It’s a really good idea to take out travel insurance (even in countries where the UK has health care agreements, you will still need a certain amount of insurance). Sometimes it can be tough to get cover when you mention that you’ve had cancer. This can be really irritating after everything you’ve been through, especially if your doctor has said it’s fine for you to travel.
Different companies use different factors to decide whether or not they will insure people with cancer. You’ll probably need to phone a few different companies before you find one that will cover your situation. Some companies charge extra to cover people with cancer and some charge an ‘excess’ which can range from £50 to a few thousand pounds. (An excess is the amount you are expected to pay if you need treatment.) If you want to go away while you’re still having treatment, you’re much less likely to get any insurance. It also depends on where you’re travelling. For example, many companies won’t insure you for places where medical expenses are high (the USA, Canada) or for long-haul trips.
applying for insurance
Most insurance companies will ask for a medical certificate or questionnaire completed by you or your parent and/or your specialist. They might also want a letter confirming that you're fit to travel. Some companies may ask you to have an assessment by one of their own doctors. It can take quite a while to organise insurance, so it is a good idea to allow plenty of time for this when you’re planning your trip.
It's worth shopping around and getting quotes from a few different companies. There’s a list of organisations that might be able to offer insurance (no guarantees unfortunately) on Cancerbackup's website.
