Travel insurance for high blood pressure: what you need to know (2024)

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.

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.

Travel insurance for high blood pressure: what you need to know (2024)

FAQs

Travel insurance for high blood pressure: what you need to know? ›

Insurance companies view High blood Pressure as a pre-existing condition. This means your regular Visitors Insurance may or may not cover the expense of treatment for High Blood Pressure. In such cases, it is necessary to purchase travel insurance with high blood pressure coverage.

Do I need to tell travel insurance about high blood pressure? ›

Yes, when you take out travel insurance, you'll be asked whether you have any pre-existing medical conditions. You'll need to tell your insurer if you have high blood pressure and let them know about any other health issues you've been diagnosed with.

Is high blood pressure considered a preexisting condition for travel insurance? ›

Most travel medical insurance companies consider high blood pressure a pre-existing condition. Other common pre-existing conditions include: Asthma. Heart disease.

What do insurance companies consider high blood pressure? ›

Life insurance companies typically consider high blood pressure as a systolic reading over 135 and a diastolic reading over 85. Some companies consider high blood pressure a systolic reading over 130 and a diastolic reading over 80 — it will depend on the specific insurer.

Which travel insurance covers high blood pressure? ›

Having high blood pressure (also called hypertension) is a common medical condition, yet many people don't think about declaring it on their travel insurance policy. AllClear travel insurance policies offer cover for conditions such as high blood pressure so you can travel with peace of mind.

Will high blood pressure affect my 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.

Will having high blood pressure increase my travel insurance? ›

High blood pressure is considered to be a 'pre-existing medical condition' by insurers. That means it's an important fact that will directly affect the kind of policy you need, and the chances of you claiming are going to be higher.

Will high blood pressure deny life insurance? ›

Having high blood pressure doesn't automatically make your life insurance premiums higher or disqualify you from life insurance. It depends on how long you have had high blood pressure and how well you are managing it.

What pre-existing conditions are not covered? ›

Health insurers can no longer charge more or deny coverage to you or your child because of a pre-existing health condition like asthma, diabetes, or cancer, as well as pregnancy. They cannot limit benefits for that condition either.

Can I be denied health insurance because of a pre-existing condition? ›

Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies can't refuse to cover you or charge you more just because you have a “pre-existing condition” — that is, a health problem you had before the date that new health coverage starts. They also can't charge women more than men.

How can I lower my blood pressure before an insurance exam? ›

The Day Before the Exam
  1. Avoid alcohol and nicotine. Both can increase your blood pressure. ...
  2. Avoid red meat. Red meat is a high-cholesterol food.
  3. Avoid over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and nasal decongestants. These types of medications can increase blood pressure.
  4. Get a good night's sleep.
Sep 12, 2023

How can I lower my blood pressure for a life insurance test? ›

Limit high-cholesterol foods, salt, sugar, and fat. Avoid non-essential over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and decongestants, which can raise blood pressure and glucose levels. Avoid alcohol which can negatively impact liver enzymes and cause dehydration. Increase your water intake.

How much does high blood pressure affect life insurance? ›

Why Do Insurance Companies Care About High Blood Pressure? Life insurance companies take hypertension seriously because it significantly increases the risk of complications such as heart disease and stroke. Therefore, if you have high blood pressure, you're often seen as a greater risk to insure.

What travel insurance will not cover? ›

Most travel insurance policies won't pay out if you're negligent while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and have an accident or have property stolen.

What conditions are not covered by travel insurance? ›

Conditions which may not be covered

Conditions like terminal illness, the need for oxygen, pending surgery, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, specific types of cancer, congestive heart failure, and recurring pain are generally excluded from coverage.

What is considered pre-existing condition for travel insurance? ›

A pre-existing condition for travel insurance refers to an injury, illness or medical condition that prompted you to seek treatment, experience symptoms or take medication before buying the travel insurance policy, according to Allianz Travel.

Can I travel with blood pressure? ›

Yes, but you should talk to your doctor before making any travel plans, however it is likely that you'll be okay to fly if you have high blood pressure and it is well controlled with medication. Travelling by air can be quite stressful in itself, with queues, security to clear and tight deadlines.

Is high blood pressure considered a medical illness? ›

Blood pressure is created by the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels (arteries) as it is pumped by the heart. The higher the pressure, the harder the heart has to pump. Hypertension is a serious medical condition and can increase the risk of heart, brain, kidney and other diseases.

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