Travel insurance after TIA

If your medications are lost, damaged or stolen, we know how crucial it is to replace them quickly. But it can be tricky to track down medicines and equipment abroad. With our Comprehensive and Signature policies, we offer Personal Assistance Services for situations just like this.  

This support includes: 
 

• help finding local pharmacies that stock your medications 

• connecting you with English-speaking health professionals 

• support with confirming prescriptions 
   

Please note, the cost of replacement medication isn’t a covered expense

If your health means you need to unexpectedly cancel or cut your trip abroad short, we’ll get you home safely without the extra expense. That includes travel to the airport, any medical assistance or accommodation you need en route, and cancellation costs up to the agreed amount as per your cover level.  

  
We’ll help with:  

• coordinating care with your medical team back home  

• finding accommodation if you need to extend your stay  

• your transport arrangements, including travel to your local hospital if needed  

• rebooking flights and transfers  

Reducing stress is a great way to reduce your blood pressure, which may be an important part of your post-stroke management plan.  
 
To keep the stress at bay on your trip:  

• plan and book travel routes in advance  

• leave with plenty of time to spare or avoid rush hours so you don’t feel rushed  

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

• take plenty of breaks – it’s tempting to do everything possible when you’re away 

• get a good night’s rest – stay somewhere off noisy main streets

It’s important you continue taking all your prescribed medication on your trip. It may be easy to forget when you’re somewhere new so consider using an alarm on your phone as a reminder. 

If you’re travelling to a new time zone, you may need to speak to your nurse about changing your medication schedule to match the local time. 

If you need a blood pressure monitor, speak to your nurse on how to use it and read your results. It’s a good idea to know what to look out for. 

You may be worried about blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on long journeys after having a TIA. Here are some steps you can take: 

• If recommended by your GP, wear a compression garment. 

• Take regular walks – book an aisle seat if flying, or plan plenty of rest stops if driving. 

• Leave the space under the seat in front of you free so you can stretch your legs and do simple exercises while seated. 

• Stay hydrated, particularly if flying as air cabins can be very dry. 

• Wear breathable cotton clothing that’s loose around the calves. 

Have a look some easy exercises we’ve put together to help increase blood flow during long journeys.  

You might be prioritising rest and relaxation as you escape everyday life on your trip. But if you’re keeping an eye on your blood pressure or cholesterol, try to also continue being active and eating well. 

Enjoy new foods while you’re away but it’s best to be mindful as you go. Try to avoid foods high in fat and salt.  

Keep up with your regular exercise routine even while you’re away. If you’re kicking back on a cruise, you may want to look into exercise classes they have onboard. But if you’re exploring a new city, you might be walking more than usual, so keep this in mind when planning activities.  

If you’re unsure, talk with your doctor for advice before making any changes to your activity.  

Many people can fly after a mini stroke or a TIA. When you can fly may depend how recently you had a stroke and if your condition is stable. It’s best to check with your doctor whether you’re fit to fly.  

Some airlines may not allow you to travel with them if your TIA was very recent and your doctor has not approved your travel. So, make sure you check before you book. 

Always talk to your pharmacist or nurse before you go so you know how to take and store your medication while away. You might find it helpful to: 

• keep them in original packaging with prescriptions 

• pack them in your bag and suitcase in case of delay or lost baggage 

• use an alarm on your phone so you don’t forget to take them - the changes in routine while travelling can make it harder to remember  

• speak to a nurse about changing your schedule to match the local time if you’re travelling to a new time zone 

This depends on where you’re going and what kind of trip you’re taking. But here are some things you might want to bring along with you no matter where you’re going: 

• loose-fitting comfortable cotton clothes  

• lightweight, breathable walking shoes with a well-cushioned sole 

• all your medication with copies of prescriptions with extras in case of delay 

• A GHIC if you’re travelling in Europe 

• proof of health and travel insurance with contact numbers 

• a list of local healthcare services in the area you’re going to with contact numbers  

Hopefully, you won’t have to worry about a TIA or stroke on your trip. But it’s a good idea to be prepared in the unlikely event that it does happen.  

If you or someone you love is experiencing FAST symptoms: 

• Face – has it fallen on one side? 

• Arms – can they raise them? 

• Speech – are they slurring? 

• Time – call emergency services ASAP 

Your first line of contact is the local emergency services. Follow your doctor’s advice on what to do as you wait. 

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: 0140 3288 414 

If you or someone on your policy has been admitted to hospital, we’ll need  to know within 48 hours. We need to authorise any paid medical treatment you receive. 

Medical travel insurance for TIA covers things you’d expect from a travel policy, and extra cover for any events related to your history of stroke. This also applies to any other pre-existing conditions you add to your policy.  
 

But as good as travel insurance is, there are some things that 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 on what travel insurance covers. Always check your policy documents carefully to understand exactly what you’re covered for.  

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

The right travel insurance for TIA should: 
 

• agree to cover your history of stroke and any other 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 while abroad