Cancer Travel Insurance
Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.
A guide to cancer travel insurance
Hundreds of people living with cancer book travel insurance with us every month. The condition does not automatically prevent you from travelling. But if you're unsure, speak to your doctor before paying for any flights, hotels, or travel insurance.
Can you get travel insurance if you have cancer?
Yes, it is possible to get travel insurance if you have cancer. While it is not guaranteed (it depends on the severity of your condition), most cancer patients should be eligible.
Cancer travel insurance is offered by a number of specialist travel insurers. We work closely with these insurers to ensure you get the best deal on travel insurance for people with cancer.
Travel insurance for cancer is designed to protect you should cancer or the medications you take for it cause you any problems on holiday. It can cover you if you have to cancel your trip, require emergency medical attention abroad and for the costs to get you home.
We urge travelling companions to be insured on the same specialist cancer travel insurance policy so that they too can claim if their holiday plans are affected.
Travel insurance for cancer patients in remission
If your doctor has advised you that your cancer is in remission, then this may have an impact on your travel insurance policy.
In all likelihood, you will still need specialist cover – but this depends on who the insurer is, and how long you have been in remission for. Some insurers will insure a patient who has been in remission for 3 months, whereas other insurers might refuse to cover you until you’ve been in remission for more than three years.
Cancer patients in remission are considered to be a lower risk than those who are not, and this may be reflected in the cost of your insurance policy.
Note: When buying holiday insurance for cancer patients in remission, many insurers will require you to produce a letter from your doctor that proves you are currently in remission.
Travel insurance after cancer
For those who have had cancer and remain in complete remission for a number of years, there are lots of travel insurance options available.
However, even if you’ve been told by your doctor that there are no longer any traces of your cancer, you still need to declare it.
Most insurers require you to tell them if you have EVER had a cancerous condition, but just because you are declaring your cancer does not mean that your premium will automatically be loaded.
When applying, you will be able to disclose what type of cancer you had, and how long ago it was, amongst other things.
The insurer will then take this information into account when giving you a quote. If they feel there is absolutely no risk of you claiming due your history of cancer, you won’t be charged extra.
Which types of cancer are covered?
We’re confident we can find you a good cancer travel insurance plan, regardless of the type of cancer you have.
Two of the most common types people are looking to get covered are breast cancer, and skin cancer.
But other types can also be covered. Simply fill out the questionnaire, including all your details, and we’ll be able to provide you with the necessary information.
Medical screening for cancer travel insurance
Apply for travel insurance with cancer using our online medical system. Here you will be asked questions about the specific type of cancer you’ve been diagnosed with.
If your cancer has spread to any other areas of the body, make sure to declare the primary cancer (where it started) first.
It’s important you answer these questions correctly so that you can be issued with a policy that covers you properly.
Travelling with cancer – getting advice
Before booking a trip it’s wise to confirm with your doctor that you’re fit to travel.
This article about Travelling with Cancer on the NHS website.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ll only show you quotes from providers who are able to cover emergency medical expenses (including repatriation to the UK) if you catch the virus whilst travelling abroad.
Some of our providers are able to offer additional cover, such as cancellation cover should you catch COVID-19 or have to self-isolate because of suspected symptoms before departure. We’ll make it clear who these providers are when you’re comparing quotes so you can choose the policy that is right for you.
This doesn’t apply to all insurance providers, so unless otherwise stated, for all other sections of cover, you wouldn’t be covered if making a claim as a result of COVID-19.
If the FCDO are advising against all or all but essential travel to your destination at the time of your trip, there will be no, or extremely limited cover provided by your policy.
You can still choose to take out a policy now for a future holiday, but it is very important to note that if the FCDO are still advising against all but essential travel to your destination at the time of your trip, your cover will not be valid.
Yes, we'll need to know if you or any traveller on your policy has been diagnosed or treated for a cancerous condition within the last five years. But don't worry, we'll ask you a set of questions relating to your condition to take your individual circumstances into account.
Once you've declared all your relevant pre-existing medical conditions, we'll only show you quotes that cover the conditions you have told us about.
No, we are unable to provide cover that excludes any of your pre-existing medical conditions.
If you don't travel much, then a single trip policy is perfect, as you can cover specific dates suited to your trip. If you have cancellation cover, you'll also benefit from this as soon as you buy your policy.
If you travel two or more times a year, it may be cheaper to get an annual multi-trip cover. It's best to start your annual trip cover as soon as possible as if you have cancellation cover, you'll only benefit from this on your policy start date.
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If we're unable to help you find cover for a pre-existing medical condition, the Money Helper Directory has listings of companies that may be able to assist you. Further details can be found on their website.