Travel Insurance for High Blood Pressure

A group of mature friends are sitting around an outdoor dining table, eating and drinking in Tuscany, Italy.

Published - 28 Aug 2024 | Updated - 12 May 2025

Having high blood pressure, also called hypertension, does not automatically stop you from travelling or getting holiday cover. But it is important to declare the condition, understand when it is safe to fly, and make sure your policy reflects any recent changes to your health. Here is what to know before you travel.

Can I get holiday insurance with high blood pressure?

Many insurers provide travel insurance for hypertension as long as the condition is controlled. You will most likely be asked some screening questions and your age and other medical conditions will also be taken into account.

Do you declare high blood pressure on travel insurance?

Yes, you should declare hypertension otherwise your insurance might not be valid if you make a claim. And if you’re not covered, you could end up having to pay medical costs abroad yourself if you need any treatment related to the condition.

When you declare high blood pressure, your insurer may ask you a bit more about it, such as:

have you had any medical treatment for the condition?
when did you last see a doctor about it?
what medication are you taking for it?
are you awaiting any medical procedure or investigations?

Is high blood pressure considered a pre-existing condition for travel insurance?

Yes, it’s a diagnosed condition that needs medical monitoring. As such, like other ongoing health issues it will increase the cost of your cover because it may also increase the likelihood of you making a claim.

By adding this pre-existing condition to your policy, you’ll be covered for the cost of any unexpected medical care for the high blood pressure, as well as associated illnesses, while you’re away.

Did you know?

You should notify your travel insurer of all pre-existing conditions when you take out a policy. Be prepared to share details of your medications and answer questions about what each drug has been prescribed for.

You should also tell your insurer about any changes to your health between the time you buy your travel insurance policy and when you actually go away to ensure you’re fully covered.

Can you get travel insurance with blood pressure associated problems?

Over the long term, hypertension can lead to the narrowing and stiffening of arteries, which puts people at higher risk of developing other cardiovascular conditions, such as heart attack and stroke. You can still get travel insurance with a heart condition and Saga has experience in providing cover for customers who have this type of medical history.

What will travel insurance for high blood pressure cover?

A policy that includes cover for high blood pressure will also include all the standard features of your policy. For medical-related claims, including for hypertension, you’ll be covered for:

Emergency medical expenses up to the level on your policy schedule
Repatriation if deemed medically necessary
Cancellation or abandonment – remember to buy travel insurance that includes cancellation cover as soon as you book your trip in case a health issue means you have no option but to cancel.

Can you fly with high blood pressure?

It’s generally fine to fly if you’ve got high blood pressure, as long as your condition is well-controlled. If it’s unstable or very high, check with your GP before travelling.

For anyone flying with a health condition – or anyone just wanting to arrive at their destination in the best possible shape – follow this simple health advice when flying:

Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport to avoid unnecessary stress
Stay hydrated – you can refill your own water bottle after security to take on board
Move around where possible and do regular leg stretches and ankle rotations
Consider wearing compression stockings on a long-haul flight
Avoid salty foods and alcohol on the aircraft.

When not to travel with high blood pressure

In many cases, people with high blood pressure can travel without problems, especially when the condition is stable and well managed. But there are times when it is sensible to pause and get medical advice before you go.

If your blood pressure is very high, your medication has recently changed, you have new symptoms, or you are waiting for tests, treatment or a specialist review, speak to your GP before you book or travel. The same applies if you have recently been admitted to hospital or have another condition linked to your blood pressure, such as heart or circulation problems. If you are planning a holiday that involves high altitude, long hikes or a demanding itinerary, it is also worth checking with your GP or specialist before you travel.

Travel insurance is designed for unexpected events, not for situations where you already know there may be a problem. That is why it is important to tell your insurer about diagnosed conditions, medication, tests, waiting lists and any changes in your health before you leave. Once your details have been assessed, you can travel with far more confidence about what cover is in place.

How else should I prepare when travelling with high blood pressure?

Get your Global Health Insurance Card

Check you’ve got a valid EHIC/GHIC card to entitle you to necessary state healthcare in countries and territories with reciprocal agreements. You can apply for a new one through the NHS website and use it in combination with your travel insurance.

Pack enough medication

Make sure you’ve got adequate medication for the entirety of your trip including if your return journey is delayed. Pack a prescription too just in case anything unexpected happens.

Keep your policy details updated

Any health changes should be communicated to your travel insurance provider. If you’re under investigation or awaiting test results at the time of travel, they may not be able to cover you.

What insurance does Saga offer?

As a specialist travel insurance provider for people over 50, Saga has years of experience in providing customers with cover for diagnosed pre-existing conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes.

There’s no upper age limit and our friendly team is here to help in your individual medical circumstances. With five different cover options available, you can pack the right policy for your trip.

Who underwrites Saga Travel Insurance?

Saga Travel Insurance is designed for people over 50 and is underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited, with claims administered on their behalf by Collinson Insurance Services Limited.

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Travel insurance for high blood pressure

Can I get holiday insurance with high blood pressure?

Do you declare high blood pressure on travel insurance?