How to get travel insurance for heart conditions

Can I get travel insurance with a heart condition?

The aim of travel insurance is to cover the cost of unexpected events, including illness and injury, before and during your holiday. And, yes, you can still get this type of protection even with a diagnosed heart condition.

Michelle Cooper, Director of Travel Insurance advises: "Many insurers offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions, however, it’s essential to declare them when taking out your policy. With treatment abroad being costly, it’s best to be properly covered should you need treatment related to your condition while away."

If they won’t cover your condition, there are insurers out there who will. You may have to pay an additional premium or go to a specialist provider, but you’ll then be covered for the cost of any unexpected medical care for the condition, as well as associated illnesses and unrelated illnesses, while you’re away.

Also, if you go for a policy with cancellation cover, you won’t be left out of pocket if you need to cancel or abandon your trip because of unforeseen problems.

Again, you’ll be covered if your heart condition interrupts your plans, as long as your diagnosis has been declared and accepted by your insurer.

What are pre-existing heart conditions?

In the world of insurance, any medical problems you have currently or have had in the past are known as pre-existing conditions.

Examples of pre-existing heart conditions would be if you’ve had a heart attack or cardiac surgery, or you’ve been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, heart failure or even hypertension.

If you’ve received treatment, medication or advice for a heart or circulatory condition, you must tell your insurer about it so that you’re properly covered during your time away.

Anyone having investigations or awaiting test results is unlikely to find an insurer who will cover them, until a medical diagnosis is confirmed.

What medical conditions to declare on travel insurance?

Your insurer will want to know about all physical or mental health conditions that you’ve seen a doctor about within the time period they specify before taking out or renewing travel insurance.

However, when it comes to serious issues such as heart attack, stroke or cancer, you should always tell your travel insurance company about it, even if it was further in the past than the medical declaration period.

Also remember to update them about any changes to your health between buying your travel insurance policy and actually going on holiday.

Why do I need to tell my insurer about a heart condition from a few years ago?

Because it may be relevant to medications you take or associated conditions you may have.

For example, if you had a heart attack 10 years ago and were diagnosed with coronary artery disease, you may still be taking medication to control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Or if you suffer from arrhythmias, you may have a medical device fitted, such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).

You won’t necessarily be charged more for telling your insurer about a historic condition that is cured or well managed, but it’s safer to have it recorded on your policy than to have a claim declined later because you didn’t think you needed to mention it.

Can I get travel insurance with a stent?

Yes, as long as your doctor or specialist nurse says it’s safe for you to travel.

Arranging travel insurance for heart conditions over the phone is normally best, rather than doing a quote online.

An online application may be declined, have conditions excluded or be unaffordable if you have a complex medical history.

The good news is that all travel insurance providers should point you in the direction of a specialist provider if they can’t offer you what you need.

The MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Directory is a list of UK insurers, including Saga, who specialise in offering cover in more complicated circumstances.

What happens if I need medical treatment abroad?

We hope you’ll never need to seek medical attention on holiday, but if you do you’ll soon find out how important travel insurance is.

Most policies offer high levels of cover for emergency medical expenses abroad. Contact your insurer as soon as possible and they’ll help you get the treatment you need.

If you’re travelling with a heart condition, you should also make sure you have the following with you:

• A valid Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) when travelling in Europe
• A device identification card if you have a pacemaker or ICD inserted
• Recent medical documents that might be helpful for doctors abroad if you need treatment
• More than enough medication to last for the duration of your trip.