Heart conditions are treated just like any other pre-existing medical condition when it comes to travel insurance. Most insurers will ask you to take an online medical questionnaire where you can disclose the details of your condition. After you complete the questionnaire, the insurer will let you know if it can offer you cover.
How travel insurance providers cover heart conditions
Brand
Age limit
How do I get considered for my heart condition?
Apply
99
You need to complete a health assessment for your condition. An additional premium may apply.
Note: This information was last updated August 2024
What heart conditions are covered by travel insurance?
Heart-related conditions can include forms of heart disease and problems with blood vessels. Here are a few common heart conditions that can be covered by travel insurance brands in Australia.
How does travel insurance cover pre-existing heart conditions?
Angioplasty or stents
Although angioplasty is considered to be minimally invasive, if you've undergone angioplasty or had a stent fitted in your heart, insurers will class this as a pre-existing medical condition. You'll need to inform the insurer about it when you take out a policy.
You'll need to complete an assessment of your condition and provide the following information:
Reasons for the angioplasty procedure
Date of the procedure
Information about your lifestyle and how you're looking after your heart
Atrial fibrillation
Some insurers will completely exclude atrial fibrillation. However, there are travel insurance brands that provide cover on a case-by-case basis. You'll need to complete a medical assessment so the insurer can better understand your situation.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy affects approximately 1 in 500 Australians. There are several types of cardiomyopathy, the most common being a dilated or enlarged heart, which can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, fainting and even chest pains.
Since there are sevveral types, the insurer assesses cardiomyopathy on a case-by-case basis when you apply for cover.
You'll need to complete a medical assessment so the insurer can better understand your situation.
Heart attacks
If you have suffered a heart attack, you can still get travel insurance cover. As with any pre-existing medical condition, you must declare it to your insurer at the time you take out the policy. Whether the insurer covers you and how much it costs will depend on the following factors:
Severity of the heart attack
Date of your heart attack
What surgical measures have been taken to prevent it from recurring
If you do receive cover, you'll likely have to pay an extra premium and deal with special conditions, limitations and excesses on your policy.
Do I need to disclose palpitations?
If you've sought treatment for heart palpitations but fail to disclose this to your insurance provider, insurers will consider your heart palpitations a pre-existing heart-related condition even though it may not seem serious.
Any heart conditions that arise on your trip as a result of palpitations will not be covered without disclosure.
Can I get travel insurance if I have an ICD fitted?
Many travel insurance providers will not provide overseas cover of expenses relating to an automated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD or AICD), and policies will specifically list it as a pre-existing condition.
This means standard policies may not cover any medical costs directly, or indirectly, related to the ICD, such as any other heart conditions that may be connected.
To get overseas medical cover for ICDs, you can do either of the following:
Make special arrangements with an insurer to get cover for this pre-existing condition at extra cost
Find an insurer that does not exclude ICDs in their policy, such as InsureAndGo
To make arrangements for ICD cover, you need to customise your policy around it at extra cost. This may let you get more flexibility, but can also cost more than finding a policy which includes cover for it by default.
It may be difficult to find travel insurance providers that cover ICDs. InsureAndGo is one of the few options available and has a range of benefits for travellers with pre-existing conditions such as options for unlimited medical cover, and does not require testing requirements prior to getting cover.
Automatically included - Often available for common conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol with little to no extra charge.
Pay extra for cover - For more complex conditions, you'll need to do an online medical assessment so that the insurer can calculate a premium based on your individual condition.
Why do I need to declare my heart condition?
Travel insurers need to assess your premiums accurately
It is vital that you declare your heart condition when you take out a policy as it is considered a pre-existing condition. An insurer's aim is to provide you with cover for an agreed level of risk and without disclosure of a pre-existing heart condition, the provider is taking on extra risk that they did not agree to. After you declare certain conditions, insurers will assess whether they will cover you as well as decide on the appropriate premiums if they do agree to cover you.
Insurers can void your cover if you do not declare
Although it seems like a shortcut to lowering your premiums, if you don’t declare your heart condition to your insurer and you have an incident on your holiday that is related to the heart condition, then you will not be covered for any medical treatment or hospital expenses incurred because of it. If you're in a country such as Japan or America, where healthcare is extremely expensive, then you'll be facing a huge bill that you'll have to pay yourself.
Example: Matt's $2,400 check-up
Having booked his long-awaited European holiday, Matt was counting down the days until he would depart on his dream getaway. A couple of days before his departure, Matt visited his doctor for a heart check-up after noticing an irregular heartbeat.
The condition was deemed non-life-threatening, and although Matt was still awaiting test results, he headed off overseas without a care in the world. However, after a week in Amsterdam, Matt became hospitalised with hypertension (abnormally high blood pressure).
Although Matt was sure these expenses would be covered by his travel insurance, when he phoned his insurance company, he received a nasty shock. Since he had the check-up before his departure, he was classified as having a pre-existing condition which he did not tell his insurer about. The medical and hospital costs he incurred overseas were excluded from cover, leaving Matt severely out of pocket and completely broke.
Costs Matt faced
$2,000 in hospital stay expenses
$400 in medical treatment
Out-of-pocket costs
$2,400
Cover received from his travel insurance provider
$0
Reason
Matt did not disclose his heart condition once he found out about it.
* This is a fictional, but realistic, example.
This shows the importance of reading the fine print of an insurance policy's PDS to make sure you’re fully aware of what is and isn’t covered. It also acts as a crucial reminder of how vital it is that you notify your insurer of any changes to your circumstances–no matter how insignificant they may seem.
How do I declare pre-existing heart conditions?
Insurers offer different methods for you to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions and heart problems you may have. Depending on the insurer, you may have to do one or more of the following:
Undergo a phone assessment to answer questions about your health.
Fill out an online questionnaire.
Fill out and post or email a hard-copy form.
Undergo a face-to-face medical assessment.
Once you’ve provided all the relevant information concerning your health, your insurer will provide a written notice to let you know whether you will be offered cover. You’ll also be notified of any special conditions or exclusions that may apply to your policy and of any premiums you are required to pay before cover will take effect.
What questions will I be asked about my heart condition when I declare it?
Typically, you'll be asked for the following information:
Medications you take to treat your heart condition
If you've changed your medication recently (e.g. in the last 90 days)
If you've recently seen a medical practitioner (e.g. in the last 90 days)
If you've recently been admitted or undergone treatment in a hospital (e.g. in the last 12 months)
If you're currently awaiting a medical review or treatment
Will my credit card travel insurance cover my heart condition?
Many high-end credit cards come with complimentary travel insurance. If you pay for your trip with your card, you will usually be able to enjoy some form of travel insurance cover when you begin your getaway.
While this free cover is undoubtedly a bonus, as a general rule, most credit card travel insurance policies will automatically exclude cover for pre-existing medical conditions, so chances are your heart problem won’t be covered. Credit card travel insurance is usually quite limited when compared with normal travel insurance, including much lower limits on cover for overseas medical expenses, so shopping around for standalone travel insurance is crucial.
Frequently asked questions about insurance for heart conditions
Yes, provided you declared the bypass operation when taking out your policy and were proclaimed fit for travel by your doctor and approved by the insurer.
Possibly. This is a condition many insurers would consider covering, but such things are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Yes, you may need to pay an additional premium.
Normally, yes, but if you are aged 75 or over, some insurers will only cover you for around half that period.
Generally, travel policies will exclude from cover conditions for which treatment has been recently sought. If there's any change in your condition after you purchase cover but before you depart, it's important to check in with your insurer to confirm whether you're still covered and to see if there will be any change to your premium.
It shouldn't be a problem. Most travel insurance policies provide cover for replacement of lost medications while on holiday, but check your policy before you go just to be sure.
Richard Laycock is Finder’s insights editor after spending the last five years writing and editing articles about insurance. His musings can be found across the web including on MoneyMag, Yahoo Finance and Travel Weekly. Richard studied Media at Macquarie University and The Missouri School of Journalism and has a Tier 1 Certification in General Advice for Life Insurance. See full bio
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I am 84 yrs old, my husband is 87 years old with a heart condition, he is on medication and is checking in regularly with his doctor and cardiologist, his last heart episode was in 2023 when his cardiologist (Pradyot Saklani) arranged for an ablation procedure, he has had no further complaints since then except for a hypoglycaemia attack on 31/12/23. I have had a stent inserted in my heart in December 2019, I am on medication but have no recent heart episodes, my blood pressure is under control with medication and checked regularly by myself and my doctor
Finder
SarahSeptember 19, 2024Finder
Hi Isoble,
We’re a review and comparison site, and we’re not directly affiliated with any of the insurers listed on our pages. Your best bet is to contact a health insurer directly to enquire about your travel insurance options. A good place to start could be 1Cover, who offer travel insurance with no age limits. You can contact them here. Best of luck!
julieSeptember 12, 2023
Is it possible to get a travel insurance policy to cover a pre-existing medical condition only, or is cover only possibly available as part of a comprehensive policy?
Finder
GarySeptember 29, 2023Finder
Hi Julie,
Thanks for getting in touch. If I am understanding you correctly, you will need to take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Depending on your circumstances, it may be able to cover you.
Regards,
Gary
JamesMay 6, 2019
Can you explain the benefits/cons to the Reciprocal Health Care Agreements provided to Aust travellers going overseas including their limitations
NikkiMay 7, 2019
Hi James,
Thanks for reaching out to Finder!
Reciprocal Health Care Agreements are designed to provide essential medical services to the citizens of each country. This includes cover for the cost of medical treatment for:
Visitors from RHCA countries who travel to Australia
Australians who visit a country that has an RHCA with Australia
Without the cover provided by an RHCA, you would have to meet any overseas medical expenses you incur out of your own pocket. This could potentially see you facing hospital bills of several thousands of dollars, so the RHCA is an important tool to help overseas visitors to and from Australia and agreement countries access the medical treatment they need. Check our guide to Reciprocal health care agreement (RHCA), to know what you’re covered for when you visit the country as listed.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Nikki
IanFebruary 21, 2018
I have just been diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis, don’t have to use any medication. Can I get travel insurance?
LiezlMarch 7, 2018
Hi Ian,
Thanks for reaching out to finder!
Yes, even with your heart condition, you may still get a travel insurance. You have to declare your condition and undergo medical assessment though. You may contact any of the insurer listed above.
Additionally, InsureandGo does not automatically exclude any conditions and claims to assess all conditions on a case-by-case basis. Similarly, Allclear considers all pre-existing conditions. Also, CoverMore may be able to cover you for an additional premium, subject to the outcome of a short medical assessment.
I hope this information helps.
Cheers,
Liezl
LynnJuly 13, 2017
My son is 34 years old and had valve cleaned blood infection MRSA. The doctor from the cardio clinic said he is fine to travel. Do I have to pay more insurance and how much more extra would it be?
Finder
RenchJuly 16, 2017Finder
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for reaching out to us.
There are some insurers that will cover people with heart conditions. You’re actually on the correct page on where you can compare your options and where you can get a quote.
Insurers offer different methods for you to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions and heart problems you may have. Depending on the insurer, you may have to do one or more of the following:
– Undergo a phone assessment to answer questions about your health.
– Fill out an online questionnaire.
– Fill out and post or email a hard-copy form.
– Undergo a face-to-face medical assessment.
Once you’ve provided all the relevant information concerning your health, your insurer will provide a written notice to let you know whether you will be offered cover. You’ll also be notified of any special conditions or exclusions that may apply to your policy and of any premiums you are required to pay before cover will take effect.
On the table above, you may click on your preferred insurance to see more details then you may click on the green ‘Get Quote’ button to request a quote from them.
Best regards,
Rench
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I am 84 yrs old, my husband is 87 years old with a heart condition, he is on medication and is checking in regularly with his doctor and cardiologist, his last heart episode was in 2023 when his cardiologist (Pradyot Saklani) arranged for an ablation procedure, he has had no further complaints since then except for a hypoglycaemia attack on 31/12/23. I have had a stent inserted in my heart in December 2019, I am on medication but have no recent heart episodes, my blood pressure is under control with medication and checked regularly by myself and my doctor
Hi Isoble,
We’re a review and comparison site, and we’re not directly affiliated with any of the insurers listed on our pages. Your best bet is to contact a health insurer directly to enquire about your travel insurance options. A good place to start could be 1Cover, who offer travel insurance with no age limits. You can contact them here. Best of luck!
Is it possible to get a travel insurance policy to cover a pre-existing medical condition only, or is cover only possibly available as part of a comprehensive policy?
Hi Julie,
Thanks for getting in touch. If I am understanding you correctly, you will need to take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Depending on your circumstances, it may be able to cover you.
Regards,
Gary
Can you explain the benefits/cons to the Reciprocal Health Care Agreements provided to Aust travellers going overseas including their limitations
Hi James,
Thanks for reaching out to Finder!
Reciprocal Health Care Agreements are designed to provide essential medical services to the citizens of each country. This includes cover for the cost of medical treatment for:
Visitors from RHCA countries who travel to Australia
Australians who visit a country that has an RHCA with Australia
Without the cover provided by an RHCA, you would have to meet any overseas medical expenses you incur out of your own pocket. This could potentially see you facing hospital bills of several thousands of dollars, so the RHCA is an important tool to help overseas visitors to and from Australia and agreement countries access the medical treatment they need. Check our guide to Reciprocal health care agreement (RHCA), to know what you’re covered for when you visit the country as listed.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Nikki
I have just been diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis, don’t have to use any medication. Can I get travel insurance?
Hi Ian,
Thanks for reaching out to finder!
Yes, even with your heart condition, you may still get a travel insurance. You have to declare your condition and undergo medical assessment though. You may contact any of the insurer listed above.
Additionally, InsureandGo does not automatically exclude any conditions and claims to assess all conditions on a case-by-case basis. Similarly, Allclear considers all pre-existing conditions. Also, CoverMore may be able to cover you for an additional premium, subject to the outcome of a short medical assessment.
I hope this information helps.
Cheers,
Liezl
My son is 34 years old and had valve cleaned blood infection MRSA. The doctor from the cardio clinic said he is fine to travel. Do I have to pay more insurance and how much more extra would it be?
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for reaching out to us.
There are some insurers that will cover people with heart conditions. You’re actually on the correct page on where you can compare your options and where you can get a quote.
Insurers offer different methods for you to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions and heart problems you may have. Depending on the insurer, you may have to do one or more of the following:
– Undergo a phone assessment to answer questions about your health.
– Fill out an online questionnaire.
– Fill out and post or email a hard-copy form.
– Undergo a face-to-face medical assessment.
Once you’ve provided all the relevant information concerning your health, your insurer will provide a written notice to let you know whether you will be offered cover. You’ll also be notified of any special conditions or exclusions that may apply to your policy and of any premiums you are required to pay before cover will take effect.
On the table above, you may click on your preferred insurance to see more details then you may click on the green ‘Get Quote’ button to request a quote from them.
Best regards,
Rench