Heart Condition Travel Insurance

Heart disease is one of the biggest killers in the UK. The British Heart Foundation estimate that there are 7 million people in the UK living with cardiovascular disease. However, research suggests that we can reduce the risks by keeping our heart healthy by staying active, eating healthily, reducing stress and maintaining a healthy weight. Taking a holiday can help to reduce our stress levels and knowing that you have comprehensive insurance from Direct Travel will help to put your mind at ease.

Having a heart condition shouldn’t be a barrier to going on holiday. There are many heart conditions which are collectively known as heart disease. These include, angina, heart attack, heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. Health experts suggest preparing for your trip 4 – 6 weeks before you wish to travel. However, it is essential to have approval from your doctor and/or your heart consultant before booking and arranging your travel insurance.

Tips and advice for travelling with a heart condition

• Research your destination – Make sure your accommodation is easily accessible, the surrounding area is not too hilly, avoid very hot or really cold temperatures and high altitudes
• Check where the local amenities are, do you have a Dr’s, pharmacy, ambulance service and hospital all within easy reach?
• Pack enough medication for the duration of your holiday including extra in case of flight delays and lost or stolen luggage
• 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
• For your flight consider wearing compression stockings and look at exercises you can do while flying to help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Airline and airport staff are happy to help with luggage and early boarding if you have pre-booked these services
• You will need to tell security staff that you have a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) fitted as this may set off the security alarms. If you are checked with a hand-held metal detector, the detector should not be placed directly over your device
• 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 heart condition travel insurance

By booking your travel insurance with Direct Travel we may be able to offer cover to customers with heart conditions 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, depending on which type of heart condition you have. 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 heart condition 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.