High blood pressure (also called hypertension) affects more than a quarter of all adults in England – some 12.5 million people – according to the Government’s most recent figures. It’s little wonder, then, that travel insurance for high blood pressure is highly sought after. And while many people with the condition live symptom-free, it does increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, so it’s important to know what is considered high blood pressure for insurance and to choose the right type of cover.
Can I get travel insurance with high blood pressure?
Yes. The good news is that when it comes to travel insurance, hypertension should not prevent you from taking out a policy. A comprehensive travel insurance policy will cover you for urgent, specialist medical care if you fall ill during your trip, plus all the other benefits of travel insurance such as cover for lost or stolen belongings, including medication.
Do I have to tell my insurer?
Holidaymakers often ask: ‘Is high blood pressure a pre-existing medical condition for travel insurance?’ The answer is simple – high blood pressure is classed as a pre-existing medical condition, so you do need to tell your insurance provider when applying for a policy. If you don’t disclose your diagnosis and you fall ill on holiday and it's related to your high blood pressure, your policy may be invalidated.
How to declare high blood pressure on your travel insurance
When you apply for a quote, you’ll need to enter your personal details, provide information about your holiday plans and disclose whether you or anyone you are travelling with has any pre-existing medical conditions. In this final section, it is important that you tell your travel insurance provider about your high blood pressure.
The following may help with your quote:
- What is considered high blood pressure for insurance purposes?
Ideal adult blood pressure is typically between 90/60mmHG and 120/80mmHG. Your doctor may diagnose high blood pressure if you experience readings that are higher than that, which means your heart is having to work harder to pump blood around your body.
- What questions can I expect to answer?
Your insurance provider may want to know how long you have had the condition, what medication you are taking to manage it, the dose your doctor has prescribed, as well as any recent changes to your treatment. They may also want to know if you have any treatments scheduled.
- What is covered if I become unwell during my holiday?
Your policy should cover any unplanned medical treatment while you’re away, plus the cost of emergency transport back to the UK – called repatriation – should you need it. A comprehensive policy should also cover curtailment if your trip needs to be cut short. This is in addition to standard inclusions such as cover for lost and stolen luggage, travel delays and personal liability claims.
Can you fly with high blood pressure?
Flying with high blood pressure generally isn’t a problem, but you should always check with your doctor before booking flights if you’re concerned.
Other tips for travelling with high blood pressure
- If you’re visiting a different time zone, work out what time you’ll need to take your medication as it may be different than at home. This can help ensure that there are no delays to your usual dose.
- Keep medication in your hand luggage when flying, always carry it with you once you arrive at your destination and pack more than you are likely to need during your trip. This should help prevent you from running out if your main luggage gets lost or your trip ends up lasting longer than you expect. Remember, it may not be possible to get the same medication from a doctor while you are away.
- Take your prescription with you too, so that you can speak to a doctor about replacing it if it is lost or stolen.
- Stay hydrated – this is the easiest way to stay well while travelling and is particularly important when visiting hot climates.
Buy travel insurance for high blood pressure today
Travel with confidence with comprehensive travel insurance for high blood pressure from the Telegraph Media Group Travel Insurance Service, provided by AllClear. Policies include Covid cover, plus can offer cover for a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions including hypertension.
- Get an online quote today from the Telegraph Media Group Travel Insurance Service.
Read more:
- Travel insurance for cancer patients
- When should I buy travel insurance?
- Travel insurance for Dubai
Telegraph Media Group Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of AllClear Insurance Services Limited, a company that is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The above article was created for Telegraph Financial Solutions, a trading name of The Telegraph Media Group. For more information on Telegraph Financial Solutions click here.
