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High Blood Pressure Travel Insurance

Blood pressure is measured using two different readings; the pressure at which the heart pumps blood around the body (systolic pressure) and the ability of the blood vessels to resist the blood flow (diastolic pressure). High blood pressure, or hypertension as it’s also known, is defined by a consistent reading of 140/90mmHg or higher; systolic blood pressure of 140mmHg over a diastolic pressure of 90mmHg.

It’s an extremely widespread condition; Blood Pressure UK estimates that approximately 16 million people have high blood pressure nationwide. However, this number could be much higher.

When you have high blood pressure, a relaxing holiday can be just what you need to relieve stress, a factor that can lead to high blood pressure. With the right preparation and specialist high blood pressure travel insurance in place, you can enjoy your time away knowing that you are covered.

Why do I need specialist travel insurance for high blood pressure?

An unexpected illness has the potential not only to disrupt your holiday but to land you with high bills for overseas healthcare. Travel insurance for blood pressure ensures you receive the medical attention you need and that you won’t be left having to cover the cost.

Standard travel insurance providers may refuse to cover you if you have high blood pressure, but at Free Spirit, we specialise in travel insurance for people with existing health conditions, including high blood pressure. Our travel insurance for high blood pressure includes a range of great features, such as cancellation cover.

In the event that you have to cancel your holiday due to a condition brought on by high blood pressure, we can cover you for unused travel and accommodation costs that you have already paid for or are contracted to pay*. If a medical emergency occurs during a trip, we’ll cover associated medical costs, up to £10 million (or £5 million if Super cover is taken), and for repatriation back to the UK if necessary.

Can I still get travel insurance for high blood pressure if I have associated medical conditions?

Yes, absolutely. We understand that if you have high blood pressure you may also have high cholesterol, or you may have previously had a stroke or a heart attack. We are confident that under these circumstances we can help you obtain insurance in the majority of cases. Our UK-based experts will ask about all of your pre-existing medical conditions to ensure that the high blood pressure travel insurance policy we offer includes cover that is best suited to what you need.*

*Cover is subject to the terms, conditions and limits of the insurance policy.

At Free Spirit, we pride ourselves on our flexibility – our insurance policy has been specifically designed to cater for the majority of medical conditions, and combinations of them.

What does high blood pressure travel insurance cover?

Our travel insurance for high blood pressure provides cover for any emergency medical care you need that’s related to your high blood pressure, and any associated health issues. There’s no age limit on our policies, and they include many non-medical cover features too.

For example, you would be covered if you were to lose your medication, medical aids, or travel documents, or if anything were to happen to them that damaged them. Our high blood pressure travel insurance includes personal accident cover, personal liability, and cover for delayed baggage and/or departures. We also provide a dedicated 24-hour emergency medical assistance helpline, so that help is never more than a phone call away.

Don’t forget, if you arrange your cover with us as soon as you book your holiday, you will be immediately protected should you need to cancel your trip.

Plus, if your friends and family are travelling with you, they can also be covered on your high blood pressure travel insurance, whether they have a pre-existing medical condition or not. By including travelling companions on your policy, the whole party is covered if the holiday is cancelled due to your high blood pressure. This may not be the case if they were to each take out a separate policy elsewhere.

Take a closer look at what’s included with our travel insurance for high blood pressure.

How can I get travel insurance for high blood pressure?

You can get a no-obligation quote for our high blood pressure travel insurance in one of two easy ways. Our online medical screening is popular with our customers as it’s quick and easy to use, but if you’d rather speak to someone, our friendly UK-based team of experts is available to take your call on 02392 419 080. Should you need any help while getting a quote or if you have any questions not covered by our frequently asked questions page, we are on hand to help.

To make sure we offer you the most suitable policy for high blood pressure travel insurance, we may well ask you some or all of the following questions:

  • How many medicines does your doctor advise you to take for high blood pressure?
  • Has your dose been increased or have you been prescribed a new tablet in the last six months?
  • Have you been advised to take medication to lower your cholesterol level?
  • Has a blood test ever at any time shown your cholesterol level to be raised?
  • Have you ever been a smoker?

Flying with high blood pressure

While air travel is unlikely to affect high blood pressure if your condition is under control, you must ensure your GP is happy for you to fly before booking any flights.

If your doctor thinks it will be fine for you to travel by air, make sure you know how best to look after yourself at the airport and onboard. Arrive in plenty of time so that you don’t have to rush, and when you’re in the air, try to avoid salty snacks, caffeine and alcohol.

Move around the cabin often, particularly on long-haul flights, and remember to do regular leg exercises when you’re in your seat. could also consider wearing compression stockings to help circulation and prevent deep vein thrombosis if you will be in the air for more than a few hours.

Tips for travelling with high blood pressure

Even if you won’t be travelling by air, taking a few precautions ahead of your departure date can ensure that your high blood pressure doesn’t interfere with your holiday.

Medication: If you take any medication for your high blood pressure, make sure you have more than enough to last throughout your trip, just in case you were to lose any of it. If need be, ask your GP to prescribe an extra supply. List all your medications, including details about how many you take, how often and what they are for. Remember to include the brand name, as some medications have a generic name but may be produced by a specific pharmaceutical company. These details will always be written on the medication pack.

Hand luggage: Split your medication between your hand luggage and your hold luggage so that if you were to be separated from one or the other, you’ll still have a supply. Remember customs will need to see an appropriate label on each medication to avoid unmarked pills being confiscated.

Fluid intake: It’s generally a good idea to stay hydrated and to limit the amount of alcohol and caffeine you consume, especially in very warm climates. Drink plenty of water – loss of fluid from the body can increase blood pressure and dehydration can lower the effect of your high blood pressure medication.

Time difference: If you’re travelling to a new time zone, you’ll need to adjust the time you take your medication. Check with your doctor to ensure you do not take too much or too little.

While all of these preparations are essential, one of the most important precautions you can take for total peace of mind is to arrange high blood pressure travel insurance as soon as your trip is booked. Get in touch with us now to find out more.

Why choose Free Spirit?

Don’t forget, if you arrange your cover with us as soon as you book your holiday, you will be immediately protected should you need to cancel your trip (terms and conditions apply of course! See the policy wording for full details).

If your friends and family are travelling with you, they can also be covered on your high blood pressure insurance, whether they have a pre-existing medical condition or not. By including your travelling companions on your policy, you will ensure the whole party is covered in the event you had to cancel your holiday, due to your high blood pressure and this may not be the case if they had taken out a separate policy elsewhere.

For details of our high blood pressure travel cover see the Free Spirit policy wording or view details of the cover limits.

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  • Testimonials

    I should just like to commend Jonathon on his excellent customer service when dealing with my enquiry today. I was in a state of panic after being tol…
    L. AlexanderEdinburgh


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