Travelling with Heart Conditions

Can I get travel insurance if I have a heart condition?

Yes, MIA can usually offer insurance for people travelling with a heart condition.

As with all policies, our ability to offer travel insurance cover will depend on your individual circumstances, such as how stable your condition is, and any secondary illnesses or complications.

However, rest assured, MIA specialises in offering cover for those people who have found it difficult getting travel insurance previously.

What's covered?

MIA is made up of two specialist medical travel insurance products, Clear2Go and Clear4Travel. Each product has its own levels of cover:

• Medical cover up to £5,000,000 per person
• Baggage Cover of up to £1,500 per person
• Cancellation cover of between £1,000 and £2,000

• Medical cover up to £5,000,000 per person
• Baggage Cover of up to £1,500 per person
• Cancellation cover of between £2,000 and £5,000
• Hospitalisation cover and personal accident cover - inclusive of death benefit of up to £30,000

Please see our policy wording for a full list of benefits and exclusions.

Here at MIA, we won’t define you by your heart condition or a set of medical questions, so we don’t only use standard online questionnaires to get you covered.

We have an experienced and friendly team to talk you through the process and explain any difficult insurance or medical jargon, so we can tailor-make a policy that’s right for you.

All policies and prices vary according to individual circumstances, such as the destination you have chosen as well as your health at the time of travel. There may be times where we can’t offer you cover, but our team will be able to talk you through any options available to you.

Travelling with Heart Conditions - Tips

If your condition is stable, your medications are balanced and you’re feeling well, chances are you can travel without incident, but it might be a good idea to check with your GP first. If you’ve recently had a heart attack, or you’ve undergone surgery in the last six months there may be some restrictions on flying to your destination.

If you take regular medication, be sure to pack enough to last for your time away, plus a bit extra in case of delays. If you’re flying to your destination, consider packing your medication in your hand luggage, to minimise the chance of it becoming lost in transit. You may need a letter from your doctor if you’re travelling with medicines in your hand luggage, especially if they are in liquid form. If you’re travelling through time-zones, it can be tricky to maintain your regular medication regime, speak to your doctor or medical team for advice.

Make sure you allow plenty of time for your journey, so you aren’t rushing. If you need assistance at the airport, be sure to let your airline know ahead of time. This may help you avoid carrying heavy luggage and allow you early access to your seat on the plane. If you’re travelling through airport security make sure you’re carrying your device identification card if you have an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) or a pacemaker, as these devices shouldn’t we exposed to full body scans.

General advice given on the British Heart Foundation website is that travelling to destinations with extreme temperatures can put additional strain on the heart, especially if you have Angina or Heart Failure, and your doctor should be consulted prior to booking your travel arrangements.

Make sure that you’re realistic with what you can, and can’t, do on your holiday. Try and book accommodation that’s easily accessible and doesn’t involve climbing steep inclines, that could leave you feeling tired. If you’re thinking of going walking, especially at altitude, bear in mind that temperature changes or poor air quality can bring on Angina like symptoms. We’re not suggesting that you can’t enjoy yourself, just consider your level of health before you embark on any strenuous activities.

There are lots of online sources that offer advice on travelling with heart conditions, the NHS website has information and tips on how to make the most of your holiday, and looking after yourself while you’re away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we’ll need to know your full medical history so we can make sure we find a medical travel insurance policy that’s right for you.

As long as we’re made aware of all pre-existing medical conditions, we will make every effort to include these in any quote we offer you.

You may have booked your holiday when you were feeling well, but now you’re unwell or you’ve had further complications. If your doctor says you’re not fit to travel, we can offer cover against you, and any other travellers insured on the policy, subject to terms and conditions.

If you become seriously ill while you’re away or your condition worsens, our Emergency Medical Assistance team can arrange for you and a companion, as long as they’re on the policy, to be brought home and cover any reasonable costs that you can’t be refunded for.

No, but we do ask that you discuss your travel arrangements with your GP or medical team and that they make a note on your records that they’re happy for you to travel. If your doctor offers any restrictions to your travel, please let us know.

If you have any other questions, our friendly and experienced team can help, just let us know.