Cancer Travel Insurance

Purchasing travel insurance for cancer patients is essential but finding the right one for you can be complicated. Direct Travel offers a bespoke medical screening process, so we can accurately assess your cancer. You will need to have information to hand regarding your diagnosis, the treatment you have received and your prognosis. Please declare any cancers that are now in remission.

At present there are thought to be approximately 200 different types of cancer. However, the four most common types in the UK are breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and bowel cancer. Apart from these we may be able to cover many other types of cancer including leukaemia, liver, skin, stomach and throat as well as many others. The cover available to you will be dependent on the severity of the condition and will be based on a number of factors including the screening of the cancer you are declaring through our online screening system. If you need any more information, please call our friendly team to discuss your condition and the options available to you.

A holiday in the sun can be just what you need after the distressing experience of cancer treatment. However, some destinations will be more suitable than others depending on your cancer and the treatment you have received. For example, the US has very high medical costs, so it may be more difficult for you to arrange cover or your premium may be considerably higher.

Tips and advice for travelling with Cancer

• Discuss any proposed travel plans with your doctor so you can be sure that you are fit to travel
• Take with you details of any medication you are currently taking and the treatment you have received
• Pack extra medication in case of unforeseen travel delays and/or lost/stolen luggage
• Find out where the local amenities are. Do you have a Dr’s, pharmacy and hospital all within easy reach?
• Always use a high factor sun cream particularly between 11am and 3pm and especially if you have had radiotherapy
• Make sure you don’t try to do too much on your holiday as cancer treatment can bring about fatigue
• If you are travelling to Europe, then it is essential that you carry an EHIC – European Health Insurance Card. You can apply for a free card by following the link www.nhs.uk/ehic

Booking your cancer travel insurance

By booking your travel insurance with Direct Travel we may be able to offer cover to customers with cancer as a pre-existing condition, provided it is declared at the medical screening stage of the booking process. Please have to hand information about your condition, any medication you are currently taking and any treatment you have received. Unfortunately, it is harder to arrange travel insurance if you are awaiting a diagnosis or treatment. You should also talk to your Doctor / Consultant before confirming travel plans.

To provide peace of mind for patients, a policy which covers family members, and/or a carer may be suitable depending on your circumstances to ensure that everyone is covered appropriately. If, due to complications relating to your cancer you are unable to travel you may be able to make a claim for cancellation. Our policies also provide a 24-hour medical assistance line, expenses relating to ambulance and hospital costs and repatriation to the UK amongst others.