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? ›

Some US insurance companies may consider high blood pressure as a pre-existing condition, while others may not. If high blood pressure is considered a pre-existing condition, it means that coverage for any related medical expenses may be limited or excluded.

Do you need to declare high blood pressure on travel insurance? ›

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. Failing to declare anything you knew about before taking out cover could void your policy.

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

Yes. Your high blood pressure may affect your Travel Insurance policy as most insurers will class you as a higher risk. However, this also depends on your age, other medical history and where you're going.

What do insurance companies consider high blood pressure? ›

Many life insurance companies consider high blood pressure as a systolic reading over 135 and a diastolic reading over 85. Others consider high blood pressure as a systolic reading over 130 and a diastolic reading over 80.

Is high blood pressure a pre-existing condition for travel insurance in the USA? ›

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

Is it OK to travel with high BP? ›

Having high blood pressure should not be a barrier to travelling. In fact, all forms of travel should be fine if you have high blood pressure and it is well controlled, even long distance.

Does high blood pressure disqualify you from flying? ›

The FAA's upper limit for blood pressure previously varied depending on a pilot's age and class of certificate. The standards now allow certification for pressures up to 155/95 without an evaluation. Pilots with blood pressures above this level may still be certified after a cardiovascular evaluation (CVE).

Does high blood pressure make you uninsurable? ›

Living with high blood pressure significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which makes those with this condition a greater risk to insure. However, as long as you're managing your condition with medication and diet, you will likely be able to find life insurance coverage.

Does high blood pressure affect insurance? ›

Yes, having high blood pressure alone should not rule you out in terms of getting life insurance. However, there are other factors aside from high blood pressure that affect whether you can take out life insurance and the premiums you'll pay. These factors include: Your age.

What is considered a preexisting condition? ›

An illness or injury experienced before enrollment in a health insurance plan may be considered a pre-existing condition. Pre-existing conditions can include health issues such as cancer, diabetes, lupus, depression, acne, pregnancy, or just about any other health condition you can imagine.

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

Is hypertension a pre-existing condition for insurance? ›

In the health insurance world, a pre-existing condition is any injury, sickness or condition that exists before the date an insurance policy takes effect. Examples include asthma, diabetes, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and so on.

Will I get denied life insurance for high blood pressure? ›

Most life insurers will offer policies to applicants who admit to having high blood pressure. It's only when the blood pressure is uncontrolled and the readings are too severe will the insurer decline. With this as an industry standard practice it's not common for a death claim to be denied for high blood pressure.

What is considered high blood pressure for travel insurance? ›

What is considered high blood pressure for travel insurance? According to Blood Pressure UK, an ideal blood pressure reading is between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg, anyone with consistent readings of 140/90mmHg and above is considered to have high blood pressure⁹.

What are considered pre-existing conditions 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 you be denied insurance for a preexisting 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.

Is high blood pressure a pre-existing condition for life insurance? ›

Due to the added risk health problems create for insurers, some pre-existing conditions can raise your premium or even disqualify you entirely from certain types of life insurance. A few common examples of pre-existing conditions include high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and asthma.

Is controlled high blood pressure a pre-existing condition? ›

High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is a common pre-existing medical condition, and can be covered by your policy - but you need to meet the conditions below.

Is high blood pressure considered a medical condition? ›

Hypertension is a serious medical condition and can increase the risk of heart, brain, kidney and other diseases. It is a major cause of premature death worldwide, with upwards of 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women – over a billion people – having the condition.

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