Online Customer ServicesGet a faster response from a member of our team.
Call Customer ServicesAlternatively, you can give us a call. You may be charged a £15 admin fee for making a change to your policy over the phone. You can make changes without additional charge by logging into My Staysure.
Cover for pre-existing medical conditions and all ages
Talk to an English-speaking GP via video call with Travel Doctor
Unlimited medical cover and emergency expensesComprehensive and Signature policies only
Excellent 4.7 | 535,629 reviews
We've got more 5-Star reviews on Trustpilot than any other UK travel insurance provider
“An excellent product with a comprehensive range of features and benefits" - Defaqto
Awarded Best Company for Travel Insurance at the British Travel Awards 2016-2024
Travel insurance for cancer patients at a glance
Staysure is a medical travel insurance specialist offering cover for a wide range of cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, bowel/colon cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, lymphoma and leukaemia (subject to screening and acceptance). With the right policy in place, you can be covered for emergency medical treatment and hospital costs abroad, plus cancellation or curtailment.
You've got dreams to fulfil and adventures to chase. And our travel insurance policies are here to help you make that happen.
We can often provide cover for cancer if:
you’re not travelling against your doctor’s advice
you're not planning to have medical treatment, tests or appointments abroad
your life expectancy is more than 6 months after your return date
Cover options for all cancer stages
If you’re in remission or cancer-free
You can get travel insurance with Staysure if you’re in remission or cancer‑free (subject to screening and acceptance). Just let us know about any cancer diagnosis or treatment from the last 2 years, even if you’re feeling better now. We’ll ask a few straightforward questions about your diagnosis, when treatment ended, and whether you’re still having follow‑ups or taking medication.
If you’re awaiting tests/results or have undiagnosed symptoms
Across NHS England, over 7.3 million people are waiting for tests, results or treatment – so it’s not uncommon to have a trip booked while things are still up in the air.
If you’ve got undiagnosed symptoms, you should still be able to take out a policy, however, we won’t be able to cover claims for anything relating to them. You can still be insured for things like cancellation unrelated to your symptoms, lost baggage and other declared pre-existing medical conditions.
If you’re awaiting tests or test results for a condition that’s already been diagnosed, we should be able to cover you, but can’t include any pre-existing medical conditions. YoYou’ll still be able to claim for things like lost baggage, cancellation and emergency treatment for any new medical conditions (unrelated to anything that’s been declared or that you’re awaiting test results for).
If you’re undergoing or planning treatment
If your doctor is happy for you to travel, we’re happy to help.
We can cover customers waiting for some surgeries and treatments, including cryotherapy for basal cell carcinoma, excision of skin-related basal cell carcinoma, and some hormonal treatments. If yours isn’t on our list of covered procedures, don’t fret — give us a call and we’ll talk it through.
Just make sure you declare your diagnosis and treatment plan, and bear in mind that we won’t be able to provide cover if you travel against medical advice or go abroad for planned treatment, tests or consultations.
If your cancer is terminal
A terminal diagnosis doesn’t have to close the door on travel. If you feel well enough to go, get in touch with us over the phone. We’ll take the time to understand your circumstances and explain what options are available.
If we can’t provide the right level of cover, we won’t leave you stuck. We can refer you to our partner, who specialises in travel insurance for people with terminal cancer, and will make the switch as simple as possible.
Why get travel insurance for cancer with Staysure?
We’re specialists in covering pre-existing conditions, including most cancers.
Our quotes are tailored – including cover for active treatment, being in remission, or cancer-free.
24/7 emergency medical assistance while abroad from experts who understand your condition.
Our Signature policy offers unlimited emergency medical expenses cover with no excess.
Access Travel Doctor:* speak to an English-speaking GP by video call for non-urgent concerns while you’re away.
Your travel insurance includes up to unlimited emergency medical expenses, including if you need cancer-related emergency treatment abroad. Our 24/7 medical team understands that cancer can make you more vulnerable to infections and complications, so they’ll be able to help you access the right care quickly.
Emergency treatment for cancer-related complications
Unlimited expenses with our Comprehensive and Signature policies.
Direct payments arranged to hospitals for approved expenses over £350.
Help with lost medicines or equipment
If your cancer medications are lost, damaged or stolen, we know how crucial it is to replace them quickly. But it can be tricky to track down medicines and equipment abroad. Our Comprehensive and Signature policies offer personal assistance services for situations just like this – helping you find a replacement for your prescription medication, and covering up to £250 of the costs.
That support includes help finding local pharmacies that stock your medications, connecting you with English-speaking health professionals and support with confirming prescriptions.
Support while abroad and coming home
Your holiday is a chance to rest your body and mind. But cancer can make you more vulnerable to infections and complications and we’re here to help if you have a medical emergency that means you have to cut your trip short.
We’ll provide:
a 24-hour medical emergency helpline with an English-speaking support team
support coordinating care with your medical team back home
assistance arranging transport, including travel to your local hospital if needed
coordination with overseas and UK medical teams if you need to return home
help with accommodation if your stay needs to be extended
support rebooking flights and transfers
Proud to be a part of BIBA's medical directory
For people who have trouble finding travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) has a directory of specialist insurers, like us!
To find out more, or if on the odd occasion we are unable to provide the cover you need, contact BIBA on 0370 950 1790. You can also search BIBA's medical directory online.
Dr Chris Turner
BSc, MBBS
You shouldn’t have to put your life on pause after a cancer diagnosis.
What our expert says…
“From exploring a new place to getting into a good book by the pool, whatever your style of travelling, a trip away once you’re fit enough to travel can be an invaluable break from the stress of everyday life. Choosing the right travel insurance can help get you back to enjoying some of the things you love most.”
Other conditions we cover at Staysure
We’re experts in travel insurance for pre-existing health conditions. Just let us know your conditions when you fill out your quote, or contact us to amend an existing policy.
Tailor your insurance to your trip with optional add-ons. Everything you need, covered under one policy.
How to buy travel insurance for cancer
1. Tell us about your trip
We’ll need a few quick details to get started:
If you need cover for one trip or multiple trips.
Who the insurance is for.
Where you’re going and how long for.
Top tip: If you’re waiting for or having cancer treatment, or have a terminal diagnosis, it’s usually best to call us rather than getting a quote online. That way, we can talk through your individual situation in full.
2. Let us know about your cancer
Our simple medical screening helps us understand you better. Some of the things we’ll ask include:
The type of cancer you have.
Your treatment plans or history.
3. Get your quote
Once we have everything we need, we’ll give you your personalised quote, either online or by reading it out loud over the phone.
You’ll be able to choose your level of cover and add any optional extras that suit your trip, such as cruise travel insurance or winter sports cover. If you’d like more time to think it over, we can also send your quote by email so you can go through it in your own time.
Many experts agree that buying travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your holiday is the best way to go. By doing this, you’ll be covered during the run-up to your holiday and while you’re abroad.
Travel insurance can’t be backdated, so it’s best to get it locked in before you are on holiday. If you still have to get your policy in place for future travels, it’s not too late. Simply get in touch with our friendly team to get a quote.
How much is cancer travel insurance?
There isn’t a set cost for travel insurance with cancer. That’s because living with cancer (and cancer aftercare) differs from person to person. When working out your policy price, we’ll look at things like:
the type of cancer you’ve had, and when you were diagnosed
any treatment you’ve had or are planning to have, plus any ongoing medication
where you’re travelling and how long you’re going for
your age and overall health, including any other pre-existing medical conditions
The quickest way to get an accurate price is to get a quote and complete our medical screening. If you’d rather talk it through (or your situation’s a bit more complex), give us a call and we'll take it from there.
Excellent 4.7 | 535,629 reviews
12 million reasons to trust us
Since 2005, over 12 million customers have trusted Staysure to protect their adventures across the globe. Here’s what you can expect from the UK’s favourite travel insurance.***
Did it online and it was simple &…
Did it online and it was simple & straightforward with clear instructions!
customer,
vice was helpful for…
Was happy with service was helpful for my age thought reasonable been with staysure before happy
Wendy Gotheridge,
Great quote
Great quote
Polite phone call to see if we needed any help.
Purchased at a great price.
Na,
Voted Best Travel Insurance 9 years running
The British Travel Awards have recognised us as the Best Company for Travel Insurance nine years in a row (2016-2025). This achievement is based on the votes of real customers, showing the trust travellers place in us.
This award is only given to travel companies that provide stellar service to their customers. It shows that we prioritise customer service, round-the-clock support when you need it most, and a reliable and speedy claims process.
Pre-travel checklist for travelling with cancer
Before booking anything, speak to your care team for advice on when’s a good time to take a trip and for how long, especially if you’re having or planning treatment.
Speak to your GP or pharmacist about suitable options for any needed vaccinations if you’re having chemotherapy or have had it in the last six months.
If you have breathing difficulties, see your GP for a fit to travel check before booking and to discuss if you need to bring oxygen.
Check any restrictions on travelling with medication in the country you’re visiting, including whether you need a signed doctor’s letter, which you can check with the country’s embassy.
Make sure you have enough medication and medical supplies for the entire trip with extras just in case, and that they’re in date.
If you’re travelling in Europe, get a GHIC– remember, this doesn’t replace travel insurance.
Beth Craig
Travel insurance expert
Before you go...
What our expert says…
“If your health takes a turn before you travel, you can update your medical details through your My Staysure account. Even ‘minor’ changes like starting blood thinners, being given antibiotics, a GP adding a new inhaler, or your consultant arranging an extra scan are worth mentioning, because they can affect what we can cover if you need to cancel or get treatment abroad.
”
Other travellers with cancer ask...
In the last two years, have you:
had cancer treatment or are awaiting treatment?
been prescribed medication related to your cancer?
attended any consultations, investigations, or check-ups for cancer?
If you said ‘Yes’ to any of these, you’ll need to let us know. Even if you’re currently in remission or cancer-free.
If we don’t know about your past cancer history and any other pre-existing conditions, we won’t be able to cover you if you need to make a claim.
Some people with cancer can enjoy travelling without problems. For others, extra care and planning is needed to help them travel with confidence.
It’s worth talking to your doctor or care team before booking any trips. They’ll be able to advise and support you in planning a trip that’s suitable for you.
Some people with cancer can fly without problems. Depending on your current health or treatments, you may be advised by your care team to wait before flying.
If you have cancer, always speak to your doctor or care team ahead of booking flights. You may need a fit to fly check or fit to travel check.
If you've been diagnosed with terminal cancer, we won’t leave you stuck. Our decision will depend on a few factors, including your overall health, where you’re travelling, your holiday duration, and when your trip is.
The quickest way to find out what your options are is to give us a call. We’ll ask a few questions to understand your situation (for example, your diagnosis, any treatment or medication, and how you’re feeling day to day) and explain what we can offer.
If we can’t provide the cover you need, we’ll still do everything we can to support you. If needed, we can refer you to one of our specialist terminal travel insurance partners and make the switch as easy as possible.
Travel insurance can offer you some peace of mind if you become unwell abroad. But if you’re at increased risk of infections due to cancer treatment, it’s important to be cautious.
Here are some things to remember on your trip:
Avoid raw or uncooked food, including raw fruits and vegetables.
Depending on where you go, drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.
Be careful around and avoid contact with animals, including cats and dogs.
Use insect repellent and if you’re bitten remember to use antiseptic cream on the area and avoid itching.
It helps to know how to use the local health services where you’re staying so you might want to look those up in advance.
Before you book your trip, check which vaccines you may need for your destination. Speak to your GP or pharmacist about vaccines if you’ve had chemotherapy within the last six months. Live vaccines might not be suitable.
In an emergency, contact the local emergency services first, and then call our 24-hour emergency helpline. Our team will help arrange your care, find the most appropriate place for treatment and follow up care.
Our helpline is open 24/7, 365 days a year:
Calling from outside the UK: +44 1403 288 414
Calling from USA or Canada: +1 844 780 0639
Calling from Mexico: +1 819 780 0639
Calling from the UK: 01403 288 414
If you or someone on your policy is admitted to hospital or your outpatient treatment is likely to cost more than £350, contact us as soon as possible. Where you have a valid claim, and your medical expenses exceed £350 we will look to settle the bill directly with the medical provider where possible.
If you have a non-urgent medical concern, such as sickness, headaches, or mild pain, contact our helpline first for advice on where to go for assistance.
As good as travel insurance is, some things can’t be covered, including the following:
Travelling against your doctor’s advice.
Claims for pre-existing medical conditions you haven’t told us about.
Routine check-ups, planned treatment or non-emergency care.
Travel for medical procedures abroad.
Reimbursement for lost, damaged or stolen medicines or equipment.
Incidents related to alcohol or controlled substances.
Strike action that was common knowledge at the time of booking.
Choosing private treatment when suitable public facilities are available.
Choosing not to travel.
Discover more about what travel insurance covers. Always check your policy documents carefully to understand exactly what you’re covered for.
When comparing travel insurance policies for cancer, you’ll want to look out for what’s covered and what’s not.
The right travel insurance for cancer should:
Ensure cover for your cancer and any other pre-existing conditions you have.
Cover medical expenses, including necessary emergency travel home.
Have a high medical cover limit.
Help you replace lost, stolen or damaged medications.
Cover you for cancellations or interruptions during your trip.
Include 24/7 emergency assistance services while abroad.
Learn more about what’s covered under our medical insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, or get a quote.
Your GHIC or EHIC can give you access to state healthcare across most European countries, but isn’t a replacement for travel insurance. This is especially important to keep in mind if you’ve got a medical condition like cancer.
With a GHIC/EHIC in hand, you’ll usually be treated in the same way as a local resident, which means you might still have to pay for prescriptions, hospital stays, or specialist care. It also won’t cover getting you back to the UK in an emergency – or if your only option is treatment at a pricey private hospital.
Our travel insurance helps fill these gaps – and can usually cover cancer as a pre-existing condition, giving you unlimited medical expenses on Signature policies.
Stay in control of your account with My Staysure
You can make changes to your policy, online and in your own time with My Staysure.
It’s quick and easy to make changes to your policy online. If you need to make simple changes such as updating traveller details or renewing a policy that’s details are staying the same, just visit your My Staysure account.
Related pages
Written by: Beth Craig, travel insurance expert
Last updated: 29/05/2026
* Travel Doctor is powered by Air Doctor. Up to 3 appointments per insured person, per policy. Geographical restrictions and T&Cs apply.
** Based on Staysure sales data July 2025-January 2026. ‘Medical’ refers to policies where pre-existing medical conditions were declared.
***UK’s favourite based on more 5-star Trustpilot reviews than any other provider.
Cover for pre-existing medical conditions and all ages
