Quick summary for busy readers:
Having high blood pressure doesn't automatically affect your cover: If your hypertension is stable, well managed and declared where required, you can often still get travel insurance.
Disclosure is important: Some insurers require you to declare hypertension, even if it's controlled with medication. Failing to disclose it when required could affect a claim.
Medical conditions vary by insurer: Each insurer has its own underwriting criteria. Some may cover hypertension automatically, while others may ask additional questions or charge an extra premium.
Take enough medication: Always travel with enough medication for your trip, keep it in your carry-on luggage and carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor if needed.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the most common medical conditions among travellers, particularly older New Zealanders. If you have high blood pressure, you may be wondering whether you can still get travel insurance and whether you'd be covered if you became unwell overseas.
The good news is that having hypertension doesn't automatically prevent you from getting travel insurance. However, whether you're covered depends on factors such as whether your condition is stable, whether it needs to be declared, and the terms of your policy.
Here's what you need to know about travelling with hypertension, how it can affect your travel insurance, and the steps you can take before you leave.
Does travel insurance cover hypertension?
The general rule of thumb is that insurers do not cover conditions that already exist before your trip and many will require a medical evaluation before you are given the green light.
However, many insurers do have a list of 30 (or so) conditions that they automatically cover, including illnesses such as asthma, diabetes and osteoporosis. Conditions do apply.
Certain conditions will require you to complete a medical assessment before cover can be granted, which may cost you an additional premium.
Lastly, some medical conditions, such as cancer, mental health conditions and heart conditions, may require a medical assessment before cover can be provided. Depending on the insurer and your individual circumstances, you may be able to obtain cover, although an additional premium may apply.
Who covers what?
The following table highlights which insurers cover for hypertension and the conditions that apply.
Click the 'plus sign' for more detail on the terms of cover for each insurer.
| Provider | Conditions | Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 1Cover | Requires medical assessment | Quote | ||
 TINZ | Covered, provided you do not also suffer from a known cardiovascular disease and your most recent reading is less than 165/95 | Quote | ||
 Zoom | Not automatically covered | Quote | ||
 Southern Cross | Does not automatically cover pre existing medical conditions. A medical assessment needs to be completed | |||
 State Insurance | Provided, if you don't have a known heart or cardiovascular condition, you don't have diabetes I or II, your hypertension is stable and managed by your medical preactioner, in the last 12 months your prescribed blood pressure medication hasn't changed. you aren't suffering symptoms of hypertension, you aren't having investigations related to bloodpressure | |||
 AA Travel | Does not automatically cover pre existing medical conditions. A medical assessment needs to be completed | |||
 Cover-More | Provided , if you don't have a known heart or cardiovacular condition, don't have diabetes I or II, your hypertension is stable and manages by you medical practitioner, in the last 12 months your prescribed blood pressure medication hasn't changed | |||
 nib | Provided if you have no know cardiovascular/coronary heart disease and your current blood pressure reading is lower than 165/95 | |||
 Tower Insurance | Does not automatically cover pre existing medical conditions. A medical assessment needs to be completed | |||
 World Nomads | Does not automatically cover pre existing medical conditions. A medical assessment needs to be completed | |||
 AMI Insurance | Covered, providing you don't have a known heart attack or cardiovascular condition, you don't have diabietes type I or II, your hypertension is stable and managed by your medical practioner, in the last 12 months your prescribed blood pressure medication hasn't changed, you aren't suffering symptoms of hypertension and you aren't having investigations related to blood pressure |
General Advice Warning: The contents of this article were accurate at the time of writing. Insurers change their policies from time to time, so some information may have changed. You should always read the Product Disclosure Statement of your chosen insurer to understand what is covered and what isn't. The information provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account any personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your personal circumstances.
Common conditions of hypertension cover
Typically to get high blood pressure cover the following conditions may apply:
- You must have no other cardiovascular disease
- You must not have a high reading when you apply for cover
- Age restrictions may apply
- You are a non-smoker
Tips for travelling with high blood pressure
Having high blood pressure doesn’t mean you have to put your travel plans on hold. With some preparation, you can help keep your condition well managed while you’re away and be prepared for any unexpected issues. Have a check-up with your doctor so they can give you advice about travel; for example, ask about plans in case of an attack.
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- Speak to your doctor before you travel. Ask whether you’re fit to travel and whether you need to take any additional precautions based on your destination, activities or planned itinerary.
- Carry a letter from your doctor. This should outline your condition, current medications and any other relevant medical information. Keep it with you throughout your trip.
- Plan ahead to manage your blood pressure. Think about how you’ll manage medication across different time zones, long periods of sitting and the practical demands of your trip. If you need mobility assistance, wheelchair access or gate-to-gate support at the airport, arrange this in advance.
- Keep moving during long journeys. Sitting for prolonged periods can contribute to leg swelling and increase the risk of blood clots. When travelling by air, get up and stretch or walk around regularly where possible. If you're travelling by car, take regular breaks to get out and move around.
- Take enough medication for your entire trip. Keep your medication in your hand luggage and in its original packaging. It’s also a good idea to take extra medication in case of delays or unexpected changes to your plans. Avoid packing essential medication in checked luggage.
- Have an emergency plan. Keep a list of your medications, relevant medical information and emergency contacts with you. Make sure you know where to access medical care at your destination and what to do if you become unwell.
Other reasons to buy travel insurance
Managing your health is a priority when travelling with high blood pressure, but travel insurance can also help protect you from the many other unexpected costs that can arise during a trip.
Lost, stolen or damaged luggage: Losing your luggage or having personal belongings stolen can be stressful, particularly when you're managing a pre-existing medical condition. Depending on your policy, travel insurance can cover eligible lost, stolen or damaged belongings.
Cancellations and travel disruptions: Unexpected illness, injury, severe weather and other unforeseen events can disrupt your travel plans. Depending on the circumstances and your policy, travel insurance may cover eligible cancellation or additional travel expenses.
Rental car excess: Planning a road trip? Depending on your policy, travel insurance may provide cover for rental vehicle excess if your rental car is damaged or stolen.
Personal liability: If you accidentally injure someone else or damage their property while travelling, you could face significant costs. Comprehensive travel insurance policies may include personal liability cover, subject to the terms, conditions and limits of your policy.
What's next?
Before purchasing a policy, compare options, and check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand how your asthma affects your cover. If you're unsure whether your condition is covered, contact the insurer directly before you travel.
Once you've chosen a policy, make sure you understand any conditions that apply to your pre-existing medical condition and have the medication and documentation you need for your trip.
*Please note: the contents of this article were accurate at the time of writing. Insurer's change their policies from time to time, so some information may have changed. You should always read the product disclosure statement of your chosen insurer to understand what is covered and what isn't.
