Travel insurance for cancer patients
If you have recently been diagnosed with cancer, a holiday can give you the time and space to come to terms with the illness. Alternatively, it could be that you need a few days away to recuperate from cancer treatment. You might even want to go on holiday to celebrate the all-clear.
Key Takeaways
You can get travel insurance for your holiday if you have cancer, but it’s likely to be more expensive to get the cover you need
Some providers may refuse to cover you however, so you may need to look for specialist insurance
There may be limitations on the cover you can get, so it’s good to shop around to find the best possible deal
Can you get travel insurance if you have cancer?
You may still be able to get travel insurance if you have cancer, however it’s likely to be more difficult than usual to find cover, and you’ll often end up paying higher premiums. You might find some providers won’t cover you for claims related to cancer, while others may refuse cover completely - for comprehensive protection you may need to look into specialist insurance.
Insurers will typically require detailed information about your cancer diagnosis, including the stage, grade, prognosis, and a doctor's confirmation of your fitness to travel. They may ask specific questions regarding the cancer diagnosis and require a letter from your doctor.
Can I get travel insurance if I have recovered from cancer?
Surviving cancer is an incredible feat, and it's natural to want to celebrate life by travelling. However, even in remission, you may need to seek out specialist cover:
Specialist cover post-remission: Policies vary widely on when they will insure someone post-recovery, with some insuring patients who have been clear for three months and others refusing cover for several years.
Doctor's confirmation: Nearly all insurers will ask for a letter from your doctor confirming your remission status and that you're fit to travel.
Honesty is key: Being upfront about your health and medical history is crucial. Failure to disclose your condition can result in denied claims or voided policies.
Do I need travel insurance if I have cancer?
While it’s not mandatory, travel insurance can be a huge financial safety net in case something goes wrong while you’re away. A policy that covers cancer-related claims can save you hundreds of thousands of pounds in medical costs, especially in places like the USA and Canada where treatment can be significantly expensive.
Additionally, travel insurance can also protect medical equipment and belongings, holiday cancellations and curtailments, providing valuable peace of mind so you can enjoy your trip.
Will there be limits on where I can travel with cancer?
Cancer does not have to limit your travel destinations, but it's important to consider the cost of medical care in the countries you're visiting as medical expenses can vary greatly by country.
In fact, travel insurance for terminal cancer patients is usually more expensive if you are heading to the US. This is because of the high cost of medical bills in the country. If your cancer is incurable, you may not have the chance to obtain travel insurance for the US at all.
Do I need to tell my insurer that I have cancer?
Yes, you should always be upfront and honest with your insurance provider when taking out cover. If you take out cover on false information and you need to make a claim, even if it’s not related to your cancer treatment, you will probably end up with an invalidated policy.
Travel insurance for cancer patients may be more expensive, but it’s nowhere near as pricey as facing medical treatment costs without insurance as a safety net.
Can I get travel insurance if I’m having chemotherapy or radiotherapy?
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can make you more vulnerable to other illnesses, so the higher risk is likely to make it more difficult to find cover. It may be better for your health and your wallet to travel once your treatment is over.
What will travel insurance cover me for if I have cancer?
A standard travel insurance policy will give you cover for things like cancellation, curtailment and delays, lost belongings and baggage, and legal fees. This will extend to cancellations and delays caused by your condition as well as specialist medical equipment you might need.
You’ll also be covered for medical costs, including those related to your condition if it flares up and requires treatment, and repatriation if you need to be brought back home or to the nearest medical facility.
What will be excluded from travel insurance cover?
Like most insurance policies, there are certain exclusions you need to be aware of:
Travelling against advice: If you receive medical advice against travelling or the government has advised against travel to a certain location, your insurer won’t cover you
Changing your mind about your trip: If you decide against travelling or want to end it early just because you change your mind or you aren’t enjoying it, you won’t be able to claim for cancellation
Being under the influence: If you injure yourself or have a flare-up resulting from using alcohol or drugs, you won’t be covered for treatment
Being negligent or careless: Likewise, if you lose your things as a result of leaving them unattended or in an unlocked room or locker, you won’t be able to claim
Taking part in activities you aren’t insured for: Finally, if you take part in activities like water or winter sports or any other extreme sports, you’ll need specialist cover - which can be extremely difficult to get if you have cancer
Does a Global Health Insurance Card cover cancer patients?
The GHIC allows you to access state-provided healthcare in Switzerland and EEA countries at the same cost as a local resident. It's important to note that the GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance and does not cover repatriation costs.
You might, for example, need to cancel the holiday because of ill health or seek expensive medical treatment while you are away. In some circumstances, you might need to be repatriated to the UK from abroad, which can cost tens of thousands of pounds.
Travelling with cancer
When planning your trip, keep the following in mind to make sure your travels go as smoothly as possible:
Medical advice: Always seek medical advice before travelling and carry all necessary medical documents with you, including details of your diagnosis, treatment, and medication, plus contact details for your doctor in the UK
Healthcare standards: Look into the healthcare standards in your destination and consider how vaccinations may affect a compromised immune system
Medical equipment and medication: Check restrictions on medical equipment and medication for flights and get permission if required. Ask airlines about restrictions on medical equipment
DVT precautions: Take precautions against deep vein thrombosis (DVT), especially if you have forms of cancer that increase your vulnerability to it, and ensure you have access to your medication abroad
Compare travel insurance quotes
Finding travel insurance can be more difficult when you have cancer, but MoneySuperMarket can help you get the best deal possible when you compare quotes. Just tell us about yourself and your diagnosis, as well as your travel plans and the cover you need, and we’ll search the market for the best travel insurance quotes for you.
If you still can’t find cover, it may be that your condition doesn’t align with our provider's requirements; however, the Money and Pension Service (MaPs) have a list of specialist insurers that could give you some options to explore, visit their website or call them on 0800 138 7777.
Travelling with cancer can present unique challenges, but with careful planning and the right insurance in place, you can embark on your journey with confidence. Remember, your health and well-being are paramount, so take the necessary steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
