Tommy Lloyd
Author: Tommy Lloyd, Managing Director

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.

Originally posted: 1st Sep 2022

Can you get travel insurance if you have had a stroke or TIA?

Having a stroke should not prevent you from travelling abroad. Find out more about getting travel insurance after a stroke.

And, since there are more than 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK, it’s a good job that there are plenty of specialist medical travel insurance providers who can cover people who have had a stroke or TIA (mini-stroke) in the past. 

If you’ve had a stroke in the past, stroke travel insurance cover provides you peace of mind - knowing that should you become unwell or face a medical emergency on holiday, you’ll be taken care of. With multiple types of cover including single-trip and annual multi-trip insurance, you can tailor your insurance to suit you.

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Declaring your condition

Even if you had a stroke a long time ago - it’s still important to declare it with us when comparing travel insurance. 

Once you do, it’s likely that you might be asked a few questions, such as: 

  • How many strokes have you had?
  • How long ago was your last stroke? 
  • Are you awaiting surgery for this condition or for any scans?
  • Do you currently use any mobility aids? 
  • Have you had any transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) since your last stroke? 

The answers you provide help insurance providers to determine the more specific nature of your condition, while getting a clearer insight into your medical background. 

This helps them to offer you the appropriate insurance for you after a stroke when you start comparing quotes.

Misty Trees
Dr Sarah Jarvis, MBE

Top tips for travelling if you've had a stroke

Dr Sarah Jarvis is the Clinical Director of the Patient Platform, an active medical writer, broadcaster, and the resident doctor for BBC Radio 2.

Having had a stroke or TIA (sometimes called a 'mini stroke') doesn't automatically mean you can't go on holiday. But depending on how long ago your stroke was, and what symptoms you've been left with, you will need to take a few extra precautions to make sure your trip goes smoothly.

  • If you've had a stroke in the past few months, check with your doctor whether they think it's safe for you to fly. You certainly shouldn't fly the first two to three weeks after a stroke – this is the time your problems are likely to be most severe and you're most likely to develop other issues related to your stroke. However, if your stroke was caused by a bleed into the brain (rather than the more common clot on the brain) you may need to wait longer.

  • If you have mobility problems as a result of your stroke, consider booking with a travel agency that provides a range of activities tailored to your needs. They should also be able to offer options that have step-free access and are wheelchair accessible.

  • It's very common to tire more easily if you've had a stroke. Take into account the length of travel involved in getting to your destination and consider booking trips that don't involve early morning or late-night transfers.

  • If you've had a stroke, you're at higher risk of a clot on the leg (a deep vein thrombosis or DVT) that could travel to your lungs. Reduce the risk by doing simple exercises to keep your legs moving if you can (most airlines have examples in their in-flight magazines), avoiding alcohol and drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Speak to your doctor about whether elastic compression stockings might help.

For more tips check out my full guide here.

What does stroke travel insurance typically cover?

You can expect this type of cover to include the same things that a standard travel insurance policy would include - but you can also claim for stroke-related medical issues (whereas you otherwise wouldn’t be able to). 

This will normally include:  

  • Lost, Stolen or Damaged Personal Belongings: Including any medication you need to treat your condition.  
  • Emergency Medical Expenses and Repatriation: Specifically including any stroke-related medical expenses incurred by emergency medical treatment.
  • Cancellation and Curtailment: If you suddenly decide to cancel your trip or end up cutting it short.
  • Travel Delay: This won’t always be included, check with your provider.
  • Personal Liability: If you cause accidental damage to another person or someone else’s property - cover is provided.

You can compare this type of cover across a range of leading providers, click below to get started.

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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’s definitely something to consider when shopping around, especially if you have different types of holidays planned.

Get cheap quotes from specialist stroke travel insurance providers

Comparing quotes will make it much easier to find the right travel insurance policy to cover your medical conditions with pre-existing medical travel insurance.

We work with plenty of specialist providers, and once you tell us about your trip and medical condition(s) you’ll be able to compare competitive quotes, all in one place - saving you money and precious holiday-planning time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, having a stroke or TIA (transient ischaemic attack) doesn’t mean you can’t get travel insurance. Stroke travel insurance is designed to provide peace of mind by covering medical expenses and emergencies related to your condition while you’re abroad.

The members of our panel cater to pre-existing medical conditions, ensuring you find the right cover for your trip.

Although not as serious as a stroke, if you have had TIA, you should absolutely purchase travel insurance that covers this particular condition. If you don’t, then any problems caused or lasting symptoms from the TIA whilst you’re on holiday may not be covered by your policy – and you could be left out of pocket should you have to seek medical help on your trip.  Get a quote.

It’s important to tell your insurer about your stroke or TIA to ensure your policy accurately covers your needs. When comparing quotes, you’ll be asked a few questions—such as when the stroke occurred, how many strokes you’ve had, and whether you use mobility aids.

Standard travel insurance may not cover pre-existing medical conditions like stroke or TIA. This type of policy ensures that you’re protected if you need medical care abroad, giving you peace of mind to enjoy your trip without worrying about unexpected costs.

By being honest, you’ll avoid complications should you need to make a claim.

Stroke travel insurance typically includes all the standard features of a travel insurance policy, such as:

  • Emergency medical expenses & repatriation related to your stroke or other medical issues
  • Cancellation if a medical situation prevents you from travelling
  • Lost, stolen, or damaged belongings (including medication)

Some policies may also include or allow you to add extras like cover for travel delays or cruise holidays.

Cover for a stroke abroad will depend on the specifics of your travel insurance policy. When purchasing a policy, it’s essential to declare your pre-existing medical conditions, including any history of strokes. This ensures that you’re fully covered should you require medical treatment while travelling.

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.

The ability to travel after a stroke depends on several factors, including the severity of the stroke and your recovery progress. It’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before planning any trips.

Typically, short-haul flights may be possible within a few weeks of a stroke if your health is stable, while long-haul flights might require a longer recovery period. Ensure you follow your doctor’s advice and have all necessary medications with you.

Yes, you should plan your trip carefully to ensure a safe and relaxing experience. Here are some tips:

  • Check with your GP: They’ll advise whether you’re fit to travel, especially if your stroke was recent.
  • Avoid long flights: Look for trips without lengthy travel times to avoid excessive fatigue.
  • Stay mobile: Do in-flight exercises and stay hydrated to reduce the risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis).
  • Book accessibility-friendly options: Choose hotels and activities that cater to your mobility needs.

Read our Top Tips for Travelling After a Stroke for more!

Premiums for stroke travel insurance vary depending on factors like the severity of your condition and destination. However, comparing quotes from specialist providers is the best way to find competitive prices. Using a dedicated comparison service ensures you filter policies tailored to your needs without overpaying.

To find the right policy for your next trip, compare quotes now. A perfect holiday starts with the right cover!

That’s where we come in! Medical Travel Compared lets you compare policies from over 30 trusted UK travel insurance providers.

Use our online comparison tool to receive tailored quotes for your breast cancer travel insurance in minutes. It’s quick, easy, and stress-free. Try it now.

* Price is based on 1 traveller aged 61, who has declared Stroke 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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