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Life expectancy

Holiday man
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14 Months ago i was diagnosed with Terminal cancer. My Oncologist gave me a life expectancy of 12 to 18 Months. I responded well to treatment and after 6 months the tumours had decreased in size.  My Oncologist suspended my Chemotherapy in February 2024 and I have a scan every 3 months. The Tumour is stable, I am absolutely fit, well and have been on many holidays so far this year usually using AllClear for single trip insurance.

This week I contacted AllClear for my next holiday which ends on the 9th March. AllClear asked the standard question: '"what is your life expectancy from the date you return from holiday?" when I jokingly said "one month" they said the minimum required is 6 months from the date of your return. 

My Oncologist explained that she cannot legally state a revised life expectancy (I assume because the Insurance company would sue if I died) What she would place on my notes is:

'As this patient’s condition appears to be stable I know of no reason why this patient shouldn’t be fit to fly at the present time.'

AllClear advised me to contact The British Insurance Brokers Association however they also could not help

Obviously I am extremely grateful that my treatment has delayed the cancer spreading!!

Just wondered if anyone in the Community has been in a similar situation and what they did?

Thank you

  • Dear Holiday man,

    I am sorry to hear that you are having issues with applying for travel insurance.

    Many insurers in the UK use the same screening process. This is a computerised system that requires that each question is accurately answered before you can proceed to the next. As you may have already encountered this can be difficult for someone with a cancer diagnosis to answer accurately. In this case it may be possible to ask the insurer if it’s possible for someone to manually underwrite the policy. The benefit of this is that it will be a person rather than a computer who decides whether or not to offer cover and at what price. This may also allow you to explain your situation more accurately around the question of life expectancy.

    You can find discussions around travel insurance on the online community here. There may be people in similar positions to yourself discussing what has worked for them. There is also a directory of FCA approved travel insurers who may offer cover to people with pre-existing conditions here.

     

    Another option for finding travel insurance is the Travel Insurance Directory created by MoneyHelper (a separate organisation to Macmillan).

    You can use this directory to search for Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) approved travel insurers who may offer cover to people with pre-existing medical conditions. You can visit their directory using the link below:

    https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/insurance/use-our-travel-insurance-directory

    If you cannot access the internet, you may call MoneyHelper on 0800 138 7777 and select option 1 and then option 4. MoneyHelper can guide you through the directory and send a list of results out by post.

    Another website which may be helpful is the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA). They have a medical travel insurance directory which can be used to search for travel insurance for anyone who has a serious medical condition. Their directory also meets FCA criteria for a medical cover directory.

    You can search this at : Find Insurance - BIBA

    *Please note that Macmillan does not endorse any particular company or product that may be advertised on BIBA or MoneyHelper website.

     

    Although your consultant cannot give a definitive time frame on life expectancy , you may still be able to use their letter as proof that you are fit to travel .Some insurers may require this either on taking out cover or if a claim is made. If the letter is not suitable you can request a Fit to Travel note from either your consultant or GP. Please note that there may be a charge for this letter. 

     

    If you are travelling within most European countries, a European Health Insurance card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance card (GHIC)is free and currently allows access to emergency state healthcare at reduced cost or sometimes for free.

    It will not pay for you to get home due to a health problem but would cover treatment that is needed to allow you to continue a stay until their planned return date. It even covers treatment of pre-existing medical conditions.

    To apply for the GHIC card , click here : https://www.gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card

    Alternatively , phone the automated service on 0330 330 1350. Existing holders of these cards should check the expiry date before travelling to ensure it is still valid.

     

    Just so you’re aware, the Financial Guidance Service can provide information and guidance on all aspects of your personal  finances to help you make informed decisions on:

    Pensions and Retirement

    Questions about insurance policies

    Mortgages and money management

    Arranging wills and trusts to protect your family

    General financial planning questions

     

    If you wish to discuss any of the above, you can call the support line on 0808 808 0000. The financial guidance team is available by selecting Option 1, Option 2and then Option 1 again. We are available Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.

     

    I hope that this information is helpful, and you are able to get cover in place.

     

    Kind Regards

     

    Wendy

     

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