Can you travel with cancer? For most, the answer is yes. A cancer diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean you have to put your holiday plans on hold.
InsureCancer specialises in travel insurance for people living with advanced cancer, including active, metastatic and terminal cancer. Every application is individually underwritten based on clinical information obtained from your oncologist. We do not use automated screening.
This is especially important if you are currently receiving treatment such as:
· Chemotherapy
· Immunotherapy
· Targeted therapy
· Hormone therapy
· Radiotherapy
As InsureCancer individually underwrites applications using clinical information obtained from the treating oncologist. When discussing your travel plans with your medical team, it may therefore be helpful to let them know that InsureCancer may contact them for relevant medical information.
Choosing a holiday destination when you have cancer
When travelling with cancer, it is worth thinking about the availability of appropriate medical care at your destination.
A destination that is perfect for one traveller may not be suitable for someone undergoing cancer treatment. Some holiday islands, for example, may have limited specialist medical facilities
and require patients to travel to the mainland for certain types of treatment.
Before booking your holiday, consider:
- Where is the nearest suitable hospital?
- How easily can you access medical care in an emergency?
- Does your destination have the specialist facilities you might need?
- Are there vaccinations or other health precautions to consider?
- How long will you be travelling?
- Will your planned activities be realistic given your current energy levels?
A little advance planning can help you choose a destination that is both enjoyable and appropriate for your circumstances.
Taking medication abroad
Before leaving the UK, make sure you have enough medication for your entire trip.
If necessary, ask your doctor whether you should carry an additional emergency supply. Keep your medication in your hand luggage rather than your checked baggage.
It is also sensible to carry:
· A copy of your prescription
· Details of your current medication
· A summary of your diagnosis and treatment
· Contact details for your medical team, where appropriate
It is important to check whether your medication is subject to restrictions in the country you’re visiting. Some medicines may require additional documentation or permission before you travel.
Specialist travel insurance for cancer
Finding suitable travel insurance when you have cancer can be one of the most important parts of planning your holiday.
A standard travel insurance policy is unlikely to provide cover for cancer-related complications, particularly if you have an active or advanced cancer diagnosis. Any specialist cancer travel insurance policy should take into account your individual medical circumstances, as every cancer patient’s response to treatment is uniquely individual.
InsureCancer specialises in travel insurance for people living with advanced, metastatic and terminal cancer, including some people who are undergoing treatment.
Unlike automated medical screening systems, InsureCancer individually assesses each application based on clinical information provided by the customer’s treating oncologist. This gives our customers ‘certainty of cover’ as each case is individually underwritten.
Our policies provide cover for the cancer diagnosis, as well an any other pre-existing medical conditions. Specifically, our policies provide emergency medical expenses cover and, where appropriate, repatriation.
Don’t leave your travel insurance until the last minute
It is important to arrange your travel insurance before you start your journey as you will be unable to buy a policy once the trip has already begun. So don’t leave arranging your cover until you are already abroad.
What happens if you become ill while abroad?
Nobody wants to think about becoming unwell during their holiday, but having a plan can make a difficult bsituation easier to manage.
Before you travel, keep your insurance documents somewhere easily accessible and make sure you have the telephone number for your policy’s emergency assistance service.
You should also keep important medical information readily available, including details of your diagnosis, treatment and medication.
If you experience a medical emergency while abroad, contact the appropriate local emergency services as well as your insurer’s emergency assistance service. InsureCancer policies include access to a 24-hour emergency assistance service.
Thinking about travelling with advanced cancer?
Start planning early, speak to your medical team and make sure your travel insurance reflects your individual circumstances.
InsureCancer specialises in travel insurance for people living with advanced, metastatic and terminal cancer.
Call InsureCancer on 01252 780190 to find out more about specialist cancer travel insurance, we would be delighted to help.