Can I get travel insurance if I have cancer?

Key takeaways

• You can get travel insurance with cancer, even during treatment, although you may need specialist cover and pay more. Always declare your condition

• Check your policy covers cancer-related costs, including emergency treatment, repatriation and cancellation or curtailment

• Get medical advice before travelling and take your medication, medical documents and any other essentials with you

Can I get travel insurance if I have cancer?

Yes — you can get travel insurance if you have cancer, but you’ll need to declare your diagnosis and you may need a specialist medical travel insurance provider depending on the type, stage and stability of your condition.

Although some travel insurers cover people with cancer, they assess risk carefully. If your cancer is stable, you’re not awaiting tests or treatment, and your doctor confirms you’re fit to travel, many mainstream insurers will offer cover. If your cancer is active, recently diagnosed, or you’re undergoing treatment, you’ll usually need a specialist insurer.

Can I get travel insurance if I have recovered from cancer?

Yes, if you’ve recovered from cancer, you can usually get travel insurance — often from mainstream insurers — as long as your condition is stable, you’re not awaiting tests or treatment, and your doctor says you’re fit to travel.

You’ll still need to declare your cancer history, even if you’re in remission, because insurers treat it as a pre‑existing condition.

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.

If your diagnosis was recent or you still have side effects, you may need a specialist medical travel insurer, but once accepted, you’ll be covered for emergency treatment, repatriation and cancellation linked to your past cancer.

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?

Yes, travel insurance is strongly recommended if you have cancer, particularly as your condition or treatment could increase the risk of needing medical care abroad or cancelling your trip. You’ll need to declare your cancer and any related treatment or symptoms when you apply.

You may pay more for cover, but specialist insurers can offer policies that cover pre-existing cancer and related medical treatment. Always check the policy wording to make sure your condition, destination and planned activities are covered.

Will there be limits on where I can travel with cancer?

Having cancer does not automatically stop you travelling to particular countries, but your condition and treatment may affect where and when it is safe to go. Some destinations — such as the US — may also be harder or more expensive to insure, particularly if you have advanced or incurable cancer.

Do I need to tell my insurer that I have cancer?

Yes. You should always tell your travel insurer about cancer, even if you’re in remission or were treated some time ago. It will usually be treated as a pre-existing medical condition, and failing to disclose it could mean a claim is rejected or the policy is cancelled.

The insurer will ask questions about your diagnosis, treatment and current health and may offer cover for cancer-related claims, usually for an additional premium.

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?

Yes, you may be able to get travel insurance while having chemotherapy or radiotherapy, although it can be more difficult and expensive to find cover. Specialist insurers may cover cancer-related medical treatment, but you’ll need to declare your cancer and current treatment.

Your insurer may ask for information from your doctor or specialist confirming that you’re fit to travel. It’s also important to speak to your cancer team before booking, as treatment can affect your immune system and may make travelling unsafe at certain times.

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 medical or government advice: Your insurer may not cover you if you travel against your doctor’s advice or ignore government advice against travelling to your destination

• Changing your mind: You generally can’t claim if you decide you no longer want to travel, aren’t enjoying your holiday or simply want to come home early

• Being under the influence: Claims may be rejected if you’re injured or become unwell as a result of drinking alcohol or taking drugs

• Being careless with your belongings: You may not be covered if your belongings are lost or stolen because you left them unattended or failed to secure them properly

• Taking part in activities that aren’t covered: Check that your policy covers any activities you plan to do. Water sports, winter sports and extreme activities may need additional cover, which can be harder to find if you have cancer

Does a Global Health Insurance Card cover cancer patients?

The GHIC allows you to access state-provided healthcare in EEA countries and Switzerland 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.

Tips for 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

Where can I find travel insurance that covers cancer patients?

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.

Insurers on our panel that may offer cover for cancer in some circumstances include:

• Goodtogo

• Clear4Travel

If you still can’t find cover, 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.