Lung Cancer Travel Insurance: A Guide for UK Patients

Having lung cancer doesn't mean you can't travel. Thousands of people with lung cancer enjoy holidays each year. You can go to the Mediterranean for a week. You can visit family abroad. You can simply get some time away.

The key is finding the right travel insurance. You need cover that includes your pre-existing condition.

You're not a ‘cancer patient’ - you're a person who has lung cancer. Holidays might be crucial to you - in which case holiday insurance will give you confidence with your travel plans.

Having cancer cover will allow you to travel with confidence without worrying about unexpected medical expenses.

Specialist Travel Insurance Providers for Lung Cancer

Yes, you can get travel insurance with lung cancer. Several UK insurers work with cancer patients. This includes people currently having treatment.

Here are providers who cover lung cancer:

Insurancewith Fiona Macrae founded this company after her own breast cancer diagnosis. They use detailed questions to understand your situation. They don't make blanket assumptions about cancer.

They partner with Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. They ask specific questions about your treatment. They ask about your current status. This helps them give you accurate cancer travel insurance quotes.

Just Travel Cover This service compares quotes from multiple insurers. They work with companies who cover pre-existing medical conditions. This includes lung cancer.

They offer single trip and multi trip policies. Their medical screening is designed for cancer patients.

AllClear Travel Insurance They cover people with cancer at all stages. This includes those in active treatment. They offer up to £15 million emergency medical cover.

InsureCancer They work only with cancer insurance. They cover advanced cancer. They cover cancer that has spread. They cover terminal diagnoses.

Each case is looked at individually. They check clinical information from your consultant.

Freedom Travel Insurance They offer cancer travel insurance for all types of lung cancer. They cover all stages. They provide 24/7 emergency medical help.

What Travel Insurance Companies Will Ask You

When you apply for travel insurance with lung cancer, insurers need specific information. Being prepared makes the process much simpler.

They will ask:

• When were you diagnosed with lung cancer?

• What type of lung cancer do you have? (Non-small cell, small cell, or other lung disease)

• What treatment have you received? (Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, other treatments)

• Do you have localised or metastatic cancer?

• When did you complete treatment? Or are you currently on treatment?

• When was your last hospital stay?

• What medications are you taking?

• When was your last scan or check-up?

• Has your cancer spread? (Cancer that has moved to other parts of your body)

• Have you been given a terminal diagnosis?

• Do you have another lung condition?

The cost of your travel insurance policy depends on several things. Your specific situation matters.

So does your age. Your destination makes a difference. Whether you're booking a single trip or multi trip cover affects the price.

Medical bills in some countries are exorbitantly high. The USA is particularly expensive. This affects how much you'll pay.

Understanding "Terminal" Diagnosis and Travel Insurance

Many insurance companies ask about "terminal" diagnosis. But this word means different things to different insurers.

‘Terminal cancer’ is a broad term. One travel insurance provider may define it as as living 12 months or less. Some policies say 6 months or less.

Ask your insurance provider what they mean by "terminal". Get them to be specific. Some people with advanced cancer live well beyond these timeframes. Modern treatments help with this. New therapies work better than old ones.

Being clear about the definition helps you answer correctly.

Don't assume you can't get cover. Some companies like InsureCancer work with people who have terminal diagnoses.

What Your Travel Insurance Should Cover

Good cancer travel insurance should include:

Emergency Medical Care Cover for emergency treatment abroad. This includes treatment for your lung cancer if your policy covers pre-existing conditions. Emergency medical bills can be huge. They can reach hundreds of thousands of pounds. Countries without free healthcare are especially expensive. The USA costs the most.

Trip Cancellation Cover to cancel your trip. Health problems are covered. Family member illness is covered. Your policy should cover costs you can't get back.

Medical Repatriation Emergency transport back to the UK. This is for when you become unwell abroad. You may need to return home for medical care.

Lost Medication and Medical Equipment Cover to replace medicines if your bags are lost or stolen.

24/7 Emergency Help Access to medical support anywhere in the world.

Always check what's not covered. Most policies won't cover routine treatment abroad. They won't cover planned medical procedures. Travel insurance is for unexpected emergencies only.

Preparing for Your Trip

Medical Documentation

Some travel insurance companies need a doctor's letter. This confirms you're fit to travel. Your GP or cancer doctor can provide this. There may be a charge.

Keep all medical papers in your hand luggage:

• List of current medications with brand names

• Recent medical summary

• Doctor's letter for your insurance company

• Prescription for liquid medications over 100ml (airport security needs this)

• Contact details for your medical team in the UK

You can learn all about non-small cell lung cancer here and small cell lung cancer here.

Medications and Travel

Pack all medications in your hand luggage. Never put them in checked bags. Take enough for your entire trip. Take extra in case of delays.

Some countries have rules about certain medications. Check with the embassy of your destination country.

Some cancer treatments make your skin more sensitive to sun. This includes some chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Use high-factor sun cream (SPF 30 minimum). Wear protective clothing.

Flying with Lung Cancer

Most people with lung cancer can fly safely. But if you've had recent lung surgery, check first. If you have reduced lung function or another lung condition, speak to your cancer doctor before booking. You may need extra oxygen during the flight.

Airlines need at least 48 hours' notice to arrange additional oxygen. This service may cost extra. Not always available on all routes. Tell your travel insurance company if you need oxygen support.

If you've had recent surgery, ask your surgeon how long to wait before flying. There is a higher risk of blood clots after surgery. Long flights also increase this risk. Discuss this with your medical team.

European Travel

Are you travelling to EU countries? What about Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland? Apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This replaced the old EHIC after Brexit.

A GHIC gives you access to state healthcare in these countries. You pay reduced cost or nothing. You get the same treatment as people who live there.

But it doesn't cover everything the NHS would. It is not a replacement for travel insurance. You still need full travel insurance cover.

The GHIC won't cover:

• Emergency transport back to the UK

• Private healthcare abroad

• Extra costs not covered by state healthcare systems

When to Speak to Your Cancer Team

Before booking any travel, discuss your trip with your cancer doctor or lung cancer nurse. They can tell you if you're well enough to travel. They can check if your treatment schedule allows for a break.

Are you having chemotherapy or radiotherapy? Ask if your treatment can be adjusted for your travel dates. Some patients time holidays between treatment cycles.

Your medical team can help with:

• What jabs you need (some vaccines don't work with cancer treatment)

• How to manage medication across different time zones

• What to do in a medical emergency abroad

• Whether you need extra care due to lower immunity

You can learn about the benefits of private cancer treatment here.

Using a Travel Agent

Think about booking through a travel agent. This is especially helpful if you're worried about needing to cancel.

Travel agents can make cancellation much simpler. They often handle insurance claims for you. Make sure they're ABTA or ATOL registered. This gives you financial protection.

Some travel agencies work with people who have medical conditions. The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation partners with Globalocity Travel. They give part of their commission to the charity.

Important Reminders

Tell Them About Your Cancer You must tell your insurance company about your lung cancer. This includes if you're in remission. It includes if you finished treatment years ago.

If you don't declare your pre-existing condition, it can cancel your entire policy. You could face huge medical bills abroad.

Answer All Questions Honestly Medical screening questions can feel very personal. But accurate answers make sure you get the right cover. If you're unsure how to answer, contact the insurer directly. Don't just complete an online form.

Compare Prices Prices vary a lot between travel insurance companies. Use comparison sites. Or speak to an insurance broker who knows about medical conditions.

The cheapest quote isn't always the best. Check what's actually covered.

Apply Early Get your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This means you have coverage if you need to cancel before you leave.

Read Your Policy Carefully Read the terms and conditions. Pay attention to what's not covered.

Check excess charges. Make sure you understand what is and isn't included. This is especially important for your cancer.

Additional Resources

Cancer Research UK Lots of information about travelling with cancer. Includes practical tips and health advice.

Macmillan Cancer Support Travel insurance guidance. Online community where cancer patients share experiences. They recommend insurers.

Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation Detailed travelling guide for lung cancer patients. Includes a free booklet you can download.

MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Directory List of approved travel insurers. They may offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions.

The Bottom Line

Having lung cancer shouldn't stop you from travelling. You can still enjoy time away.

Specialist travel insurance providers understand cancer treatment. They can offer the right cover. This includes if you're currently having chemotherapy. This includes if you have advanced disease.

The key is being honest about your diagnosis. Be prepared with medical information. Choose an insurer who truly understands cancer.

Do this ahead of time - not when you're checking in to one of the airport hotels the night before you fly! With the right preparation, you get peace of mind. With proper insurance cover, you can focus on enjoying your trip.