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.
So 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 a pre-existing condition such as hypertension shouldn't curb your thirst for travel, but it's sensible to be prepared should your condition flare up...here's a few tips for safe and healthy traveling.
- 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.
- Take a letter from your doctor with the details of your condition. Be sure to bring the letter with you on holidays.
- Planning is key to ensuring your condition is controlled while you're on holiday. This should include managing the risk of sitting for long periods, adjusting your medication to accommodate different time zones and managing your baggage, wheelchairs and gate-to-gate transportation at airports.
- Keep moving as staying seated for prolonged periods may increase the risk of developing blood clots and leg swelling. For air travel, stand up and stretch at least every two hours. For car travel, consider frequent stops.
- Take all the medication you will require with you and be sure to carry it in your hand luggage in its original packaging. It's also advisable to take more medication than you'll need in the event of luggage delays and keep it with you rather than in your stowed luggage.
- It is advisable to have an emergency plan in case complications occur. This should include a list of any emergency contacts, information about the medications you are on and how these items need to be with you at all times.
Other Reasons To Buy Travel Insurance
Although your health is top priority there are other big factors that can make travel insurance an essential for all travellers!
Lost or stolen luggage: When you're dealing with illness, the last thing you need is the extra financial stress of a lost suitcase or stolen wallet. Travel insurance will cover you for any lost, stolen or damaged items, provided you look after them.
Cancellations and emergencies: Should your flight be delayed for more than 24 hours, your travel insurance provider will cover any costs you've accrued. You'll also be covered should you miss a flight due to any type of motor vehicle accident or natural disaster. It's best to buy travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday - that way if you have to cancel your trip for any unforeseen circumstance you'll be covered.
Rental car excess: Planning a bucket list road trip? Your travel insurance will usually cover rental car excess, so you can drive off into the sunset, worry free.
Personal liability: Your policy will cover you in the event that you are responsible for another person's injury. Most comprehensive policies will cover you for up to $2 million in personal liability fees.
What's Next?
Remember to always check the fine print before you purchase a policy. Don't simply assume that you're automatically covered by travel insurance. Check the fine print concerning pre-existing conditions and medical cover to ensure that any conditions related to your asthma are covered.
Phew! Feeling informed? Once you've compared travel insurance policies, spoken to your insurance provider and taken all the necessary precautions for your trip there's nothing left to do but focus on enjoying your trip. Have fun!
