Updated April 2026 · Kael Tripton · Travel Insurance

Important: Always declare all pre-existing medical conditions when buying travel insurance. Failure to declare may invalidate your policy. This guide is for information only and does not constitute financial advice.

Getting Travel Insurance With High Blood Pressure in the UK

High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most common pre-existing conditions declared on UK travel insurance applications — and one of the most routinely covered. The majority of mainstream and specialist travel insurers will cover controlled hypertension, typically at a modest premium increase rather than a policy exclusion.

The critical steps are declaring your condition accurately, providing details of your medication and any related complications, and comparing multiple quotes. Premiums for the same blood pressure profile vary significantly between providers. This guide explains how travel insurance underwriters assess hypertension and how to find the best deal.

How Insurers Assess High Blood Pressure

When you declare high blood pressure, insurers typically ask a series of screening questions including: when you were diagnosed; your most recent blood pressure reading; which medications you take; whether your blood pressure is currently controlled; and whether you have had any related complications (stroke, TIA, heart attack, kidney disease).

Controlled hypertension — where blood pressure is managed within an acceptable range through medication and lifestyle — is generally covered with a modest premium increase. Uncontrolled or severe hypertension — where readings remain high despite medication, or where recent complications have occurred — may result in higher premiums, specific exclusions, or in some cases a referral to a specialist insurer.

If you have had a stroke or TIA related to your blood pressure, this must be declared separately as a distinct condition. Combined conditions attract separate underwriting decisions.

Declaring Hypertension Correctly

When completing your medical declaration, provide accurate information about: your diagnosed blood pressure level; your current medication (including drug name and dosage if asked); the date of your last blood pressure check; and any complications or related conditions. Do not guess or approximate — insurers may ask for confirmation of your GP records at claim stage.

If your blood pressure was borderline high at one reading but is now controlled, declare it — the insurer's underwriting will determine whether it affects your cover. It is always safer to declare than to withhold.

Providers That Cover High Blood Pressure Well

All major UK travel insurers cover controlled hypertension as a standard part of their medical declaration process. Specialist providers with strong reputations for fair hypertension cover include AllClear, Staysure, Saga, and Aviva. For travellers with hypertension combined with other cardiovascular conditions, specialist services like Medical Travel Compared search across 30+ providers to find the most competitive combined quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to declare high blood pressure on travel insurance?

Yes. High blood pressure is a pre-existing condition that must be declared on any travel insurance application. Failure to declare it means any claims related to your blood pressure — or complications from it — will be refused.

Will high blood pressure make my travel insurance very expensive?

Controlled hypertension typically adds a modest premium to your policy. Uncontrolled hypertension, or hypertension combined with related complications like previous stroke, adds more. Compare multiple quotes — the difference between providers for the same condition can be significant.

Can I travel if I have high blood pressure?

In most cases yes, subject to your GP's advice. Travel insurance is available for most hypertension profiles. Discuss your travel plans with your GP or specialist before booking long-haul or high-altitude trips if your blood pressure is not well controlled.

What if my blood pressure is not yet controlled?

Declare it accurately and let the insurer assess. You may still get cover, possibly with a higher premium or with a hypertension exclusion for medical claims. If declined, use the MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Directory to find a specialist insurer.

Conclusion

Travel insurance with high blood pressure is widely available in the UK. Declare your condition fully, provide accurate medication details, and compare multiple quotes — premium differences for the same condition can be substantial between providers. For combined cardiovascular conditions, use Medical Travel Compared or AllClear for specialist assessment.

Last updated: April 2026. Always read your policy documents carefully before purchasing. Travel insurance is regulated by the FCA — verify providers at register.fca.org.uk. For help finding cover with medical conditions, see the MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Directory.