Travel and cancer

Travel insurance 

Travel insurance companies have different rules depending on your diagnosis, treatment and if you are living with cancer or receiving palliative care. It is always helpful to speak to travel insurance companies you have a history with and explore high street travel insurance options. 

Before looking at holidays, it is important to speak with your clinical team. If you are going through treatment, there may be options for treatment breaks. Your clinical team may need to provide a ‘fit to travel’ letter should the insurance company ask you for one. It is also useful to speak to your GP before travelling in case you need extra medication to take with you. 

All agencies, including the government, strongly suggest that you buy travel insurance or have a policy in place before travelling.

Equipment 

Some cancer patients need equipment for daily living. If this applies to you, it may be useful to speak to support groups and your clinical team about managing this, especially if it is your first time travelling. 

If you need to take any special medical equipment with you on holiday, ensure your insurance will cover this. Some insurers will say no to travel insurance if they feel the equipment is bulky or clinically unsafe to use on a public flight or abroad.

Key things to consider when travelling 

• check with your airline to see if they accept the use of portable oxygen, other clinical equipment and medications onboard 
• check that the medication you are taking with you is allowed and available in the country you are planning to visit 
• make sure you have enough medication for your trip 
• ensure your medication is carried in its original box and packaging 

Travel vaccines 

Depending on where you are planning to visit, you may need to have travel vaccines before you go. You need to talk about this with your consultant and GP, as they will know which ones are safe for you to have. You need to talk about this well before your departure date, as some vaccines require more than one injection and need to be weeks apart.

Please note, you will need to know each country’s requirement before you travel. non-european vaccinations also need to be discussed with your consultant.