Cancer Travel Insurance

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

We work with a range of travel insurers that specialise in covering pre-existing medical conditions and many offer cover to cancer patients.

It can be difficult and more expensive to obtain travel insurance while you’re undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

If you are struggling to get accepted for cover, you may find it easier to apply for travel insurance after you have finished your cancer treatment.

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.

Can you get travel insurance with terminal cancer?

As always, the specifics of your condition will determine what sort of policy you will be able to get, and how much it will cost.

It’s isn’t a guarantee that you’ll be able to buy travel insurance for terminal cancer – but it’s possible. Answer the questionnaire honestly, and in as much detail as possible, to ensure you’re properly covered.

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.

You will then be guided through the medical screening process accordingly, leading to questions about the secondary.

It’s also possible you will also be asked if you take strong painkillers. This refers to patches, Tramadol and anything Morphine based – if you’re not sure, please consult your doctor.

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 offers helpful information about air travel and things to consider such as vaccinations and travelling with medication.