Travel Insurance: Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service

Travel insurance can be difficult to obtain whilst undergoing or having received treatment for cancer. Whether you apply online or over the phone, you may be asked to answer some difficult or upsetting questions. It is worth preparing for this, and it can help to have key details about your diagnosis and treatment to hand to help you with this. This leaflet aims to signpost you to a range of insurance providers who may be able to offer you cover and should be used alongside the Macmillan literature available on travel.

Finding travel insurance

Checking a range of providers can help you get travel insurance that meets your needs. Here are some tips to help you:

• Visit Macmillan’s Online Community - travel insurance is one of the most discussed topics on the community and you can find out which providers people are recommending.
• Search on comparison websites – comparison websites allow you to compare deals from different providers.
• Call the British Insurance Broker’s Association (BIBA) – you can find a qualified and regulated insurance broker through BIBA. Call them on 0370 950 1790.
• Check your existing policies – you may already have travel insurance, for example a policy attached to your bank account.
• Contact your trade union – if you are a member of a trade union, contact them to find out if they can help.

Comparing insurance providers

It can help to compare the policy details and quotes of different providers. The following details might assist you in making a decision about which policy is best suited to your needs:

• Company name and contact details.
• Will I be insured if my trip is cancelled?
• Does the policy have an exclusion for cancer?
• Are there any other exclusions?
• How much excess will I have to pay if I need to claim?
• How much is the quote?

Insurance providers

The following companies may offer travel insurance to people with a cancer diagnosis. Please note that we are not able to recommend any particular provider.

Privacy and dignity

Same sex bays and bathrooms are offered in all wards except critical care and theatre recovery areas where the use of high-tech equipment and/or specialist one to one care is required.