Metastatic cancer travel insurance

If you’ve been diagnosed with metastatic cancer and you’d like to travel abroad wither with friends and family, or for some solo time, finding travel insurance may prove to be difficult. Some insurance providers offer a one-size-fits-all approach, meaning those with secondary cancer are immediately turned away. However, at all AllClear, we believe everyone has the right to travel.

We specialise in Travel Insurance for pre existing conditions and cover a wide range of pre-existing and ongoing medical conditions. In fact, in 2014 we provided cover for 280 people with metastatic cancer. Our medical screening process will ask questions about your condition and show quotes from providers who are able to offer you cover.

If you need, you can speak to our Essex-based contact centre team who can guide you through the process. For those living with metastatic cancer and their families, the added stress on your mental and physical wellbeing associated with ongoing treatment can take its toll. And a relaxing holiday could be exactly what you need.

Travel insurance for those with metastatic cancer

It’s important to declare your medical history fully and accurately. When completing the medical screening process, as your quote will be based on your condition and its severity. Also, ensure that your doctor or oncologist has advised it is ok for you to travel – we won’t be able to offer cover to those who’ve been advised to not travel.

All of these things will ensure you get to enjoy your holiday with full peace of mind.

Planning your trip with a metastatic diagnosis

• Planning your trip is one of the most exciting things about going away. Dreaming of warmer climates and lazing by the pool or snowy cities all wrapped up warm is the best way to get in the mood for a holiday.

• Considering destinations carefully when planning your trip is vital to ensure you enjoy your holiday fully. Your doctor may be able to advise how far you should travel and how much you can do without overexerting yourself.

• Think about destinations which are no more than an hour or two away as you’ll want to arrive ready to start your holiday feeling as fresh as possible. Long flights can be exhausting for people in full health and could potentially ruin the holiday of someone travelling with metastatic cancer.

Flying with metastatic cancer

• To ensure you’re as comfortable as possible on your flight, it might be a good idea to book priority boarding to enable you to board the plane in your own time without the hustle and bustle of all the other passengers.

• Booking a seat at the back of the plane is a good way to ensure you’re closer to cabin crew if you find yourself feeling unwell, and you may be allowed by the flight attendants to go to the very back of the plane for a bit more space if necessary.

• Remember to speak to your airline if you intend to bring medication on board – some countries place restrictions on what’s allowed in the hold. Oxygen can also be ordered if required, and you may want to request a specific meal to allow you to eat comfortable on board. By speaking to the airline in advance, you may also be offered help at the terminal and checking in.

• For comfort on long flights, bring a spare change of clothes, neck pillow, and flying socks with you. Even if you’re not travelling in first class, they can help you feel a bit more relaxed.

Taking your medication abroad

• It’s important to make sure you have the correct amount of medication to last you your trip (and a little more) before you travel.

• Your doctor will be able to prescribe you enough as well as some extra in case of delays. When travelling with your medication, keep it all in its original packaging and ensure it’s in your name. This’ll ensure a smooth experience at the security gate, and also be useful for medical staff if you need care in the country you’re visiting.

Apply for an EHIC if travelling in Europe

• If you decide to travel within Europe you should apply for a European Health Insurance Card, or EHIC. This free card will allow you the same level of free medical cover as the residents in the country you’re visiting – much like the NHS in the UK. The cost of care may be without charge, or you may need to pay for some treatments.

• However this isn’t a valid form of travel insurance, and the NHS advise you always take out comprehensive travel insurance before travelling abroad. The EHIC won’t cover you for private care, or if you need to be repatriated for example, where your travel insurance provider should be able to make those arrangements on your behalf.

Enjoying your time away

• A holiday is the perfect opportunity to rest, relax and take your mind off of the stresses and worry of normal life.

• While you’ll want to do some sightseeing, it’s important not to overexert yourself as you wouldn’t want it to spoil your trip. If out and about, make sure you’re able to stop as and when you need to for a break.

• Stay hydrated and always keep a bottle of water on you especially if you’re going somewhere warm.

• Avoid tap water and food which has been washed in tap water as this could cause sickness and diarrhoea – bring anti-sickness tablets and rehydration sachets with you.

• Listen to your body and only do as much as you can handle. Sometimes the best days are those spent by the pool with a good book where you’re really able to take in your surroundings.

Article References:

Cancer Treatments Centers of America: Metastasis (metastatic cancer) American Cancer Society: Understanding Advanced Cancer, Metastatic Cancer, and Bone Metastasis NHS: What do cancer stages and grades mean?  

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