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.
Why do I need travel insurance for atrial fibrillation?
Standard travel insurance policies will normally include medical coverage, but it’s likely that this won’t extend to claims relating to pre-existing heart conditions like atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disturbance condition and affects 1 million people in the UK. With this condition sometimes requiring medical attention, it's important that you have a policy in place that will cover you for medical expenses, should you need to make a claim.
Most travel insurance providers will need to know if you have ever suffered from any heart-related health conditions, including atrial fibrillation and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, no matter how long ago it was.
Our service enables customers to compare specialist cover for pre-existing medical conditions across a range of leading providers. Click the link below to get started, and make sure you tell us about your diagnosed conditions so we can compare the most relevant quotes.
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Medical screening for atrial fibrillation
Medical screening for atrial fibrillation refers to the questions you might be asked after you’ve declared the condition.
These questions are asked so that travel insurance providers can get more of an insight into your medical background and develop a better understanding of how you're living with atrial fibrillation.
This enables them to offer you the right type of cover. So, when you start comparing policies with us, you can be sure that they include everything you need.
Here is a list of some questions you may be asked during the online screening:
- How has your condition been treated? (e.g. pacemaker or medication)
- How many unplanned hospital visits for your irregular heartbeat have you had in the last 12 months?
- Do you have any further investigation or treatment planned?
- Are you on medication to thin the blood?
What does atrial fibrillation travel insurance cover?
By declaring atrial fibrillation on your policy, you can rest assured that your cover will take into account your condition, and any impact it has on your trip. For example, if your condition flares up before your holiday, or whilst you are away.
While standard travel insurance varies from provider to provider, you’ll usually find that it will include the same type of things. Therefore, you should expect the following as a minimum for specialist medical travel insurance:
- Emergency Medical Expenses and Repatriation - in the event that you end up in hospital, or need to be repatriated back to the UK.
- Lost, Stolen or Damaged Personal Belongings - to also include atrial fibrillation treatments and medications (i.e. a pacemaker).
- Cancellation and Curtailment - in the event of cancelling or cutting your trip short as a result of your condition.
- Travel Delay - this won’t always be included, so check with your provider.
- Personal Liability - if you cause accidental damage to another person or someone else’s property - cover is provided.
To get started, how about finding a few quotes that will suit you best?
Optional extras
Also, feel free to add any optional extras that you need - such as gadget cover, cruise cover or winter sports cover.
This may increase your premium, but it will also increase your peace of mind. It’s definitely something to consider when shopping around, especially if you have different types of holidays planned.
Top tips for travelling with a heart condition
Dr Sarah Jarvis is the Clinical Director of the Patient Platform, an active medical writer, broadcaster, and the resident doctor for BBC Radio 2.
Around 7.4 million people in the UK are living with conditions that have an impact on their heart and circulation – so-called cardiovascular disease or CVD. They are surprisingly common – in fact, twice as many people are living with CVD than Alzheimer's and cancer combined.
Having a heart condition certainly should not stop you from enjoying a holiday, but you should plan in advance to reduce the risk of running into problems. Here are my top tips for a happy, healthy holiday.
Get quotes from specialist atrial fibrillation travel insurance providers
We work with over 30 travel insurance providers who all specialise in medical travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions.
That means you have plenty of choice across a range of policies when comparing cover on an insurance policy for atrial fibrillation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can!
Specialist atrial fibrillation travel insurance is available to ensure you’re covered for any medical expenses related to your condition during your trip. Standard travel insurance often doesn’t extend to pre-existing medical conditions like atrial fibrillation, so it’s essential to declare your condition when applying.
Atrial fibrillation travel insurance is designed for individuals with atrial fibrillation. It provides protection tailored to your medical needs, ensuring protection if health issues arise during your trip.
Standard travel insurance typically doesn't cover claims relating to pre-existing heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation. Specialist atrial fibrillation travel insurance ensures you’re protected in scenarios such as needing emergency medical care due to your condition, cancelling a trip because of health concerns, or even repatriation if needed while abroad.
When you declare atrial fibrillation on your policy, it will usually include the following benefits as a minimum:
- Emergency Medical Expenses and Repatriation
- Cancellation or Curtailment if your condition flares up and affects your travel plans
- Personal Belongings Cover, including for atrial fibrillation-related medications
- Travel Delays (this depends on the provider)
Make sure to check with your provider for the specifics of the policy.
Most standard travel insurance policies provide cover for medical emergencies, including strokes, as long as they are unforeseen and not linked to a pre-existing condition that has not been declared.
Always reach out to your insurance provider to clarify what is included to avoid complications while travelling.
Yes, it is possible to find affordable travel insurance tailored for individuals with atrial fibrillation. We compare quotes from over 30 specialist providers, helping you find the right policy at the best price.
While affordability is important, it's also crucial to ensure the policy provides adequate cover for medical expenses, cancellations, and emergencies related to your condition. Always review the terms carefully to ensure peace of mind on your travels.
Premiums depend on factors like age, overall health, and where you’re travelling.
Yes, you should always declare any pre-existing medical condition, including atrial fibrillation, when purchasing travel insurance. This ensures your policy is tailored to your needs and provides the protection you require.
The medical screening process involves answering a few straightforward questions about your condition. For example, you might be asked how you manage your pre-existing medical condition (e.g., treatments etc.). Whether you’ve had unplanned hospital visits in the past year, or if you’re on any medication. The answers help insurers provide the right level of cover tailored to your needs.
Learn more about our medical screening process here.
Definitely! You can extend your policy with optional extras, like:
- Gadget cover for phones, laptops, or cameras.
- Cruise cover if your trip involves travelling by sea.
- Winter sports cover if you plan to hit the slopes.
Ask your provider about the extras available and whether they match your holiday plans.
Managing atrial fibrillation while travelling requires careful planning and attention to your health. Make sure to pack enough of your prescribed medication to last the trip, and keep it in your carry-on luggage to avoid any issues if your checked baggage is lost.
Make sure you carry a medical ID and a copy of your healthcare provider’s contact information.
If you have a medical emergency during your trip, your specialist travel insurance could cover your medical expenses and, if necessary, your repatriation back to the UK.
Always ensure you carry your insurance documents and emergency contact details with you while travelling.
Learn more about finding medical care whilst abroad, in our guide here.
Travelling with atrial fibrillation usually does not involve strict restrictions; however, certain precautions can help ensure a safe trip. It is essential to check with your doctor before travelling, especially if you have recently had a change in your condition or treatment.
When flying, stay hydrated and move around to promote circulation and avoid prolonged periods of immobility, which can increase the risk of blood clots. For long journeys, wear flight socks to help improve blood circulation.
You can compare quotes from over 30 trusted insurance providers right here with us! Simply fill out the online form with your trip details and medical information to find the most suitable policy for your condition and travel plans. Get a quote.
* Price is based on 1 traveller aged 61, who has declared Atrial Fibrillation and is travelling to France for 7 nights. The price is correct as of January 2025. Prices may vary according to your individual requirements.
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