Travel Insurance for Varicose Veins

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that you can usually see just under the skin, most often on the legs. Small valves inside the veins normally stop blood flowing backwards. When they weaken, blood collects and the veins stretch. They’re one of the most common circulatory conditions and are often linked to age, pregnancy, standing for long periods and family history.

For many people they’re a cosmetic concern and nothing more. Others get aching, heavy or itchy legs, swollen ankles, or skin changes such as varicose eczema. Less often they can lead to bleeding, leg ulcers or blood clots. The NHS varicose veins page explains the treatment options.

Why do I need to declare varicose veins for travel insurance?

Varicose veins can count as a pre-existing medical condition, particularly if you’ve had treatment, complications or are on a waiting list. We ask because they occasionally lead to problems on a trip. Long flights and heat can make legs swell and ache, and some people have a higher chance of a blood clot, a bleeding vein or a leg ulcer, which could need treatment abroad.

If they should have been declared and weren’t, a claim linked to them could be refused or reduced.

Can I get travel insurance with varicose veins?

Usually, yes. Straightforward varicose veins rarely stand in the way of cover. Ulcers, a history of blood clots or DVT, recent surgery and being on a waiting list for treatment are the things that tend to be looked at more closely when deciding what can be offered.

What we’ll ask about your varicose veins

Screening varicose veins online is quick and simple to do. You’ll be asked a few questions about your veins while getting a quote, and you’ll see the result on the spot before moving on.

How you’ll know where you stand

The result arrives as soon as you’ve answered. Your quote will show whether your varicose veins have been accepted; if they have, the price you’re quoted already allows for them. If they can’t be included, you’ll see that before paying.

New symptoms or treatment before the trip

Let us know if something changes after you’ve bought your policy, for instance a new ulcer, a clot, a procedure being booked, or a change in medication. Your cover may need reviewing, and if a change goes unreported it could affect a related claim.

What varicose veins travel insurance can cover

Once your varicose veins are declared and accepted, an unexpected problem linked to them can be covered while you’re away. If a vein bleeds heavily while you’re in Turkey and you need emergency treatment, or you develop a clot, medical costs can be covered, along with repatriation if necessary. This is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If you develop a complication before departure and your doctor advises you not to travel, you may be able to use cancellation cover to recover costs.

The policy won’t cover planned procedures, including cosmetic vein treatment abroad, or claims linked to anything you didn’t declare.

Single trip or annual cover with varicose veins

For a single holiday, choose single trip cover. If you travel regularly, annual multi-trip insurance is worth comparing, subject to your screening result.

Will varicose veins affect the cost of travel insurance?

For some people, varicose veins make a difference to the cost, and for others it may barely register. Your result from our online medical screening settles which applies. It may ask whether your veins have been treated and how well any symptoms are controlled. As with any policy, age, destination and trip length also shape the quote, which you’ll see in full before buying.

Travelling with varicose veins: practical tips

These are general tips for comfortable travel. They aren’t part of your insurance.

Long flights and car journeys are where most people feel it. Sitting still lets blood pool in the legs, which can make aching and swelling worse and slightly raises the risk of a clot. Get up and walk about when you can, flex your feet and ankles in your seat, and don’t cross your legs for long.

Compression stockings help many people. Ask your GP or pharmacist about the right type and size, and put them on before you set off rather than mid-flight.

Heat tends to make veins swell. Rest with your legs raised in the afternoons, cool them in the pool or sea, and drink plenty of water. Loose clothing and comfortable shoes help too.

If you bump or cut a varicose vein, it can bleed quite a lot. Lie down, raise the leg and press firmly on the spot, and get medical help if it doesn’t stop.

How to get a quote

Start with your destination and travel dates, answer the medical questions, and choose your cover. The price is there before you pay.

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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