Vasospastic angina.

[Holidayescape]

Has anyone with this diagnosis travelled abroad? If so did you manage to get travel insurance.

[Lowerfield_no_more]

There may well be others who have managed to get travel insurance with vasospastic angina. But their personal circumstances will be different to yours, since we are all unique and travel insurance providers assess each case individually where pre-existing medical conditions apply, although they are usually assessed against a standard set of questions. So the only way anyone can find out whether they are going to covered or not, and how much it will cost, and indeed whether some conditions will be excluded, is to do your own research by using an online comparison site for travel insurance and then take it from there. Or talk to a local insurance broker.

[Holidayescape in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Thank you for this information. This will be the first time I have been abroad since my diagnosis. I will ask my Cardiologist in April.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello, Lowerfield_no_more has made some very important suggestions and considerations in his reply to you.

I have travelled several times to Europe since my diagnosis of vasospastic angina, nearly 12 years ago.

I have been able to get travel insurance, but it is more expensive. There are a few restrictions. I can't get annual worldwide cover.

Going to the US costs an arm and a leg.

I suggest you ask your Cardiologist or GP whether you are able to fly.

My Cardiologist recommends I take only short haul flights. I use a portable oxygen concentrator on the plane, as the change in air pressure can trigger my coronary vasospasms.

I have to get a fit to fly letter from my GP before flying. I ask for assisted travel. I keep well hydrated and wear compression stockings.

I make sure I rest well and try not to do much the day after I arrive.

I take my all medications with me in my hand luggage.

I carry a copy of my careplan and angiogram with acetylcholine results.

I have used Staysure and Avanti.

[Holidayescape in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you for this information. I will speak to the Cardiologist when I see him.

[Morges]

Hello Holiday escape. I have just looked into holiday insurance. I have asymptomatic AF and am on Apixaban only; the cheapest deal has gone up from £100 to £500 - this is for a year and covers husband with no medical problems. So I dread to think what the cost would be for someone with a more serious health condition.

[Holidayescape in reply to Morges]

Hi Morges, thanks for replying. I know it will be expensive I just hope someone will cover me. Enjoy your holiday.

[Richdirich]

Hello I was diagnosed seven weeks ago with CAS and got annual travel insurance with All Clear. It took nearly two hours on the phone and cost £670 including my hubby for Europe including Turkey. The normal price comparison websites couldn’t bring up a quote.

I’m hoping to get to a Turkey in a couple of weeks but will know if I’m able when I see the cardiologist on Tuesday. I’m anxious to be going away for the first time but have to start somewhere . Like Milk Fairy I’ll be doing all the same things plus extra meds in case anything happens.

Good luck, hope you get sorted x

[Holidayescape in reply to Richdirich]

Hi Richdirich, I haven't tried to get any quotes yet. I am taking part in a MINOCA study at present. The study finishes at the end of April.I will try then for quotes. I am hopefully going to Greece in July. This will be the first time I will have been abroad since I had my diagnosis. I am also anxious about it. I hope you have a lovely holiday in Turkey.

[scottish1]

I got a quote a few years ago and Prinzmetal Angina was actually on the list of conditions. It didn't seem to be affecting premiums that much. It is probably a trial and error approach that you will have to do and wording seems to matter.

[Holidayescape in reply to scottish1]

Hi Scottish1, thanks for that advice. I will hopefully get a company to cover me. Fingers 🤞. Thanks for replying. I appreciate everyone's help and advice.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to scottish1]

My diagnosis is Vasospastic angina, that is what is written in my medical records.

I have been reviewed by leading world experts in researching angina/ ischaemia non obstructive coronary arteries.

My diagnosis has never been given as Prinzmetal angina.

My understanding is that you must give accurate information to a travel insurance company.

[Tos92]

Hi Holidayescape,

I hope you are well.

I travelled last year with vasospastic angina. I didn’t face any issues getting travel insurance. I was insured with Staysure. Staysure continue to recognise vasospastic angina as Prinzmetal angina so that would be what you would declare your pre-existing diagnosis/medical condition as if you choose them. I preferred to take cover out over the phone instead of online as it gave me the opportunity to ask any questions that were not made clear on the site. You may wish to do this also.

Do not forget to declare all of your conditions. If you are still under investigation, this may affect your policy.

You can arrange for pre-flight assistance at the airport if you find that there are triggers for your angina such as standing/queuing, baggage handling, and other things which may cause you stress.

My flight was seven hours long. Like you, I was also very anxious. I wore compression socks. Although my feet didn’t swell going there, they did on the way back. I had a book to read, and did breathing exercises for the anxiety I felt whilst in air. I did experience angina while I was flying however, these were small, temporary bouts of angina which resolved on their own. I had my GTN spray and medication in my hand luggage so I knew if I needed to use them, they were within arms reach. I also flew with a friend, so that was also a great help.

I took all relevant doctor letters/notes with me. Make sure you check whether your medication is allowed entry into the country you are going to. If it is considered a controlled drug or otherwise, you will have to declare it.

I can see you are hoping to travel to Europe so I think you will be ok on a short haul flight. Often things seem worser than what they actually are. My nerves definitely made me feel worse until I got on the flight and it wasn’t as bad as what I thought at all.

Enjoy your holiday away if you do fly!

Tos

[Holidayescape in reply to Tos92]

Hi Tos92, I am better than I have been in the past few months thank you. I am going with my husband and daughter so there is plenty of support. I was insured with Staysure the last time I travelled, but that was before this diagnosis.

I phoned the Greek consulate in Edinburgh to check if my medication was OK and thankfully it is.

When the study finishes I will only have a routine check up. I will ask the Cardiologist in April if he will give me a letter with my diagnosis etc that I can take with me.

Thank you for your message. I hope you are also well. This forum has been so helpful. I realise I am not the only one living with this. I still find it hard mentally to accept but I am getting there.

Take care.