Travel insurance for people with cancer
We believe travel insurance should be available to as many people as possible. If you’re living with or are in remission from cancer, you may be concerned about whether travel insurance will cover you. Or perhaps you’ve had trouble getting covered in the past. That’s where our cancer travel insurance can help.
Can you get travel insurance if you have cancer?
Yes, we are able to provide travel insurance if you have cancer. Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed, are currently undergoing treatment, or even if you’re living with terminal cancer, we consider all medical conditions. We’ll also cover you if you’re in remission.
Although there are around 375,000 new cancer cases in the UK every year, many providers do not offer travel insurance for cancer patients.
Our travel insurance for cancer patients covers all destinations, allowing you to enjoy your travels with ease.
Why do you need travel insurance for cancer?
All travel insurance policies include cover for illness or accidents. But cancer travel insurance does more. It can cover emergency treatment that’s related to your condition, and can even get you back to the UK in an emergency.
Cancer travel insurance provides support for unexpected holiday mishaps – not just medical emergencies. It can help if you lose your bag, need to cancel your trip, or need a replacement for lost medication. Access to a medical helpline gives you 24-hour support while you’re away.
Travel insurance for cancer patients is a holiday essential. But even if your cancer is in remission, you’ll need to declare it. If you don’t, you may have to pay expensive medical bills yourself.
Why is cancer travel insurance so important?
Here are some reasons why having cancer travel insurance is essential:
- Repatriation costs: In the unfortunate event of a medical emergency, repatriation costs can be exceptionally high. In one case, the cost of medical treatment in Spain following a fall and emergency medical repatriation back to the UK was an eye-watering £124,000. Our travel insurance covers these expenses, ensuring you can return home safely and receive appropriate medical care.
- Trip cancellation or interruption: Cancer treatments can be unpredictable, and there may be instances where travel plans change due to health reasons. This type of travel insurance will cover any unexpected costs related to cancellations and interruptions.
- Medical evacuation: If you need specialised emergency treatment, not available at your travel destination, medical evacuation may be necessary. This is particularly crucial for individuals with aggressive cancers like melanoma or sarcoma, where swift access to specialised care is critical. We will cover the costs associated with medical evacuation to ensure you receive timely and appropriate treatment, no matter where you are in the world.
- Around-the-world support: Travelling with cancer can be emotionally challenging, but having comprehensive travel insurance tailored to your medical needs allows you to focus on enjoying your journey without medical or financial worries. We also offer a 24/7 emergency medical helpline if you need while travelling.
- Medical emergencies: Cancer patients, especially those undergoing treatment for aggressive forms like leukaemia or advanced stages of breast cancer, face heightened risks of medical emergencies while travelling. We cover the cost of emergency medical care, allowing you to continue enjoying your trip.
What types of cancer does InsureandGo’s cancer travel insurance cover?
We can cover all cancer patients. Below are some of the most common types that we have covered:
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Lymphoma
- Lung cancer
- Bowel cancer
- Brain cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Skin cancer
We also cover less common cancers, which include:
- Ovarian cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Liver cancer
- Kidney (renal) cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Stomach (gastric) cancer
- Metastatic cancer
- Multiple myeloma
If your cancer is not mentioned above, don’t worry. During your quote process, you can include the type of cancer you’re living with and proceed with your quote.
Holiday cover for all stages of cancer
We can provide cover for all stages of cancer, from early stages through to remission. This includes intermediate cancer stages, as well as travel insurance for stage 4 cancer and metastatic cancer. We understand the varying needs of travellers with cancer and will tailor a policy to your specific medical requirements.
After completing our simple medical screening, we carefully consider all stages of cancer when determining your cover.
Holiday cover for terminal cancer
We can offer you cover if you have terminal cancer, as long as:
- Your prognosis is more than 6 months from your return date
- Your GP has confirmed that you are fit to travel
However, if you are waiting for one of the above and are still keen to travel, please get in touch with us. We may be able to provide you with a quote depending on your circumstances.
What does InsureandGo’s cancer travel insurance cover?
When you’re travelling with cancer or are in remission, you’ll want to make sure you’re protected in the event of any unexpected medical emergencies or complications related to your condition. Our travel insurance policies cover you for all medical emergencies, and repatriation back to the UK if necessary.
Here’s what is covered under our cancer travel insurance policies.
What’s covered?
All our cancer travel insurance policies include:
- Medical emergency expenses.
- Cover for cancellation of your trip.
- Our 24-hour emergency assistance team, available to call, day or night, wherever you are
- Over 100 sports and activities covered (see your policy wording for a full list of activities)
- Personal belongings and baggage cover.
- Personal money, passports and travel documents cover.
- Accommodation cover.
- Legal expenses cover.
What’s not covered?
We aim to provide as much cover as possible, however, there are some situations that travel insurance will not cover. For example:
- You cannot cover events or reasons to claim which took place before you booked the trip or purchased insurance. Insurance exists to cover unexpected events outside of the insured’s control.
- Claims which are less than the excess for that section of cover. For example, you cannot claim a £40 lost item if your baggage excess is £60.
- All our travel insurance policies for cancer patients policies include cover for cancellation of your trip, but there may be some exclusions. For example, you won’t be covered to cancel if you simply decide not to go.
Find out about our optional add ons for activities like extreme sports, cruises and golf.
We will consider all types and stages of cancer. And we’ll cover you if you have other pre-existing medical conditions too. Find out more about medical travel insurance. The excess and amount of cover available varies depending on the level of travel insurance you buy. Check the policy wording to see the full terms and conditions.
Questions you’ll be asked in the medical screening
Medical screening helps us find you a policy tailored to your needs. You can fill out the medical screening online when you get your quote. But if the questions are not suitable for your situation, call us for free on 0808 169 6776. That way, we can offer a policy that is right for you.
Examples of the kind of questions we’ll ask include:
- What type of cancer have you been diagnosed with?
- When were you first diagnosed, and what stage was it?
- Are you currently undergoing treatment, or have you completed it?
- Have you experienced any recent symptoms related to your cancer?
- Are you taking any medication for your condition, and if so, what kind?
- Do you have any side effects from taking your medication?
- Has the cancer spread to other parts of your body?
- When was your last follow-up appointment, and what were the results?
You may find it helpful to have your medical history to hand before you get your quote.
The best travel insurance for cancer patients
We offer multiple types of travel insurance to help you enjoy worry-free travels. Whether you’re planning on seeing friends and family in Europe, travelling for business, or touring further afield we can help you find the cover you need.
- Cruises: Relax and unwind on your cruise, knowing you’re covered for all the essentials. Including cabin confinement, missed port departures, curtailment and more cruise-related incidents
- Business travel: Ideal for one-off work trips and regular business trips. This type of insurance covers you for accidents, illness, flight cancellations, lost or damaged equipment and more
- Activities travel insurance: We cover over 100 activities in our standard policies. However, if you’re looking to try something a little different, like hot air ballooning or jet skiing, you might need our activities travel insurance
Where can you travel with our cancer travel insurance?
We can provide cover for any destination, regardless of your medical condition.
Whether you’re planning on soaking up the sun in the Caribbean, hitting the slopes in France or heading to the United States, we can tailor a policy to your medical needs.
Other destinations we provide cover for cancer patients include:
Don’t worry if your planned destination is not covered above. Speak to our team to learn more about which destinations we can cover you for.
Single trip vs annual travel insurance: which is best?
It depends on your travel plans:
Single trip insurance. Ideal if you’re planning one specific holiday. It provides tailored coverage for that trip alone. Ours covers one-off trips of up to 365 days. It can even include multiple countries.
Annual travel insurance. Planning multiple trips within a year? Our annual travel insurance covers every trip you take over 12 months. It’s less hassle – and often cheaper – to buy annual trip insurance than to purchase separate single trip policies for multiple holidays in a year.
It also depends on your destination.
Some regions, like the USA, have higher medical costs, which can increase the price of your annual travel insurance.
In Europe, the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) scheme provides basic medical treatment. This is reflected in the cost of European policies.Taking one trip to the USA and several to Europe? Consider splitting your cover to save money. An annual European policy would cover your multiple trips, while a single trip policy may be more cost-effective for that one-off visit.
Choose a cover level to suit your travel needs
| Black | Gold | Silver | |
| Medical expenses and repatriation | Unlimited | £15 million | £10 Million |
| Cancellation and curtailment | £10,000 | £7,500 | £5,000 |
| Travel delay | Up to £650 | Up to £540 | Up to £450 |
| Personal belongings | £5,000 | £2,500 | £2,000 |
| Legal Expenses | £60,000 | £50,000 | £15,000 |
| Standard Excess | Nil | £50 | £60 |
Cancer travel insurance with other pre-existing medical conditions
We know that finding travel insurance while living with cancer can be difficult. At InsureandGo, we consider all types of cancer and treatment stages. We also cover a range of pre-existing health conditions separate to cancer.
To get your quote, you will need to complete our quick and easy online medical screening process.
Some examples of other common health concerns we cover include:
If your condition is not listed above, it’s likely we’ll still cover it. Please read our policy wording to learn what is and isn’t covered. Alternatively, you can talk to one of our trained staff members for more information.
Is the GHIC enough to keep you covered if you have cancer?
A GHIC covers emergency treatment in countries where it’s recognised. It’s valid in countries in the European Union and other countries like Australia. It allows you access to state healthcare for urgent medical attention that cannot wait until you return to the UK.
However, it’s not a substitute for travel insurance for cancer patients. At best, it provides basic emergency care, but it doesn’t cover private healthcare. You won’t get access to a medical helpline, and it won’t cover the cost of being flown home.
Cancer travel insurance ensures you are fully protected on your trip. It does more than a GHIC, because it also covers:
- Lost or stolen property, such as passports, baggage or precious items.
- Losses from trip cancellation, curtailment and interruption.
- Extra travel and accommodation costs due to illness.
- Any medical treatment outside the EU.
How to book our cancer travel insurance
We make finding your travel insurance with cancer quick and easy, with just two simple steps:
1. Tell us where you’re going, who you want to cover and some details about your pre-existing medical conditions
Do this online now or give us a call:
2. Get your quote and your cover
Receive your quote and you can decide to either purchase your insurance policy straight away or save it for later.
“We know that finding travel insurance while living with cancer can be difficult. That’s why we work with you to find a policy that suits your medical needs and preferences. Our travel insurance for cancer patients and those in remission covers your emergency medical needs, as well as things like cancellation cover, personal belongings protection, travel delays and more.”
Lydia Crispin – Travel insurance expert
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Tips for travelling with cancer
Travel is a wonderful experience. But there’s always something you can do to make it a little bit easier. Careful planning will ensure things go smoothly. So check out some of our travel tips for people living with cancer.
Plan ahead:
- Research your destination. Opt for locations with good healthcare facilities nearby.
- See your doctor. Ask them what vaccinations you need for the destination you are going to. Get a doctor’s letter outlining your condition, treatment and medicines.
- Buy your travel insurance. Declare your condition to ensure you’re covered.
- Apply for your GHIC. If you’re travelling to a country where it’s valid, a GHIC is a must. It provides emergency treatment on the same basis as local residents.
- Contact your airline. Ask if you’ll need a fit-to-fly letter. Book special assistance through the airport, or request early boarding.
What to pack:
- Your documents. Take a copy of your insurance policy and doctor’s letter. It will help if you need medical assistance while you’re away.
- Medications. Pack enough for your entire trip, plus extra in case of delays. Store controlled medicines, such as strong painkillers, in your hand luggage.Items to keep you comfortable. Bring a water bottle for taking medication. Items like neck pillows and compression socks can be useful if you’re flying long-haul.
Frequently asked questions on travel insurance for cancer patients
What is the best travel insurance for cancer patients?
The best travel insurance for cancer patients and those in remission is a comprehensive policy that covers all your medical conditions. If you need to make a claim related to your medical condition while travelling, you will want a policy that covers the cost of medical emergencies. This could also include treatments, hospitalisations, and repatriation if necessary.
Remember, medical costs abroad can become expensive very quickly. If you have a stomach bug or infection treated in a hospital in the USA and need to get home, return flights could cost you around £100,000.
How much is travel insurance for people with cancer?
This depends on several factors. Primarily, where you’re travelling to and your current state of health. This includes specific details of your cancer diagnosis, such as the stage and treatment plan and whether you’re in remission.
Additionally, the duration of your trip and the level of cover you need will also impact the cost of your travel insurance. It’s important to provide detailed and accurate information during your quote process so you get the best cover.
Does the cost of cancer travel insurance rise depending on the holiday destination?
Yes, as there are certain regions which are more expensive for medical treatment. This means the premium for the cover will rise as well.
To find out how much your insurance will cost with the destination in mind, contact us or get a quote online.
Can I get travel insurance if I have terminal cancer?
Yes, we consider all types of cancer and cancer stages.
As long as the prognosis is more than 6 months from your return date and your GP has confirmed that you are fit to travel, we are confident we can provide you with cover.
Can I get travel insurance if I’m in remission?
Yes, you can get travel insurance if you’re in remission. We will just need you to complete a simple medical screening. Get a quote online to go through our screening process.
However, you will need to declare what type of cancer you have and that you’re in remission. Failure to do so may result in you not being covered.
Do I need to declare previous cancer for medical insurance?
Yes, it is essential you declare if you have previously had cancer or are in remission. The same goes with any pre-existing medical conditions you are living with.
This is made easy through our quote process.
Is cancer considered a pre-existing medical condition for travel insurance?
For your travel insurance, we consider a pre-existing condition to be any condition where you have:
- Taken any prescribed medication or required medical treatment within the last 2 years
- Been registered in or been an outpatient at a hospital, clinic or GP surgery in the last 2 years.
- Been advised of a terminal illness.
Will I need a fit-to-fly letter?
Each airline has its own set of guidelines. In general, you need a fit-to-fly letter if:
- You’ve recently been discharged from hospital
- You’re in recovery from an operation
- You’re more than 28 weeks pregnant
If in any doubt, consult your airline as far in advance as possible. Particularly if you’ll be flying with medical devices or additional oxygen.
Travelling with medication? Getting a letter from your doctor is a good idea. It should include the dose you take and how often you take it. Remember that some countries have restrictions on certain medicines. This may even include over-the-counter painkillers that contain codeine. Check the FCDO website for the country you’re travelling to for full details.
How do I make a claim on my travel insurance?
It’s quick and easy to make a claim. Just follow these four steps:
- Gather your paperwork. Things like your policy number, booking invoices, receipts, and any required documents.
- Contact our claims handlers. You can either do this online or give us a call, within 30 days of your trip ending.
- Complete the claims form carefully.
- Submit the claim. Make sure to keep a copy for yourself.
Once submitted, claims are typically processed within 3-5 days if all documents are provided. If additional details are required, we’ll let you know. For more information, head over to our Make a Claim page.
What happens if my cancer changes after buying my travel insurance policy?
Secured your cancer travel insurance with InsureandGo, then found out your condition has changed? Contact us as soon as possible. In many cases, this won’t affect your insurance policy. But you must check with us first.
No policy can cover every eventuality. But we can often still provide cover for issues arising from a declared condition.
What if my condition is undiagnosed?
We understand that many people will want to travel while waiting for a diagnosis. But it’s vital to declare any symptoms or ongoing investigations when you’re applying for travel insurance with us.
You can tell us about your undiagnosed condition during the medical screening. If the questions are not suitable for your situation, call us for free on 0808 169 6776. That way, we can ensure you’re fully covered.
Who can buy an InsureandGo cancer travel insurance policy?
All our travel insurance for cancer patient policies are available to UK residents. This means:
- Someone who has been living in the UK or the Channel Islands for at least six of the last 12 months
- They must be in the UK at the time of purchase
- All trips must start and end in the UK
Get a quote online or browse our policy documents for more information.
Travel insurance guides
Frequently asked questions
If you’ve got more questions about how our travel insurance for people with cancer works, or more general travel insurance queries, have a read through our FAQs.
Travel advice
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