Travel Insurance for an Hyperparathyroidism

What is hyperparathyroidism?

Parathyroid glands are located in your neck, next to the thyroid. The make parathyroid hormone, which keeps the levels of calcim in your blood stable. If you have hyperparathyroidism, one or more of these glands make too much of the hormone, and your blood calcium rises. It's one of several hormonal conditions you can read about on our site.

The most common form, primary hyperparathyroidism, is usually caused by a small non-cancerous growth on one gland. Some people have very few symptoms and only find out during a routine blood test, while others might experience thirst, tiredness, low mood, or aching bones. Over time, hyperparathyroidism can lead to kidney stones or thinner bones.

Some people are monitored, while others have an operation to remove the affected gland, which often cures it. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is different and is usually linked to kidney disease or low vitamin D.

Why do I need to declare hyperparathyroidism for travel insurance?

Hyperparathyroidism is a pre-existing medical condition, even if it was only picked up on a routine blood test and you feel fine. Your cover needs to take it into account because high calcium can cause kidney stones, dehydration, and confusion, and these are more likely in a hot climate. If an operation to remove a gland comes up close to your departure date, the trip might have to be cancelled. Without a declaration, a claim tied to the condition could be refused 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 hyperparathyroidism?

In most cases it can be arranged. Many people with hyperparathyroidism find a policy that includes it. What tends to shape the screening outcome is whether you’re waiting for surgery, have had it recently, or have complications such as kidney stones or osteoporosis. If yours is linked to kidney disease, that should be screened as well.

What we’ll ask about your hyperparathyroidism

Our online screening is easy to follow. It asks a few questions about your hyperparathyroidism, focusing on whether your kidneys are affected. 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 hyperparathyroidism 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

Treatment plans for this condition can move quickly. If a surgery date comes through, your medication changes, you’re admitted with a kidney stone, or you’re diagnosed with something else 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 hyperparathyroidism travel insurance cover?

Once accepted, emergency medical treatment abroad related to the condition can be covered. A kidney stone that leaves you in severe pain on holiday in Tenerife, needing hospital treatment, is a realistic example. Medical repatriation can be included too if you need help getting home. Everything is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If your operation is brought forward and clashes with your holiday, or you become unwell before departure, cancellation cover may help, depending on the policy terms.

It won’t cover surgery or tests you chose to have abroad, or claims arising from conditions you didn’t declare.

Will hyperparathyroidism affect the cost of travel insurance?

It may, and by how much is down to what the screening finds. Questions in the online medical screening can cover whether your hyperparathyroidism is being treated and how well your calcium is controlled. Like any quote, yours also depends on your age, the trip length and the destination. If the result works for you, you can buy once you’ve looked at the price.

Single trip or annual cover with hyperparathyroidism

You can buy single trip travel insurance for one holiday, or annual travel insurance if you go away more often. Annual cover is offered based on your screening result.

Travelling with hyperparathyroidism: practical tips

These are general pointers rather than anything to do with your insurance.

Staying well hydrated is the biggest thing. Losing fluid in hot weather, or through a stomach bug, can push your calcium higher and makes kidney stones more likely. Keep a refillable bottle with you and drink regularly, more than you would at home if it’s hot.

Ask your specialist whether there is anything you should avoid. Some people are advised to be careful with calcium or vitamin D supplements, and certain water tablets can raise calcium, so check before buying anything over the counter abroad.

Know the warning signs of high calcium, such as feeling very thirsty, sick, confused or unusually weak, and get medical help if they appear.

If you’ve had an operation recently, give yourself time to recover before travelling and ask your surgeon when it’s sensible to fly. A small number of people have low calcium for a while afterwards and take supplements, so make sure you pack enough.

If your bones have been affected, choose comfortable, supportive shoes, take care on uneven ground and consider booking airport assistance if long walks are difficult.

How to get a quote

Fill in your trip details and answer the medical screening for hyperparathyroidism and any other conditions. Your price appears before you need to pay.

Get a Quote

Other Useful Diabetes & Hormonal Pages

• Addison's Disease Travel Insurance
• Cushing's Syndrome Travel Insurance
• Diabetes Travel Insurance
• Hyperparathyroidism Travel Insurance
• Hypoparathyroidism Travel Insurance
• Low Blood Sugar Travel Insurance
• Menopause & HRT Travel Insurance
• Overactive Thyroid Travel Insurance
• Thyroiditis Travel Insurance
• Underactive Thyroid Travel Insurance

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.