Finding Travel Insurance When You Have Cancer

Whether you're recovering from your latest round of chemotherapy, need a bit of R&R or are celebrating an ‘all clear’ cancer prognosis, a holiday can be just the ticket.

However, finding travel insurance when you have cancer can be tricky!

Whilst most policies will usually cover pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma and osteoporosis; conditions like cancer, mental illness and heart conditions are more commonly not covered.

The general rule of thumb is that insurers do not cover conditions that already exist before your trip and many will require a medical evaluation before they give the ok. Additionally, most policies WILL NOT cover cancer due to the heightened risk that sufferers may fall ill, cancel their holiday, or cut their trip short.

The Good News

The travel insurance industry has heard you and is responding.  Up until recently, finding travel insurance that covered cancer was an exercise in frustration.  However, there are now a few insurers that have added certain cancers to their list of conditions covered following assessment.

Insurers such as Covermore (underwritten by Zurich) may cover a range of cancers including breast, prostate, kidney, bowel, brain and skin cancer. Additionally, AAMI (underwritten by Suncorp) may insure travellers with breast or prostate cancer (under certain conditions).

Are You Eligible?

It’s important to note that certain conditions will always apply to cancer cover. Although we've highlighted some important terms below, be sure to chat to your provider before you buy.

• Covermore will cover skin cancer, providing your skin cancer isn't melanoma, you haven't had chemotherapy or radiotherapy for this condition, and your skin cancer does not require follow up treatment e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy or further excision. 

• Citibank and AAMI will only cover prostate cancer if you have a Gleason Score P.S.A. (prostate specific antigen) of 3.0 or less.

• AAMI may cover travellers with breast cancer and prostate cancer provided they had received their diagnosis and treatment over 12 months ago, have not had any chemotherapy or radiotherapy
in the 12 months before applying for cover and the cancer has not spread beyond the breast or prostate at any time.

• Trip duration can also be a factor when you’re purchasing cancer cover. 

What If I Can't Find Cover For My Pre-Existing Condition?

If you're struggling to find cover you may have luck with travel insurer AllClear. This specialist medical travel insurance provider offers comprehensive cover. Any medical condition is considered, and they can offer cover for any age.

Remember you can still buy normal travel insurance with pre-existing conditions - but it just means you may not be covered for any claims related to, exacerbated by, or arising from that pre-existing medical condition without prior approval.

Other Reasons To Buy Travel Insurance

Although your health is top priority (especially now) there are other huge factors that make travel insurance a must for all travellers. Although most insurers won’t list cancer as a covered illness, they will still cover the following and more.

• Lost and stolen luggage and personal belongings: When you’re dealing with huge life transitions, the last thing you need is the extra financial stress of a lost suitcase or stolen wallet. Travel insurance will cover you for any lost, stolen or damaged items, provided you look after them.
   
• Cancellations and emergencies: Should your flight be delayed for more than 24 hours, your travel insurance provider will cover any costs you’ve accrued. You’ll also be covered should you miss a flight due to any type of motor vehicle accident or natural disaster.
   
• Rental car excess: Planning a bucket list road trip? Your travel insurance will usually cover rental car excess, so you can cruise on, worry-free.
   
• Personal liability: Travel insurance will cover you in the event that you are responsible for another person’s injury. Most comprehensive policies will cover you for up to $2 million in personal liability fees.

Note: Even if your insurer will not cover cancer you may still take out insurance to cover other health and travel-related issues. However, if you are currently receiving medical treatment or have a shortened life expectancy, things get a little complicated. Under these circumstances you will most likely not find health cover for anything cancer-related, including cancelled or delayed flights due to illness or treatment and medical costs while overseas.

Tips For Travelling With Cancer

Travelling with a compromised immune system means taking greater care and minimising your risks whilst on-the-go. The following tips will help keep you in good nick whilst you’re away:

• Talk to your medical team: It’s a good idea to chat to your medical team and debrief them on all your travel plans before you book your trip. Get your doctor to write a comprehensive letter detailing your condition, treatment and medication and keep it with you at all times.
   
• Get organised: Take any necessary medical contact phone numbers and a list of all the medications you are currently taking. Pack your medications in your carry-on luggage as they are less likely to go missing than in your stowed luggage.
   
• Make provisions: Need extra legroom on your flight or handicap facilities in your hotel? Call ahead to ensure all your travel requirements are set. A bit of pre-planning will minimise all the usual travelling inconveniences.
   
• Be sun savvy: Chemotherapy and radiation can increase sensitivity to the sun so be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and protective gear along for your trip.
   
• Take it easy: Feeling unusually fatigued? Accept that you will have good and bad days and give yourself ample amounts of downtime in between activities.  
   
• Stay safe: Good hygiene practice is essential when your immunity is low. Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer whenever appropriate. Avoid uncooked food and drink bottled water only.

What’s Next?

Having cancer shouldn’t deter you from taking that long-awaited holiday. Once you’ve researched your options, spoken to your insurance provider and taken all the necessary precautions there’s nothing left to do but focus on enjoying your trip. Have fun!

Are You A Mature Traveller?

If you’re over 50, finding travel insurance can be a daunting task. Need help? We’ve put together a clear and comprehensive guide to seniors travel insurance to clear up any grey areas.

General Advice Warning: The contents of this article were accurate at the time of writing. Insurers change their policies from time to time, so some information may have changed. You should always read the Product Disclosure Statement of your chosen insurer to understand what is covered and what isn't. The information provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account any personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your personal circumstances.