Faster and smarter in the app... Open app

Travelling with High Cholesterol

Travelling with high cholesterol doesn't have to be difficult. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy your holiday stress-free. Our guide covers tips on keeping a heart-healthy diet, managing your medication, and choosing the right travel insurance. Travel with confidence and make the most of your trip!

Do I need to declare my high cholesterol when booking travel insurance?

Yes, you will need to declare if you have high cholesterol. If you're living with high cholesterol, or even if you're all clear but have previously suffered from it, all insurance providers class it as a pre-existing medical condition. It is important that you declare this when buying your travel insurance for your policy to be valid.


How will having high cholesterol affect my insurance policy?

Our friendly team of insurance experts will ask a few simple questions to evaluate your condition and will take into account a number of factors before giving you a quote:

  • Level of risk - Our insurers assess the severity of your condition, doing so based on the answers you provide during your screening.
  • Age - The likelihood of having to make a claim tends to increase according to the age of the traveller, so this is taken into account when we draw up your policy.
  • Destination - With some locations, the only suitable healthcare facilities available are privately run, and so cost more. In this case, you may find that the price of your policy is slightly higher to reflect this.

It's important to answer all questions honestly so that we can give you an accurate price for your policy and ensure that your policy is valid.


Does taking statins need to be declared when buying travel insurance?

Yes, if you take statins this will need to be declared, even if it is just precautionary. In many instances, especially if your cholesterol is well managed with medication, declaring this is unlikely to affect the cost of your insurance but it will ensure you are fully covered.


Can I fly with high cholesterol?

Flying with high cholesterol isn't something to worry about but a few things you could consider include:

Make sure to move regularly during the flight - Stretch your legs or try some seated leg exercises to keep your circulation flowing. Opting for a aisle seat can help with this. You could also purchase some compression stockings which will reduce the risk of clots (DVT's) in your legs.

Pack some healthy snacks - In-flight snack services don't always offer the healthiest food choices and can often be high in salt and fat. Think about packing your own healthy snacks like nuts, fresh fruit, or whole-grain crackers, to stay fueled for your travels.

Bring some medication in your hand-luggage - Even if you don't need to take your medication during your flight, its always a good idea to pack some spare in your hand-luggage in the event of any lost of delayed baggage.


A heart-shaped bowl of colourful vegetables and food with a stethoscope and medical documents in the background

Tips for travelling with high cholesterol

Getting organised before you travel is key to a smooth experience. Use this checklist to get started:

See Your Doctor

It's a good idea to see your doctor before you travel to discuss your travel plans and get advice tailored to your condition.

Keeping active

Exercise can really help when it comes to reducing cholesterol, so whenever you get the chance:

  • Stretch your legs and take a short walk if you can. If you're on a plane, maybe book an aisle seat — that you have the freedom to have a walk up and down the plane.
  • Near the beach or a pool? Have a quick swim every day to get your blood pumping!
Get Covered with Travel Insurance

Make sure your policy includes pre-existing conditions like high cholesterol, so you're covered for any surprises.

Pack Your Essentials
  • Keep your medication in your hand luggage - along with a copy of your prescription and a little extra, just in case.
  • Consider the fact that you might have to alter your medication routine slightly if you're travelling across different time zones too.

The British Heart Foundation has a very thorough and helpful guide to travelling abroad with high cholesterol and keeping it in check.

For further information about high cholesterol or for support, you can also visit the NHS and Heart UK, who also offer incredible insight and suggestions to managing your life around high cholesterol.

Diet

What you eat and drink plays a huge part in your cholesterol levels, so try ensuring you have the healthiest intake. Trying to incorporate low-cholesterol foods into your diet is an amazing way to keep on top of things.

Below are a list of "super-foods" that are great at lowering your cholesterol:

  • Fibre-rich food such as - Broccoli, Kale, Beans, Legumes, Avocado
  • Fruits like - Apples, berries, passion fruit
  • Opt for wholegrains, like - Wholegrain bread, Wholewheat pasta, Brown rice
  • Healthy fats - Olive oil, nuts, seeds, fatty fish such as Salmon and Tuna
  • Foods with added sterols and stanols (i.e. Benecol drinks)

Try to pick something from these groups when ordering in restaurants, or cooking for yourself to incorporate these super foods!

Plan for the Airport

Book meet and greet airport parking to enjoy a stress-free start to your journey. If you require additional help, arrange airport assistance in advance, as many terminals are vast, and walking long distances might not be ideal.



This guide is here to offer helpful tips and general advice, but for tailored guidance specific to your health and travel plans, it's always best to consult your doctor before you go.

Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Holiday Extras Cover Limited, registered office address: Ashford Road, Newingreen, Hythe, Kent CT21 4JF.

Holiday Extras Cover Limited is an insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 828848. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register

Holiday Extras™ is a Trading Name of Holiday Extras Cover Limited. The insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 13436330 and whose registered office address is 10 Fenchurch Avenue, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 5BN.

Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number 955859. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register