Although your doctor may feel that you are well enough to travel, you may find it difficult to get 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 say that you must pay a particular amount towards the cost of 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 Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group. People with an ileo-anal pouch can contact the Red Lion Group for advice on insurance – call 08445 763029 quoting reference RL1.

There may be other potential costs of falling ill. Accommodation or living expenses, for example, or the cost of bringing travel companions back to the UK. 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 to be completed by the patient and/or their GP or hospital consultant. Some may also want a letter from your GP or consultant confirming that you are fit to travel and what the chances are 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 insurance. It’s 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. This entitles you to free or reduced cost emergency treatment in European countries. It does not cover ambulance services or the costs of bringing you and your family back to the UK.

Our travel insurance factsheet has a list of insurance companies who consider insuring cancer patients.  

It is advisable to get quotes from a number of companies, as costs may vary considerably. It’s also helpful to read the policy carefully for exclusions and special conditions. Your doctor or specialist nurse can help you to understand the policies and explain any exclusions.

Some companies may have policies that insure you for any health problem, except 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. Other people may feel that this is too much of a risk for them to take.