Travelling with Heart Failure

We know people with Heart Failure, along with their carers and families, very much see going on holiday as getting back to normal after a diagnosis of Heart Failure. With the availability of better treatments and care, travelling with Heart Failure, especially abroad, has become more achievable.

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If your condition is unstable, or your blood pressure is very high, travel of any kind is best avoided. Heart conditions, like any other condition, can cause you problems on holiday, so choosing your destination wisely and planning your itinerary with care should help to minimise any potential risks.

Holidays are an important time to allow yourself to rest and relax. If you have recently been unwell, had surgery or have just been discharged from hospital, you should wait until you have made a full recovery and your doctor has confirmed that you are fit before you travel. Whether your condition is stable or unstable, you should always consult your Heart Failure team, specialist nurse, GP or cardiologist well in advance of departure and ensure you obtain advice and confirmation that you are fit to travel and, where relevant, fit to fly — especially if you have had a recent change in symptoms, hospital admissions, medication changes, worsening breathlessness, or fluid retention.

  • Prepare carefully for your trip, well in advance, and choose a destination where you are confident in the medical facilities and access to medical treatment.
  • Check your accommodation and the local facilities are suitable. For example, avoid staying at a hotel situated at the top of a steep hill, miles away from the nearest town.
  • It is generally not advisable to use spa facilities e.g. baths, saunas, hot tubs or steam rooms if you have high blood pressure, a heart condition, angina or have had a heart attack.
  • Do not use facilities that involve a sudden change of temperature e.g. a sauna followed by plunging into cold water. If you are planning to use such facilities, please consult your doctor first.
  • Do not overexert yourself. Avoid hectic itineraries and, when travelling, use lightweight luggage, preferably on wheels and make use of porters.
  • Take out adequate travel insurance to cover your condition.
  • Take sufficient medication for your entire trip.
  • Take a list of your medications and their dosages.
  • Before travelling, please check the regulations for your destination country to ensure your medication is permitted and whether any documentation is required.
  • Be aware you may be at greater risk of DVTs and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) when you travel with Heart Failure.

Ensuring you have the right travel insurance is absolutely essential. Without proper protection, an unexpected medical emergency could leave you facing bills of tens of thousands of pounds. Having the right insurance tailored to your condition, at an affordable price, provides peace of mind for you and your family.

Medical Travel Compared makes it easy to find travel insurance, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions, including heart conditions. Simply answer a few straightforward medical questions and their specialist comparison site will instantly provide quotes from over 30 providers – all in one place.

With every policy purchased through this,
Pumping Marvellous Foundation receives a donation to help the charity with achieving its goals.

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You must declare all pre-existing medical conditions, including Heart Failure, atrial fibrillation,
implanted cardiac devices, previous heart attacks, DVT, PE, stroke and significant medication use.
Failure to disclose relevant information may invalidate your cover.

Travel Insurance Tips

  • Most insurers need to know if you have ever been diagnosed with or treated for a heart or circulatory condition. Always declare full details about your condition — non-disclosure could invalidate your policy.
  • Travel insurance doesn’t have to be expensive just because of your condition. Comparing prices from specialist providers can save you both time and money.
  • Your destination affects your insurance premium — healthcare costs vary significantly between countries.
  • If you’ve already booked your trip, take out travel insurance as soon as possible. Cancellation cover starts immediately, protecting you if you need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances.
  • Ensure your cancellation cover is sufficient to reimburse any pre-booked flights and accommodation.
  • If you plan to travel multiple times in a year, an Annual Multi-Trip policy may be more cost-effective.
  • If you choose an Annual Multi-Trip policy, start it as soon as possible — cancellation cover only begins from the policy’s start date.
  • If you’re unable to get a quote for an Annual Multi-Trip policy, try a Single Trip policy instead.
  • Rather than just choosing the cheapest policy, check what’s covered. Do you need protection for baggage, gadgets, or cruise travel? Are you covered if your airline fails?
  • If your medical condition changes or worsens after purchasing your policy but before you travel, notify your insurer immediately.
  • Keep a record of your policy details, including the emergency contact number, so you can access help quickly if needed.