Travel Insurance with High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure very rarely causes symptoms, so you don’t usually know you have it unless you have your blood pressure checked. Left untreated high blood pressure is a major risk factor for a heart attack and stroke.

Having high blood pressure shouldn’t stop you from travelling (including by air) or enjoying a holiday if it’s controlled. However, you should speak to your doctor before you book if your blood pressure readings have been very high or unstable. Flying with high blood pressure can come with risks, so it is worth seeking advice before travelling.

Here are my top tips for travelling safely if you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure:

1. If your blood pressure is well controlled, you don’t necessarily need a blood pressure check just before you travel. However, if your most recent readings have been raised, or you haven’t had a blood pressure check for over six months, it's wise to see your GP or practice nurse for a reading before you travel.
2. While you’re flying, avoid alcohol, keep hydrated with non-alcoholic fluids and move around the cabin regularly.
3. Alcohol and exotic foods may feel like they’re an integral part of being on holiday but remember that both alcohol and salty foods can raise your blood pressure.
4. Some blood pressure medicines are diuretics – they get rid of excess fluid, bringing your blood pressure down, but these medications may make you more prone to dehydration if you’re in a very hot country or have diarrhoea and/or vomiting. Your pharmacist can advise how your blood pressure tablets work.
5. Most people with high blood pressure can use saunas and hot tubs safely. However, they can cause your blood pressure to drop as blood vessels on your skin dilate to cool you down. So, look out for signs of low blood pressure, such as feeling light-headed, dizzy or faint.
6. Most holiday activities are fine if your blood pressure is well controlled. In general, keeping fit with regular exercise is actively encouraged if you have high blood pressure. However, as at home, you should avoid exercise which may cause sudden extreme increases in blood pressure, such as squash, boxing or lifting heavy weights.
7. Scuba diving involves rapid changes in the pressure on your body, which can affect your blood pressure. You may need a medical examination to clear you to dive if you have high blood pressure – always check beforehand.
8. Order your repeat prescription well in advance and allow yourself plenty of time in case of shortages or the need for them to be specially ordered.
9. Make sure you have enough tablets to last your whole trip and a little longer, in case of delays – you may need to order your repeat prescription early.
10. If you’re going on a longer trip, check the expiry date of your tablets to make sure they’ll stay in date for the whole time you’re away.
11. Take a copy of your repeat prescription with you, packed in your hand luggage with your tablets in their original packaging. Find out more about travelling with medication.
12. Consider getting a letter from your doctor about your medication, your latest blood pressure and if relevant your most recent blood test results. This can make it easier if you’re stopped at airport security or have a medical emergency while you’re away. Remember your GP may charge for this letter.
13. If you’re flying across time zones, adjust the timing of your medication gradually, so you’re not taking your tablets too close together or too far apart. Your pharmacist can advise.
14. When buying travel insurance, you need to declare if you’ve ever been diagnosed with high blood pressure – even if it’s now controlled. Failure to do so could invalidate your insurance.