Deep vein thrombosis travel insurance

If your medication for deep vein thrombosis is lost or damaged, it can be tricky to track down replacements abroad. With our Comprehensive and Signature policies, we offer Personal Assistance Services for situations just like this. We’ll help you replace it as a matter of urgency. While we don’t cover the cost of replacement prescriptions, we can advise on how to navigate the local healthcare system and find the equivalent medications available in the country you’re in. 

Our 24-hour medical emergency assistance team at Staysure are there to provide you with the support you need every step of the way. If deep vein thrombosis means you need to cut your trip short or get back home (repatriation), your safe return is our priority. Our medical experts will arrange your transport, with cancellation and transport costs covered as per your policy. 

Not every trip involves air travel. If you’re going on a road trip: 

• Plan plenty of breaks along the way to get out of the car and move 

• If you’re not driving, sit in the passenger seat so you have plenty of legroom to stretch and exercise 

If your journey involves flying: 

• Book an aisle seat so that you can get up and walk every hour

• Recline your seat where possible 

• Avoid putting your bag under the seat in front of you so you have room to stretch your legs and point your toes 

Things you might want to pack and take along with you while you’re enjoying your trip. 

• Compression garments – especially when you’re travelling 

• Loose-fitting comfortable clothes  

• Lightweight, breathable walking shoes with well-cushioned heels to support swollen feet and calves 

• A simple first-aid kit including bandages – especially important if you’re taking anticoagulants 

• If you take anticoagulants, such as warfarin or apixaban, pack enough for the journey with a few days extra just in case and copies of their prescriptions 

• Your GHIC 

If you don’t have a GHIC, want to find out more, or currently have an EHIC, read our GHIC guide for more information. 

If you’ve been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, it is common to start taking anticoagulants as part of your treatment. You may have also received surgery to remove any blood clots.  

These factors may affect your ability to fly and travel, or require extra management. Speak to your GP before you book a trip to make sure you are fit enough to travel, whether by cruise, flight, or another means. 

If you’ve finished your treatment for deep vein thrombosis and are no longer considered at risk of a blood clot, you might be able to travel as normal. It’s always best to discuss with your GP before booking. 

Most people with deep vein thrombosis or at risk for it can still enjoy travel. It helps to be prepared in the event of an emergency. 

If you or someone you are travelling with has symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, seek medical advice urgently.  

If you have symptoms of a blood clot and have: 

• Breathlessness 

• Chest pain 

These can be a sign of a pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot affecting the lungs. This is life-threatening and requires immediate treatment. 

Call the local emergency services right away. Follow any guidance from your doctor as you wait for them to arrive. 

Then, call our 24-hour emergency helpline. Our team can help arrange your care, find the most appropriate place for treatment and follow-up care.  

Our helpline is open 24/7, 365 days a year: 

• Calling from outside the UK: +44 1403 288 414 

• Calling from USA or Canada: +1 844 780 0639 

• Calling from Mexico: +1 819 780 0639  

• Calling from the UK: 01403 288 414 

If you or someone on your policy is admitted to hospital or your outpatient treatment is likely to cost more than £350, contact us as soon as possible. Where you have a valid claim, and your medical expenses exceed £350 we will look to settle the bill directly with the medical provider where possible. 

If you have a non-urgent medical concern, such as sickness, headaches, or mild pain, contact our helpline first for advice on where to go for assistance. 

When comparing travel insurance policies for deep vein thrombosis you’ll want to look out for what’s covered and what’s not.  

The right travel insurance for deep vein thrombosis should: 
 

• Agree to cover your history of blood clots and any other pre-existing conditions you have  

• Cover medical expenses, including necessary emergency travel home 

• Have a high medical cover limit 

• Help replacing lost, stolen or damaged medications

• Cover you for cancellations or interruptions during your trip 

• Include 24/7 emergency assistance services while abroad 

Learn more about what’s covered under our medical insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, or get a quote.  

As good as travel insurance is, some things can’t be covered.  

You’re not covered for: 

• Travelling against your doctor’s advice 

• Claims for pre-existing medical conditions you haven’t told us about  

• Routine check-ups, planned treatment or non-emergency care 

• Travel for medical procedures abroad  

• Reimbursement for lost, damaged or stolen medicines or equipment 

• Incidents related to alcohol or controlled substances 

• Strike action that was common knowledge at the time of booking 

• Choosing private treatment when suitable public facilities are available 

• Choosing not to travel 
   

Discover more about what travel insurance covers. Always check your policy documents carefully to understand exactly what you’re covered for.

A pulmonary embolism is a serious complication of deep vein thrombosis – when a blood clot that forms in the leg moves up and blocks blood flow in the lungs. If you’ve had a pulmonary embolism, it’s understandable to feel keen to get back to normal and look ahead to your next trip. But flying too soon can increase your risk of another clot, especially on longer journeys where you’re sitting still for hours. 

Most people need to be on blood thinners (anticoagulants) and feeling stable before it’s safe to fly – and that decision should always come from your doctor. Once you’re medically cleared, travel insurance that includes cover for your condition can help you get back to doing what you love – with the reassurance that support is there if you need it. 

If you’ve been prescribed anticoagulants (blood thinners), you can usually fly once your condition is stable and your doctor gives the all-clear. In fact, these medications help protect against new clots while you travel. But everyone’s different – and it’s important to make sure the timing and the journey are right for you. 

You may be advised to take extra precautions on longer flights – like wearing compression socks, walking around regularly, and staying well hydrated. It’s also a good idea to carry your medication in your hand luggage and have a copy of your prescription, just in case.  

How soon you can travel after a pulmonary embolism depends on how well you’re recovering and what your doctor advises. Most people need to wait at least four to six weeks – sometimes longer – to make sure their condition is stable, they’re responding well to anticoagulants, and the risk of another clot is low. 

The type of trip you’re planning matters too. Long-haul flights or cruises usually require more caution, as they involve longer periods of sitting still. Car journeys may be possible sooner, but it’s still important to stop regularly, stretch your legs, and stay well hydrated. If you're flying, you may be advised to wear compression socks, move around during the flight, and carry your medication in your hand luggage. Cruises may involve longer travel days and less access to medical care, so your doctor may suggest waiting a little longer before setting sail. 

Whatever kind of holiday you’re planning, speak to your GP or specialist before you book.