Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.
Travel insurance is an essential consideration for anyone planning a trip, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions such as angina. Angina, a condition characterised by chest pain or discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart, requires careful management, particularly when travelling.
This article aims to guide you through the importance of securing suitable travel insurance for angina, ensuring that you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind while being adequately covered in case of any unforeseen medical issues.
What is Angina?
Angina (angina pectoris) is severe chest pain or discomfort felt in the chest caused by a lack of blood and therefore lack of oxygen to the heart. This starvation of oxygen known as ischaemia is generally caused by spasms or obstructions of the coronary arteries. Pain may also be felt or in some cases only be felt in the arm, neck, jaw, or stomach. Feelings of breathlessness are common too, along with light headiness and sweating.
These episodes are what some people refer to as "angina attacks", can be brought on by physical exertion, stress, emotional upset and even after eating a large meal.
Can Angina be Prevented?
Angina is a coronary heart disease, and once diagnosed, cannot be reversed. However, you can assist in preventing angina getting worse by adopting a healthy lifestyle. The British Heart Foundation recommends that you:
- Stop smoking.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
- Drink moderate amounts of alcohol.
- Exercise regularly.
- Control your weight; and,
- Manage your blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
We know that whilst travelling abroad, this can be difficult, but if you have managed to adopt a healthy lifestyle whilst at home, it would make sense to continue this when on your holiday.
It's far too easy to eat and drink too much and extra care should be taken especially when it's hot to minimise the risk of angina whilst travelling.
Treatment for Angina
Treatment for angina typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, medical procedures. The aim is to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life.
If your angina condition is severe, your GP will refer you to a cardiologist who may suggest the condition will require a surgical procedure such as angioplasty or heart bypass surgery. Less severe cases of angina can be treatable with drugs and your GP will prescribe the best course of these for you. A healthy lifestyle is a very important part of treatment to assist in the prevention of the condition of angina worsening.
Medications such as nitrates are often prescribed to help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart. Additionally, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or antiplatelet drugs may be used to manage underlying conditions and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
For those whose angina cannot be controlled with medications alone, medical interventions such as angioplasty or bypass surgery may be recommended. These procedures help restore proper blood flow, reducing the strain on the heart.
Tips for Travelling with Angina
Travelling with angina requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. By understanding your condition and taking the necessary precautions, you can minimise risks and make the most of your travels. Below are some essential tips to help you manage angina effectively while on the move.
Check with your GP
Travelling with angina is entirely possible, as long as your condition is stable, and your GP has confirmed it is safe for you to do so. It’s important to ensure that your angina is well-managed before embarking on a trip.
If you are undergoing treatment, have recently been diagnosed, or have had a surgical procedure related to angina, consulting your GP is essential before making any travel plans. They can assess your health and provide recommendations to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
If you have specific concerns, such as managing symptoms during a long flight or dealing with changes in time zones, discussing these issues with your GP beforehand can be invaluable. They can provide tailored advice to help you navigate potential challenges and ensure that your trip goes smoothly.
Research Your Destination
When deciding on where to go on holiday, make sure you take the time to research the availability and quality of medical facilities at your destination. Knowing where you can access care, if needed, can offer peace of mind, and help you feel more secure during your trip.
Additionally, make sure you take the time to research the expected temperature at your destination. Extreme hot or cold temperatures could cause complications should you have angina. The temperature can put added strain on your heart. Speak with your GP before you book.
READ MORE: Conditions that Get Worse in Hot Weather
Pack Medication
When it comes to medication, careful planning is key. Be sure to pack enough medication to last the entire trip, including extra doses in case of unexpected delays or emergencies. Always carry your medications in their original packaging, as this helps avoid confusion or issues at customs.
Storing them in your carry-on bag is also a good idea, so they are accessible during the journey. Consider carrying a list of your prescriptions and dosages, along with your doctor's contact information, just in case.
READ MORE: Travelling with Medication
Medical ID's
Wearing a medical ID can be an essential precaution, particularly if you have a chronic illness, severe allergies, or are on specific medications that emergency responders need to know about. A medical ID provides critical information at a glance, such as your condition, required medications, and emergency contacts, which can be vital in ensuring you receive the right care during an emergency.
Medical IDs come in all shapes and sizes, from bracelets to necklaces, there is a medical ID for everyone. Furthermore, if you'd rather avoid having to wear a specific accessory, most (if not all) smartphones have the ability to set up a medical ID - which can be easily accessible by emergency services.
READ MORE: What are Medical IDs?
Angina Travel Insurance
Standard travel insurance policies often exclude pre-existing medical conditions, making specialist policies essential for those with angina. When looking for protection, it is vital to disclose your medical history accurately to avoid any issues in the event of a claim.
Additionally, consider policies that offer 24-hour medical support, so you know you’re in safe hands wherever you travel. Having proper angina travel insurance not only takes away the worry but allows you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.
What Does Angina Travel Insurance Cover?
Travelling with angina can be a concern, but the right travel insurance can provide peace of mind. Angina-specific travel insurance ensures that you are covered for any potential medical emergencies related to your condition while abroad. This can include protection for hospital stays, treatments and medications, and even repatriation back to the UK, if needed.
READ MORE: Repatriation Cover Explained
Additionally, a good travel insurance policy will provide you with protection for cancellation and curtailment (cutting your trip short).
Should your condition worsen before you head away, and your doctor deems you unfit to travel, or you are unable to travel due to an unforeseen circumstance, you can cancel your holiday and be compensated for any prepaid accommodations, flights and transfers - this can also include any pre-booked excursions too.
READ MORE: What Is Cancellation Cover?
Furthermore, if you fall poorly whilst away on holiday, or something has happened at home and you need to cut your holiday short, curtailment cover can help you recoup costs for unused parts of your holiday.
READ MORE: What is Curtailment Cover?
Finally, most travel insurance policies will also provide you cover for your personal belongings, should they be lost, stolen or damaged.
READ MORE: Personal Belongings Cover Explained
Benefits can vary between travel insurance policies, always make sure you take a moment to read your policy documents to check what the policy covers and that it meets your needs.
Declaring Your Angina
You must declare your angina and any other pre-existing medical conditions you have before you purchase travel insurance. If not, you may find yourself without adequate protection if anything untoward were to happen, such as an angina attack whilst abroad.
At Medical Travel Compared, you can easily declare your medical conditions in one easy-to-use online form and will find a range of suitable travel insurance for heart conditions that you can choose from which to purchase.
READ MORE: What Do I Need to Declare on my Travel Insurance?
We’ll start by asking a few questions to identify any conditions you need to declare. Next, we’ll gather details about the severity of your condition. This information will then be shared with our panel of providers, who will offer you quotes that include protection for your declared conditions.
READ MORE: Telling Us About Your Conditions
Ensuring you have the right travel insurance that covers your angina, or any other pre-existing medical conditions is essential for peace of mind while travelling.
This not only provides financial protection but also allows you to enjoy your trip with confidence, knowing you’re fully covered in case of an emergency. Don’t leave things to chance—secure the appropriate travel insurance today for a worry-free travel experience.