Travel Insurance for Lymphoedema

What is lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is long-term swelling caused by lymph fluid that can’t drain away properly. It usually shows up in an arm or a leg, though it can affect other parts of the body. It sits among our blood and circulatory conditions because the lymphatic system works alongside your veins to move fluid around.

Some people are born with a lymphatic system that doesn’t work as it should. Far more develop it later, often after cancer surgery or radiotherapy that has removed or damaged lymph nodes. There’s no cure, but compression garments, skin care, exercise and massage can keep the swelling under control. You’ll find a good overview on the NHS lymphoedema page.

Why do I need to declare lymphoedema for travel insurance?

Lymphoedema is a long-term pre-existing medical condition, so we need to know about it before cover can be agreed. The main concern is infection. Swollen tissue is more prone to cellulitis, and a small bite or graze on holiday can turn into a course of antibiotics or a hospital stay. Flying and heat can also make swelling worse.

Leave it off your policy and a claim that turns out to be linked, such as treatment for an infected leg, could be turned down or paid only in part.

Can I get travel insurance with lymphoedema?

Usually you can. Lymphoedema that has been stable for some time is generally viewed more favourably than swelling that keeps getting worse, repeated skin infections or recent hospital treatment. If it followed cancer treatment, the cancer will usually need declaring too, and that can affect what’s offered.

What we’ll ask about your lymphoedema

Declaring lymphoedema online takes a few minutes. The screening puts a small number of questions to you about the condition while you get your quote, and your result shows up immediately.

Once you’ve answered the questions

Your result appears as soon as you’ve finished. The quote makes clear whether your lymphoedema has been accepted. Where it has, the price shown already takes it into account. Where it can’t be included, you’ll be told at that point, before anything is paid.

Changes to your health before the trip

If something changes after you’ve bought the policy, tell us before you go. That could be a bout of cellulitis, new medication, a stay in hospital or a referral to a specialist. We may need to look at your cover again, and a change you don’t report could affect a related claim later.

What lymphoedema travel insurance can cover

When lymphoedema has been accepted, medical emergencies linked to it are treated like any other. Say your leg becomes red, hot and painful in Portugal and you’re admitted for intravenous antibiotics. Emergency treatment abroad can be covered, and so can bringing you home with medical support if that’s what you need, subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

An infection or flare of swelling just before you leave might mean your doctor tells you not to travel. In that case, cancellation cover may help you claim back the costs you can’t recover elsewhere.

What it won’t pay for: routine drainage sessions or new garments bought abroad, treatment you planned to have while away, and anything linked to a condition that wasn’t declared. Check the policy wording for the detail.

Single trip or annual cover with lymphoedema

For one holiday, single trip cover keeps it simple. People who travel several times a year often prefer annual multi-trip cover. Whether annual cover is offered depends on your screening result.

Will lymphoedema affect the cost of travel insurance?

Lymphoedema may add something to the price, though there’s no fixed amount. The figure depends on what comes out of our online medical screening. Expect questions about how your lymphoedema is treated and whether it’s well controlled. General details count too, such as your age, your destination and the length of the trip. You get to see the full quote before you commit to anything.

Travelling with lymphoedema: practical tips

The advice below is general and has nothing to do with what your policy covers.

Flights are the main worry for most people. Sitting still for hours and the lower cabin pressure can make swelling worse. Wear your compression garment for the journey if your lymphoedema team has advised it, get up and walk the aisle when you can, and do gentle exercises in your seat. An aisle seat makes all of this easier.

Protect your skin. A small cut, an insect bite or sunburn on the affected limb can let infection in, and cellulitis is the thing you most want to avoid on holiday. Pack insect repellent, high-factor sun cream, antiseptic and plasters, and keep the skin well moisturised. If you’ve had cellulitis before, ask your GP whether you should carry a standby course of antibiotics, and keep it with your other medicines.

Heat can make swelling worse. Plan sightseeing for the cooler parts of the day, drink plenty of water and put your limb up when you’re resting. Take a spare compression garment too, since one will often be in the wash.

A few other things to pack or plan:

1. avoid carrying heavy bags with an affected arm, and use a case with wheels
2. wear proper footwear on beaches and pool sides if your leg is affected
3. learn the early signs of cellulitis so you can act quickly
4. keep a note of your lymphoedema clinic’s contact details

How to get a quote

Enter where and when you’re going, then answer the screening questions about your lymphoedema and anything else you need to declare. You’ll see your price before you decide.

Get a Quote

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Don't worry if your condition is not listed above - we cover plenty more medical conditions.
* Please note that cover will vary depending on individual medical screenings.

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