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Can I get travel insurance if I have cancer?
Whether you're currently receiving treatment, are in remission, or have been given the all-clear, the right travel insurance helps you plan your trip with confidence.
That’s why we offer travel insurance for pre-existing conditions like cancer. To offer you a quote, we’ll need some information about your diagnosis, treatment history and outlook.
For the best service and support, and if you’re currently receiving treatment, call one of our friendly team. They’ll guide you with care through the next steps of your quote.
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.
How Staysure travel insurance for cancer works in three easy steps
To get a quote, you’ll need to declare your cancer and any other pre-existing conditions to us when getting a quote for travel insurance.
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.
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.
If you’re waiting for or having cancer treatment, or have a terminal diagnosis, contact our friendly agents over the phone. Don’t forget to let us know about any other pre-existing medical conditions.
3. Get your quote
If you complete the screening and we can cover you, your tailored quote will be available to view online, and emailed to you. It includes travel insurance tailored to cover your condition(s).
Explore and choose from three levels of cover to suit your needs (as below).
Choose optional add-ons to tailor your quote to your trip, including winter sports or cruise plus benefits.
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.
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. With our Comprehensive and Signature policies, we offer Personal Assistance Services for situations just like this. While we can’t cover the cost of replacement medications, we can support you around the clock to secure replacements.
That support includes help finding local pharmacies that stock your medications, connecting you with English-speaking health professionals and support with confirming prescriptions.
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
How much is travel insurance for cancer patients?
The cost of your travel insurance is tailored to your individual circumstances and travel plans.
Things we consider include:
the type of cancer you have
ongoing treatment or medication
where you plan to travel and the length of your trip
your age and overall health
You can find out how much your policy costs in minutes using our straightforward medical screening when you get a quote.
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.
Flexible cover add-ons to suit you
Tailor your insurance to your trip with optional add-ons. Everything you need, covered under one policy.
You shouldn’t have to put your life on pause after a cancer diagnosis.
“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.
No matter where you are in your cancer journey, a trip can give you the chance to reconnect with friends, family, and yourself. Here are some things you might want to do in advance to help your travels go smoothly.
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
Having proper protection helps you focus on what matters.
“Travel can be an important part of living well with cancer - whether it's a relaxing break, visiting family, or marking a milestone. Having the right travel insurance means you can focus on making memories, knowing you have access to specialist care if needed. Just make sure your medical team confirms you're fit to travel before booking a trip.”
Tips for travelling with cancer
Wherever you go, consider taking:
enough medication and medical supplies for your whole trip, with a few extra days’ worth, including regular medicines like painkillers
compression socks for flying to reduce lymphedema and the risk of blood clots
insect repellent and a basic first-aid kit, including antiseptic cream for bites and wounds
sunscreen with a high SPF, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection - especially if your treatments make you more sensitive to the sun
a signed doctor’s letter explaining your diagnosis, treatments, and any medication or medical equipment you’re taking - check with the embassy if you need one
a GHIC if you’re travelling in Europe - remember, this doesn’t replace travel insurance
If you do not have a GHIC, want to find out more, or have an EHIC, have a read of our GHIC guide for more information.
If you’re taking medication with you, it’s best to keep them in their original packaging in case you need medical help. You might want to pack them in different places, in case any baggage is delayed or lost.
Some medications need to be taken at certain times. If you’re travelling to a different time zone, talk to your nurse about how to adjust your routine to match the local time.
If your medication needs to be stored in a special way, you can contact your pharmacist or nurse for advice on how to best transport and store them.
It might be a good idea to have a refresher with your nurse on how to use and care for any medical equipment you’re taking with you, such as oxygen.
Lymphedema is a common side effect from cancer treatments. You may need to take extra care when flying.
If you have a fitted compression garment, wear it during your journey, especially when flying.
Wear loose-fitting clothes and comfortable shoes.
Keep your luggage light or on wheels and ask for help, especially with lifting it.
If you can, book an aisle seat so that you can move around easily to reduce swelling and the chance of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Try and book seats with extra leg room so you can do gentle stretching exercises while sitting down.
Use insect repellent to protect yourself from insect bites.
Have a look at some easy exercises for flying we’ve put together to help manage your lymphedema and prevent DVT.
Being active can be a great mood booster but it’s important to listen to your body and rest when you need to.
Look for accommodation that’s accessible for your needs.
If needed, arrange with your travel provider ahead of schedule for a wheelchair or mobility assistance at airports, train stations, and on ships.
If you’re going somewhere hot and sunny, wear sun protection and loose clothes, and drink plenty of water.
If you’re flying long-haul, give yourself time to rest before and after your travels to reduce jet lag.
To help you enjoy your trip to the fullest, it’s worth taking these documents with you along the way.
A signed doctor’s letter summarising your medical history, including recent treatments, current medications and medical equipment like oxygen.
Copies of your prescriptions.
A printout of any agreed special travel arrangements.
Proof of health and travel insurances with contact numbers.
Lists of healthcare providers in the area you’re travelling to.
Your GHIC.
Common questions for travelling with cancer
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.
We might still be able to offer you cover. But this would depend on your current health, when your trip is, and where you’re travelling to.
If you’re looking for travel insurance for terminal cancer, speak to our friendly team to find out if we can help.
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.
You’re not covered for 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.
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.
Up to unlimited emergency medical expenses
