Travel Insurance for Atrial Fibrillation

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation, usually shortened to AF, makes the heart beat irregularly and often too fast. The upper chambers of the heart quiver rather than squeezing properly. Some people feel palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness or tiredness, while others find out only during a routine check. It’s the most common heart rhythm problem in the UK and one of the heart conditions people declare most often.

AF can come and go (paroxysmal AF) or be there all the time (persistent or permanent AF). Because blood can pool in the heart and form clots, AF raises the risk of stroke, which is why many people take an anticoagulant. Other treatments include rate or rhythm medicines, cardioversion and ablation. The NHS atrial fibrillation page goes into more detail.

Why do I need to declare atrial fibrillation for travel insurance?

AF is a pre-existing medical condition, and we need to know about it because it raises the risk of stroke and can cause episodes of a fast, irregular heartbeat that need treating in hospital. Many people with AF take anticoagulants, which can make bleeding after an injury abroad more serious.

If AF is left out and you then need treatment connected to it, the claim 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 atrial fibrillation?

Yes, for many people. Related conditions such as high blood pressure or a previous stroke or TIA are screened alongside. AF that’s well controlled is assessed differently from AF with recent hospital admissions, a recent cardioversion or ablation, or symptoms that are still being sorted out, and that affects whether cover can be offered.

What we’ll ask about your atrial fibrillation

Declaring your atrial fibrillation online doesn’t take long. The screening asks about the anticoagulant you take and whether you’ve been referred for ablation. After that, carry on declaring any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions you have.

Once you’ve finished the medical declaration, you’ll go through to the quote page. If your atrial fibrillation and your other conditions can be covered, you’ll see a list of quotes, and the premium shown includes the cost of cover for your medical. If we can’t provide cover, you’ll know before going any further.

If your health changes before travelling

AF and its treatment can change. If you switch anticoagulant, you have a hospital admission, you’re referred for ablation, or you receive a new diagnosis between now and departure, you must let us know. It may mean reviewing your cover or referring your medical situation to the underwriters, and in some cases we may not be able to proceed with cover. Not telling us about a change in your medical can lead to a future claim being affected or denied.

What can atrial fibrillation travel insurance cover?

With AF accepted, a sudden episode abroad is handled like any other emergency. If your heart races out of control on a city break in Prague and you need treatment in hospital, emergency medical costs can be covered, along with repatriation if you need medical help to get home. Cover is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If a change in your AF means your doctor advises against travelling before you go, non-refundable costs may be claimable through cancellation cover.

The policy won’t cover planned treatment abroad, such as an ablation booked overseas, or anything connected to a condition you didn’t declare.

Will atrial fibrillation affect the cost of travel insurance?

AF may affect what you pay, and your screening result is the deciding factor. When you complete our online medical screening, it can ask about how your AF is treated and how well the rhythm is controlled. Age, trip length and the country you’re visiting also have a say in the final premium. That figure appears on screen before you’re asked to buy.

Single trip or annual cover with AF

Choose single trip cover if you have one holiday planned. If you go away more often, annual multi-trip cover may be offered, depending on the screening.

Travelling with atrial fibrillation: practical tips

The tips below are general and are not part of your insurance.

Anticoagulants need careful handling on holiday. Missing doses raises the risk of a clot, so take enough for the whole trip and extra in case of delays, all in your hand luggage. If you’re crossing several time zones, a pharmacist can help you plan when to take each dose. If you’re on warfarin, ask your clinic about INR checks while you’re away, as holiday food and drink can change your levels.

Bleeding risk goes with the territory too. Take care with activities where falls are likely, and seek help quickly after any head injury, even a minor bump.

Long flights mean sitting still for hours. Drink water, keep alcohol and coffee moderate, as both can trigger AF in some people, and get up to stretch your legs when you can.

Heat can lead to dehydration, which some people find sets off an episode. Keep a water bottle with you and avoid the hottest part of the day.

Carry a short summary of your AF, your medicines and your usual heart rate. Our page on travelling abroad with medication has advice on prescriptions and doctors’ letters.

How to get a quote

Enter your travel plans, answer the AF questions and anything else the screening asks, then pick your cover.

Get a Quote

Other Useful Heart Pages

• Angina Travel Insurance
• Atrial Fibrillation Travel Insurance
• Cardiomyopathy Travel Insurance
• Heart Attack Travel Insurance
• Heart Conditions Travel Insurance
• Heart Failure Travel Insurance
• Heart Valve Disease Travel Insurance
• Pericarditis Travel Insurance
• Supraventricular Tachycardia 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.