Stroke travel insurance

If your health means you have to cut your trip short, we’ll handle all the details to get you home safely. With 24/7 access to our medical team, we’ll find you the right care, arrange the transport, and coordinate between healthcare professionals.  

If you’re travelling with medicines and something goes wrong, like a loss or theft, it can be tricky to track down replacements abroad. With our Comprehensive and Signature policies, we offer Personal Assistance Services for situations just like this. We’ll help you replace your medical items as a matter of urgency. Please note replacements are not an included expense. 

Long-haul travelling can be a source of worry after having a stroke. Here are steps to consider if you’re at risk of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT): 

• Ask your GP if you need to wear a compression garment 

• Get up and move around – book an aisle seat if flying, or plan plenty of rest stops if driving 

• Do simple exercises and stretches at your seat to increase blood flow, like pointing your feet and wiggling your toes 

• Drink enough water – air cabins can be very dry 

• Consider loose, breathable cotton clothing and lightweight breathable shoes with a well-cushioned sole 

Have a look at some easy exercises we’ve put together to prevent blood clots and DVT. 

Whether it’s your first time going away after a stroke, or one of many, travel can be tiring. Here are some things to keep in mind to help you stay well-rested on your trip: 

• Plan how to get to and from places in advance 

• Leave plenty of time for travel so you’re not rushed 

• If you have an early morning flight, consider staying at the airport hotel the night before 

• Avoid cramming everything into one day – space out your activities throughout your trip with plenty of downtime  

• Stay in a room away from busy main streets so you can get a good night’s rest 

You should always talk to your care team before you travel so they can give advice tailored to your needs. But here are a couple of pointers that you might find helpful: 

• A picture dictionary on your phone - especially if you have trouble communicating and don’t speak the local language 

• If you need it, stay somewhere with step-free access to public areas, wheelchair-accessible lifts, and adapted rooms 

• Keep luggage light and on wheels – consider luggage you can push instead of pull 

• Book accommodation close to things like restaurants and shops 

Your care team can give you more information on what to pack. But here are some items to consider if you’re travelling after a stroke: 

• If you need it, compression garments 

• Your medications and copies of your prescriptions 

• Proof of health and travel insurance, plus contact information 

• Printouts of any agreed special travel arrangements 

• Loose-fitting, comfortable clothes and walking shoes with good support 

Hopefully, your travel won’t be interrupted by an emergency. But it’s important to refresh yourself on what to look out for and what to do. If in doubt, always contact emergency services.  

If you’re away and feel like you or someone you love is having a stroke, remember FAST. 

• Face – has it fallen on one side? 

• Arms – can they raise them? 

• Speech – are they slurring? 

• Time – call emergency services ASAP 

Contact local emergency services immediately. Follow advice on what to do as you wait for them to arrive. 

Then, call our 24-hour emergency helpline. Our team can help arrange your care, and 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: 01403288 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 
   

Learn 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 stroke, you’ll want to look out for what’s covered and what’s not.  

The right travel insurance for stroke should: 
 

• Agree to cover your history of stroke and any other pre-existing conditions you have  

• Cover medical expenses, including necessary emergency travel home 

• Have a high medical cover limit 

• Help you replace lost, stolen or damaged medications

• 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.