Coronary Heart Disease Travel Insurance

The main symptoms of chronic heart disease (CHD) are angina, heart attacks and heart failure. CHD is sometimes known as ischaemic heart disease. It occurs when the walls of your arteries have become furred up with fatty deposits. This process is caused by lifestyle factors and other conditions including, smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. Many standard travel insurance policies will not cover pre-existing medical conditions such as chronic heart disease due to the risk involved.

Premiums are based on the answers you give to questions on our specialist medical screening process along with your destination, trip duration and age. Please ensure that you provide all details regarding your pre-existing condition, so we can tailor your cover specifically to your needs. We will need to ask you a few questions about your condition, so please have to hand information about your condition, any medication you are currently taking and any treatment you have received. Unfortunately, it is harder to arrange travel insurance if you are awaiting a diagnosis or treatment. You should also talk to your Doctor / Consultant before confirming travel plans.

Your policy includes several benefits in case the worst occurs, and you are taken ill on holiday. Our policies provide a 24-hour medical assistance line with operators who speak several different languages and can talk to health professionals at your destination, expenses relating to ambulance and hospital costs and repatriation to the UK amongst others.

To provide peace of mind for patients, a policy which covers family members, and/or a carer may be suitable depending on your circumstances to ensure that everyone is covered appropriately.

Tips and advice for travelling with Coronary Heart Disease

• Speak to your Dr or Consultant before you book your holiday to ensure you are fit and well enough to travel
• Research where local amenities are such as hospital, pharmacies and Doctors in case you need them in an emergency
• Remember to pack your medication and some extra in case of travel delays or lost/stolen luggage
• Think about where you are going and what type of activities you may take part in whilst there – A trip to Athens may place unnecessary strain on your heart as it has lots of narrow steps and lots of uphill walking
• Avoid countries where there are extreme temperatures, hot or cold as this can put extra strain on your heart
• Give yourself plenty of time to pack and run errands in case you get out of breath with physical work
• If you are travelling to Europe, then it is essential that you carry an EHIC – European Health Insurance Card. You can apply for a free card by following the link www.nhs.uk/ehic