Although your doctor may feel that you are well enough to travel, you may find that it is difficult for you to find travel insurance. This is because some insurance companies think that a person with cancer is more likely to need to make a claim on their insurance. This is not always the case, although if you have advanced cancer you may be more likely to become ill and need to make a claim.

Different insurance companies use different factors (criteria) to decide whether or not they will give insurance to people with cancer. You may need to phone a few different companies before you find one that will give insurance cover for your particular situation.

Some companies charge extra to cover people with cancer, so you might find that the premium is higher than you would normally pay. Some companies will say that you must pay a particular amount for any treatment that you need. This is known as an excess, and may range from £50 to a few thousand pounds, so it is worth shopping around.

People who have advanced cancer, or are currently having treatment, are less likely to be able to get travel insurance – as are people who have had a blood transfusion in the last three to six months. Companies are often reluctant to insure patients for travel to countries where healthcare is expensive, for example, the USA and Canada, or for trips that involve long flights, such as to Australia or New Zealand.

People with colostomies or ileostomies can get special insurance by contacting the Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group.

There may be other potential costs of falling ill, for example: accommodation, living expenses or the cost of bringing travel companions back to the United Kingdom. Some companies will insist that accompanying family and friends are insured under the same policy.

Most insurance companies will ask for a medical certificate or questionnaire completed by the patient and/or their GP or hospital consultant. Some may also want a letter confirming that you are fit to travel. It is helpful to check that the phrasing, content, and choice of words used in the letter is easy to understand and gives an accurate impression of your condition, the likely outcome and the chance that you may become ill while you are away.

Some companies may ask you to have an assessment by one of their own doctors before they will give you the policy. It is worth remembering that travel insurance can take some time to arrange. If possible, make sure that your travel insurance has been confirmed before you finalise your holiday booking, just in case you get ill before you travel.

Some insurance companies will insist that you carry a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when travelling to Europe. An EHIC entitles the traveller, their spouse and any dependent children to free or reduced cost emergency treatment in European Union Countries. It does not cover ambulance services or the costs of bringing you and your family back to the UK.

It is advisable to get quotes from a number of companies, as costs may vary. It is also helpful to read the policy carefully for exclusions and special conditions. Your doctor or specialist nurse can help to advise you on this.

Some companies may have policies that insure you for any health problem, other than problems caused by the cancer. You may feel that this option suits you if your cancer is unlikely to cause any problems while you are away. But, some people feel that this is too much of a risk for them to take.