Can I Get Travel Insurance After Cancer?
Written by Maria Hughes
Travel Expert
Reviewed by Dr Ellen Welch
NHS GP and resident medical expert
Published
Updated
If you've been through cancer, or you're living with it now, a holiday can mean more than just a break. It might celebrate finishing treatment, be a long-awaited trip to see family, or simply a chance to rest somewhere warm. But for many people, worrying about finding travel insurance gets in the way.
The good news is that having a cancer diagnosis doesn't automatically mean you can't get travel insurance. Cover may be available whether you've completed treatment or are still receiving it, although this will depend on your individual circumstances and the insurer's assessment.
Why can cancer make travel insurance harder to find?
Travel insurance is priced on risk, and insurers' highest cost is usually emergency medical treatment abroad. Because cancer can affect your health in ways that are hard to predict, some standard insurers either decline cover or exclude anything related to your cancer. That can leave you uninsured for the very thing you're most likely to need help with.
That's where specialist insurers come in. Over recent years, more specialist providers have entered the market, making it easier to find cover designed for people with medical conditions.
Can I get cover if I'm still having treatment?
Often, yes. At Goodtogoinsurance, we can offer travel insurance for people who are currently living with cancer as well as those who have recently recovered. Depending on your individual circumstances, cover may be available if you're undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or if you've received a terminal prognosis.
We consider a wide range of cancer diagnoses, including breast, prostate and lung cancer, leukaemia and childhood cancers. Whether we can offer cover, and on what terms, will depend on your diagnosis, treatment, current health and the results of our medical screening process.
Why you must declare your cancer
Declaring your cancer diagnosis is an important part of making sure you have the right travel insurance. When applying for cover, answer all medical screening questions accurately, including those about previous cancer diagnoses, ongoing treatment and any other pre-existing medical conditions.
This applies whether you're currently receiving treatment, in remission or completed treatment several years ago, if the insurer asks about your medical history over that period.
Failing to provide accurate information could affect your cover or result in a claim being reduced or refused. If you're unsure whether you need to declare a condition, check with your insurer before buying your policy.
What will I be asked?
Declaring your cancer is simpler than many people expect. When you get a quote, you'll tell us the type of cancer you have or had, and then answer a short series of multiple-choice questions. These may cover things like the treatment you've had and how often you see a specialist. It only takes a few minutes, and you can do it online or over the phone with our team.
How much does travel insurance cost after cancer?
The price depends on your individual circumstances. The main factors include the type and severity of your cancer, whether it has been completely eradicated, how long ago you were diagnosed and whether it has spread. Your age, destination, and trip length also play a part.
Because every situation is different, the best way to know what you'll pay is to get a quote. It's quick, and there's no obligation.
Can my family be covered on the same policy?
Yes, and we'd recommend it. When your travelling companions are on the same policy as you, they're also covered for cancellation if the trip has to be called off because of anyone’s declared conditions. If you are all insured on different policies or with different insurance providers, policies may not pay out in that situation.
Tips for travelling after cancer
A little preparation can help make your trip safer and more enjoyable. If you're undergoing cancer treatment, have recently completed treatment or have ongoing health problems, discuss your travel plans with your oncology team before booking. They can advise whether you're fit to travel and whether any additional precautions are needed.
Keep essential medication in your hand luggage, ideally in its original packaging, along with a copy of your prescription or medication list. Check whether your destination has restrictions on any medicines you're carrying, and whether you need additional documentation.
Some cancer treatments can increase your risk of infection or make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Ask your oncology team whether you need any additional precautions, particularly if you're travelling during or shortly after treatment.
What if I've been refused cover elsewhere?
Don't give up. If another insurer has turned you down or quoted a very high price because of your medical history, specialist providers like us may be able to help. You can also use the MoneyHelper travel insurance directory, which lists specialist insurers for people with serious medical conditions. Goodtogoinsurance is listed there.
You're good to go
A cancer diagnosis doesn't have to mean the end of travel. With the right cover in place, you can focus on enjoying your trip, knowing our 24-hour emergency medical support is there if you need it, wherever you are in the world.