Holidays and insurance

Question one - I have booked a holiday abroad but had a mild stroke six weeks ago. Can I still go?

Recovery after stroke can start straight away, and after six weeks you will have some idea about how well you feel now, compared to how you felt just after the stroke. If you think that you will enjoy your holiday and it will be an opportunity to relax and take things easy then these are good reasons to keep to your original plan.

Some people experience complications after stroke which can hold back recovery, and most people find that they run out of energy more quickly or suffer from extreme tiredness These factors can alter how you feel about going away so it is important to weigh everything up before making a decision.

If you have any specific questions about your health or fitness then it is worth having a word with your GP. You may also want to read our holiday factsheet for more information about flying after a stroke.

Question two - We want to go on holiday but I can't get insurance for my wife now that she has had a stroke. What can I do?

Although insurance companies don't have to provide cover for you, we can suggest that you try The Stroke Association Insurance Services a scheme we have developed with a leading insurance broker, Heath Lambert.

They aim to be sympathetic and provide a range of financial policies, including insurance cover. You can contact them on 01603 828396 to talk through the cover that you are looking for.