Atrial fibrillation travel insurance

We know you might be travelling with important medication, such as beta blockers or anticoagulants. If your heart medications are lost or stolen, it can be tricky to track down medicines and equipment abroad.  

If you ever find yourself short while you're away, we’re here to help. We can assist you in locating a nearby pharmacy that stocks your medication, so you’re not left searching in an unfamiliar place. 

Just so you know, the cost of replacing medication isn’t something we cover – but we’ll still do what we can to make the process easier. 

If your health means you need to cancel your trip or cut it short, your safety is our priority. 
 

We’ll provide:  

• a 24-hour medical emergency helpline with an English-speaking support team 

• support coordinating care with your medical team back home 

• assistance arranging transport, including travel to your local hospital if needed 

• coordination with overseas and UK medical teams if you need to return home 

• help with accommodation if your stay needs to be extended 

• support rebooking flights and transfers 

If you’re going to be flying or taking a long journey, staying mobile can help reduce your risk of blood clots or a stroke, which can be higher for people with atrial fibrillation. 

• Move your body to promote circulation, like circling your ankles or flexing your feet. 

• Do simple stretching exercises while seated, such as pointing and flexing your toes. 

• If flying, book an aisle seat with extra legroom so it’s easier to get up and walk around. 

• If driving, plan regular rest stops to stretch your legs and move about. 

Dehydration can trigger symptoms of atrial fibrillation, so staying hydrated is key during travel. 

• Bring a refillable water bottle and drink regularly. 

• Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine, as they can lead to dehydration and affect heart rhythm. 

If you have a pacemaker or implantable device, take precautions during security checks.

• Let security staff know about your device and request a manual pat-down instead of passing through metal detectors. 

Remember to talk to your pharmacist for things you can look out for when travelling.  

Nobody likes to be stressed on their travels. But for people with atrial fibrillation, reducing stress is essential to help manage symptoms and enjoy your trip. Here are some tips to make your travels more relaxing. 

• If you have trouble sleeping, look for accommodation away from noisy main streets to ensure a restful night. 

• Stay hydrated – dehydration can trigger atrial fibrillation symptoms, so make drinking water a priority. 

• Always consider your physical ability – talk to your GP if you’re planning any new or strenuous activities. 

• Enjoying local cuisine is part of the fun, but try to stick to low-salt and heart-healthy options to avoid increasing your risk of symptoms. 

• Getting plenty of rest between activities is important for managing atrial fibrillation while travelling. 

• Ensure your room is clean, comfortable, and quiet. Consider asking for one close to a lift, reception, or an emergency exit for peace of mind.

To help you make the most of your trip, it’s worth taking these documents along with you. 

• A signed doctor’s letter – check for local restrictions on travelling with medicine to find out if you will need one.   

• Your device identification card if you have any implanted device like a pacemaker. 

• A list of recent treatments and copies of your prescriptions. 

• Number and location of emergency services. 

• Proof of health and travel insurance with contact numbers. 

• If you’re travelling in Europe, a GHIC. 

If you do not have a GHIC, want to find out more, or currently have an EHIC, check out our GHIC guide for more information. 

If you have atrial fibrillation, it’s important to know how it might affect your travel insurance.  

Because it’s classed as a pre-existing medical condition, it can affect the cost of your policy. Disclosing it during the medical screening process may result in a higher premium, but will make sure you’ll have the cover you need if something unexpected happens. Without full disclosure, you risk not being covered for issues linked to your condition, which could leave you vulnerable to significant costs during your trip.

Yes, it’s important to tell your travel insurance provider if you have atrial fibrillation. Because it’s a pre-existing medical condition, they need to know about it to make sure you’re properly covered for any health-related needs on your trip. If you don’t declare it, you might not be covered if something happens – and that could lead to unexpected costs and extra worry. 

With Staysure, getting travel insurance that includes your condition is straightforward. When you’re getting a quote – online or over the phone – just let us know about your atrial fibrillation and any other pre-existing conditions. From there, we’ll ask a few simple questions about things like your medications, treatments, or any hospital visits over the last two years. This helps us tailor your policy to suit you.

Yes, you can fly with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), but it’s important to check with your doctor or heart specialist first – especially if your device was recently implanted. Your doctor can confirm you’re fit to travel and provide any specific advice. 

When flying, carry your Medical Device ID Card to show at airport security. Inform the security staff about your ICD so they can handle checks appropriately.  

During the flight, stay comfortable by moving around or stretching your legs regularly to prevent immobility. Modern ICDs are designed to work safely during flights, so you can travel with confidence. 

After having an ICD fitted, it’s essential to give yourself time to recover before flying. The exact duration will depend on your individual health and how the procedure went, so always check with your doctor to confirm when it’s safe for you to travel – especially if there were complications. 

During your recovery, avoid lifting heavy luggage or using overhead lockers to make sure the ICD leads aren’t disturbed. Once you’re cleared to fly, focus on staying comfortable during your flight by moving around or stretching your legs regularly.

Flying while on blood thinners is generally safe, but it’s always important to check with your doctor or heart specialist first. 

Long flights can increase the risk of blood clots, so it’s worth discussing steps to minimise this risk, such as wearing compression stockings or staying active during the flight. Make sure you have enough medication for your trip and carry it in your hand luggage to avoid any issues during travel. 

Don’t forget to arrange travel insurance that covers your condition. With the right advice and preparation, you can enjoy travelling safely and with confidence.

In an emergency, contact the local emergency services first, and then call  

our 24-hour emergency helpline. Our team will help arrange your care and find the most appropriate place for treatment and follow-up care.  

• Calling from outside the UK: +44 1403 288 414 

• Calling from USA or Canada: +1 844 780 0639 

• Calling from Mexico: +1 819 780 0639  

• Calling from the UK: 01403 288 414 

If you or someone on your policy is admitted to hospital or your outpatient treatment is likely to cost more than £350, contact us as soon as possible. Where you have a valid claim, and your medical expenses exceed £350 we will look to settle the bill directly with the medical provider where possible. 

If you have a non-urgent medical concern, such as sickness, headaches, or mild pain, contact our helpline first for advice on where to go for assistance.

In an emergency, contact the local emergency services first, and then call  

our 24-hour emergency helpline. Our team will help arrange your care and find the most appropriate place for treatment and follow-up care.  

• Calling from outside the UK: +44 1403 288 414 

• Calling from USA or Canada: +1 844 780 0639 

• Calling from Mexico: +1 819 780 0639  

• Calling from the UK: 01403 288 414 

If you or someone on your policy is admitted to hospital or your outpatient treatment is likely to cost more than £350, contact us as soon as possible. Where you have a valid claim, and your medical expenses exceed £350 we will look to settle the bill directly with the medical provider where possible. 

If you have a non-urgent medical concern, such as sickness, headaches, or mild pain, contact our helpline first for advice on where to go for assistance.

When comparing travel insurance policies for atrial fibrillation, you’ll want to look out for what’s covered and what’s not.  

The right travel insurance should: 
 

• cover your atrial fibrillation and any other pre-existing conditions you have  

• cover medical expenses, including necessary emergency travel home 

• have a high medical cover limit 

• help you replace lost, stolen or damaged medications 

• cover you for cancellations or interruptions during your trip 

• include 24/7 emergency assistance services while abroad 

Learn more about what’s covered under our medical insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, or get a quote.