Secondary cancer and travel insurance

Beenie

I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in Dec last year. I have started treatment (oral chemo and a monthly injection of denusomab for bone strengthening) and have responded well. I feel really well, maybe a little tired at times, but would love to consider a holiday. The problem is getting travel insurance. We are only considering European countries as a destination.

Are there any insurance experts out there, or posters who have had experience of gaining insurance despite a medical problem?

Browntoa

No insurance will cover while you are still receiving treatment , it would be excluded

mufi

Have a look at Eurotunnel Travel Insurance. You don't need to be booked on Eurotunnel and it comes up a lot as a recommendation on cancer forums.

Browntoa

Their terms say "existing condition may be excluded"

Beenie

Thanks mufi.

I will always be receiving treatment as this is secondary and not primary cancer (which has a defined cycle of treatment and therefore end date).

My (admittedly scant) research has shown that people can get insurance cover, it's a question of affordability. Hence my post here.

Beenie

Browntoa, I'm not seeking treatment for cancer when abroad ; it's more like what happens if you fall or get run over and require hospital treatment.

mufi

When I used them last year, all I needed was a doctor's letter confirming fitness to travel and confirmation that there was no terminal prognosis.

The OP needs to ring them, of course, to discuss her individual requirements and confirm cover is available this year on similar terms.

Browntoa

That will be covered like normal

I'm not sure if the ehic would cover complications from the treatment.

I use staysure as we both have pre existing conditions

mufi

Beenie wrote: »

Thanks mufi.

I will always be receiving treatment as this is secondary and not primary cancer (which has a defined cycle of treatment and therefore end date).

My (admittedly scant) research has shown that people can get insurance cover, it's a question of affordability. Hence my post here.

Pleasure.

My experience was that their cover is extremely affordable (unbelievably so, to the point that cancer forums have many posts questioning it and I did a great deal of questioning before going ahead). Google will give you several discussions on the subject, then ring them tomorrow. I hope it goes well!

Aretnap

Browntoa wrote: »

I'm not sure if the ehic would cover complications from the treatment.

EHIC would cover complications from the treatment - why would it not? It covers any treatment you need, provided you're not travelling specifically for the purpose of receiving treatment.

Of course, whether the EHIC will cover anything at all after March 29th is anybody's guess at the moment...

Two things to remember about the EHIC though (assuming it's even valid when you come to travel)
(1) It doesn't cover repatriation expenses - so if you need emergency medical evacuation back to Blighty you could be looking at a very hefty bill, and
(2) It entitles you to treatment on the same terms as a national of the country you're visiting. That doesn't necessarily mean free treatment - many EU countries have healthcare systems which require the patient to pay fairly substantial contributions towards the cost of healthcare
which together mean that travel insurance is still advisable, even within the EU.

uk1

Beenie wrote: »

I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in Dec last year. I have started treatment (oral chemo and a monthly injection of denusomab for bone strengthening) and have responded well. I feel really well, maybe a little tired at times, but would love to consider a holiday. The problem is getting travel insurance. We are only considering European countries as a destination.

Are there any insurance experts out there, or posters who have had experience of gaining insurance despite a medical problem?

Hi,

I suggest that the safest and most reassuring thing for you to do is to pick a specialist company like Staysure and give them a call and ask to speak to one of their underwriters. Explain you do not want cover for your pre-existing condition or any consequence of it but do seek in all other respects standard cover. I’d offer the hope that if anything the premium should be less than normal ..... If you plan a couple of trips then consider an annual one so that you don’t have to repeat the palaver. We also insure with Staysure and we haven’t had a claim but they seem fine. Avoid any insurer that is a part of uses TIF.

When booking travel I’d try and choose trips that offer you some flexibility if you want or need to cancel or change dates for appointments etc. For example using miles if you have them rather than cash offers flexibility.

Best wishes for your travels, treatment and future health.