One of our first thoughts when we heard that Ethan may have to get a pacemaker was “what are the restrictions related to traveling with a pacemaker?”.
As some of you probably know, Ethan was born with a congenital heart condition and recently had his fourth open heart surgery. While this last surgery was successful overall, a complication of the surgery led to Ethan having a prolonged stay of 3 weeks in the hospital and the insertion of an internal pacemaker. A pacemaker is essentially an implanted medical device that uses electrical impulses to regulate the beating of the heart to treat disorders that cause the heart’s rhythm to be too slow, fast, or irregular.
Interestingly a search of the Internet turned up only a handful of articles related to traveling with a pacemaker and we wanted to share what information we discovered based on our research and discussion with medical professionals about this issue. While we specifically will focus on issues related to traveling with a pacemaker, much of this information may also be helpful for those wanting to travel with other heart-related implantable devices such as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and insertable cardiac monitors.
We’ll share tips and advice related to travel with a pacemaker and also Ethan’s own personal experience and thoughts on flying and traveling with his new pacemaker.
Table of Contents:
Traveling with a Pacemaker
One of the great things we discovered about pacemakers is that the technology for these devices has come a long way since their initial invention. They are smaller, last longer, and cause fewer disruptions in one’s daily life than ever before. Generally, traveling with a pacemaker is safe and there are few, if any, travel-related restrictions.
The two primary concerns are generally related to either electromagnetic compatibility (electrical devices that could interfere with the functioning of the device) and activities that could potentially cause rough physical contact at your pacemaker site and damage the device. Most potential travel problems with a pacemaker can be avoided by being prepared before your trip.
**Disclaimer: Neither of us are physicians or experts in cardiac devices and these are not medical recommendations. This advice and all thoughts in this article are simply tips we discovered in our own research on travel and pacemakers. Please consult a trained health care professional for any concerns you may have about traveling with your cardiac device.**
Set Up an Appointment with your Doctor Prior to Your Trip
It is generally recommended that you set up an appointment with your doctor before you leave for a trip to have your device tested, talk about any specific care or activity recommendations, find out what to do if you do happen to experience any discomfort or symptoms, and find out how to access emergency services while at your travel destination.
If you plan to engage in any recreational activities that you might be particularly concerned about (e.g., SCUBA diving, ziplining, bungee jumping, shooting a gun), you should ask your doctor specifically about these activities to make sure they are safe. Some of these activities may not be recommended for someone with a pacemaker and/or cardiac issues.
If you will be traveling with others, you should also share any relevant information with them in case of an emergency so they know what to do.
While you may have few, if any, travel restrictions related directly to your pacemaker, there may be concerns related to your underlying heart condition, medications, or other medical conditions. If you have any concerns, ask your doctor.
Register and Gather Information about Your Pacemaker
After you get your pacemaker, you or your health care professional likely completed either a paper or online registration for your pacemaker. If you have not yet registered your device with the medical device company, do this now and make sure you get an ID card for your pacemaker.
If the manufacturer does not offer an official ID card or you don’t have time to get one before your trip, you can download this Pacemaker ID card template from the American Heart Association and fill in your information.
If traveling internationally, you might also want to get an international travel ID card, such as this one from Medtronic.
Make sure you know the pacemaker manufacturing company, device type, model and serial number, and emergency contact information of your doctor who is familiar with your pacemaker. Most of this information should be on your patient identification card along with your home contact information, but if not, find it out and keep it with your ID card.
Also, if any of the above information changes, such as you get your pacemaker replaced, you change your doctor, or your contact information changes, please be sure to get an updated ID card.
Review the Activity and Device Restrictions Related to Your Pacemaker
After your pacemaker was inserted, you likely received information from your doctor about any restricted activities and a list of devices that have electromagnetic fields that you should avoid close contact with as they may interfere with the working of your pacemaker.
You should review this information prior to traveling as while these things may not be concerns in your current daily routine, people often engage in activities and interact with devices while traveling outside of those they normally encounter.
Some common things that may interfere with pacemakers are electromagnetic devices like anti-theft metal detectors and airport security screening systems and activities like SCUBA diving.
Here are two useful lists about potential restrictions and recommendations: a list from Medtronic of items and activities that might interfere with a pacemaker and these guidelines from the American Heart Association.
However, given that all models and devices may have slightly different restrictions, you should also consult information from the patient manual for your specific device or request this information from your doctor or the device manufacturer.
Pack all Relevant Information about your Pacemaker
- Make sure you travel with your pacemaker ID card and have an emergency contact phone number to call if you have questions or issues about your device (make sure it has a number that will work internationally if traveling abroad).
- Get a list of local medical facilities at your travel destination that support your device. You may be able to find this online as we did (Medtronic lists clinics in over 120 countries that support their devices) or you might need to talk to your health care professional or device manufacturer. You can find locations that support Medtronic devices worldwide here.
- If you are concerned that airport security personnel or medical personnel at your travel destination may not speak English, you should consider getting an international pacemaker travel card (such as this one from Medtronic) or bring along a document in the local language that gives information about your condition and implanted device. Generally, this will not be necessary as most people will understand from the medical symbols on your card, but it is always good to be prepared especially for those going on extended trips.
- It is a good idea to have back-up copies of all your pacemaker information and medical contact numbers. You might consider stowing back-up copies in your luggage, giving a copy to a travel partner, leaving a copy at home with a family member or friend, and/or sending a digital copy to your e-mail.
- If you have a medical bracelet or necklace, you’ll want to make sure you are wearing it during your trip.
What You Need to Know about Airport Security Screening Procedures and Other Security Screening While Traveling
Airport security screening procedures and similar security screening you might encounter at other places when traveling (e.g., embassies, museums, government buildings, etc.) are unlikely to affect the functioning of your pacemaker.
However, do check for any signs near the screening about pacemakers or implanted heart devices such as the one below which we recently saw in a Paris museum and if you see it, be sure to follow the instructions. Normally if you see a sign like the one above, you’ll just need to tell the security person and they will do a physical screening and let you bypass the screener.
However must scanners are safe for pacemakers. Before walking through an airport security gate, you can let security personnel know you have a heart device, and show your identification card. Then, walk through the archway at a normal pace and move away from the system if you feel any dizziness or rapid heartbeats.
Similarly, if you are at an airport that uses the newer security systems where you step onto a platform and stand in a certain position, just follow the procedure and step away from the security apparatus as soon as you are screened.
Airport security systems are metal detectors, so the alarm may sound when it detects the metal case of your heart device. Don’t worry, just show your pacemaker ID card. If airport security uses an electronic wand to clear passengers, ask the security attendant to avoid placing or waving the wand back and forth over your implanted heart device. We did not come across any warnings about pacemakers and actually flying in an airplane.
Note that is you feel uncomfortable going through a security screening device, you can always ask to be patted down manually by staff rather than go through the screener. Once it is your turn, you should show them your pacemaker card and ask for a manual screening.
Ask Before Engaging in any Activity you are Unsure about While Traveling
If there is something you are planning to engage in during your travels that you are unsure about, consult a health care professional, or if that is not possible, ask the staff at that particular place. Before you go diving or ziplining, ask to make sure the activity is safe for someone with an implanted cardiac device.
Also, if you are planning to visit a science museum, physics laboratory, technology center, or some other place that might contain devices with particularly strong electromagnetic fields, you should ask at the site to find out if there are any exhibits you should avoid or activities you should not participate in that might interfere with your device.
Inform All Health Care Professionals About Your Pacemaker if you Need Medical Treatment While Traveling
If you need medical treatment, even a simple dental treatment, while traveling please make sure you inform the treating health care professionals that you have an implanted pacemaker and show them your pacemaker ID card. Certain medical procedures (e.g., therapeutic ultrasounds, electrosurgery, computerized axial tomography [CAT or CT] scans, and magnetic resonance imaging [MRIs]) may be unsafe or precautions may need to be taken in order to not cause potential damage to your pacemaker.
Each device may have different precautions and it is good to discuss these with your doctor before you travel so you are informed, but competent health professionals in any country should be aware of these precautions. You just need to make sure that they are fully informed about your device and any medical conditions.
Ethan’s Own Thoughts on His First Time Traveling with a Pacemaker
As Jess noted, I was born with a congenital heart condition and have undergone multiple heart operations. During my most recent operation, I had a complication that resulted in me needing a pacemaker.
I really was hoping I would not get a pacemaker as I was afraid of the restrictions, but I didn’t end up having a choice. I was initially concerned about everything from having my cell phone too close to my chest, operating the microwave, and even wearing my seatbelt too tight.
I was particularly concerned about how this was going to affect traveling with Jess. We both love to travel so much and have a big trip planned in a few months to Asia. I was thinking at one point that we might need to cancel the trip as I had no idea if I would be able to get safely through airport security, let alone what would happen if my pacemaker had issues in the middle of Cambodia!
I imagine that concerns about traveling (and lots of other activities) are normal for most people getting a pacemaker for the first time. I’ll share what I’ve done so far and how my first travel experience went with my new pacemaker.
At the hospital, my Medtronic pacemaker was registered by my doctor and I later received my pacemaker ID card in the mail. We also called Medtronic Patient Registration Services (1-800-551-5544) and requested a couple of copies of their pacemaker travel cards designed for international travel.
I also read through my patient handbook, talked to my doctor about travel restrictions, and did some online research of my own. While all of this helped some, I was still nervous when I took my first flight after my surgery.
I traveled alone to visit my family in Albuquerque, NM about two months after my surgery. When I got to the airport in San Francisco, I got up to security and told the TSA agent I had a pacemaker. I was informed that the scanner machines are safe to go through with a pacemaker.
Even though I was still a bit doubtful and a little worried, this being my first time traveling with the pacemaker, I walked through and was able to get through security with no problems! I didn’t feel any strange sensations or have any complications.
Coming back home, I went through the Albuquerque airport security. Here they actually had some people going through a different type of metal detector, and I was one of those people. So needless to say I thought for sure that I was going to have problems here.
Again I informed the agent that I had a pacemaker but he, not so kindly, directed me to walk through and again I had no issues. The machine did not go off and everything went smoothly. I think that being so young, security people may or may not believe that I actually have a pacemaker.
The uneventful trip to Albuquerque and back definitely made me feel safer about traveling as the airport security detectors were the thing I was most worried about. However, another one of the fears I have while traveling overseas is the language barriers and not having good access to medical care if something went wrong. In the U.S. I don’t worry about this very much, but I do have to say that I am concerned about this for international travel.
In preparation for our upcoming trip to South Korea, Cambodia, and Vietnam, Jess has already looked up the lists of clinics that support my Medtronic pacemaker and there is only one clinic in the entire country of Cambodia. This was a bit concerning.
While it is unlikely that I will need medical services while there, it will likely remain a small worry in the back of my head during our trip. I do plan, however, to get a medical ID bracelet or necklace to feel a bit safer. But I no longer have any thoughts of wanting to cancel our trip. I look forward to a life full of future travels and I can’t let my worries keep me at home.
As I was telling my doctor recently, I am still working on trusting my pacemaker. I am slowly trusting it more and more and worrying less that it is just going to stop working. I try to remind myself that millions of people have pacemakers and many people travel with pacemakers with no troubles every day. I think it is normal to worry, and this worry can be used to make sure we are prepared to travel rather than keep us from enjoying our lives.
If you have questions about traveling with a pacemaker or want to share your own experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Just leave us a comment below!
**Disclaimer: Neither of us are physicians or experts in cardiac devices and these are not medical recommendations. This advice and all thoughts in this article are simply tips we discovered in our own research on travel and pacemakers. Please consult a trained health care professional for any concerns you may have about traveling with your cardiac device.**
Brian McLeod Post author
Hi Jessica and Ethan
I just wanted to share my experience with my pacemaker. I have had it for nearly a decade and recently had to have it changed so I can now have MRI’s (due to another medical condition – Technology has come along way!). I have had many travels abroad and short flights here in Australia. I always err on the side of caution and ask to be patted down unless they have the body scanner where you place you hands above your head). But I know that is not necessary, its just something I have made a habit of and I usually get through quicker to be honest. I have my Medtronic ID card , but was not aware of the international one , so I will contact the company and get one of those. I have never had to show the one I have now as you can see the pacemaker anyway. I just wanted to thank you both for all of this information, and assure those that are concerned about travel not to be. It has not affected my life at all. My wife and I are off the USA next year, and I have no concerns at all. It was scary at first but is one of those things you just get used to.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Brian,
Thanks so much for sharing your own story about fears and traveling with your pacemaker. I am sure this will help future readers.
I do think that it is just one of those things that takes time to feel comfortable doing as it took Ethan a few flights to feel like “OK, this is OK, nothing bad is going to happen, I just need to be cautious”. I think that yes, you just need to be prepared, talked to your doctor, and be cautious when going through security.
Yes, the international card is a good one to have, especially if traveling to or through countries where you are likely to encounter security staff that may not speak your language. It is probably much easier for you since you can see the pacemaker, with Ethan it is internal and not visible. I also think for him, since he was in his late 20’s when he got it, it often surprised people that he had a cardiac medical device so the ID card and international card could be helpful.
Happy travels!!
Jessica
Patricia Allen Post author
I have a pacemaker and I’ve had it for about a year with no problems. I am going from Florida to New York for about one month stay. Do I need to take the machine that is plugged into my telephone line at home. I’ve gotten various answers about this and I’m confused. Thank you for your help
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Patricia, I would ask your doctor since you are going for a month. It probably depends on how often you need to send your data to your doctor. If you need to send data more than once a month, then your doctor may advise you to take it along so you can continue to send along your data for your doctor to monitor. If not, I would ask your doctor to see if it is necessary as it sounds like you have not had any issues so you may be able to just leave it at home.
When going through any security metal detectors or screeners, be sure to let staff know in advance that you have a pacemaker. Most airport machines won’t interfere with a pacemaker but you want to go through them quickly. At some museums, they may have signs asking those with pacemakers to step out of security to avoid metal detectors.
Wishing you a great trip to New York.
Best,
Jessica
Susan Cox Post author
Hi I had a pacemaker 14 months ago I’m hoping to go to Australia later this year or early next year but someone said that i wouldn’t be able to do a long haul flight is this true? I’m fine after having my pacemaker and haven’t had any problems with it. Thanks in advance x
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Susan, Normally after a successful pacemaker surgery you should be able to fly soon after surgery. The issues as noted in this article tend to be more about security screening (e.g., X-ray machines) than about the flight itself. However, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor or cardiologist to confirm that there are no health concerns and any precautions you may need to take with your device.
I would not listen too much to the “someone” unless that “someone” is a medical professional with knowledge of your condition as there is a lot of inaccurate information out there.
Hope this helps!
Jessica
Ashley Turns Post author
My father is going to have a pacemaker put into his chest soon since his heart hasn’t been doing so well. Since they will be going to Paris for their thirtieth wedding anniversary as well, my mom has been wondering what extra precautions they’ll need to make or what other items they may need to pack with them as well. So thanks so much for talking about how my dad should be sure to bring his pacemaker ID card with him along with an emergency number he can call about questions. I’ll definitely make sure that he will also be able to contact the phone number on his pacemaker card internationally since they will be in Paris.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Ashley, Sorry to hear that your dad’s heart is not doing well but hopefully the pacemaker can help and provide some assurance. It is great though that you can still travel with a pacemaker and there are only a few limitations. Yes, having the ID card, numbers, and knowing the locations of clinics/hospitals that deal with his particular device are some of the key things I’d suggest. Also some of the X-ray scanners in Paris have signs not to go through if you have a pacemaker or heart implant – the airports should be fine but security lines at some attractions may have warnings posted (the image should make it obvious even if your parents don’t read French, see example in the photo in the article which is from the Musee d’Orsay). In those cases, your parents should just show their card to the security person and they will probably do a physical search and then let him bypass the scanner. Wishing your father a successful surgery and your parents a wonderful trip to Paris. Best, Jessica
Susan Post author
Is there a problem if you lift your carry-on baggage in the overhead baggage area? I have read if you lift anything heavy and put your shoulder over your head could cause the lead to maybe get caught.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Susan, Generally after you’ve first had a pacemaker inserted (or a new placement) you will generally be asked by your doctor not to lift your arms above your shoulder for a certain amount of time (e.g., 2 to 6 weeks) and also not to lift anything too heavy (perhaps over 10 lbs) so everything can heal. Your doctor should give you specific recommendations, and I would definitely follow that advice. After the initial healing phase, there are normally not too many restrictions. Ethan was not given any restrictions to lifting after the initial healing period and I have not hear about the leads getting caught before, but everyone is different and different devices have different restrictions so I would follow whatever professional medical advice you received from your doctor. If you do need assistance when traveling, I would just ask a travel partner or airline steward to help you with your luggage. Also if your doctor advises not to lift your arms over your shoulders, you may need to tell the airport security as the newer airport screening scanners in the U.S. often has you raise your arms and they can have you walk through a traditional scanner instead. Wishing you happy and safe travels! Best, Jessica
Jill Post author
Thank you so very much Jess for your support & advice. Jill
Jill Post author
Thank you very much for your prompt response. It’s very much appreciated and will seek an international Medtronic card asap. I just have to focus on being mentally positive to travel once again. Thank you once again Jessica.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Jill, Fear is a powerful thing and I think we all struggle with it keeping us from doing things we want to do. Don’t forget to also rely on those around you, like your husband as it sounds like he’ll be traveling with you and will be around if anything should happen. It took Ethan a long time to trust his pacemaker but he now travels without much fear compared to his first trip in which he was very anxious. Sometimes it just takes some time. Best wishes and happy travels, Jessica
Jill Post author
Hello. I’m a 66year old female & had a pacemaker inserted May 2016 after having an ablation plus medication to resolve the problem being atrial fibrillation (irratic heartbeat). My husband & I are contemplating a trip to Spain, Portugal & Morocco in May. I have Medtronic ID card though not an international card at this point in time. To be honest I’m very anxious about travelling this distance (14 hour air time first leg of journey then a further 8 hour flight to Spain). I have travelled a short flight (1 /20mins) in January confidently however feel unsure about a long tiring trip. I have checked that a Medtronic facility is available in Spain but worry about the length of time it would take to receive treatment should that be the case. I so desperately wish to travel again overseas but can’t help feeling anxious. My cardiologist & GP say I’m fine to travel but I’m still concerned everything will be ok particularly at the airports etc.. your input would be gratefully appreciated. Than you
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Jill, Thanks for taking the time to comment and I think being anxious about such a long flight is normal for people with any medical condition. I am not a MD so I can’t provide you any medical advice, but it sounds to me that you have already sought sound medical advice from both your GP and cardiologist, so it sounds from a medical standpoint there are not any major concerns. It might also make you feel better to know that airlines (at least in the U.S.) are required to carry automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and enhanced emergency medical kits (EMKs) on all domestic and international flights and flight attendants receive basic emergency medical training. I would of course do all the preparation you can such as applying for the Medtronic International travel card, getting a check-up before you go, and documenting the Medtronic facilities in the countries you are visiting just in case. If your anxiety gets worse, you may also want to talk to a counselor or therapist to have someone to talk to about your worries; however, I think that your feelings are perfectly normal. I hope that you can work through your anxiety to continue doing the things you would like to do, such as traveling. Best of luck, Jessica
jresquival Post author
That’s a good tip to visit your doctor before you travel. That way you can know if you’re healthy enough to travel and if there’s anything to pay attention. My family is flying to Hawaii with my grandma but first we have to make sure if she’s safe to fly.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi J.R., Thanks for taking the time to comment and I hope your grandma comes away from the doctor’s visit with a clean bill of health to fly. In most cases, a pacemaker will not stop one from being able to fly. Enjoy Hawaii! Best of luck, Jessica
Jill Edin Post author
Hi there – thank you for your interesting and useful advice. We are travelling for a 10 day holiday to Bangkok and Koh Samui – I have a pacemaker/defibrillator implant. Have you been there?
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Jill, I am I have not personally been to those places in Thailand (or more importantly Ethan has not), but I think the situation will be very similar to our experiences in other SE Asian countries we’ve visited. Ethan has traveled and flown a lot with his pacemaker without any issues in North America, Asia, and Africa. I think all the info from the article should apply and I would first start by consulting with your doctor, get an international pacemaker card to carry with you, and then find out where clinics/hospitals that are set up to handle your particular pacemaker/defibrillator implant will be located near the locations you are visiting (just in case of emergency). I think gathering information and being prepared is the best thing you can do and in most cases, having a pacemaker implant should not affect your holiday plans! Have a great trip Best, Jessica
Anonymous Post author
Hello! My husband may need to have a pacemaker inserted this week, but we have a vacation planned a week from tomorrow. How was your recovery? All websites indicate a 48 hour recovery time and that flying should be no problem, but I’d love to hear first hand how you felt. Do you think you would have felt comfortable enough to go on a vacation with Jess being only a few days out of surgery? Looking forward to hearing your feedback. Thanks!!
travelcats Post author
Hi there. I was in the hospital for a number of days after the surgery (I had also just had open heart surgery) so there was no way I could have flown 48 hours later. But the main recovery time for just a pacemaker insertion surgery is only 2-3 days and normally patients are just in the hospital for 1-2 days. I flew about 2 months after my pacemaker surgery but on my last heart surgery I flew about 2 weeks after it. However, there could of course be complications and some folks do have more pain than others, and people also sometimes have more anxiety over it than others and may not feel comfortable flying so quickly. I think it is probably safe as long as your doctor says so but I would listen to whatever your husband feels on the matter after his surgery. If he feels fine going forward, then I would go ahead with it. For the trip, just be sure to have the pacemaker ID card and information on clinics at your travel destinations with you as well as any medical bracelets and medication he is taking. I would also be prepared to postpone the vacation if needed (if you can get travel insurance that would be great) as it will not be fun for him if he is feeling pain or a lot of anxiety. It make take him a bit longer to feel comfortable with flying but if you do need to cancel, I’d just be sure to reschedule the vacation. Taking some time to get comfortable and feel safe is one thing, but you don’t want a pacemaker to prevent you from living your life! I wish your husband the best and hope that the surgery (if needed) goes smoothly and wishing him a quick recovery and that you both have a great vacation (whether it is next week or next month). Happy travels, Ethan & Jessica
Anonymous Post author
Thank you so much for your prompt response, much appreciated! Great idea to look for local clinics along the way–I’m sure that would alleviate some of his anxiety!
travelcats Post author
You are very welcome! Yes, you should be able to find this information through the device manufacturer. In the article we provide a link to search for those clinics that can provide support for Medtronic devices which is Ethan’s pacemaker manufacturer, but if you have a different manufacturer, you should be able to get similar information from the company. ~ Jessica
Liz Post author
Hello! I am also new to this card-carrying pacemaker club (in fact only one week ago!) The entire experience was terrifying and somewhat unexpected. I am very thankful for posts like yours, that are matter of fact, and strangely soothing. Your post helped me to feel as though maybe I don’t have to be afraid of everything, rather just how to deal and move on. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Liz
travelcats Post author
Hi Liz, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a comment. Ethan’s pacemaker was also very unexpected as he went into heart block due to a complication of his surgery which was not expected. However, I think he has learned since that experience that it is still possible to do almost all of the things he did before. He has flown domestically and internationally, traveled through S. Korea, Cambodia, and Vietnam, did a week’s safari in Africa, and climbed to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. In terms of traveling, the major things we think are to talk to your doctor prior to travel, be cautious at security screenings, keep a card about your condition and pacemaker on your person (get an international travel card if you travel abroad), and know where the nearest medical clinics that work with your pacemaker are located when traveling abroad just in case there are any problems. I think that it takes time but Ethan has come to trust his pacemaker and feels much less afraid of being active and doing most of the things he did before his surgery. Best of luck to you! ~ Jessica
Blake Mills Post author
I am 30 years old and recently had a pacemaker implanted to correct my AV block that was causing issues with normal rhythm. I still have some irregular beats, but those are PVC’s as told me by my rhythm specialist. We are getting ready to fly to BOston for few days and after reading this, I’m much more comfortable. I”m having trouble “trusting” my pacemaker as well!
travelcats Post author
Hello Blake, I am glad to hear experiences and thoughts from others with heart conditions. Yes, you can climb mountains and travel and it can be really smooth and easy as our article talks about. It is just good to be prepared before trips just in case something happens, it gives you that sense of safety. I also had trouble at first trusting my pacemaker, but now I feel much more comfortable with it and think of it as a great back-uo if nothing else. I hope you all are doing well and if you have any questions or concerns feel free to email me at ejh2323 (at) gmail.com ~Ethan
AMIT BANERJEE Post author
I got PPI on 10th May 2010 at Apollo Hospital, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi INDIA. My birth year is 1954. I will be traveling for London on January 29th and back on February 6th. 9 day trip. Please guide me whether I can avail travel insurance or not.
Amit Banerjee
travelcats Post author
Hi Amit,
Yes, you should be able to purchase international travel insurance from India that will provide medical coverage within the UK. You should carefully read the policy or talk to the insurance agents about what kinds of care are covered and what cost, if any, you would incur in different medical situations.
Good luck and safe travels,
Jessica
having oxygen while traveling Post author
Some people need also oxygen tanks when traveling which is really important for them. Special permits must be acquired for safe journey.
travelcats Post author
Thanks, I am not very familiar with oxygen tank policies as neither of us have needed them thankfully but thanks for the tip which may apply to other readers.
Edith Bosire Post author
Hey Travel Cats,
I just came back from China last week and it was my first long haul flight since my pacemaker implant in 2012. Since that date whenever I travel I usually bypass the metal detector machines and since it has predominantly been local flights it has worked well….they let me pass on the side fo the machine in China as well but gave me a serious body search….!! I found your website while looking for something on climbing a mountain with a pacemaker….I really want to start climbing from next year and one day conquer Mt. Kenya and Mt. Killimanjaro. Your posts have been informative and inspiring…..now all I need to do is get my stamina up and excercise dilligently…while eating healthy. THANK YOU!!
travelcats Post author
Dear Edith, thank you so much for sharing your experience with us and our readers! It can be really frightening to have to worry about pacemakers and other equipment while traveling, but so far Ethan has had no problems. We recently just returned from a trip (and about 8 flights!) from the U.S. to Korea, Cambodia, and Vietnam and Ethan went through all the screenings normally with no issues. We just got a doctor’s note that says he can climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Now I think SCUBA diving and higher elevation mountains are out (no Mt. Everest in his future, haha) for instance, but most things are still possible! If you do a mountain climb, a few suggestions would be to talk to your doctor, be aware of closest medical facilities that can service your pacemaker, have good travel health insurance, and take oxygen (our porter is bringing this). Good for you and keep us updated!
Jenna // A Mama Collective Post author
Thank you for putting together such a thorough and important list! I know this will be so helpful to folks traveling with not only a pacemaker, but other important health issues as well. Glad to have found you through SITS 🙂 ~Jenna
travelcats Post author
Thanks Jenna!
Meghan Post author
It’s so easy for those of us without physical restrictions to forget about the challenges many people face while they travel. Thank you so much for sharing! It’s great to hear that advances in medicine and awareness are making it easier for everyone to travel.
travelcats Post author
Meghan, that’s so true. Before Ethan’s last surgery neither of us really had any travel restrictions even with his heart condition. But now we have to do a bit of research into each destination we travel to know what to do if something did happen to go wrong and consult with a doctor before doing certain activities such as SCUBA diving or our upcoming charity climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro. But overall it is not a big adjustment and I think there are ways for most people with health conditions to travel, as long as they know their restrictions and plan ahead of time.
Meghan Post author
It’s so great to hear that it doesn’t significantly restrict you. With the internet, it’s so easy to research destinations in advance. Just another way technological advancements are improving travel!
Karla Smith Post author
My husband has a pacemaker and I actually was never clear about what travel restrictions he may or may not have. Honestly, I thought it would be quite complicated for him to fly and go through airport security so it is nice to read about Ethan’s experience. This makes me feel less nervous if we need to take a flight in the future.
travelcats Post author
Hello Karla, glad this information was helpful to you! I hope that this info will make things easier if your husband does fly in the future.
Louisa Post author
This is such an interesting post as my youngest brother was born with a hole in his heart and may end up having to have a pacemaker. He probably hasn’t thought about travel so this is potentially useful for him.
travelcats Post author
I am sorry to hear that your brother may need a pacemaker, but it is good to know that there are generally few activity restrictions. Feel free to share this with him.