High Cholesterol Travel Insurance

If you have high cholesterol, you will still need to declare this to your travel insurer in case you suffer complications whilst enjoying your break. This is because you may be a higher risk as your high cholesterol can lead to more serious conditions, such as a heart attack or stroke. Cholesterol is made by the liver but is also present in some foods. It is a fatty substance known as a lipid. There are two main types of cholesterol, HDL (high density lipoprotein), more popularly known as ‘good cholesterol’ and LDL (low density lipoprotein) or ‘bad cholesterol’.

Lifestyle factors, such as an unhealthy diet and smoking are some of the main causes of high cholesterol as well as conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure and a family history of stroke or heart disease. Even if your high cholesterol is well controlled with medication or diet you will still need to declare it.

Tips and advice for travelling with High Cholesterol

• Pack your medication in your hand luggage and include extras in case of delays or if your luggage is lost or stolen
• If you need treatment while you are away it will be useful to medical staff if you have a list of the medication you are currently taking, along with dosage levels
• Try to stick to a healthy diet as you do at home. Where possible avoid fast food, and ice cream and try to choose fruit, grains and vegetables
• Keep active as exercise can help reduce your cholesterol levels
• If possible, book an aisle seat so you can move around the aircraft safely
• 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 cholesterol travel insurance

By booking your travel insurance with Direct Travel we may be able to offer cover to customers with high cholesterol 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 cholesterol 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.