Travel insurance for cancer patients

If your cancer medications are lost, damaged or stolen, we know how crucial it is to replace them quickly. But it can be tricky to track down medicines and equipment abroad. With our Comprehensive and Signature policies, we offer Personal Assistance Services for situations just like this. While we can’t cover the cost of replacement medications, we can support you around the clock to secure replacements.

That support includes help finding local pharmacies that stock your medications, connecting you with English-speaking health professionals and support with confirming prescriptions. 

Your holiday is a chance to rest your body and mind. But cancer can make you more vulnerable to infections and complications and we’re here to help if you have a medical emergency that means you have to cancel or cut your trip short.  

We’ll provide:

• a 24-hour medical emergency helpline with an English-speaking support team
• support coordinating care with your medical team back home
• assistance arranging transport, including travel to your local hospital if needed
• coordination with overseas and UK medical teams if you need to return home
• help with accommodation if your stay needs to be extended
• support rebooking flights and transfers

If you’re taking medication with you, it’s best to keep them in their original packaging in case you need medical help. You might want to pack them in different places, in case any baggage is delayed or lost. 

Some medications need to be taken at certain times. If you’re travelling to a different time zone, talk to your nurse about how to adjust your routine to match the local time. 

If your medication needs to be stored in a special way, you can contact your pharmacist or nurse for advice on how to best transport and store them. 

It might be a good idea to have a refresher with your nurse on how to use and care for any medical equipment you’re taking with you, such as oxygen. 

Read our guide for more information on travelling with medication abroad.

Lymphedema is a common side effect from cancer treatments. You may need to take extra care when flying. 

• If you have a fitted compression garment, wear it during your journey, especially when flying.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes and comfortable shoes.
• Keep your luggage light or on wheels and ask for help, especially with lifting it.
• If you can, book an aisle seat so that you can move around easily to reduce swelling and the chance of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Try and book seats with extra leg room so you can do gentle stretching exercises while sitting down.
• Use insect repellent to protect yourself from insect bites.

Have a look at some easy exercises for flying we’ve put together to help manage your lymphedema and prevent DVT.

Being active can be a great mood booster but it’s important to listen to your body and rest when you need to.

• Look for accommodation that’s accessible for your needs.
• If needed, arrange with your travel provider ahead of schedule for a wheelchair or mobility assistance at airports, train stations, and on ships.
• If you’re going somewhere hot and sunny, wear sun protection and loose clothes, and drink plenty of water.
• If you’re flying long-haul, give yourself time to rest before and after your travels to reduce jet lag.

To help you enjoy your trip to the fullest, it’s worth taking these documents with you along the way.

• A signed doctor’s letter summarising your medical history, including recent treatments, current medications and medical equipment like oxygen.
• Copies of your prescriptions.
• A printout of any agreed special travel arrangements.
• Proof of health and travel insurances with contact numbers. 
• Lists of healthcare providers in the area you’re travelling to. 
• Your GHIC.

Some people with cancer can enjoy travelling without problems. For others, extra care and planning is needed to help them travel with confidence.  

It’s worth talking to your doctor or care team before booking any trips. They’ll be able to advise and support you in planning a trip that’s suitable for you.

Some people with cancer can fly without problems. Depending on your current health or treatments, you may be advised by your care team to wait before flying.

If you have cancer, always speak to your doctor or care team ahead of booking flights. You may need a fit to fly check or fit to travel check.

Learn more about being fit to fly.

We might still be able to offer you cover. But this would depend on your current health, when your trip is, and where you’re travelling to.

If you’re looking for travel insurance for terminal cancer, speak to our friendly team to find out if we can help. 

Travel insurance can offer you some peace of mind if you become unwell abroad. But if you’re at increased risk of infections due to cancer treatment, it’s important to be cautious.

Here are some things to remember on your trip:

• Avoid raw or uncooked food, including raw fruits and vegetables.
• Depending on where you go, drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.
• Be careful around and avoid contact with animals, including cats and dogs. 
• Use insect repellent and if you’re bitten remember to use antiseptic cream on the area and avoid itching. 

It helps to know how to use the local health services where you’re staying so you might want to look those up in advance.

Before you book your trip, check which vaccines you may need for your destination. Speak to your GP or pharmacist about vaccines if you’ve had chemotherapy within the last six months. Live vaccines might not be suitable.

In an emergency, contact the local emergency services first, and then call our 24-hour emergency helpline. Our team will help arrange your care, find the most appropriate place for treatment and follow up care. 

Our helpline is open 24/7, 365 days a year: 

• Calling from outside the UK: +44 1403 288 414
• Calling from USA or Canada: +1 844 780 0639 
• Calling from Mexico: +1 819 780 0639  
• Calling from the UK: 01403 288 414 

If you or someone on your policy is admitted to hospital or your outpatient treatment is likely to cost more than £350, contact us as soon as possible. Where you have a valid claim, and your medical expenses exceed £350 we will look to settle the bill directly with the medical provider where possible.

If you have a non-urgent medical concern, such as sickness, headaches, or mild pain, contact our helpline first for advice on where to go for assistance.

As good as travel insurance is, some things can’t be covered.

You’re not covered for the following: 

• Travelling against your doctor’s advice.
• Claims for pre-existing medical conditions you haven’t told us about.  
• Routine check-ups, planned treatment or non-emergency care. 
• Travel for medical procedures abroad.  
• Reimbursement for lost, damaged or stolen medicines or equipment. 
• Incidents related to alcohol or controlled substances. 
• Strike action that was common knowledge at the time of booking. 
• Choosing private treatment when suitable public facilities are available. 
• Choosing not to travel. 

Discover more about what travel insurance covers. Always check your policy documents carefully to understand exactly what you’re covered for. 

When comparing travel insurance policies for cancer, you’ll want to look out for what’s covered and what’s not. 

The right travel insurance for cancer should: 

• Ensure cover for your cancer and any other pre-existing conditions you have.
• Cover medical expenses, including necessary emergency travel home. 
• Have a high medical cover limit. 
• Help you replace lost, stolen or damaged medications.
• Cover you for cancellations or interruptions during your trip. 
• Include 24/7 emergency assistance services while abroad. 

Learn more about what’s covered under our medical insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, or get a quote.