Flying during or after cancer treatment can bring up questions you may never have needed to think about before.
You might be planning a trip between treatment appointments, looking forward to your first holiday once treatment has finished, or wondering whether recent surgery, fatigue or another side effect affects whether you are fit to fly.
For many people, flying during or after cancer treatment is possible. But there is no single rule that applies to everybody.
Your cancer, treatment, recovery and general health all matter.
At Lighthouse Travel Insurance, we help people living with and recovering from cancer find cover that takes their medical circumstances into account.
We know that flying can raise some very specific questions. How soon after treatment can you get on a plane? Does chemotherapy make a difference? What about surgery? Are long-haul flights safe? What happens if you are anaemic, breathless or at greater risk of a blood clot?
That is why we have brought together some of the practical things to consider before you book, from checking whether you are fit to fly to arranging airport assistance and preparing for a longer journey.
Can you get travel insurance for flying during or after cancer treatment?
Travel insurance may be available during or after cancer treatment, depending on your individual circumstances.
When you get a quote, you will go through medical screening where we will ask questions about your cancer diagnosis, treatment, medication and current health.
Someone travelling between treatment appointments may have very different circumstances from somebody who completed treatment several months ago and has recovered well.
Your destination, length of trip and other medical conditions may also be relevant.
It is important to answer the medical screening questions accurately so you can be confident you have declared the information we need.
Can you fly during cancer treatment?
Some people may be able to fly while receiving cancer treatment.
Whether it is appropriate will depend on the treatment you are having, how it is affecting you and your general health.
It’s always a good idea to ask your cancer doctor or specialist nurse for advice before flying. Changes in cabin pressure and oxygen levels can make flying unsuitable in some circumstances.
Your healthcare team may need to consider things such as:
- Your treatment schedule
- Your blood counts
- Whether you are anaemic
- Whether your platelet levels are low
- Infection risk
- Breathlessness
- Blood clot risk
- Side effects from treatment
- Recent surgery
- Whether you need oxygen
- How quickly you could access appropriate medical care at your destination
Do not change or miss treatment simply to make a flight possible unless this has been agreed with your healthcare team.
If your treatment or health changes after you book, ask for advice again rather than assuming previous guidance still applies.
Can you fly after cancer treatment?
Many people return to flying after cancer treatment.
However, finishing treatment does not automatically mean that you are immediately ready for every type of journey.
Your body may still be recovering, and some treatment effects can continue afterwards.
There is no universal waiting period after cancer treatment.
Someone recovering from major surgery may have very different considerations from somebody who has completed radiotherapy or is several months beyond chemotherapy.
Check with your doctor or specialist if you are planning to fly because recent treatment, surgery, blood counts, breathlessness and other factors may affect whether travelling is appropriate.
Find out more about Travelling During and After Cancer Treatment
How soon after cancer treatment can you fly?
There are no single number of days or weeks that applies to everybody.
The appropriate timing depends on:
- The treatment you have received
- How recently treatment finished
- Your recovery
- Any ongoing side effects
- Your blood counts
- Whether you have recently had surgery
- Your blood clot risk
- Your breathing
- Other medical conditions
Before booking, ask your healthcare team:
- Whether you are medically fit to fly
- Whether you need to wait after your most recent treatment
- Whether your blood counts need checking
- Whether you have an increased risk of blood clots
- Whether you need additional precautions during the flight
- Whether the airline may require medical clearance
- Whether you may need oxygen
- Whether a long-haul journey creates additional considerations
Your healthcare team can advise based on your circumstances rather than a general timeframe.
Flying after cancer surgery
You may need to wait before flying after cancer surgery.
How long depends on the operation you have had, how well you are recovering and whether you have experienced any complications.
Following some procedures, air can remain trapped inside the body. Changes in aircraft cabin pressure can cause this trapped air to expand.
Recent surgery can also increase your risk of developing a blood clot.
Ask your surgical team when it is appropriate for you to fly.
Other operations can have their own considerations too.
Your surgical team can advise based on the procedure you have had, your recovery and the flight you are planning.
Read our guide to Travelling After Cancer Surgery
Flying during or after chemotherapy
Chemotherapy does not automatically mean that you cannot fly.
However, treatment can affect blood counts, immunity, energy levels and the risk of side effects at different points during a treatment cycle.
Your healthcare team may need to consider:
- Your risk of infection
- Your white blood cell count
- Anaemia
- Low platelets
- Fatigue
- Nausea or other side effects
- Blood clot risk
- Your treatment schedule
- Your access to medical care at the destination
If you are considering flying between chemotherapy cycles, do not decide based only on the gap between appointments.
Speak to your chemotherapy team about whether your proposed dates are appropriate for you.
Read our guide to Travelling During and After Chemotherapy
Flying during or after radiotherapy
Many people receiving or recovering from radiotherapy may be able to fly, depending on the area being treated, side effects and their general health.
Fatigue can make airports and longer journeys more demanding.
Other circumstances may need more specific advice. Some people may be advised not to fly if they are at risk of increased pressure or swelling in the brain.
Ask your radiotherapy team whether your treatment, side effects or the area being treated creates any concerns about flying.
Read our guide to Travelling During and After Radiotherapy
Flying during or after immunotherapy
Immunotherapy does not automatically prevent you from flying.
What matters is how the treatment is affecting you.
Some immune-related side effects can affect organs such as the lungs, heart or nervous system and may need prompt medical assessment.
Before travelling, ask your treatment team whether you are fit to fly, whether your treatment schedule affects your plans and what you should do if you develop a new or worsening symptom while you are away.
Carry any treatment alert card you have been given and keep your cancer team’s contact information accessible.
Read our guide to Travelling During and After Immunotherapy
Flying while taking hormone therapy
Many people continue to fly while taking hormone therapy.
For some people, treatment continues for several years and travelling remains part of everyday life.
However, certain hormone therapies can increase blood clot risk, which can be particularly relevant during longer journeys where you spend a lot of time sitting still.
If your healthcare team has told you that you are at increased risk of a blood clot, ask whether you need any additional precautions before a flight.
Read our guide to Travelling During and After Hormone Therapy
Flying after a stem cell or bone marrow transplant
Flying after a stem cell or bone marrow transplant needs more careful planning.
Your immune system can take considerable time to recover, and you may still need regular blood tests, appointments or other specialist care.
Do not book based only on how much time has passed since your transplant.
Speak to your transplant team about your blood counts, immunity, medication, vaccinations and destination.
Read our guide to Travelling After a Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplant
Cancer, flying and blood clots
Blood clots are one of the most important considerations when flying during or after cancer treatment.
Cancer itself can increase the risk of developing a blood clot, and some treatments can increase that risk further. Recent surgery and reduced mobility can also contribute.
Sitting still for a long period adds another risk factor. This applies not only to flying but also to long journeys by car, train or coach.
Your individual risk may depend on:
- The type of cancer you have
- Current or recent treatment
- Recent surgery
- A previous blood clot
- Your mobility
- Other medical conditions
- The length of the journey
Speak to your cancer team before a long journey if you are concerned about blood clot risk.
Depending on your circumstances, they may discuss measures such as moving regularly, keeping hydrated or wearing appropriately fitted compression stockings.
Do not start aspirin or other medication to prevent a travel-related blood clot unless your healthcare team has advised you to do so.
Flying if you have anaemia
Anaemia means that you have a reduced number of red blood cells or a lower level of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around your body.
Cancer itself and some cancer treatments can cause anaemia.
You may feel tired, weak or breathless if your haemoglobin is low.
There is less oxygen in an aircraft cabin than at ground level, which can make flying more difficult if you have significant anaemia.
Do not try to decide whether a particular blood result makes you fit to fly based on a figure found online.
Your healthcare team can interpret your blood results alongside your symptoms, treatment and proposed journey.
Flying with low platelets
Platelets help your blood to clot.
Cancer and some treatments can reduce the number of platelets in your blood, which can increase the risk of bleeding.
If you know that your platelets are low, speak to your healthcare team before booking.
They can consider your latest blood results alongside your wider health.
Flying with oxygen
Some people affected by cancer may need supplemental oxygen while flying.
If you already use oxygen or your healthcare team thinks you may need it during the flight, arrangements need to be made with the airline in advance.
Airlines have their own policies about oxygen and portable oxygen equipment.
Before booking, ask:
- Whether the airline provides oxygen
- Whether you can use an approved portable oxygen concentrator
- What equipment is permitted
- Whether there are additional charges
- Whether medical documentation is required
- How far in advance arrangements need to be made
Do not arrive at the airport assuming oxygen can be arranged on the day.
Taking cancer medication on a flight
If you need medication while travelling, plan how you will carry it before you leave.
Keep essential medication accessible rather than relying entirely on checked baggage.
Depending on what you take, you may also need to think about:
- Airport security
- Liquid medicines
- Needles or syringes
- Storage temperatures
- Controlled medicine rules
- Prescriptions or supporting letters
- Time-zone changes
Do not alter your medication schedule simply to make it fit around your flight unless your healthcare team has advised you to do so.
The Importance of Declaring Your Medical Conditions and Treatment
Whether you need to cancel or cut short your trip because of an unexpected medical emergency, or need medical assistance while you’re away, travel insurance can provide cover for unforeseen events, subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of your policy.
Having travel insurance that reflects your individual health is therefore an important part of travelling with confidence.
When arranging your travel insurance, it is important to tell us about:
- Your cancer diagnosis
- Cancer treatment you are currently receiving or have received
- Recent surgery
- Medication you are taking
- Blood clots or clotting conditions where asked
- Ongoing symptoms or complications
- Hospital appointments or follow-up care
- Any other medical conditions you have
Providing accurate information allows us to assess your circumstances and explain the cover available to you.
If medical conditions or treatments are not declared when required, it could affect your cover and may mean claims relating to those conditions cannot be paid.
At Lighthouse, we aim to make travel insurance medical screening straightforward, helping you understand what information we need so you can travel with greater peace of mind.
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
