Monday 23 September 2024
Maggie's
January is often a time when people start planning their holidays.
We know that people with cancer hoping to book a holiday in 2025 may struggle to find affordable travel insurance.
We are continuing to call on the government to stop insurance companies discriminating against cancer patients, often charging large amounts for cover.
Here are some tips for securing reasonably priced insurance this year, whether you are living with cancer now or have had a diagnosis in the past:
1. Visit Maggie's
Find your nearest centre for support and information.
You don't need an appointment, just come in, call on 0300 123 1801 or email us at enquiries@maggies.org
We can recommend insurance providers who we know have given insurance to people after a cancer diagnosis, with details of the conditions and stages they cover.
2. Contact The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA)
BIBA can provide assistance on companies who can help.
These companies are vetted to ensure that they are specialists in supporting customers with a serious medical condition.
3. Call insurance providers
Call instead of filling in an online form or using a comparison site. Online forms are generic and will not consider your individual circumstances.
Remember to check if there is a charge for numbers before calling.
4. Fit to travel letter
Get a letter from your clinical team stating that, in their opinion, you are fit to travel.
Most insurance providers will ask for this, so it is best to have it ready. Your clinical nurse specialist will be able to help.
5. Shop around
Contact multiple insurance providers to find the best and most affordable travel insurance for you.
You don’t need to accept the first quote you are offered.
6. Free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
If you’re travelling to a country in the European Union (EU), get a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or ensure your EHIC or UK GHIC is valid.
This card will give you access to free or local resident-rate healthcare in an emergency, but you should still buy travel insurance with medical cover too.
While it is an additional expense, we would advise everyone to buy appropriate travel insurance before a trip.
It provides financial protection against risks associated with travelling and going on holiday, such as medical emergencies abroad as well as transport delays or accommodation issues and lost luggage.
Barry's story
Barry (70) from Belmont Sutton is a regular visitor to Maggie’s Royal Marsden, where he receives support for pancreatic cancer.
He was diagnosed in 2024 and struggled to find affordable travel insurance to visit his daughter and grandchildren in Dubai just before Christmas.
Barry said: "Sourcing travel insurance for a trip to Dubai made me increasingly angry. I had been given a list of 35 insurers, but I could see that I had instantly been written off by almost half of those companies at first glance because they simply did not cover Stage 4 cancer.
"In the end, I found travel insurance for £178, and it covered everything I needed it to, from cancellation and lost luggage to any health issues unrelated to my specific cancer, including any accidents.
"What I can’t understand is that if one company can do it, why can’t any of the other companies help too? Having a cancer diagnosis and treatment is hard enough – finding decently priced travel insurance should be the last of people's worries."
How we can help
If you or someone you know is worried about a cancer diagnosis or getting travel insurance after a cancer diagnosis, we have expert staff in our centres available to help you.
- Find your nearest centre for support and information
- Call us on 0300 123 180
- Email us at enquiries@maggies.org
- Our phone lines and centres are open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
We also have more information about travel insurance and cancer, including guidance from one of our cancer support specialists.
Last review: Jan 2025 | Next review: Jan 2027