Can you get travel insurance if you’ve had a stroke?
Yes, we can provide cover for stroke survivors. Your quote may be a little more expensive as a result, but we’ll work with you to help you get the best cover.
Stroke travel insurance is designed for people who have had a stroke in the past, or who are at higher risk of one in the future. It works similarly to standard travel insurance, but also takes into account your medical history.
Why do you need travel insurance if you’ve had a stroke?
An estimated 30,000 people are living in Ireland with disabilities as a result of having a stroke. Travel insurance helps cover the costs of any hospital trips or medication you may need during your trip.
By declaring your condition, you’ll be covered for any emergency care linked to your stroke or other health issues while you’re abroad. This includes hospital treatment, repatriation to Ireland, and sometimes cover for trip cancellation if you become unfit to travel. If you don’t tell us about your stroke and other medical history, you may not be covered if something goes wrong.
Policies vary depending on your age, type of stroke, and time since diagnosis, but having a stroke doesn’t mean you can’t get the right cover.
- Around 7,500 strokes occur in Ireland each year. If you’ve had a stroke in the past, travel insurance can protect you financially if you experience complications or need urgent care while abroad.
- In 2023, over 5,800 people were admitted to Irish hospitals following a stroke, highlighting how common the condition remains across the country.
- As one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, stroke can make travelling more challenging, from managing medication to accessing mobility support overseas. Having specialist travel insurance means you’ll be covered for medical treatment, cancellations, or emergency repatriation if anything unexpected happens while you’re away.
Stroke.org advises that you should consult a medical professional about your specific situation before travelling.
Are all types of stroke covered?
Yes, but you must declare the type of stroke you’ve had. Insurers will usually cover:
- Ischemic stroke is the most common type, caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain.
- Hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a bleed in or around the brain.
- Transient ischaemic attack (TIA), also known as a “mini-stroke”, is when symptoms last for a short period but still signal risk of a future stroke.
Each type has different risks, so your policy will be tailored accordingly. You’ll usually be asked when the stroke occurred, what treatment you’ve had, and whether you’ve had any further episodes. The more detailed you can be, the more accurate your quote will be.
What does JustCover’s stroke travel insurance cover?
Get cover for conditions relating to your physical and mental health. Travel insurance for mental health protects you from the moment you book. Please review our Policy Wording for more details on what is and isn't included.
What's covered
Emergency medical expenses and repatriation costs – This includes the costs of tests, medications and procedures necessary to treat an illness or injury while abroad. You’ll also be covered for repatriation, making sure you return safely to Ireland.
Cancellation – Cover for flight and accommodation costs if an unexpected event means you have to cancel your trip before you go.
Curtailment – Cover if you need to cut your trip short and return home early following an emergency.
Travel delays – If your flight is delayed, we’ll compensate you for the time.
Personal belongings – You’ll be covered if your baggage or its contents are lost or stolen.
Personal liability – Cover for your legal expenses and any liability due if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while you’re away on holiday.
Legal protection cover – Provides cover for your legal expenses if you have to claim compensation or damages due to something that happened while you were away on holiday.
What's not covered
Claims below the value of the excess – This is dependent on your policy level.
Trips outside the region of cover – If you go somewhere not covered in your policy documents.
Known events or circumstances – Claims related to problems that you knew about before booking the trip or buying the travel insurance are not covered.
Medical conditions you don’t declare – You need to declare all of your pre-existing medical conditions.
Choosing not to travel – We know that sometimes plans change, but you’re only covered for cancellation where the reason falls within the policy terms and conditions.
Travelling against medical or government advice – We can’t cover you if you’ve been told not to go by a doctor or your medical team, or if you’re going away for treatment. We also can’t offer you a policy if the Department of Foreign Affairs has advised against all but essential travel to a destination.
Do you have to declare a stroke for travel insurance purposes?
Yes, you must always declare if you’ve had a stroke. Even if it was many years ago, or if you’ve made a full recovery. If you don’t, you may be refused any claim linked to your medical history.
Declaring your medical history gets you the protection you deserve, if you need emergency care, medication, or even if you experience another stroke while abroad. It also protects against issues such as blood pressure problems or mobility complications that could be linked to your condition.
How to get travel insurance if you’ve had a stroke
Applying for stroke travel insurance is straightforward. You’ll just need to provide details about your health and any treatment you’ve had.
Be prepared to share:
- When your stroke happened and what type it was.
- Whether you’ve had more than one stroke or a TIA.
- Any ongoing treatment or hospital visits.
- Medication you’re taking, such as blood thinners or blood pressure tablets.
- Any lasting effects, such as speech or mobility difficulties.
Being open and accurate helps us provide you with proper cover. Our team are very friendly and helpful, so please do ask any questions or let us know if you have any concerns.
What to expect in the medical questionnaire
Our team will usually ask a series of medical questions relating to your condition. The more honest and accurate you are, the more likely we are to cover you. The questions are usually very easy to answer, and the process itself is quick.
You might be asked:
- How long ago was your most recent stroke?
- Do you suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease?
- Have you had any surgery related to your stroke?
- Do you need help with daily activities or mobility?
- Have you been hospitalised in the last year for stroke-related issues?
How much does stroke travel insurance cost?
The price of stroke travel insurance depends on several factors. Because stroke is considered a pre-existing condition, premiums may be higher than standard policies, but the extra cover provides peace of mind.
Key factors include:
- Your age. Older holidaymakers generally pay more.
- Type of stroke and recovery. A recent or severe stroke may increase the cost.
- Time since your last stroke or TIA. Insurers may reduce premiums if it’s been years without further incidents.
- Other health conditions. Such as heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Destination. Trips to countries with high healthcare costs (like the USA) will cost more.
- Length of trip. Longer trips increase the risk of needing medical care.
- Planned activities. Higher-risk activities may need extra cover.
While specialist cover may be more expensive, it ensures you’re not left with massive bills if you need urgent care while you’re away.
Choose the right level of cover
We offer different levels of cover to make your Travel Insurance as cost-effective as possible.
Black
Gold
Silver
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Find the best travel insurance for strokes
Whether you’re planning a short break in Europe or a longer trip abroad, you’ll need the right type of policy:
Annual multi-trip travel insurance
Ideal if you travel regularly. You’ll be covered for multiple trips in a year, up to the maximum trip length stated in the policy.
Single trip travel insurance
Great if you’re only planning one holiday. It gives full cover for your declared stroke condition.
Why choose JustCover for your stroke travel insurance?
If you’re recovering from a stroke, travel health insurance might as well be essential. Even if it’s just a short flight across to the UK, knowing you’re covered can save thousands in medical bills and help you travel more confidently.
- Buy from Ireland's most trusted travel insurance provider¹.
- 98% of our customers rate us as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Great’².
- 98% of our customers would recommend JustCover to family and friends³.
- Get up to €10,000 cancellation cover⁴.
- Plus up to unlimited cover for emergency medical expenses and repatriation.
Specialist travel insurance for stroke
Seniors travel insurance
Seniors’ travel insurance is designed to cover age-related risks alongside stroke recovery needs, including emergency medical care, medication and mobility support.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
This type of policy provides cover for follow-up treatment, hospital stays or complications linked to your stroke, as well as any other health issues you may have.
Family travel insurance
A family policy can cover everyone under one plan, so if your stroke means you need to cut the trip short, everyone is protected, too.
Cruise travel insurance
Specialist cruise cover makes sure you’re protected if you need medical evacuation or onboard treatment.
Destinations covered by stroke travel insurance
Whether you’re taking a city break in Europe or travelling worldwide, stroke travel insurance keeps you protected.
Stroke travel insurance with other pre-existing medical conditions
It’s common for people who’ve had a stroke to also live with other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Stroke travel insurance can be tailored to cover these, too.
Declaring all your conditions together helps protect your policy. This reduces the risk of claim rejection and makes it easier for us to provide the right support if something happens while you’re abroad.
Conditions we can consider include:
Will an EHIC cover you for medical assistance related to a stroke while abroad?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) only provides access to state healthcare in EU/EEA countries. This cover is limited and does not pay for private care, emergency transport home, or extra costs linked to stroke complications.
If you’ve had a stroke, you should always take out travel insurance. It gives wider protection, including medical evacuation, cancellation cover, and ongoing treatment.
A simple 3-step process to book your stroke travel insurance
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You will only need to tell us some information about yourself and your holiday plans
Select and tailor your cover
Now all you need to do is to choose the level of cover that best suits your needs
Buy your cover and relax
Purchase your cover and you’re ready to go – we’ll take care of the rest!
Expert travel insurance advice from our team
"Travelling after a stroke is possible, but it requires the right protection. Specialist travel insurance makes sure you’re supported if anything happens, whether that’s medical care abroad or help getting home safely."
Peter Clark - JustCover Director
What our customers say
“Very straightforward, no hidden extras. The pre-existing medical condition section was very easy, and the policy was not loaded for common conditions, e.g. Arthritis. For this reason, I will use Just Cover again.”
see full reviewHow to prepare for your trip
If you’ve had a stroke or mini stroke, careful preparation is key before you travel. Here are some steps to take:
- Speak to your doctor. Your risk of having another stroke is highest in the weeks immediately following a stroke. Ask if you’re fit to travel and whether flying is safe for you. This is especially important if your stroke was recent.
- Check medication supplies. Bring enough for your whole trip, plus extra in case of delays. Keep medicines in the original packaging with your prescription label.
- Carry a doctor’s letter. This helps explain your condition and medication if airport staff or customs ask questions.
- Arrange special assistance at the airport. If mobility is difficult, request wheelchair help or priority boarding when you book. Similarly, be sure your travel plans accommodate your condition and mobility needs.
- Know your nearest hospital. Research where to go for emergency care in your destination. Knowing where you might need to receive treatment or medication is a nice safety net.
- Take travel insurance that covers stroke. Make sure your policy includes cover for stroke-related care, medical emergencies, and cancellation. This is something we offer.
Tips for travelling if you’ve had a stroke
Having a stroke shouldn’t stop you from seeing the world. However, there are some precautions to think about before you jet off.
- Pace yourself. Don’t overload your days. Factor in plenty of rest and know when to take breaks and recharge. Planning your days or having an itinerary might help with this.
- Stay hydrated. This may sound like common sense, but make sure to drink water regularly, especially in hot climates. Carry a bottle of water around if that’s easier.
- Move often. On long journeys, stretch or walk every hour to keep blood circulation healthy. Make sure you book extra legroom if you’re flying, and generally try to move as much as you can. The last thing you want is to develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to slow blood flow.
- Travel with support. If possible, go with a friend or family member who understands your condition. You may also want to tell the airport, port and/or accommodation about your condition in case you require them for any support.
- Carry medical details. Always keep a card with your stroke history, medication list, and emergency contact details. If you have a medical flare-up abroad, having this information can make it easier and faster to find help and support.
Flying after a stroke or mini stroke
Whether you should fly after a stroke depends on several factors, including your current condition and airline and country rules. You are at the highest risk of another stroke weeks after your previous stroke. So, if you’d planned to fly at this time, it’s best you think about rescheduling to avoid any emergencies.
Here are some general rules to follow if you’re planning to fly after a stroke:
- After a mini stroke (TIA), doctors often recommend waiting at least 2 weeks before flying.
- After a full stroke, waiting periods may be 4-6 weeks or longer, depending on your recovery and any complications.
- Always get written medical advice before booking flights. Airlines may request a fit-to-fly certificate from your doctor.
- During flights, keep moving when possible and wear compression stockings to reduce the risk of blood clots and DVT.
Frequently asked questions about travel insurance for strokes
Is a stroke considered a pre-existing medical condition for travel insurance?
Yes. A stroke or TIA is always considered a pre-existing medical condition. You must declare it to make sure you’re covered for stroke-related issues while travelling. If you don’t, you won’t be covered if anything happens relating to your condition.
Are you allowed to fly if you’ve had a stroke or mini stroke (TIA)?
This depends on a few factors. There’s no clear answer. You may be able to fly after a stroke or mini stroke, but only after a safe recovery period. Most people are advised to wait 2 weeks after a TIA and 4-6 weeks after a stroke. Always get your doctor’s approval before flying.
Does flying increase the risk of stroke?
Long flights can increase the risk of blood clots, which can trigger stroke complications. There’s also a bit less oxygen in your blood when flying. This can affect people with heart or cardiovascular conditions, such as COPD.
Again, always ask your doctor whether it’s safe to fly after a stroke. And if you can fly, staying hydrated, wearing compression stockings, and moving regularly can help make your flight more comfortable.
Do insurers require a doctor’s letter or medical certificate before providing cover for someone who has had a stroke?
Some insurers may ask for a doctor’s note confirming you are fit to travel, especially if your stroke was recent. At JustCover, we won’t need a doctor's note, but you must declare your condition in our medical questionnaire. Failing to do so will invalidate any claims you make relating to your condition.
If you need to cut your trip short because of a stroke, will your travelling companions be covered too?
Should you have to return home early due to a medical emergency, such as a stroke, your own curtailment costs are usually covered under your travel insurance.
If your policy includes cancellation and curtailment, your travelling companions may also be covered to return home early, but only if they’re listed on the same policy and the reason for curtailment is covered under the terms and conditions.
Are you travelling as a couple, family or group? If so, it’s best to book your travel insurance together under one policy. That way, everyone on the booking is protected if one person has to cancel or cut the trip short.
For peace of mind, always check the Curtailment section in your Policy Wording or contact us before travelling to confirm what’s included.
Do you need to update us if your medication or condition changes before you travel?
Yes, you will need to let us know about any changes to your medication or treatment. This is because it may affect your cover. Not updating us could result in a claim being refused.
What should you do if you lose your medication abroad?
Go to the nearest pharmacy or hospital. Carry a copy of your prescription and doctor’s letter to help replace medication. We can also help direct you to the right services through our 24/7 support service.
When is the best time to arrange travel insurance if you’ve had a stroke?
The best time to arrange any travel insurance is as soon as you book your trip. Buying insurance early means that cancellation cover starts straight away, protecting your costs if health issues stop you from travelling. That said, always check with your doctor that you’re safe to fly before booking any trip soon after a stroke.
Are there age restrictions when applying for travel insurance after a stroke?
Some providers set age limits, but we offer policies for older holidaymakers, even with pre-existing conditions such as stroke. There is no upper age limit, and we’ll work with you to find and tailor a policy around your specific needs and preferences.
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2. Based on 2,000+ Trustpilot responses, as of 12/05/2025.
3. Based on 128 responses, correct as of 27/08/2025.
4. Covers cancellation for certain reasons outside of your control and detailed in our Policy Wording. Amount of cover depends on the policy level you have purchased.