Travel insurance for a Canadian

[Valisa]

Hi All,

Just wondering if there are any Canadians that have been successful in getting travel insurance. My current policy covers accidents but will not cover anything related to my Cancer diagnosis. My oncologist said insurance companies will always try to tie it back to the cancer diagnosis. Diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in Nov. 2018.

I am doing well so far and would very much like to be able to go on more vacations outside of Canada.

I appreciate any response regarding this, thank you kindly.

Lisa

[Onie54]

Hi Lisa

I’m also in Canada (Ontario) and currently having the same issue. We are taking the risk and traveling anyway, life is too short!!

My oncologist said if you start feeling ill then just come home. We’ve paid a little extra on flights so as to have more flexibility with tickets and making changes if necessary.

We are off the Ireland this July! Looking forward to it as last year was my diagnosis so it was not a good year (grappling with the new normal, all the tests and appointments).

On letrozole and Ibrance with zometa every 3 months too.

Susie

[Valisa in reply to Onie54]

Hi Susie,

I too am in Ontario, in Region of Waterloo area. How wonderful for you to be heading to Ireland. That is one of the places on my travel wish list. This June we are travelling to Colorado for a wedding and plan to take our chances as well.

Also on Ibrance and letrozole, just changed from zometa to xgeva this month as my bone mets were increasing in size and new mets developed as well since I first started treatment in Dec. 2018.

Thanks for your reply and I wish you an amazing adventure this July! Such a beautiful country. ENJOY!

Lisa

[Onie54 in reply to Valisa]

Hi Lisa

We’re not far! I’m in Mississauga.

Last year we went for 4 days to Vegas, sort of getting our feet wet on traveling with this new diagnosis. All went well.

I’m sure your trip to Colorado will be great! Most importantly enjoy your time with family and friends. Weddings are always a good time!

Susie

[cancersucks2 in reply to Valisa]

Hi Lisa. I am not far from you I’m in Sarnia Ontario. We are going to travel as well but I’m not stable yet as I was just diagnosed in August! MBC with 1 tumour in my spine — T 11 vertebrae my vertebrae was crushed in excruciating pain which brought me to emergency. I had no idea what was going on. I just had another CT SCAN and thankfully no more masses anywhere. 🥳🥳🥳.

[Valisa in reply to cancersucks2]

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis and I sure hope they have been able to provide relief for your pain. This pandemic has added a whole new layer to thinking about travelling. We have travelled to Alberta and BC a few times to see our daughter and visit my brother. I have recently had progression and my first line of treatment has failed. I did have three good years on Ibrance and Letrozole. The cancer seems to have spread to my common bile duct and I had to have a stent put in, I was in hospital for 10 days in November. It caused very painful pancreatitis attacks. I am still uncomfortable but it is tolerable. I will hopefully be starting a clinical trial at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, I go this week for final testing to ensure the last stage of the eligibility process.🤞🏻🙏🏻 Hopefully this can provide some relief and give me more quality time and hopefully some more travels within Canada. I am hoping to get to the East coast this year.I wish you all the best and hope you too can travel again soon. I also have a new grandchild due in May this year, we are thrilled to bits for this new arrival.

Lisa

[cancersucks2 in reply to Valisa]

Hi Valisa. My name is Jane. I really hope to do some traveling. I retired in February thinking that I should because I knew something was going to happen! And it sure did. I have 9 grandchildren who live close but I’m not ready to go. I’m going to fight and do as much as I can. I worked my whole life and get told this?!?! 🤦‍♀️ I’m strong I’m going to do what I can for as long as I can. Keep me informed about your pancreatic problems. We can all search for answers. Happy to say my pain is under control I’m seeing a palliative doctor—- he is awesome! Take care 😘

[necie]

Good morning from Bayfield, Ontario!

We recently returned from spending 5 months in Florida, including a 2 week Caribbean cruise! My Oncologist told me the same thing as Onie54’s did. If you start to feel worse, get your butt home ASAP! After extensive research, I don’t believe any travel insurance company will cover your Cancer for any amount of money! So...go and enjoy your travels!

[Valisa in reply to necie]

Good Morning,

Thank you for your reply. You picked a good winter to spend 5 months in Florida.

Lisa

[Thatflowerlady in reply to necie]

I have looked into different insurance providers NO one will cover a pre existing

Illness that is considered critical . Stage 4 is considered “ critical “ . I find this extremely disappointing but “It is what it is “

Coming from Blyth On.

[Valisa in reply to Thatflowerlady]

Thank you for your reply. I am finding the same that we can’t get full coverage. My oncologist says even if you do find an insurance that the insurance companies will always try to tie issues back to the cancer diagnosis. This makes deciding to travel a very big decision. Many people say they travel anyways and just plan to head home if they do not feel well. Apparently we have to be careful with coverage between provinces as well when travelling within Canada.

Well I will cherish my memories from all the travel I have been blessed to have experience prior to MBC. We are going to go ahead with a four day weekend in Colorado for a wedding in June. And I am hoping to be able to travel for a 4 day weekend in the fall as well. My sister bought us tickets to see Lady Gaga in Vegas. I am waiting till closer to the date to book a flight just to ensure I am well enough for travel.

Looking forward to some warm sunny weather soon. Enjoy your summer☀️.

Lisa

[Thatflowerlady in reply to Valisa]

Enjoy your trips ! Seeing lady Gaga would be amazing