Deep Vein Thrombosis Travel Insurance

There's no doubt that travelling with Deep Vein Thrombosis can be a daunting prospect, especially if you're embarking on a long-haul journey. Holiday Extras' insurance team provide reliable travel insurance for your condition.

Can you fly while on blood thinners?

If you are at risk of developing blood clots, either due to inherited clotting problems or a heart condition like valve replacements, then it is likely that your doctor has prescribed you with blood thinners to be taken regularly.

If you are planning a trip abroad by plane, then you should continue taking your prescribed blood thinners as usual. On flights longer than 4 hours, the risk of developing a clot is increased, so it's important to stick to a regular pattern of taking your medication. What's more, if you disrupt your routine and begin taking your anti-coagulants sporadically, this can actually have the reverse effect, making your blood more prone to clotting.

For those travellers taking warfarin, it's important to have an up-to-date INR reading before you travel - ideally around 1-2 weeks before the departure date. This way, your doctor can determine exactly what warfarin dose you should be taking over the coming weeks.

It's important to consider the time zone of the place you'll be travelling to, so you can stick to the same relative time for taking your medication. It's a good idea to set an alarm or reminder on your phone or watch, so you don't forget when to take your medication.

You'll also want to try to stick to the same relative intake of foods containing things like vitamin K, as this can have the effect on clotting.

Tips for travelling with DVT

As a sufferer of DVT, there are a number of things you can do to make travelling as comfortable as possible and avoid aggravating your condition when travelling by plane:

Keep active, do some stretches - Take as many walks as you reasonably can. If it isn't possible to take a walk - perhaps you have a aisle seat - there are a few discrete arm and leg stretches you can perform from your seat without unnerving your fellow passengers. It's recommended to do these at least every half hour or so.

Get a aisle seat - If possible, try to get a aisle seat, as this will make it easier, and therefore more likely for you to get up and walk about.

Compression stockings - These are worn below the knee and are graduated, applying greater pressure on the lower leg. This increases the blood flow to the lower leg making it harder for blood clots to form.

Looking for information regarding a different condition?

With regard to any other medical conditions, we will endeavor to find the most suitable policy for your needs. Be sure to have a read up on our pre-existing conditions travel insurance page.