Travel Insurance for a Transient Ischaemic Attack

What is a transient ischaemic attack?

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is a brief interruption to the blood supply to part of the brain. It causes the same kind of symptoms as a stroke, such as a drooping face, arm weakness or slurred speech, but they pass, usually within minutes and always within 24 hours. People often call it a mini stroke. It belongs with our other circulatory conditions.

A TIA doesn’t cause lasting damage, but it’s a warning sign. Your risk of a full stroke is higher afterwards, especially in the first few days and weeks, so most people are started on medicines to thin the blood and lower blood pressure or cholesterol. See the NHS page on TIA for more.

Why do I need to declare a TIA for travel insurance?

A TIA, sometimes called a mini stroke, is a pre-existing medical condition even though the symptoms pass quickly. We ask about it because it’s a warning sign: the risk of a full stroke is raised, especially in the weeks after the attack. A stroke abroad would need emergency treatment and possibly a medical flight home, and a new episode before you go could mean cancelling.

If the TIA isn’t declared, a related claim could be refused or reduced.

Can I get travel insurance after a TIA?

In most cases you can get cover. How recently the TIA happened is the most important detail in whether it’s offered. The screening also considers whether you’ve had more than one, whether you’re waiting for scans or a specialist review, and conditions often found alongside it, such as atrial fibrillation or narrowed carotid arteries.

What we’ll ask about your TIA

Telling us about a TIA is straightforward with our online screening. It takes a few minutes, asks some relevant questions about the episode and gives you a result straight after.

What happens next

You’ll have your answer right away. The quote shows whether your TIA has been accepted on the policy, and when it is, the premium in front of you already includes it. If it can’t be included, that’s made clear before you pay for anything.

Keeping us informed

It’s common for further tests to happen after a TIA, so things can change quickly. Tell us before you travel about any new diagnosis, medication change, hospital stay or referral. We may need to review your cover, and a change left unreported could affect a related claim.

What TIA travel insurance can cover

When your TIA is accepted, emergencies connected to it can be covered while you’re away. If you have another TIA or a stroke in Italy and are taken to hospital, emergency treatment can be covered, and so can returning you to the UK with medical support if you need it. This is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

A second TIA before your trip, or new test results that lead your doctor to tell you not to travel, may allow you to claim non-refundable costs back through cancellation cover.

The policy doesn’t cover tests or surgery you’ve been waiting for, planned treatment abroad, or anything linked to undeclared conditions.

Single trip or annual cover after a TIA

Single trip insurance is the straightforward choice for one holiday. If you go away several times a year, annual cover may be an option, depending on the outcome of your screening.

Will a TIA affect the cost of travel insurance?

A TIA can affect your premium. The screening result is the deciding factor, so it’s worth answering each question carefully. Online medical screening may ask what treatment you’re on and how well things have been controlled since the attack. Like any quote, the price also depends on your age, where you’re going and the length of the trip.

Travelling after a TIA: practical tips

This is general advice and isn’t part of the insurance.

Wait for your tests to be done. After a TIA you’ll usually be seen quickly by a specialist and may have scans of your brain or neck. Going away before these are complete, or before your treatment has settled, isn’t a good idea. Your GP or stroke clinic can advise on when it’s reasonable to travel and fly.

Learn the FAST signs of stroke: face drooping, arm weakness, speech problems, and time to call for help. Make sure whoever you’re travelling with knows them too, and find out the emergency number for your destination. It’s 112 across the EU.

Keep taking your medicines at the same time each day, even when time zones change. If you’ve been put on blood thinners or statins, pack enough for the whole trip and a little extra.

On long flights, move around, keep hydrated and avoid too much alcohol. Hot climates can lead to dehydration, so drink more than you would at home.

How to get a quote

Add your trip details, answer the questions about your TIA and other conditions, then choose your level of cover. You’ll see the cost before you buy.

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.

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