Travel Insurance for a Pulmonary Embolism

What is a pulmonary embolism?

A pulmonary embolism (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 up. It’s covered 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 anticoagulant medicine 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.

Can I get travel insurance after a pulmonary embolism?

Many people can. You’ll need to declare it, because a past PE is a pre-existing medical condition even if you’ve fully recovered. If it isn’t on your policy, a claim connected to it, such as another clot, might not be paid.

The medical screening decides whether cover is offered and at what price, along with your age, destination, length of trip and level of cover. How long ago the PE happened makes a big difference. So does whether you’re still on blood thinners, whether you’ve had more than one clot, and whether there’s an underlying cause such as cancer or a clotting disorder still being investigated.

What we’ll ask about your pulmonary embolism

You answer the medical questions online, and it doesn’t take long. The questions will cover things like:

1. when the embolism happened, and whether you’ve had more than one
2. whether you were admitted to hospital, and when you were discharged
3. which anticoagulant you take, and for how long it’s planned
4. whether you’ve also had a DVT
5. any tests or follow-up appointments still to come

Have the date of your hospital discharge to hand if you can.

What you’ll see at the end

Straight after the last question you’ll get your result. It shows whether the PE has been accepted on the policy and whether the price has gone up because of it. If it can’t be covered, the screening says so.

If things change before you go

Tell us if your health changes after you buy cover. That includes a new clot, a change to your blood thinners, a hospital stay or a referral for more tests. We might need to review your policy, and an unreported change could put a related claim at risk.

What pulmonary embolism travel insurance can 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.

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

Other Useful Circulatory Pages

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Travel Insurance
• Atherosclerosis Travel Insurance
• Blood Clots Travel Insurance
• Brain Aneurysm Travel Insurance
• Cardiovascular Disease Travel Insurance
• Deep Vein Thrombosis Travel Insurance
• Haemophilia Travel Insurance
• High Blood Pressure Travel Insurance
• High Cholesterol Travel Insurance
• Iron Deficiency Anaemia Travel Insurance
• Kawasaki Disease Travel Insurance
• Low Blood Pressure Travel Insurance
• Lymphoedema Travel Insurance
• Peripheral Vascular Disease Travel Insurance
• Pulmonary Embolism Travel Insurance
• Pulmonary Hypertension Travel Insurance
• Sickle Cell Disease Travel Insurance
• Stroke Travel Insurance
• Thalassaemia Travel Insurance
• Transient Ischaemic Attack Travel Insurance
• Varicose Veins Travel Insurance
• Vascular Dementia 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.

Browse by condition type

Autoimmune

Blood & Circulatory

Cancer

Diabetes & Hormonal

Eyes, Ears, Nose & Throat

Gastrointestinal & Digestive

Heart

Infections

Kidney, Liver & Urinary

Mental Health

Musculoskeletal

Neurological

Respiratory

Skin

Other

Get A Quote