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.
Being diagnosed with arrhythmias or other heart conditions can feel overwhelming at first, leaving you with many questions and concerns about your health and lifestyle. However, the good news is that most heart conditions are manageable with the right care and attention, allowing you to lead a normal, fulfilling life.
Advances in medical treatments and lifestyle guidance have made it easier than ever for individuals with heart conditions to engage in daily activities, pursue hobbies, and enjoy meaningful experiences.
For those with heart issues, travelling is usually safe, provided you feel well, and your GP confirms that your condition is stable and under control. After all, the goal of a holiday is to relax, recharge, and create wonderful memories - not to encounter unexpected health concerns.
What is Arrhythmia?
Arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat, which can disrupt the normal rhythm of the heart. It comes in several forms, with the most common being atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial fibrillation occurs when the heart beats irregularly and faster than normal, which can lead to symptoms like palpitations, breathlessness, or fatigue.
While AF can affect anyone, it is more commonly seen in older adults, those who are overweight, or individuals who consume excessive amounts of alcohol. Left untreated, AF can increase the risk of more serious complications such as stroke or heart failure, making early diagnosis and management crucial.
It’s important to ask for advice from your GP before you travel and ensure you are aware of triggers which can bring on arrhythmia. These triggers can include viral illnesses, alcohol, tobacco, exercise, caffeine and some prescribed or illegal recreational drugs.
Types of Arrhythmias
While many people in the UK suffer from arrhythmia, it’s important to understand that this term encompasses a range of different heart rhythm disorders. Arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat, which can either be too fast, too slow, or erratic, depending on the type.
The condition can vary in severity, from being harmless and requiring no treatment to more serious cases that may lead to complications if left unmanaged.
The more common forms of arrhythmia can be broken down into:
Premature Beats: These are extra heartbeats that occur before the heart's regular rhythm. They can feel like a fluttering or skipping sensation in the chest and are usually harmless, though they may cause brief discomfort or anxiety.
Supraventricular Arrhythmias: These are usually fast heart rates (including AF). Supraventricular tachycardia, for instance, is where the patient has episodes of abnormally fast heart rate at rest.
Ventricular Arrhythmias: These are abnormal heart rhythms that originate in the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart), which are responsible for pumping blood to the rest of the body.
Bradyarrhythmia: This is an abnormally slow heart rate, usually below 60 beats per minute. While a slow heart rate can be normal for athletes or during sleep, it may also indicate a problem with the heart's electrical system. In some cases, treatment like a pacemaker may be needed.
Can You Fly with Heart Arrhythmia?
Whilst people with arrhythmia are safe to fly, it is crucial to discuss your travel plans with your GP before you book. Those living with heart conditions may have an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on a flight, so taking steps to reduce this risk could be critical.
Ways to avoid DVT when you’re on a flight include exercising the feet and ankles regularly, especially during a long flight and wearing specially designed compression stockings. Avoiding alcohol, drinking plenty of water and taking care of your health will also help you have a safe flight.
READ MORE: Why Do We Wear Flight Socks?
Preparing to Travel with Arrhythmia
When travelling with any pre-existing medical condition, it’s important to plan ahead, make sure all your bases are covered and put some extra thought into the type of holiday, itinerary and destination you are considering. This may seem like a lot of extra things to add to your to-do list, but if anything should happen it’s better to be over, not under-prepared.
Medication and Treatment
If you’re managing arrhythmia with medication and planning to travel, it’s essential to stay organised. Keep an up-to-date list of your medications, including dosages and schedules, along with the original prescription and packaging. This way, if your medication gets lost, you can quickly arrange replacements with minimal hassle.
Always carry your medication with you in your hand luggage - never pack it in checked baggage - and bring extra doses in case of unexpected delays, such as a prolonged journey due to flight disruptions.
READ MORE: Travelling with Medications
Pacemakers and ICDs
For more complex medical devices, like a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), remember to bring your device identification card with you and alert the security staff as you may set off the metal detector alarm.
Medical ID's
Wearing a medical ID can be a lifesaver, particularly when travelling. These bracelets or necklaces can quickly inform emergency responders about your condition in case you're unable to communicate. You can even create a Medical ID within your smartphone.
For those with arrhythmias, a medical ID should include details about your heart condition, any medical devices like a pacemaker or ICD, and critical information like allergies and emergency contacts. Medical IDs can also include any medications you are currently taking to treat your arrhythmia or any other medical conditions you may have.
READ MORE: The Importance of Medical IDs When Travelling
Choosing a Destination
Choosing a travel destination when living with arrhythmia requires careful consideration. While your GP is the best source of advice for determining a trip that suits your specific condition, there are a few general guidelines to keep in mind when planning your journey.
First, it’s wise to avoid locations with extreme temperatures, as both hot and cold climates can place unnecessary strain on your heart. Similarly, destinations at high altitudes (above 2,000 meters) should be approached with caution, as reduced oxygen levels can lead to breathlessness or even angina.
If your plans involve walking or hiking, take the difficulty of the terrain into account. Steep or particularly hilly areas may not be suitable unless you’re confident in your fitness level and your ability to manage physical exertion without becoming overly breathless.
Research the Area
You may want to check that your accommodation isn’t too remote or, if it is, ensure that it’s at least within a reasonable distance of medical facilities in case of an emergency. It’s always better to be prepared for unexpected situations, no matter how unlikely they may seem.
Additionally, locate a nearby doctor or medical clinic and save their contact information - having these details stored on your phone or written in a notebook can save valuable time in a crisis. While it’s likely you’ll enjoy your holiday without incident, being well-prepared will give you peace of mind and allow you to relax and make the most of your trip.
Heart Arrhythmia Travel Insurance
It is important that if you have a pre-existing medical condition, make sure you get the right travel insurance for your trip.
Few places can offer specialist insurance for those with a pre-existing medical condition. But don’t worry, that’s where we come in. We can help you compare prices from multiple providers that offer protection for pre-existing conditions, including arrhythmia conditions.
Do I Need to Tell You About My Heart Arrhythmia?
Yes, the travel insurance providers we work with will want to know if you’ve ever had a heart condition, even if you no longer suffer from it and have made a full recovery. This information helps ensure that your policy is tailored to your specific needs and provides the right level of protection.
We will also ask you a few questions to help identify any medical conditions that our panel of providers need to be aware of. For example, it’s important to disclose certain conditions if you or your travel companions have ever been diagnosed with or treated for any of the following: cancer, respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD, heart or circulatory issues, liver conditions, stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mental health conditions.
You are also required to disclose any medical conditions for which you or your travel companions have, within the past two years, been prescribed medication, undergone treatment, or consulted a doctor or hospital specialist.
How Do I Add Aarrhythmia to My Policy?
It’s easy to add conditions to your quote, and better yet, it’s all online. After you’ve told us about your trip details, we’ll ask if you or anyone to be named on your policy has ever had any heart conditions. You’ll then be able to search for and add your heart-related condition.
When you add your condition, we may ask you a few additional questions such as how your condition is managed, whether you are taking any medication and whether you’ve ever experienced certain symptoms.
This is all to help us understand your condition better and build a picture of how it has impacted your health. We’ll then only show you quotes from providers, who can offer you specialist heart arrhythmia travel insurance policies, specific to your situation.
READ MORE: Online Medical Screening
What Does Heart Arrhythmia Travel Insurance Cover?
Standard travel insurance policies typically cover a range of benefits, such as trip cancellations, curtailments, lost or stolen belongings, and medical expenses. However, these policies often exclude protection for pre-existing medical conditions.
If you’re planning to travel with arrhythmia, opting for a specialised heart arrhythmia travel insurance policy may be a smarter choice. This tailored protection ensures that if your condition flares up before your trip and you’re unable to travel, your policy will include cancellation protection. Likewise, should your arrhythmia worsen during your travels, requiring medical treatment or even a medical evacuation back home, the policy can help cover those costs.
It’s crucial to disclose your condition to your travel insurance provider. Failing to do so could invalidate your policy, especially if your claim relates to your pre-existing condition. This could leave you footing significant bills—a risk no traveller wants to take.
Heading on holiday with arrhythmia doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a worry-free trip. Start by checking with your GP to confirm it’s safe to travel and that your condition is well-managed. Once you have the green light, there’s no reason arrhythmia should stop you from having an amazing time.
Preparation is key. Pack all your medications in their original packaging, along with prescriptions or medical letters, just in case. Choose a destination that suits your health needs, considering the climate and activity level. Research local healthcare facilities to be prepared for any emergencies.
Finally, protect your trip with comprehensive travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions like arrhythmia. A little planning goes a long way, so you can focus on staying safe, relaxing, and making great memories!