloon. Many are tiny, cause no symptoms, and are only discovered when someone has a scan for another reason. It’s grouped with other circulatory conditions because the problem lies in the blood vessels rather than the brain itself.

The main concern is rupture, which causes bleeding around the brain (a subarachnoid haemorrhage) and needs emergency treatment. Unruptured aneurysms are often just monitored. Others are treated to stop them bursting, usually by coiling, done through a blood vessel, or by clipping during surgery. The NHS brain aneurysm page explains the options.

Why do I need to declare a brain aneurysm for travel insurance?

A brain aneurysm is a pre-existing medical condition whether it’s being monitored, has been coiled or clipped, or has bled in the past. We need to know about it because a rupture is a life-threatening emergency, and even after treatment some people have seizures or other lasting effects that could mean seeing a doctor abroad. A change found at follow-up could also force a cancellation of your holiday.

If it’s not declared, a related claim could be turned down or 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 a brain aneurysm?

It’s often possible to find cover, and your medical screening result decides whether it’s offered. Things that tend to matter are whether the aneurysm has ruptured, whether it’s been coiled or clipped, how recently, and whether you have lasting effects such as seizures or weakness. Waiting for a scan or treatment is also relevant.

What we’ll ask about your brain aneurysm

The medical screening is online and simple to complete. For your brain aneurysm, it asks about whether it has been treated and how it’s being monitored. When you’ve finished with this condition, carry on declaring any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions.

With the medical declaration complete, you’ll go through to the quote page. A list of quotes is shown if your brain aneurysm and any other conditions are coverable, and the premium quoted includes the cost of covering your medical. If we can’t offer cover, you’ll find that out before going any further.

If your health changes before travelling

Aneurysms are watched closely, and scans can change plans. If a scan shows growth, you start a new medication, you’re admitted to hospital, or you’re referred to a neurosurgeon before you travel, you must let us know. We may have to review your cover and refer your medical details to the underwriters, and sometimes we may not be able to proceed with cover. If changes in your medical go unreported, a future claim can be affected or denied.

What can brain aneurysm travel insurance cover?

If your aneurysm is accepted, emergency treatment abroad connected to it can be covered. Suppose you were taken ill in France with a sudden, severe headache and needed emergency care in a neurosurgical unit. That treatment can be covered, as can an air ambulance or medical escort home if needed. Cover is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If a change in your condition means you can’t travel, cancellation cover may refund non-refundable costs.

Planned treatment abroad isn’t covered, and claims linked to undeclared conditions won’t be paid.

Will a brain aneurysm affect the cost of travel insurance?

It may. There’s no fixed answer, since the result of online screening determines whether there’s any extra and how much. Questions can touch on how the aneurysm has been treated and how well any symptoms are controlled. General points, including your age, the destination and how long you’ll be gone, are factored in as well. You’ll see the final figure before you buy.

Single trip or annual cover with a brain aneurysm

For a single holiday, single trip insurance is usually simplest. Regular travellers can look at annual cover, which is available subject to your screening result.

Travelling with a brain aneurysm: practical tips

The following is general advice and doesn’t make up part of your cover.

If you’ve recently had treatment or a bleed, your neurosurgical team will advise when it’s reasonable to fly. People who are well after treatment, or who have a small monitored aneurysm, usually fly without trouble. Get advice if you’re unsure.

Know the signs of a rupture: a sudden, extremely painful headache, often described as the worst ever, along with a stiff neck, vomiting, sensitivity to light or confusion. That needs an emergency ambulance at once. Save the local emergency number and carry a card or note explaining your condition and treatment.

Look after your blood pressure. Keep taking any tablets on schedule, avoid smoking, and don’t overdo it with alcohol or very strenuous activity. Ask your specialist about things like scuba diving or high-altitude trips before you book them.

If you have seizures after a stroke or bleed, follow your usual routine, sleep well and avoid missing doses. Let whoever you’re travelling with know what to do if you have one.

How to get a quote

Tell us where you’re headed, answer the medical questions about your aneurysm and any other conditions, then choose your cover. You’ll see the price up front.

Get a Quote

Other Useful Circulatory Pages

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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.