Travel insurance

Travel insurance advice

[JanetteR57]

Depends on where you're going, how long for, mode of transport (e.g. cruise, flight, etc), status of your treatment/condition and any other conditions that need declaring.... I didn't travel internationally until 2016 (diagnosis early 2011)due to high costs of travel insurance and we had a number of UK breaks during that time.

I have travelled extensively for work and leisure since. I've travelled to countries like Spain, Greece, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Bali, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Belgium, Ireland, Jersey and for most had to have single trip policies. Different companies come out cheaper for different destinations - Spain is often higher and many European countries are dearer since Brexit (although you can still use existing EHIC cards or obtain new GHIC one) - some markets like USA, Canada, Caribbean are often really expensive - prohibitively so in some cases. I use payingtoomuch.com and medical travel compared price comparison sites and different providers including Saga, Allclear,Staysure, Covercloud, Get Going, Allianz and know Insurancewith and Insurecancer.com.

Many insurers have struggled to provide cover since the pandemic so there are higher premiums. Others who used to provide low cost cover no longer do, so do shop around. I managed to be offered an annual policy in 2019 by Saga who changed their question from 'have you ever had a cancer diagnosis?' to in the last 5 years have you had a cancer diagnosis?. I've booked a trip with them to Europe this year and their question was about whether you were still seeing a consultant in addition to the questions about type, stage, treatment, whether still in treatment, how long ago, etc....

Many used to say 'get cover and not for the cancer' but with lung cancer, as it can affect so many aspects of breathing that can be triggered by humidity, recycled air, air pressure, altitude, pollution and other environmental factors that may result in needing 'Medical-evacuation' this can increase the premium. Failure to declare lung cancer or any other condition can make any policy null and void for all cover including cancellation, delays etc.

Roy Castle lung cancer has a good guide on its website but do check out the companies due to the above reasons having changed the situation considerably - good luck. roycastle.org/about-lung-ca...

[Hidden in reply to JanetteR57]

Thank you

[Mogs2]

HelloI’ve been in remission for 20 months and just returned from a charity trek in Cuba. It was really stressful finding cover initially, I was declined by several of the major insurance companies. A few of the cancer specialists quoted me in the region of £1000 plus! I eventually had a much cheaper quote with insurancewith.com. It’s best to call them and talk through your requirements. Make sure you get covid cover too. Hope you have a lovely break.