Treatment can make life feel a bit overwhelming at times, keeping up with appointments, tests and the next hospital visit. A holiday can offer something different to focus on, whether that is time with family, a change of scene or simply a few days that feel like your own again.
Being in active cancer treatment does not automatically mean that travel is out of reach. Many people travel during treatment, but whether a trip is suitable will depend on your health, the treatment you are receiving and the advice of your cancer team.
At Lighthouse Travel Insurance, we help people living with cancer explore cover that takes their individual circumstances into account. Our medical screening process uses clear questions about your diagnosis, treatment and current health, helping you understand what cover may be available without unnecessary jargon.
Can you get travel insurance during cancer treatment?
In many cases, travel insurance may be available while you are having cancer treatment.
This can include people receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy or ongoing treatment for secondary cancer. You may also have recently had surgery or be waiting for the next stage of your treatment.
Every person’s circumstances are different. The cover available and the price you pay will depend on factors including your health, treatment, destination, length of trip and the policy you select.
When you get a quote, you will complete a travel insurance medical screening. We may ask about:
- Your cancer diagnosis
- The treatment you are receiving or have recently completed
- Any medication you take
- Ongoing hospital appointments or follow-up care
- Other medical conditions you have
- Your current health
You do not need to decide which information is relevant before you begin. The screening will guide you through the questions we need to ask.
It is important to answer every question accurately, so your circumstances can be properly assessed and you can understand what your policy will and will not cover.
Planning a holiday around cancer treatment
A trip during treatment may need more planning than it once did, but that does not mean it cannot still feel like a holiday.
The most important thing is to plan around your health rather than trying to fit your health around the trip.
Speak to your cancer team
Before booking, ask your consultant, specialist nurse or healthcare professional whether you are medically fit to travel.
They can help you consider the timing of your treatment, possible side effects, your risk of infection and whether the destination or journey is suitable for you.
Think carefully about timing
Your energy levels and side effects may change throughout a treatment cycle. Speak to your healthcare team about when you may feel most able to travel and whether there are any dates when you should remain close to your treating hospital.
Do not change, delay or rearrange treatment without discussing it with your medical team.
Choose a trip that feels manageable
Think about the whole journey, not just the destination.
A direct flight, shorter transfer or hotel close to local facilities may make the trip easier. You may also want to leave more space between activities, avoid a demanding itinerary or consider somewhere closer to home for your first trip during treatment.
If fatigue, discomfort or reduced mobility may make the journey difficult, ask your airline, airport, rail provider or travel company about special assistance.
Plan your medication
Take enough medication for the whole trip, with additional supplies where appropriate in case you are delayed. Keep essential medication in your hand luggage and check whether it needs to be stored at a particular temperature.
Some medicines are restricted in certain countries. You may need a copy of your prescription, a letter from your doctor or additional documentation, particularly if your medicine contains a controlled drug. Check the rules for your destination before travelling.
Check vaccinations and infection risks
Some cancer treatments can weaken the immune system, and certain travel vaccinations may not be suitable during or shortly after treatment.
Speak to your cancer team or a travel health professional well before your departure date. They can advise which vaccinations are appropriate and whether your treatment affects where or when you should travel.
Cancer and some treatments can also increase the risk of infection, blood clots or sensitivity to sunlight. The precautions you need will depend on your individual circumstances, so ask your healthcare team what is relevant to you.
Declaring active cancer treatment
Your travel insurance needs to reflect your health as it is when you arrange your cover.
When completing your medical screening, tell us about your cancer diagnosis, current treatment, medication, hospital appointments and any other medical conditions you have.
Do not leave information out because:
- Your treatment has become routine
- You are travelling between treatment cycles
- Your cancer is stable
- You are feeling well
- You have been having the same treatment for a long time
- You do not expect to need medical care while you are away
Declaring your circumstances allows us to assess the cover available to you. If relevant medical information is not declared, it could affect your cover and may mean that a related claim cannot be paid.
If your health or treatment changes after you buy your policy, contact Lighthouse before you travel. This could include:
- Starting a new treatment
- A change to your treatment plan
- New medication or a different dose
- A new diagnosis
- New tests or investigations
- A change in your symptoms or general health
Do not assume that your existing policy will automatically cover the change. Contacting us means we can explain whether your policy needs to be reviewed.
Why Choose Lighthouse Travel Insurance?
Our policies can offer:
- Up to £10 million emergency medical expenses.
- Up to £10,000 cancellation cover, based on the trip cost per person declared.
- Up to £5,000 cover for your personal belongings, depending on the policy selected.
- 24/7 access to an Emergency Medical Assistance team.
- Cover for UK, European and Worldwide trips, provided you are not travelling against the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO) travel advice.
- Access to Air Doctor Connect is available on numerous policies, allowing you to connect with over 20,000 doctors in 78 countries. Where non-urgent outpatient treatment is provided through Air Doctor Connect, your policy excess is waived, and you may claim back the cost of prescribed medication when you return home.
Please Note: Any amounts listed above are per insured person on the policy. Cover limits, benefits and exclusions vary between policies. Full details can be found in your policy wording, available in your Customer Area
Support through treatment, recovery and beyond
Your needs may change as treatment progresses. You may be travelling during treatment now, celebrating the end of treatment in the future or continuing to explore the world while managing cancer as a long-term condition.
Lighthouse is here to help you understand your travel insurance options at each stage.
