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. See our table below to see how varying insurers cover hypertension.
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 a common medical condition, particularly among older Australians. If you have high blood pressure, you may be wondering whether you can still get travel insurance and whether you’ll be covered if you become unwell while overseas.
The good news is that having hypertension doesn’t automatically prevent you from getting travel insurance. However, whether you’re covered can depend on factors such as the stability of your condition, whether you need to declare it, and the specific terms, conditions and exclusions of your policy.
Here’s what you need to know about travelling with hypertension, how it can affect your travel insurance, and what you can do before you leave to help ensure you’re prepared.
Does travel insurance cover hypertension?
Having hypertension (high blood pressure) doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be excluded from travel insurance. However, pre-existing medical conditions are generally subject to specific rules, and the level of cover available can vary between insurers and policies.
Some insurers automatically cover certain pre-existing conditions, provided you meet their eligibility criteria. Hypertension may be one of the conditions eligible for automatic cover, but this can depend on factors such as your age, how well controlled your condition is, your treatment and whether you’ve experienced any recent changes or complications.
If your hypertension doesn’t meet an insurer’s criteria for automatic cover, you may need to complete a medical assessment. The insurer may then agree to cover your condition, potentially for an additional premium, or apply an exclusion.
It’s important to check your policy and declare your condition if required before you travel. If you don't disclose a pre-existing condition when you're required to, you could find that related medical expenses or other claims aren't covered.
Who covers what?
The following table highlights which insurers cover hypertension and the conditions that apply.
| Provider | Column A | Action | |
|---|---|---|---|
 1Cover | Medical assessment required. Hypertension must be declared and accepted in writing; an additional premium may apply. | Quote | |
 FastCover | Medical assessment required if you have had hypertension within the previous 3 years. Cover is subject to Fast Cover approving the condition. | Quote | |
 Tick Travel Insurance | Medical assessment required; cover is subject to acceptance and being listed on the Certificate of Insurance. | Quote | |
 Travel Insurance Saver | Medical assessment required. Hypertension is treated as a pre-existing medical condition and may be covered after completing an online medical questionnaire; an additional premium may apply. | Quote | |
 Zoom | Must be declared at purchase and undergo medical assessment; cover is subject to Zoom agreeing to cover the condition in writing. Additional premium may apply. | Quote | |
 Budget Direct | Automatically covered if eligible. Hypertension must be stable and managed, with no recent medication changes, symptoms or blood-pressure investigations. | ||
 Medibank | Medical assessment required. Hypertension must be declared and accepted in writing; an additional premium may apply. | ||
 All Clear | Medical assessment required. Hypertension must be disclosed and accepted in writing; cover is shown on your policy schedule. | ||
 Australian Seniors | Automatically covered if eligible. High blood pressure is included among the pre-existing conditions covered without a medical assessment, provided the PDS criteria are met. | ||
 AHM | Automatically covered if eligible. Hypertension must be stable and managed, with no recent medication changes, symptoms or blood-pressure investigations. | ||
 Boomers | Medical assessment required. May be automatically covered, subject to an additional premium, or declined depending on the assessment | ||
| Budget Direct | Automatically covered if eligible. Hypertension must be stable and managed, with no recent medication changes, symptoms or blood-pressure investigations | ||
 Cover more | Automatically covered if eligible. Hypertension must be stable and managed, with no recent medication changes, symptoms or blood-pressure investigations. | ||
 Easy Travel Insurance | Automatically covered if eligible. Hypertension must be stable and managed, with no recent medication changes, symptoms or blood-pressure investigations. | ||
 Go Insurance | Automatically covered if eligible. Hypertension must be regularly managed, with no more than two blood-pressure medications and no medication or dosage change in the past six months. | ||
 Insure 4 Less | Automatically covered if eligible. Hypertension must be regularly managed, with no more than two blood-pressure medications and no medication or dosage change in the past six months. | ||
 Southern Cross | Medical assessment required. Pre-existing conditions aren't automatically covered; hypertension may be covered if accepted following a medical assessment | ||
 WorldCare | Medical assessment required. Hypertension may be covered following medical assessment; an additional premium may apply. | ||
 World 2 Cover | Automatically covered if eligible. Hypertension must meet the policy's eligibility criteria and not be accompanied by cardiovascular disease or diabetes. | ||
 Travel Insurance Direct | Automatically covered if eligible. No known cardiovascular/coronary heart disease and blood pressure must be below 165/95. | ||
 PassportCard | Automatically covered if eligible. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is included in the automatic-cover list, subject to the policy's general eligibility criteria. | ||
 World Nomads | AAutomatically covered if eligible. No known cardiovascular/coronary heart disease and current blood pressure must be below 165/95. |
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.
