Travel Insurance

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I have been dealing with bladder cancer for the last 7 years. Apart from the initial problem, which revealed a ureteric tumour and resulted in the removal of a kidney and ureter, I have never had any symptoms. Routine cystoscopes and CT scans have revealed some recurrences and I have had several rigid cystoscopes to remove small growths. I've also had chemotherapy and am just finishing immunotherapy as It appears that the chemo was not effective. 

Travel insurance of course rocketed, particularly as we go to the Caribbean and I'm 70, my wife 69. When I found out in summer that I had another recurrance I had to tell the insurance company about the impending minor surgery. They promptly refused to cover me to travel and cancelled the policy. 

I complete the course of immunotherapy in a couple of weeks and when I do finish I'll be back to periodic monitoring. I plan then to try to buy a new policy for our planned 2026 travel. The frustrating thing is that I am almost certainly not going to have a problem on holiday connected with my bladder: more likely if I had a claim it would be because I had I'd tripped up or slipped in the shower.

I've previously tried all the comparison websites and a few companies that are not on the sites and several won't quote and the rest are eye-wateringly expensive. Do you have any names of companies who cover cancer with a reasonable approach to cost?

  • Hello Chris and thank you for reaching out to the Online Community.

    I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble finding suitable travel insurance following your diagnosis. This is something that’s quite common unfortunately.

    We’re unable to recommend specific companies I’m afraid. There is some information we can point you in the direction of however. Our web page Cancer and buying travel insurance has lots of useful information on this, including a link to MoneyHelper who has a directory of companies that offer travel insurance to people affected by a serious medical condition or disability.

    Many people also talk about travel insurance with cancer cover on the Macmillan Online Community. We have a monthly travel insurance blog and a forum about travel insurance for people with cancer at macmillan.org.uk/travelinsurancegroup

    You can find out which insurers people are recommending, but remember, you need to find an insurer who can give you cover that is suitable for your needs. There are also tips about buying travel insurance and travelling abroad when you are affected by cancer.

    It sounds like you’ve been going through an awful lot Chris, how do you feel you’re managing just now? Do you have support around you? We’d be more than happy to talk things through with you. We offer emotional support, and we have nurses on the support line as well as money advisers.

    I really hope that you manage to find some reasonably priced insurance so you can get away for a well-deserved break.

    Take care.

    Alex, Information and Support Adviser

    Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email.

  • Hi, thanks for your response and kind offer of support. In fact, I feel fine and I'm well-supported by my family and friends.