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High Blood Pressure Travel Insurance

Pre-existing medical conditions are sometimes excluded from cover offered by standard travel insurance companies. However, Direct Travel is willing to offer cover for pre-existing conditions including high blood pressure and hypertension. If your blood pressure readings are normal and it is well controlled and maintained with medication, it is possible that our specialist insurers may cover you at no extra premium.

It is estimated that in the UK, more than 1 in 4 adults has high blood pressure although there are many that are not aware of it. If high blood pressure or hypertension is left untreated then it is possible it can lead to serious conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. Having high blood pressure shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a relaxing break, just make sure you are well prepared and sufficiently covered with a Direct Travel insurance policy.

Tips and advice for travelling with High Blood Pressure

  • Get the go-ahead from your GP first before booking your holiday and arranging your travel insurance
  • Take extra medication so that you are prepared in case of travel delays or your luggage is lost/stolen
  • Pack your medication in separate bags if you can, including some in your hand luggage so you can get to it if you need to during your flight
  • Keep in your purse or wallet a list of all the medication you are currently taking including generic and brand names. This will help if you unfortunately lose them or have them stolen, or you need to inform the emergency services
  • Allow extra time to get to the airport, check-in and any connecting flights to reduce stress and anxiety
  • If you are flying, an aisle seat would be helpful, so you can stretch your legs out and remember to flex your feet and toes, so your blood keeps circulating
  • 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

Booking your high blood pressure travel insurance

By booking your travel insurance with Direct Travel we may be able to offer cover to customers with high blood pressure as a pre-existing condition, provided it is declared at the medical screening stage of the booking process. 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.

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. If, due to complications relating to your high blood pressure you are unable to travel you may be able to make a claim for cancellation. Our policies also provide a 24-hour medical assistance line, expenses relating to ambulance and hospital costs and repatriation to the UK amongst others.