Travel insurance is there to cover the cost of unexpected events, including illness and injury. However not all insurers will cover heart conditions, but there are insurers 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 conditions, as well as associated illnesses and unrelated illnesses while you're away.
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 can include a previous heart attack, angina, arrhythmias, a stent, a pacemaker, heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension and previous cardiac surgery. The important thing is not to guess what matters to an insurer – it is to declare the condition and let them assess it properly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Potentially yes, but angina should always be declared when you apply for travel insurance. The insurer will usually want to know about your diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, medication and whether there have been any recent changes in your health.
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, it helps to be prepared before you set off. As well as having the right insurance in place, make sure you travel with the information, identification and medication you may need if you require treatment abroad:
There is no single answer to this, because it depends on your recovery, the treatment you have had, the advice of your doctor, and whether your insurer is prepared to cover you.
Before you book or travel, speak to your GP or hospital specialist and make sure you understand any restrictions, follow-up appointments or medication changes that could affect your plans. Travel insurance is there to cover unexpected problems, but it will only work properly if your medical history has been declared accurately and your insurer has accepted it.
If you have had a recent heart attack, been admitted to hospital, started new medication, or are still under investigation, you should tell your insurer straight away.
As a specialist travel insurance provider, Saga has years of experience in providing customers with cover for diagnosed pre-existing conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
If you’re looking for travel insurance to cover your heart condition, give us a ring on 0800 559 3231 – our friendly team is here to help in your individual circumstances.
There’s no upper age limit and we’d much rather you tell us about your health conditions over the phone than miss out on important details when entering your medical history online.
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