Travel insurance for high blood pressure

If you bring medication, keep them in their original packaging with your prescription in case you need medical help. It might be helpful to pack them in your hand luggage and suitcase in case any baggage is lost or delayed.  

Some medications have side effects that may need extra caution when travelling.  

• Diuretics – keep up your fluid intake, especially when going somewhere hot or flying 

• Beta blockers – pack a blanket or extra socks for cold hands and feet, especially as air cabins can be cold 

• Calcium channel blockers – consider lightweight, breathable shoes with a well-cushioned sole for swollen ankles 

Talk to your pharmacist for more advice on managing your medication and their side effects on your trip. 

Our 24-hour medical emergency assistance team is there to help you every step of the way. If your health means you need to cut your trip short, our team will take care of the details. Your safe return is our priority, so we’ll arrange the transport, liaise with health teams on the ground and back home, and cover the costs of getting you home safely.  

A trip away can be a great chance to kick back and relax. Here are some extra tips to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible on your trip.  

• Stay in accommodation that’s easy to get to and close to amenities like restaurants 

• Leave plenty of time to get to and from your destinations  

• Bring a battery pack so you always have charge on your phone 

• Try not to cram everything into one day – spread your activities out and take your time 

If you find yourself in a stressful situation, stop what you’re doing and try some deep breathing exercises to prevent your blood pressure from rising. 

If you have high blood pressure, you may be at a higher risk of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) when long-haul travelling.  

Here are some tips to reduce your risk and make your journey as comfortable as possible: 

• If needed, wear compression garments 

• Book an aisle seat so you can get up and walk around every hour  

• Do simple exercises and stretches when you’re seated like head tilts  

• Prepare your own food in advance – in-flight food tends to be high in salt  

• Avoid taking a sleeping pill or drinking alcohol  

• After your journey, take a walk to get your circulation going again 

Here are 8 easy exercises you can do to prevent blood clots when long-haul travelling. 

A trip away from everyday life can have the added benefit of boosting your activity levels. Here’s things to keep in mind.  

• Consider your physical ability – it may be tempting to try out many different activities while away, but this might put extra pressure on your heart 

• Get plenty of rest – if you take beta blockers and they make sleep difficult, then book accommodation away from noisy main streets 

• Treat yourself while you’re away but avoid very salty foods and heavy drinking  
   

You should always talk to your GP or nurse before starting any new physical activity with high blood pressure. Walking counts as physical activity, too! 

High blood pressure is a pre-existing health condition, so we need to know about it. 

It’s important you tell us about your high blood pressure and any other pre-existing medical conditions you have. 

If we don’t know about all your conditions, we won’t be able to cover you if you need to make a claim. 

In an emergency, contact the local emergency services first, and then call our 24-hour emergency helpline. Our team will help arrange your care, find the most appropriate place for treatment and follow up care. 

Our helpline is open 24/7, 365 days a year: 

• Calling from outside the UK: +44 1403 288 414 

• Calling from USA or Canada: +1 844 780 0639 

• Calling from Mexico: +1 819 780 0639 

• Calling from the UK: 01403 288 414 

If you or someone on your policy is admitted to hospital or your outpatient treatment is likely to cost more than £350, contact us as soon as possible. Where you have a valid claim, and your medical expenses exceed £350 we will look to settle the bill directly with the medical provider where possible. 

If you have a non-urgent medical concern, such as sickness, headaches, or mild pain, contact our helpline first for advice on where to go for assistance. 

As good as travel insurance is, some things can’t be covered.  

You’re not covered for: 

• Travelling against your doctor’s advice 

• Claims for pre-existing medical conditions you haven’t told us about  

• Routine check-ups, planned treatment or non-emergency care 

• Travel for medical procedures abroad  

• Reimbursement for lost, damaged or stolen medicines or equipment 

• Incidents related to alcohol or controlled substances 

• Strike action that was common knowledge at the time of booking 

• Choosing private treatment when suitable public facilities are available 

• Choosing not to travel 
   

Discover more about what travel insurance covers. Always check your policy documents carefully to understand exactly what you’re covered for.  

When comparing travel insurance policies for high blood pressure, you’ll want to look out for what’s covered and what’s not.  

The right travel insurance for high blood pressure should: 
 

• Agree to cover your high blood pressure and any other pre-existing condition you have  

• Cover medical expenses, including necessary emergency travel home 

• Have a high medical cover limit 

• Help you replace lost, stolen or damaged medications and equipment 

• Cover you for cancellations or interruptions during your trip 

• Include 24/7 emergency assistance services abroad 

Learn more about what’s covered under our medical insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, or get a quote.