Travel Insurance for a Pulmonary Embolism

What is a pulmonary embolism?

A pulmonary embolism (or PE) happens when a blood clot gets stuck in an artery in the lungs. Most start as a clot in a deep vein in the leg, known as deep vein thrombosis, which breaks off and travels upwards to your chest. It’s listed in our blood and circulatory conditions section.

Typical signs include sudden breathlessness, chest pain that gets worse when you breathe in, and coughing. A PE is a medical emergency, but it can be treated, usually with an anticoagulant taken for at least three months. Some people take it for longer, or for life. The NHS guide to pulmonary embolism explains causes and treatment.

Why do I need to declare a pulmonary embolism for travel insurance?

Even if you’ve made a full recovery, a past pulmonary embolism is a pre-existing medical condition, especially if you're prescribed blood thinners or have another heart or circulatory condition. We ask about it because people who have had one clot are more likely to have another, and long flights, dehydration, and sitting still for hours can add to that risk. A further clot abroad would usually mean emergency hospital care.

If the pulmonary embolism isn’t declared when it should be, a claim related to it, including treatment for a new clot, could be declined 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 after a pulmonary embolism?

Many people can get cover following a PE, although a clot in the last few months is viewed differently from one several years ago. Whether you’re still on blood thinners, whether there has been more than one clot, whether an underlying cause, or whether you're under investigation can all affect what’s offered.

What we’ll ask about your pulmonary embolism

Our online screening is easy to follow. It asks a few questions about your pulmonary embolism, including when the clot happened, whether you’re still taking blood thinners, and if there have been further complications. 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 pulmonary embolism 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

Clots can come back, and treatment can change. If you have a new clot, your blood thinners change, you have a hospital stay, or you’re referred for more tests between now and departure, you must let us know. We may need to review your cover or refer your medical situation to the underwriters, and occasionally we may not be able to proceed with cover. Any change in your medical you don’t tell us about could mean a future claim is affected or denied.

What can pulmonary embolism travel insurance cover?

With your PE declared and accepted, emergency medical care abroad can be covered if it causes problems on holiday. For example, if you become breathless in Tenerife and are treated for a new clot, hospital costs and, where needed, medical repatriation can be covered. As always, this is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

A new clot or other complication just before you’re due to leave may mean your doctor advises against travel. If so, cancellation cover may help you get back costs you’ve already paid.

The policy won’t pay for routine blood tests or medication you need while away, planned treatment abroad, or anything relating to a condition you didn’t declare.

Will a pulmonary embolism affect the cost of travel insurance?

It might do, yes, in conjunction with any other complications or pre-existing medical conditions you may need to declare. However, factors like age, your trip duration, and your destination are also contributors to your insurance premium. Once you've seen the quote, you can look it over before buying.

Single trip or annual cover after a PE

If it’s just one holiday, a single trip policy is usually enough. For more frequent travel, annual multi-trip cover could suit you better, subject to your screening result.

Travelling after a pulmonary embolism: practical tips

The following is general advice. It isn’t part of your insurance cover.

Timing matters. Many people are advised to wait a while after a PE before flying, and the right gap depends on your recovery and your breathing. Your GP or the clinic that treated you is the best person to ask, and airlines may have their own requirements.

On any long journey, keep the blood moving. Walk around the cabin when it’s safe to, flex your ankles and calves in your seat, and drink water rather than lots of alcohol. Your doctor may suggest compression stockings for the flight; get them properly fitted before you go.

Blood thinners need some planning. Take enough for the whole trip plus a few extra days, and keep them in your hand luggage. If you’re on warfarin, ask about INR checks and remember that diet and alcohol can affect your levels. Crossing time zones can upset dose timings, so a pharmacist can help you work out a schedule.

Because anticoagulants make you bleed more easily, take a little more care with activities that risk a fall or injury, and carry something that says you’re on them.

How to get a quote

Give us your trip details, answer the health questions about your PE and any other conditions, and pick a level of cover. You’ll see the cost before you commit.

Get a Quote

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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.