Travelling differently after having heart issues

[Fredflintstone]

When I turned 60, I was thinking about where I was going to travel because travelling was going to be ramped up. Then, tightness in my chest started to happen and became regular. Stubborn me thought it was the way I was sleeping. As the problem got worse, I finally dragged myself into hospital. It ended up I had congestive heart failure. Fast forwarding, my new heart condition lead me to assess my travel plans. First, I wasn’t sure if I could get travel health insurance that would cover my (now) pre existing heart condition. Living in Canada, I was frankly afraid of travelling to the US anymore because any travel insurance I have could be void which could be a problem. I had a trip booked to Honolulu in November but cancelled it because I was in hospital in October. Now, I’m assessing my options. Here are a few ideas:

1. Only travel to locations where direct flights home are available on a daily basis. Yes, grab my heart and suck it up until landing If need be.
2. Go to locations where if something happened and my travel insurance was void, I could afford to pay for hospitalization out of pocket. Places in Mexico come to mind.
3. Just travel in Canada? Naw, I’m addicted to Palm trees. Dying under one is preferred over being in the cold .

How about you? What would you do if any major health event happens? What would your future travel plans look like? Can you even get travel health insurance to cover the condition? Would you just take the risk anyway? Would you change your timeshare plans? Would you avoid places not located near hospitals. Life happens and plans you thought you had dramatically change.

 

[Passepartout]

Buy your travel insurance shortly after booking, and pre-existing conditions are covered.

Get worked up by your cardio team. There are numerous HF meds that help.

I have CHF, a pacemaker, use a VPAP, and still travel. Sure, I don't climb mountains, and do use a wheelchair in big airports, but the HF is more inconvenience than disability. We also book lie-flat on international long-haul flights. Compression socks (I HATE 'em!) help.

The situation will ultimately change, but my advice is to do as much travel as you can while you are able. Modify it as necessary.

Jim

 

[Fredflintstone]

Thanks for that. Yes, I am on multiple meds now and under the care of a Cardiologist team to stabilize. Naturally, I’m not looking at any travel until the team determines I am stable. I will and am looking deeper into travel insurance. Thank you for that book insurance near booking my flight. I am digging deep on how travel insurance works.I used to go to Princeville, Kauai often using a timeshare but am questioning that one because it’s not near medical facilities. I am trying to decide on just living life and not worrying about that.

It’s funny how your plans can change quick. The good thing is travelling is still in the cards. Good to hear you are travelling well.


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[Passepartout]

One more thing, do less travel to the US, due to onerous medical costs, and more to Europe where medical care is more aligned with Canadian plans.

I got my first pacemaker & HF diagnosis in Germany. The cost was 100% covered by travel insurance, as well as evacuation home, for WAY less than a day in CCU at home.

 

[Fredflintstone]

One more thing, do less travel to the US, due to onerous medical costs, and more to Europe where medical care is more aligned with Canadian plans.

I got my first pacemaker & HF diagnosis in Germany. The cost was 100% covered by travel insurance, as well as evacuation home, for WAY less than a day in CCU at home.

Great advice! Thanks. Destinations are certainly needing to be assessed. Sadly, the US is lower on my list because of medical costs. Europe and Mexico are better options. One place I’m definitely looking at is Denmark as health coverage is excellent.


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[noreenkate]

I can’t speak to the travel insurance part but we got my SO w/CHF history clearanced by cardiology for travel to Hawaii- we now know to break up long flights and when ever possible book lay-flat seating. This way we can elevate his feet above his heart.

 

[Fredflintstone]

I suppose I’m looking at the fact that life’s a risk. Live it and don’t worry about what could or might happen. But, there’s always that little birdy on my shoulder thinking risk. I’m embedded with risk assessment given what I used to do for work. I got to get somewhat out of that mindset. Not completely but better aligned to living life.


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[Tacoma]

Sorry to hear that your health problems may affect your ability to travel. As a fellow Canadian and a person with wanderlust I feel your pain. Unfortunately even travel in Canada is not completely safe as your province may deny some coverage. I am lucky to have excellent health coverage (182 days per trip with the ability to buy more days) as a retired teacher. It's not cheap and I do question it's worth, (around $400 a month with dental- I included the price as US plans are more) since most things are now covered by the government plan. I think of it as my insurance to still travel since it's supposed to be the best coverage available. There are countries where the health coverage would not break you or could even be covered. With a bit of research I'm sure you'll find ways to still go. I have most of the timeshares in Canada covered between WM and embarc and that's my back up plan. Good luck!

 

[geist1223]

I have a Family History and Personal History of Heart Issues. My Grandfather died at age 37 years of a Heart Attack. My Dad at age 61.5 years of a Heart Attack. I turn 71 in March. In April 2008 I had Chest Pain. An Angiogram showed a 90% Blockage of the Right Descending Artery. Had an Angioplasty and Stent placed. In July 2016 had Chest Pain. An Angiogram showed a 80% Blockage of the Right Descending Artery. Angioplasty and 2 Stents placed. 27 month ago I had Ideopathic Pancreatis. Spent about 10 days in ICU. Because it was idiopathic I carry major Pain Killers in case it happens again.

After my Pancreatis I also now have Diabetes Type 2. I am on 3 different Drugs to help control my Blood Glucose Level.

I have not changed any of my Travel Plans. Nor do I plan on doing so. In fact next month we are traveling to the Melbourne Australia area for 3 weeks. One week on Philip Island and 2 weeks in Melbourne. As long as I am physically capable of flying I will continue to do so.

If I check out on one of these long trips at least I will be doing what I enjoy.

 

[Luvtoride]

@Fredflintstone what does your cardiologist say? Before planning your contingency travel plans, wouldn’t you consider and follow the advice of your medical team? I had a heart attack 12 years ago at age 55. I also had a Pacemaker implanted at that time, due to having Afib and running low pulse rates. My father died of a heart attack at 55. My younger brother died of a heart attack 2 years ago at age 57. After several months of cardiac rehab and plenty of time being monitored for my health issues, I started to travel again several years ago. I now can travel, exercise and do most anything without restrictions. Being retired, I took 10 trips last year, traveled to 5 countries and a total of over 20,000 miles. I don’t take anything for granted and I am diligent about taking my meds and seeing my doctors as required. Luckily, I haven’t had any issues while traveling it we always take the travel insurance, primarily for being transported back to the US in case of a medical emergency. Good luck with your recovery and future travel plans.

 

[Fredflintstone]

I’m more thinking like you. Good going.

In my case, I have 100 percent blockage on the left ventricle so they didn’t do a stint. As they said, fixing it would be like watering a dead flower. So, I am on a series of meds. One of them called Entresto is designed to help my left ventricle build pathways. I too have diabetes, type 2. In my case, I will wait until I finish Cardio rehab. However, I do plan to travel once stable. I am looking at health insurance via credit card and I might be covered. If not, I’ll just take the risk but check with the Doctors before I go.

It’s nice to see others like you just living life even when life throws a curve ball.


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[Fredflintstone]

@Fredflintstone what does your cardiologist say? Before planning your contingency travel plans, wouldn’t you consider and follow the advice of your medical team? I had a heart attack 12 years ago at age 55. I also had a Pacemaker implanted at that time, due to having Afib and running low pulse rates. My father died of a heart attack at 55. My younger brother died of a heart attack 2 years ago at age 57. After several months of cardiac rehab and plenty of time being monitored for my health issues, I started to travel again several years ago. I now can travel, exercise and do most anything without restrictions. Being retired, I took 10 trips last year, traveled to 5 countries and a total of over 20,000 miles. I don’t take anything for granted and I am diligent about taking my meds and seeing my doctors as required. Luckily, I haven’t had any issues while traveling it we always take the travel insurance, primarily for being transported back to the US in case of a medical emergency. Good luck with your recovery and future travel plans.

Right now, the Cardio team doesn’t recommend it but perhaps in a year. I completely agree. Wait until they give an ok. I can’t exercise yet. I haven’t even had a stress test. This is because I have a bleed on the left ventricle leaving a clot. I am on blood thinners to reduce the risk of a stroke. Once this issue clears, I can start rehab. I too follow the med regiment. I’m looking into the travel insurance now as that one is unclear. Thank you. Glad to hear you are travelling well.


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[jp10558]

My dad had a heart attack at 60, got treatment and still traveled after that. Just checked with his doctors. I guess 2 of my uncles had heart problems for years before they died and still traveled - though one didn't fly anywhere but not because of health reasons.

For me, so far still no diagnosed heart issues and I do see my doctors - but I plan to go on trips when and how I can - I can stop going when I'm older - that's always coming, and while I can, I want to do stuff. I'd say once the acute stuff is resolved - why spend any more time in your life than required sitting at home?

 

[jorcus]

When I turned 60, I was thinking about where I was going to travel because travelling was going to be ramped up. Then, tightness in my chest started to happen and became regular. Stubborn me thought it was the way I was sleeping. As the problem got worse, I finally dragged myself into hospital. It ended up I had congestive heart failure. Fast forwarding, my new heart condition lead me to assess my travel plans. First, I wasn’t sure if I could get travel health insurance that would cover my (now) pre existing heart condition. Living in Canada, I was frankly afraid of travelling to the US anymore because any travel insurance I have could be void which could be a problem. I had a trip booked to Honolulu in November but cancelled it because I was in hospital in October. Now, I’m assessing my options. Here are a few ideas:

1. Only travel to locations where direct flights home are available on a daily basis. Yes, grab my heart and suck it up until landing If need be.
2. Go to locations where if something happened and my travel insurance was void, I could afford to pay for hospitalization out of pocket. Places in Mexico come to mind.
3. Just travel in Canada? Naw, I’m addicted to Palm trees. Dying under one is preferred over being in the cold .

How about you? What would you do if any major health event happens? What would your future travel plans look like? Can you even get travel health insurance to cover the condition? Would you just take the risk anyway? Would you change your timeshare plans? Would you avoid places not located near hospitals. Life happens and plans you thought you had dramatically change.

I don't know if you are on the east coast or the west coast or in between. When it comes to frequent flights to Mexico It's Cancun on the East coast and probably Preto Vallarta on the West coast. I would not venture too far for hotels from the airport or the Hospitals. I would also pick out a hospital in advance in case you need help. Don't be at the mercy of where a hotel want's you to go. I don't have any experience but have read enough stories that with Medical care in Mexico it can go really well or really bad depending on the hospital. Be prepared to pay upfront to get help.

As far as the US goes you may have trouble with the accounting dept. but if you are having serious trouble they are going to help you then sort the rest out later.

 

[cd5]

I don't know if you are on the east coast or the west coast or in between. When it comes to frequent flights to Mexico It's Cancun on the East coast and probably Preto Vallarta on the West coast. I would not venture too far for hotels from the airport or the Hospitals. I would also pick out a hospital in advance in case you need help. Don't be at the mercy of where a hotel want's you to go. I don't have any experience but have read enough stories that with Medical care in Mexico it can go really well or really bad depending on the hospital. Be prepared to pay upfront to get help.

As far as the US goes you may have trouble with the accounting dept. but if you are having serious trouble they are going to help you then sort the rest out later.

That's really rolling the dice - especially for Canadians who don't pay out anything for emergency care (ambulance maybe).

 

[dioxide45]

I think you really need to study travel insurance plans to see what they cover. I suspect they are much different than plans that can be purchased by Americans. I recall going to the bank to buy travel medical insurance when I lived in Canada and wanted to travel to the USA. Is it still that way?

 

[Passepartout]

I think you really need to study travel insurance plans to see what they cover. I suspect they are much different than plans that can be purchased by Americans. I recall going to the bank to buy travel medical insurance when I lived in Canada and wanted to travel to the USA. Is it still that way?

@Fredflintstone Good advice here. We use www.squaremouth.com to research and buy travel insurance. You can filter for things like coverage and pre-existing conditions. I don't know if their service is available in Canada, or how it compares or aligns with what your coverage is. I only mention this because the US health industry is ANYTHING BUT user friendly. It's expensive and most of us hate it. The industry has promoted that ours is 'The World's Best', but truly, US healthcare is just the world's most expensive. The mortality tables regularly show that health care in other countries costs less and people live longer.

Jim

 

[JoeWilly]

I agree, you been given some excellent advice. Read about the different company's coverage for Pre -Existing Conditions. You might be pleasantly surprised. Here's an example:

Pre-Existing Condition means any injury, sickness or condition of Yours, Your Traveling Companion and/or Your Family Member booked to travel with You for which within the sixty (60) day period prior to the Effective Date of Trip Cancellation coverage under this Policy (a) first manifested itself or exhibited symptoms which would have caused one to seek diagnosis, care or treatment; (b) required taking prescribed drugs or medicine, unless the condition for which the prescribed drug or medicine is taken remains controlled without any change in the required prescription; or (c) required medical treatment or treatment was recommended by a Physician. The Pre-Existing Conditions exclusion is waived for You if You enroll You in this Policy at the time You pay the deposit required for Your Trip (or within fourteen (14) days of the initial deposit) and You purchase the coverage under this Policy for the full cost of their Trip.

 

[dioxide45]

The industry has promoted that ours is 'The World's Best', but truly, US healthcare is just the world's most expensive. The mortality tables regularly show that health care in other countries costs less and people live longer.

Since you went there, these are not necessarily directly correlated. There are a lot of things that lead to mortality and it isn't always directly related to healthcare. There is mental health, drug abuse, obesity and many more. Obesity is more related to nutrition than it is healthcare. There is only so much that can be done with healthcare to fix obesity related health issues.

 

[jp10558]

Since you went there, these are not necessarily directly correlated. There are a lot of things that lead to mortality and it isn't always directly related to healthcare. There is mental health, drug abuse, obesity and many more. Obesity is more related to nutrition than it is healthcare. There is only so much that can be done with healthcare to fix obesity related health issues.

Well, and the problem like in many situations is - we don't have a consistent healthcare system either. If you're rich or otherwise have the means and can go to NYC or other center of "top hospitals in the world" for whatever you need, you'll get world class treatment. If you're in "random 3rd tier city or rural" you tend to get very much not that level of care. I'd be willing to pit the no costs barred NYC location as likely equal or better than anywhere. I'd also be willing to pit the "random 3rd tier city or rural" with the lowest developed countries given my experiences...

 

[chriskre]

I think you definitely need to look at not just medical insurance but evacuation insurance.
It can cost you 50K to get back to Canada if you crash in a foreign land.
Some of these foreign hospitals won't touch you until you pay cash up front.
They don't care if you have travel insurance they want cash and will not as much as give
you a Tylenol until you wire them 10K up front so just know that's a thing in some places
including Mexico.

Because of that, I am a chicken and have not travelled outside of the US since 2016.
My health just isn't up to par anymore. I've been all over the world in my younger years
so now I'm good with sticking around the US and the islands. Heck I barely get out of
FL anymore. Hopefully I'll start cruising again soon once I renew my passport which is
something you might want to consider.

Look at buying a plan that covers you for the whole year instead of just per trip so that
you know your buying a solid plan. It might cost more but you need to invest in yourself
if your going to take several risky trips and it will be worth it in the end for the peace of mind.

You should have your medical team evaluate you for oxygen while flying too.
It makes the flying less risky and easier on your heart.
They have nice little portable machines now that are lightweight and airline approved.
I bought one and you can plug them into your seat in first class.
Insurance usually doesn't cover the cost but I feel that it's definitely worth buying because
you for sure are hypoxic at the higher altitude and don't need the extra strain on your
heart right out the gate.

Good luck.

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[Brett]

Well, and the problem like in many situations is - we don't have a consistent healthcare system either. If you're rich or otherwise have the means and can go to NYC or other center of "top hospitals in the world" for whatever you need, you'll get world class treatment. If you're in "random 3rd tier city or rural" you tend to get very much not that level of care. I'd be willing to pit the no costs barred NYC location as likely equal or better than anywhere. I'd also be willing to pit the "random 3rd tier city or rural" with the lowest developed countries given my experiences...

yes, but I'm not usually traveling to the "lowest developed" countries.

.

 

[AJCts411]

Trip insurance is a little different in Canada than USA (USA has better lawyers). One option is booking a AI from one of the AI vacation airlines, and buy the Insurance when booking, most reasonable cost, same pre-existing T&C. The other least expensive I found was with (multi trip, year) Allianz, but caution, if you visit your doctor within 60(?) days of a claim while traveling, even for a check-up, prescription refill before leaving...that clock resets then. I also searched and found a Canadian site, which I can not recall the name, where applicants can get a few options. 100% do not fail to disclose anything, or you will be voided.

 

[easyrider]

When I turned 60, I was thinking about where I was going to travel because travelling was going to be ramped up. Then, tightness in my chest started to happen and became regular. Stubborn me thought it was the way I was sleeping. As the problem got worse, I finally dragged myself into hospital. It ended up I had congestive heart failure. Fast forwarding, my new heart condition lead me to assess my travel plans. First, I wasn’t sure if I could get travel health insurance that would cover my (now) pre existing heart condition. Living in Canada, I was frankly afraid of travelling to the US anymore because any travel insurance I have could be void which could be a problem. I had a trip booked to Honolulu in November but cancelled it because I was in hospital in October. Now, I’m assessing my options. Here are a few ideas:

1. Only travel to locations where direct flights home are available on a daily basis. Yes, grab my heart and suck it up until landing If need be.
2. Go to locations where if something happened and my travel insurance was void, I could afford to pay for hospitalization out of pocket. Places in Mexico come to mind.
3. Just travel in Canada? Naw, I’m addicted to Palm trees. Dying under one is preferred over being in the cold .

How about you? What would you do if any major health event happens? What would your future travel plans look like? Can you even get travel health insurance to cover the condition? Would you just take the risk anyway? Would you change your timeshare plans? Would you avoid places not located near hospitals. Life happens and plans you thought you had dramatically change.

I understand what you are going through because this is what kind of happened to me several years ago when I was in 57. I had a no pain heart attack and lost about 20% of my heart because I waited too long to go to the er.

The first trip for me after the heart problems was rural Loreto Mexico about eight months after I left a five night stay with the cardiac intensive care unit. I had bought trip insurance when I book our flights but I did buy addition insurance to make sure I would be covered. On this fist trip I did encounter health problems that I thought were heart related. The problem was an odd occasional pain.

When I returned home I ended up lifting some the luggage into the car and had pain. Eventually I went to the er because of the occasional pain. Turned out to be a tumor in my gallbladder. They removed my gallbladder and two weeks latter we were in Nuevo Vallarta. My stitches were still in. A few of the people traveling with us were doctors and a head surgery nurse and they pulled my stitches on this trip.

Travel has changed for us in that I always buy trip insurance for medical and repatriation purposes. I am aware of area hospitals and medical flights in areas we travel. Activities I once enjoyed that are too strenuous or too livacious are avoided. We now tend to travel with family more than friends .

I was really freaked out in that first year but a tugger told me a story of a close call in a car accident that put things in perspective that made me think the heart problem was a close call and I am still alive . I chose to live and a big part of that for us is travel.

Bill

 

[Timeshare Von]

<<SNIPPED>>

I have CHF, a pacemaker, use a VPAP, and still travel. Sure, I don't climb mountains, and do use a wheelchair in big airports, but the HF is more inconvenience than disability. We also book lie-flat on international long-haul flights. Compression socks (I HATE 'em!) help.

Jim I too need to wear compression socks and HATE the old style medical type. I have found Bomba and VIASOX to be very nice . . . stretchy enough to avoid severe constricting. My Medicare advantage plan even reimburses for them!