Travel Insurance and Cardiovascular Conditions: How to Get Coverage When You Have a Heart Condition

The heart wants what it wants... and sometimes, that means travelling! Having a heart condition doesn't mean you have to give up on discovering the world. All you need is a bit of preparation and a well-chosen travel insurance policy to have the possibility of travelling abroad with peace of mind.

If you've had a heart attack, undergone cardiac surgery, or are living with a chronic cardiovascular condition, it's essential to understand how travel insurance works. Get rid of any misconceptions: a cardiac history doesn't necessarily mean sky-high premiums or denied coverage. It's simpler than you think!

Here's what you need to know to avoid unpleasant surprises while travelling when you have a heart condition:

Travelling with a Heart Condition: What You Need to Know

Before planning your next trip abroad, take the time to have your current health assessed. A stable condition is often a requirement for travel insurance eligibility. For example, if your angiogram shows no abnormalities, your doctor has given their approval, and your stress test is normal, you're generally fit to travel.

However, some situations require more precautions. For people who have undergone cardiac surgery, a certain waiting period is recommended before flying: wait at least two weeks after a bypass or angioplasty, and ensure your health is stable if the procedure dates back less than six months. Similarly, after a heart attack, you're advised to wait between four and six weeks for a simple infarction and eight weeks in case of more severe complications.

If you suffer from heart failure or arrhythmia, it's crucial to follow your medical treatment scrupulously. For those who have both diabetes and a heart condition, a consultation with a cardiologist is essential before departure.

Finally, some more worrying symptoms, such as recurring acute chest pain or heart rhythm disorders at rest, should be taken more seriously. As always, it's recommended to consult with your doctor beforehand and, if necessary,  postpone your trip.

Choosing a Destination Adapted to Your Reality

Climate and access to medical care are essential criteria to consider in your travel planning. Extreme temperatures, whether cold or hot, can put additional pressure on your heart. Cold increases blood pressure and cardiac stress, while heat promotes dehydration and cardiac fatigue.

Moreover, travelling to a country where medical infrastructure is limited can pose a significant risk in the event of complications. Opt for destinations with quality care; this can make all the difference.

Understanding Insurance Coverage for Heart Conditions

If you have a cardiac history, you can be covered by travel insurance, provided that certain criteria are met. The notion of a "stability period" is key, and it begins at the end of your last treatment or when you start a new medication. For example, if you leave the hospital today, your stability period starts the very next day. On the other hand, if your treatment evolves (even with a simple dosage adjustment), this period starts from scratch.

Some insurance providers, like soNomad, allow you to be covered even after a short period of stability, sometimes as short as seven days. In other words, the longer your condition remains stable, the better your chances of getting more affordable travel insurance.

However, unlike cancer, where prolonged remission can lessen the impact on insurance costs, a heart condition remains a determining factor in the calculation of premiums, even after several years.

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Anticipating the Impact of Exclusions and Special Conditions

Although insurance policies generally cover medical emergencies, there are certain exclusions to be aware of. For example, if you have taken nitroglycerin in the last seven days, you may not be eligible for coverage, or it could lead to the exclusion of expenses related to your heart condition.

Similarly, elective surgery abroad will not be covered since it's not considered a medical emergency.

A cardiac history also influences the cost of your insurance. Your age, the length of your trip, medication, and the severity of your condition all play a key role. If you suffer from congestive heart failure, you'll pay a higher premium than someone who simply has well-controlled arrhythmia.

Moreover, if you have undergone a bypass or angioplasty dating back more than 18 years, this may result in a higher cost than a more recent intervention due to the risk of recurrence. Ultimately, it's a bit like a car engine: the more years it has behind it, the more likely it is to need maintenance.

Managing a Recurrence Before or During the Trip

If your health deteriorates before your departure and you have to cancel your trip, cancellation insurance may cover the costs, provided that the recurrence was not foreseeable.

‍In the event of a recurrence of your cardiac condition during the trip, the first thing to do is to contact the emergency services (911 or their local equivalent), then call your insurance company's travel assistance service for immediate medical assistance.

Obtaining Travel Insurance with a Heart Condition: Who Can Be Insured?

Contrary to popular belief, only individuals with end-stage illness with a life expectancy of less than 12 months or those whose doctor has explicitly advised against travel are ineligible for coverage with soNomad.

‍For everyone else, coverage is possible, provided that the stability criteria are met and all relevant medical information is disclosed when taking out the policy.

Let Your Heart Guide Your Travels

Rest assured, it's entirely possible to travel with a heart condition when you anticipate the risks, ensure that you're medically fit to travel, and fully understand the eligibility criteria of your travel insurance.

Get a travel insurance quote with soNomad, and see for yourself how simple, and often more affordable than you might think, it is to travel with a heart condition.

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