If you, or someone you know, is living with atrial fibrillation (AFib) and wants guidance on taking a vacation safely, we’ve got you covered.
In this guide, we'll explain whether you can travel with atrial fibrillation, if atrial fibrillation affects purchasing travel insurance, common insurance exclusions, and tips for travelling.
Can You Travel with Atrial Fibrillation?
If your AFib is well managed and your healthcare provider has cleared you to travel, flying and travelling are generally considered safe.
Before your trip, it's a good idea to speak with your doctor if you've recently been diagnosed, had changes to your medication, undergone a cardiac procedure, or experienced new symptoms.
You should also purchase travel insurance that covers your pre-existing medical conditions. Emergency medical treatment can be expensive, and medical conditions like atrial fibrillation are not automatically covered.
Will Atrial Fibrillation Affect Your Travel Insurance?
Having AFib doesn't necessarily prevent you from getting travel insurance. Many Canadians with AFib travel safely every year and can still qualify for emergency medical coverage.
AFib is generally treated as a pre-existing medical condition. When you apply for coverage, insurers may ask about:
your diagnosis
medications
recent symptoms or hospital visits
heart procedures
other cardiovascular conditions
Depending on your answers, you may qualify for coverage, pay a higher premium, or have certain exclusions applied.
One of the biggest factors is whether your condition is considered stable and meets the insurance stability period requirements before your departure date.
What Is a Stability Period?
Most emergency medical travel insurance policies require your atrial fibrillation to be stable for a specified period before you leave.
Each insurer defines "stable" differently, so always check the policy wording before you travel. Generally, stability means there have been no:
new diagnoses
worsening symptoms
medication changes
hospitalizations
new tests or treatment for your condition
Among Canadian travel insurers, stability periods commonly range from 90 to 180 days, although some plans offer options as short as 7, 30, 45 or 60 days, while others require up to 365 days depending on your age and the policy you choose.
When Might Atrial Fibrillation Not Be Covered?
Every policy is different, but some common exclusions for emergency medical travel insurance coverage include:
your atrial fibrillation, or any other medical condition, wasn't stable during the required insurance stability period
you've recently started, stopped or changed medications
you're awaiting tests, specialist appointments or treatment
you've recently had surgery or a medical procedure
you didn't disclose your medical history when purchasing coverage
Some Canadian insurers specifically mention atrial fibrillation in their policy wording, while others have standard pre-existing condition stability requirements. Even if atrial fibrillation is not specifically mentioned, you still need to meet the policy eligibility requirements and pre-existing condition stability requirements for your medical conditions.
Eligibility, stability periods, and exclusions vary between insurers, so it's important to review the policy wording carefully before purchasing coverage.
Tips for Travelling with Atrial Fibrillation
Travelling with AFib usually requires a little extra preparation rather than major lifestyle changes.
Before you leave:
Pack enough medication for your entire trip and keep it in your carry-on luggage.
Carry a list of your medications and your healthcare provider's contact information.
If you take blood thinners, make sure you understand how to manage your medication while you're away.
Purchase travel insurance before you leave and ensure you've accurately disclosed your medical history.
Check where the nearest hospital or medical clinic is at your destination.
During your trip:
Stay hydrated, especially during flights.
Limit alcohol if it's a trigger for your symptoms.
Get up and walk regularly on long flights to help reduce the risk of blood clots.
Seek medical attention promptly if you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, stroke symptoms, or a prolonged rapid heartbeat.
