4 Tips for Travelling With High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, is a common chronic health condition worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, the number of adults aged 30–79 years with hypertension has increased from 650 million to 1.28 billion in the last thirty years.

Chances are, you or someone you love may have high blood pressure which requires a little extra planning when travelling.

The Mayo Clinic explains that high blood pressure is when the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high. This is determined by your blood pressure reading given by your doctor.

Most people may not realize they have high blood pressure until they visit their doctor. High blood pressure can increase your risk of heart disease and blood clots. However, it can be easily detected and diagnosed by doctors so you can receive proper treatment.

Travelling with high blood pressure is completely possible, especially because it’s a treatable health condition. While you may want to take some extra precautions, driving or flying with high blood pressure is typically okay unless your doctor advises against it.

Air travel isdehydrating. Make sure to drink water before your journey, and bring a refillable water bottle that you will up before hoping on the plane. No one wants to rely on the small cups of water the airline passes around every hour. Play it safe and avoid going overboard on the alcohol or caffeine prior to or during your flight. Additionally, stay away from the snadcks or airline food packed with sodium, bring your own meals and low-sodium snack alternatives.

• Keep all blood-pressure medications and devices (e.g., a compact monitor) in your carry-on—never in checked bags.

• Leave medications in original labelled containers and bring a copy of your prescription plus a brief doctor’s note listing your diagnosis, meds, and any devices (handy at security and if you need a refill).

• If you use compression socks or an arm cuff, pack them where you can reach them.

• Travelling to Canada? Review our checklist on travelling with medication (what security looks for, 90-day quantities, mail/courier rules for longer stays).

If you’re flying, make sure to move around the cabin regularly. This is especially true if you have a long flight or even a long drive ahead of you. The National Blood Clot Alliance provides some easy seated exercises and stretches you can do to help manage your blood pressure while travelling.

And last but not least, make sure to invest in the right travel insurance for your needs. If you’re planning to travel to Canada there are three kinds of (emergency medical) insurance policies you can purchase. However, one category is only suitable for travellers with certain types of pre-existing medical conditions, not individuals with hypertension.

Finding travel insurance with high blood pressure is easier when you know where to look. At BestQuote Travel Insurance, we can help you find the best travel insurance coverage for your needs - including if you have pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure.

Have peace of mind on your next trip to Canada. Get a quote for Visitors to Canada Insurance today.