Atrial Fibrillation/Travel Insurance + Walking

Posted , 8 users are following.

I've just recently had a diagnosis of 'narrow complex tachycardia degenerating into AF.... Am on Cardiocor and Flecainide, and the symptoms are under control. So I've given up caffeine and alcohol: what I'd love to do now is enjoy my retirement (am 63) and would love to travel. Could anyone in the same boat share their experiences with me regarding either going abroad or to remote spots in the UK, as my main hobby is country walks, but on the first count I'm not sure what to declare or how easy it is to get travel insurance, and on the second count, since what felt like a 'near death' experience of my heart hammering away at over 200 last September, I've developed a fear of being anywhere more than 5 miles from and A&E!

Advice and experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi,

    just saw this as i came in for lunch... i can only say what i do when i go out for a walk... i tell someone i tell them clearly where i am going either by description or by map reference and i tell them when i will be back. I always tell the mwhen i am back (walking in the driveway) so if i am late i know they will reprot straight away... if i am running (walking) late then i let them know as soon as possible. it is fristrating sometimes as i would like to deviate from my planned route but i never do by more than a 100 yards (m) i carry a wistle and a mirror (actually the phone surface does for that but used to be a small make up mirror) i take drink and meds in a pack and in that pack i have a note detailing my conditons and what meds i have taken and would note last time of taking anything if i could... then otherwise i go for it and enjoy. I like rock collecting and the country side etc so can end up in some odd places but... i plan it and do it and only do that. some might say over the top etc but hey i feel safe and i know there is a good chance someone will find me in a reasonable time. the usual disclaimers apply and this isnt advice, it is only what i do.... ho hum, but.., enjoy!!!!!!!  

    • Posted

      Thank you, Andrew. I never used to bother taking my phone with me or telling anyone where I was, so like you I feel this condition has affected my freedom a lot. For 6 months I wouldn't go anywhere without company but my confidence is gaining with fewer 'bad spells' but like you I did think of writing down my medical history and having it with me all the time. What I can't get from the Medics is how much exercise I should actually do; the Cardiac Nurse merely said not to run any marathons, which I laughed at as at one point I wasn't able to go as far as the front door. Thank you for the advice, and probably like you I am making the most of every day - having had such a close shave really made me focus on the simple things in life - at one point last year before I was diagnosed I didn't think I'd make it to Christmas.

      All the very best....

  • Posted

    Hi.                                                                                                                                 Just read your post and and like you I was scared to be anywhere not close to a hospital..have'nt been abroad yet so cant help you with travel insureance but as for your walking...go for it..I've been in constant AF 5years now.used to love walking and fishing in the highlands but was scared to go because it was so remote.bucked up the courage one weekend and went with the mates..best thing I could have done.You were asking how much excersie you should do..the only thing I can say is how much your AF will let you.lol..I do the short walks with a couple of stops along the way and when my friends want to do the hard long one's then I do a bit of fishing..somebody always stays with me ofcourse..usually the one who never shuts up.what I've found is my AF plays ball.your doing something you love and your feelgood factor makes you so calm..I take my repeat perscription with me and all my friends know my condition.Ilike andrews Idea about the whistle and the phone is a must..My son entered I.C.E [incase of emergancy]and his number into my fone.he said the emergancy services know to look..Never needed it yet..the best of luck and most of all..get walking..
    • Posted

      Thank you for those helpful tips. Never thought about ICE but will do that straight away. I think the psychological part of this condition is highly underestimated and only other with it can understand why.

      Best wishes

       

  • Posted

    I'm 79, have had pafib for 10 years with regular episodes lasting up to 24 hours and  tolerate the condition fairly well and have not had a problem getting travel insurance (other than cost). You should declare your condition and meds. and will be asked if you've had collapses etc. In deciding where you go It depends on how confident you are in handling a afib episode without medical support.
  • Posted

    Hi I have PAF I rarely get over 100 heart rate but do get dizzy and breathless but a lot of the time I am fine.  I cycle with a club , now with the help of a pedelec and always with a friend who knows my condition - With regard to travelling I have been to the Caribbean , across Europe by train, cycled (with stops ) to Paris and have been able to get insurance by stating my condition and taking appropriate medication with me. Afib is not  life threatening in itself - don't let it spoil your life , just pace yourself reasonably , unless your heart itself is damaged exercise and  pleasure can only be good.
  • Posted

    Hi

    There are specialist travel insurers who deal with people who have current medical conditions - dont know if I am allowed to give names here.  Always always declare medical conditions to them - you dont want to give anyone an excuse to void your insurance.  - AF doesnt seem to put a lot onto premium.  I've been abroad twice since diagnosis.  Yes its a bit worrying but I decided not to let it get in the way of my love of travel.  Good luck.

    • Posted

      Thank you.

      I'm seeing my Consultant in 2 months time, and then would like to go to Greece or Turkey before it gets too hot....

    • Posted

      I love Greece but dont know if I could cope with July or August temperatures!!  Went just after I was diagnosed - as I said didnt add too much to insurance premium.  Hope you get to go and have a great time.
  • Posted

    HI, I am 58 and was diagnosed four years ago. I still work full time and my husband and I go on foreign holidays a couple of times a year.

    we get our travel insurance through my bank account. It works out alot cheaper than going to another company. You can get insurance anywhere but the premiums will be high with the AF especially if you are on meds (I am on Flecainide, Dabigatran, Atorvastatin & Amlodopine). If you have had a hospital visit resulting in a cardioversion (chemical or otherwise) then that ups the cost. The bank only charge me £90 a year for an annual worldwide policy whereas other companies charge more than £200-400. Make sure you declare everything as they will use any excuse not to pay out if you need medical treatment abroad. Always carry a few of each of your tablets in your handbag too..Enjoy your holidays.

    • Posted

      The bank has not loaded the premium becase of you condition?

       

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