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Travelling abroad with a pacemaker or ICD

  • heartsync
  • Apr 10
  • 9 min read

Updated: Apr 13


A practical guide for safer, calmer trips with a pacemaker or ICD


Travelling with a cardiac device, such as a pacemaker or ICD, should be achievable for most people, provided your condition is stable and you plan in advance. Many of the risks are not about the flight itself, they relate to unfamiliar places, language barriers, limited phone signal, missed medication, and not having your key information to hand when you need it.


This blog is written for everyday travellers. It is not medical advice for your specific situation. If you have had recent symptoms, a recent device implant, a recent shock from your ICD, or a recent admission to hospital, speak to your cardiology team before booking.


Pacemaker or ICD: why travelling advice differs


A pacemaker treats slow heart rhythms. Most people with a pacemaker can travel with fewer extra precautions, as long as they feel well, have their documents, and keep medication organised.


An ICD can deliver lifesaving therapy for dangerous fast rhythms. That changes the risk profile when you are abroad. It does not mean you cannot travel. It does mean you should be more cautious, especially if you plan to travel alone, visit remote areas, or do activities where a sudden episode could put you at risk.

The aim is simple. Make it easy for you, your partner, and local clinicians to act quickly if anything happens.


Before you book – Do these 3 checks:


1. Is your health stable enough for the trip?

The British Heart Foundation advises speaking with your doctor or cardiac team if you are unsure about fitness to travel and planning in advance if you have a heart condition.


If you have an ICD, think carefully if you have had a recent shock or faint. It may affect activities such as driving abroad and excursions. Mayo Clinic notes that ICD shocks and the underlying condition can be linked with fainting risk, which is one reason driving restrictions can apply after certain ICD events.


2. What is the medical support like where you are going?

The British Heart Foundation recommends checking there are hospitals and clinics near your accommodation that can care for you and your condition. Do not assume every hospital can manage pacemaker and ICD devices. If you have an ICD, ask your usual device clinic what support exists at your destination, especially outside major cities.


3. Can you get appropriate travel insurance?

Travel insurance matters, because overseas care and medical flights can be extremely expensive. The British Heart Foundation also stresses the importance of travel insurance for people with heart conditions.


HeartSync Support keeps a resource listing travel insurers that may be able to cover people with medical histories, including cardiac conditions. You can use this as a starting point when you request quotes.


Insurance decisions are personal and policy wording varies, so always declare your pacemaker or ICD and answer medical questions accurately.


Your device information: make it instantly accessible



Keep your pacemaker or ICD device information in two places

Keep physical documents in your hand luggage, not your checked bag. Also keep digital copies stored securely on your phone and in your email them if your bag is lost or your phone is replaced.


The British Heart Foundation specifically advises making copies of important medical documents and keeping insurance documents somewhere easy to find.


Take a clear photo of your device details

Take a photo of your device identification card and save it in a folder you can find quickly. Your card usually contains the device type, manufacturer, model, and implant date. The British Heart Foundation advises taking your device identification card and telling airport staff you have an implanted device.


Make sure your partner has everything too

If you travel with a partner, ask them to keep a full copy of your documents on their phone and email. If you become unwell, they will be the person asked questions first.

If you are travelling alone with an ICD, this becomes even more important. You need a trusted person at home with access to your plan and your documents.


Medication planning: the boring part that prevents disasters


Medication problems are one of the most common avoidable reasons people end up in trouble abroad.


Pack extra medication

Carry more than you need for the trip. Split supplies so you have medication in your hand luggage and a spare set in another bag. The British Heart Foundation recommends bringing extra medicine and a copy of your prescription and keeping medicine in both hand and checked luggage in case bags go missing.


Keep a medication list on your phone and a hard copy

Write a simple list with:

  • Medicine name

  • Dose

  • When you take it

  • Why you take it

  • Allergies

  • Your pharmacy and GP details


Also include anticoagulants, heart failure medicines, and any rescue medication.  Always be compliant with your medication. 


Time zones and dosing

If you cross time zones, plan your dosing schedule in advance. If you take medicines that must be timed carefully, such as anticoagulants, ask your clinician or pharmacist for a simple schedule for the travel day.


Airport security and flying with a device

Most people worry about scanners. The reassuring message is that modern airport systems are usually safe for devices when used correctly.


Mayo Clinic states that passing through an airport metal detector will not interfere with a pacemaker, although the metal can set off the alarm. They also advise not staying too long near a metal detection system and carrying an identification card.


The British Heart Foundation similarly advises telling airport staff you have a pacemaker or ICD and carrying your device identification card. They note that scanners and metal detectors should not be a problem, and that if you have an ICD, you can request a hand search. If a handheld detector is used, it should not be placed directly over your device for a prolonged period of time.


Device manufacturers also give practical advice about security wands, including asking staff not to hold a handheld scanner over the device area for too long.


Just remember that destination airport scanners and security requirements vary depending on where in the world you go. It's always best to have your pacemaker ID card with you just in case security requirements change.


Simple airport script

Keep it calm and routine:I have a pacemaker or ICD. Here is my device card. Please advise the best way through screening.


Planning your destination: signal, location, and communication


Make sure you have mobile phone signal where you are going

If your itinerary includes rural areas, mountains, islands, or long road trips, check coverage maps in advance. Poor signal can delay emergency calls, access to maps, and contact with your travel partner.


If you cannot rely on signal, plan alternatives:

  • Offline maps downloaded in advance

  • Hotel landline and address written down

  • A local emergency phrase saved on your phone in the local language


Save emergency numbers on your phone

Add:Local emergency number for the country you are visitingYour partnerYour next of kinYour cardiology department or device clinic numberYour travel insurer emergency assistance number


In many European countries, 112 connects to emergency services. In the UK it is 999. In the United States it is 911. Save the correct number for your destination before you travel.


Tell your hotel what matters

If you have an ICD, it is sensible for reception or a trusted staff member to know that you have a heart device and may need urgent help. You do not need to share detailed medical history. You can simply say you have a cardiac device and ask them what they would do if you needed an ambulance.


If you are going out alone with an ICD, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. This can be the hotel, a friend, or a family member at home. Share your live location if you are comfortable doing so.


For most people with a pacemaker, you can be less cautious, as long as you keep your key information and medication organised and you avoid unnecessary risks.


Travelling alone: extra precautions for ICD users


If you have an ICD and are travelling alone, consider these added steps:

  • Choose destinations with good medical infrastructure

  • Avoid very remote excursions without a companion

  • Avoid activities where a sudden event would be dangerous, such as solo hiking in isolated areas

  • Schedule regular check ins with someone at home

  • Carry a visible medical alert on your phone lock screen, such as “ICD wearer, see Medical ID”


This is not about fear. It is about reducing avoidable delay if something happens.


If you feel unwell abroad: what to do


For pacemaker symptoms while travelling

If you develop dizziness, fainting, severe breathlessness, chest pain, or persistent palpitations, treat it as urgent. Seek local medical help.


For ICD therapy during a trip

If you receive a shock, follow your clinic advice. Many people are told to seek urgent assessment after a shock, especially if you feel unwell, have repeated shocks, chest pain, or fainting. When in doubt abroad, get checked.


If you attend hospital, your saved device details and medication list help clinicians act faster. This is exactly why we push the documentation steps.

 

Time zones and Device programming

This advice comes from real-life situations we have seen in pacemaker clinic. Some devices have settings that change automatically at certain times of day. One common example is a sleep rate feature, which reduces your pacing rate overnight while you are asleep.


If you travel to a different time zone, your device may still follow your usual home time. That could mean the sleep rate activates at the wrong time, such as during the day, and you may notice symptoms like tiredness, light headedness, or reduced exercise tolerance. 


Before you travel, contact your device clinic and ask whether any timed features are active on your device. In some cases, the clinic may recommend adjusting the settings or switching the feature off temporarily, so your device supports you properly while you are away.

 

Travel insurance resource: insurers you can contact


HeartSync Support has compiled a list of travel insurance firms, with contact details, that may be useful when you are seeking cover with a medical history. Examples from the list include Saga Services Limited, Free Spirit, Able2Travel, Staysure, AllClear, Just Travel Cover, World First, and others.


Use the list as a practical starting point. Always disclose your pacemaker or ICD, and ask whether the policy covers:

  • Pre-existing medical conditions

  • Emergency treatment abroad

  • Repatriation if needed

  • Cancellation and curtailment due to cardiac reasons


A final checklist you can screenshot


  • Device card photo saved on phone

  • Contact clinic regarding sleep rates

  • Paper copy of device details packed

  • Digital copies stored in email

  • Partner has all documents too

  • Medication list on phone and on paper

  • Extra medication packed and split across bags

  • Emergency numbers saved

  • Hotel address and local hospital identified

  • Mobile signal checked for your itinerary

  • If you have an ICD, someone always knows where you are going


Travelling with a pacemaker or ICD is very often safe and enjoyable with good preparation. The goal is confidence, not restriction. If you would like HeartSync can help you plan, documentation, and risk points for your specific device and itinerary, we can help you create a simple personalised travel pack.


Here is our – Travel Insurance List



 
 
 

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