Travel insurance after cancer
Travel insurance for prior cancer conditions
Whether you’ve been in remission from cancer for a year or a decade, travel insurance post cancer can be difficult to find. At AllClear, we provide specialist medical travel insurance for ex-cancer patients, so they can travel to the places they want to with peace of mind.
At AllClear, we take each person’s needs and requirements into consideration during our medical screening process. We’re not a one-size-fits-all provider, and will offer the right level of cover based on medical history, destination and length of a trip.
Our easy online medical screening process gives you quotes from providers who are able to offer you travel insurance after cancer, and the entire quote process takes just a few minutes. Choose the right level of cover for you, and enjoy the holiday you deserve.
The key benefits you can get
- Medical expenses covered up to £15,000,000.
- Cancellation and Curtailment covered up to £5,000.
- Personal Belongings covered up to £3,000.
- Any age. Any medical condition. Any destination.
Tips for travelling after cancer
Remember your EHIC
- If you’re travelling within Europe apply for an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) and take it with you on holiday. The EHIC replaces the E111 and is free of charge through the NHS Choices’ website. The EHIC entitles you to free or reduced cost medical care in the country you are visiting. It’s called a reciprocal health service agreement.
- However, reciprocal health service agreements do not always cover the full cost of treatment and won’t cover the cost of getting you home in an emergency. It’s essential to take out medical travel insurance in addition to the EHIC.
Speak to your GP or healthcare provider
- It could be worth speaking to your GP to assess your medical needs and check you won’t be at additional risk of catching an infection. Fatigue and weakness may still be an issue, so they’ll work with you to ensure you can travel at the best time to enjoy your trip abroad. Getting a letter from your GP stating you are fit to travel could be an option if you’re still feeling the effects of treatment, and can be discussed at your appointment.
Sun care after radiotherapy
- Taking care in the sun is important for everyone. If you’ve had radiotherapy, the skin in the treatment area can stay sensitive for several years. Use a very high SPF of at least 50, and be sure to reapply every few hours. Try to keep the area covered when in the sun, and avoid sunbathing during the heat of the day. Check timings of when this is likely to be before you travel.
Vaccinations after cancer
- If you’re travelling to an area where vaccinations are mandatory you will need to discuss these with your GP. Live vaccinations contain tiny amounts of the virus you’re being protected against, and are not recommended six months after chemotherapy. This is because they can cause serious infections to a weakened immune system. Inactivated vaccines are safe after treatment, but may be less effective if you have a weakened immune system. Your GP will be able to advise further so book an appointment as soon as you can.
Choosing the destination
- If you’re travelling just a few months after being cancer-free, you might still feel fatigued and need tests to monitor your progress. Don’t be disheartened if your GP or travelling companions advise against a certain destination especially if it’s to a far-flung country. It’s best to fully enjoy a holiday closer to home than feel tired and stressed due to a strenuous journey. Choose a destination you can manage, and remember long-haul flights can be uncomfortable to someone in good health so bear in mind how you’ll feel at the time you fly.
