The lowdown on travel insurance following stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when an artery to part of your brain is blocked, or when a blood vessel in your brain bleeds. As stroke is a serious condition, most travel insurance brands won't automatically cover stroke.

How can I get cover for stroke?

If you’ve previously suffered a stroke and any resulting complications, this will have an effect on your ability to qualify for travel insurance cover. A stroke is considered to be a pre-existing medical condition, so you’ll need to:

• Declare it to your insurer and allow yourself to be medically assessed.
• Pay the additional premium required
• Follow any new conditions e.g. no travel to Africa

How are strokes treated by different travel insurance companies?

While many insurers will offer you cover when you declare, if the stroke occurred (or you received treatment for it) within a specified time frame prior to you taking out travel insurance, any claims relating to stroke may be excluded from cover.

Brand	No cover if the stroke has occurred in this period	Condition details	Apply
Insure4less	No period stated	You can declare your condition with a medical assessment.	Get quote
Travel Insuranz	No period stated	You can declare your condition with a medical assessment.	Get quote
InsureandGo	Past 5 years	No cover if the stroke occurred or any if you have received treatment, medication or medical advice for stroke in the past five years.	Get quote
Tick	Past 5 years	No cover if the stroke occurred or if medication has been taken for stroke in the past five years.	Get quote
Australia Post	No period stated	You can declare your condition with a medical assessment.	Get quote
Travel Insurance Saver	No period stated	Online medical screening assessment will determine if cover can be provided. Consider the PDS and TMD from TIS and if the product is right for you.

Note: This information was last updated May 2025

Why do I need to tell my insurer if I have had a stroke?

It’s vital that you tell your insurer of any pre-existing medical conditions, including stroke, when you apply for cover. Each insurer will provide its own definition of what is considered to be a pre-existing condition, and stroke always fits the bill.

Insurance providers need to know about your medical history so that they can decide whether or not to offer you cover and then set your premiums at an appropriate level. If you fail to disclose any health condition to your insurer, any claims that result from that condition could be refused and your policy may be cancelled.

How do I declare my condition?

Each insurer has its own process for when you want to declare a pre-existing medical condition. This may include:

• Answering questions about your medical history when applying online or over the phone
• Completing an online self-assessment process regarding your medical condition
• Providing reports about your condition from your doctor or specialist
• Undergoing a medical examination or testing

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Important questions about stroke medication and cover

Am I covered if I currently take medication for stroke?

One of the most common medications prescribed after a stroke is warfarin, a blood thinner. You may see it under any of these names:

Many travel insurance policies will exclude Warfarin and blood-thinners users from cover, as it has a complex range of serious side effects. This usually means that any claims arising directly from your medical condition won’t be covered if you are currently on stroke medication.

What if I've taken medication in the past?

A timeframe exclusion may also apply to pre-existing medical conditions and their treatment. For example, if you’ve taken a prescription blood-thinning medication such as Warfarin at any time in the past 12 months, you might not be eligible for cover.

Declare anyway

Some travel insurers will still offer you cover for medications such as Warfarin, but you’ll need to declare your medication use when you apply for cover. Check your insurer’s list of general exclusions for more details.

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It’s been two years since I had a stroke. Can I get cover?

If it’s been two years since you suffered a stroke, it may be possible for you to take out travel insurance. You’ll need to declare your pre-existing medical condition and any treatment or medication you’ve received and wait for the insurer to approve your application for cover.

Some policies will require you to have not received any treatment or rehabilitation for the stroke in the past two years. If you have, any claims that arise from the stroke may be excluded from cover.

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What if I can't get medical cover?

Even if your medical history means you can’t qualify for medical cover under a travel insurance policy, travel insurance still offers a wide range of benefits. Many Australian insurance companies offer non-medical travel insurance policies that provide a financial safeguard in a wide range of situations. These policies cover:

• Cancellation fees and lost deposits. If you're forced to cancel non-refundable travel items, travel insurance can cover you.

• Missed flights and delays. If you miss a flight for reasons outside of your control, you're typically covered.

• Lost, stolen or damaged passport and travel documents. Travel insurance can protect your valuable items as you travel.

• Personal liability. If you accidentally damage or injure a third party on your holiday, travel insurance offers protection against personal liability.

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Tips to stay safe travelling if you have had a stroke

• Flying after a stroke. How soon you can fly after a stroke depends on its type and severity, so get clearance from your doctor before you book.
• Booking a holiday. If you have mobility problems following your stroke, you might want to find a travel agency that can help you access the care and accommodation you need while travelling.
• Beware of deep vein thrombosis. The inactivity of long-haul flights combined with the lower oxygen pressure in an aeroplane cabin can lead to deep vein thrombosis, which usually causes blood clots in your leg. These clots can break off and travel to your lungs, causing pulmonary embolism. Do simple exercises and stay hydrated to reduce the risk.
• Contact the airline. If you have special requirements such as mobility equipment that you need to take with you, contact the airline in advance to find out if your equipment can be carried on board.
• Take out travel insurance. Even if your pre-existing medical condition is excluded from cover, travel insurance can still provide essential protection. Make sure you have adequate cover in place before beginning your journey.

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When won’t you be covered?

There are several general exclusions on travel insurance policies that could affect people who have suffered a stroke or resulting complications, including:

• No cover for conditions for which you are awaiting surgery or treatment
• No cover for conditions for which you have been hospitalised within a certain period e.g. 2 years
• No cover for pre-existing conditions

Check with your insurer to make sure you’re aware of when cover is and isn’t available. You can also read more on travel insurance exclusions here.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will travel insurance be more expensive after a stroke?

  Yes, typically travel insurance premiums will be higher after you have experienced a stroke. Insurers assess the increased risk of a medical emergency or complications arising from your condition while travelling. Factors such as the severity of your stroke, the time elapsed since it occurred, any ongoing medications you take, your age and your intended travel destinations will all influence the premium. It is always recommended to compare quotes from multiple providers to find suitable cover.

• Does the type of stroke I had affect my travel insurance options?

  Yes, the specific type of stroke you experienced will influence your travel insurance options. Insurers differentiate between ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA). They will consider your specific diagnosis, the severity of the event, any resulting brain damage or lasting effects and your recovery progress. A minor TIA with no lasting effects may be assessed differently to a severe haemorrhagic stroke with significant ongoing complications. Always provide comprehensive details of your specific stroke type and medical history during the assessment process.

• What happens if I have another stroke or a related medical emergency overseas?

  If your stroke condition has been fully declared and accepted by your travel insurer, your policy should cover emergency medical expenses, hospitalisation and even medical evacuation should you experience another stroke or a related medical emergency overseas. It is critical to contact your insurer's 24/7 emergency assistance team immediately if you require medical attention. If your stroke condition was not declared or was specifically excluded from cover, you would be personally responsible for all medical costs incurred.

• What if I have ongoing symptoms or complications from my stroke?

  If you have ongoing symptoms or complications from your stroke such as weakness, mobility issues, speech difficulties or cognitive changes, these must also be declared to your insurer. These lasting effects are considered part of your pre-existing medical condition. Insurers will assess the nature and severity of these complications as part of your overall health profile. The presence and extent of these ongoing issues can impact your eligibility for cover, the premium charged and any specific exclusions applied to your policy. Some specialist travel insurers may be more equipped to cover complex cases.

• What should I look for in the Product Disclosure Statement when declaring a stroke?

  When reviewing a Product Disclosure Statement (or PDS) after declaring a stroke, you should focus on several key sections. Look for clauses related to pre-existing medical conditions, definitions of stroke or cerebrovascular events and any general exclusions that might apply. Pay close attention to any timeframes specified regarding your last stroke, treatment or medication use. Crucially, verify the details of emergency medical assistance benefits, medical evacuation provisions and any sub-limits or excesses that may be applicable to stroke-related claims. Ensure the policy clearly states if your declared stroke condition is explicitly covered or if any specific exclusions have been applied.