Travel Insurance without medical cover

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Hi, I had surgery for colon cancer Jan 22 followed by chemo which finished June 22. My colonoscopy in March 23 & recent CT scan are all clear. No further tests due until Sept 24.

I'm planning to go to Laos for 14 days in Feb 24. My current insurer will cover me except for cancer related problems. Am I correct in thinking the chances of my cancer reappearing and causing problems involving expensive medical bills are very unlikely or even impossible while we are away?

If we were to cancel the booking before February due to a reoccurance of the cancer we are prepared to cover the cancellation costs.

Thanks

Jane

  • Dear JC34

    Welcome to the online community. My name is Penelope and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists. It is great to hear that your recent scans are all clear. I hope that you are recovering well after your cancer diagnosis and treatment.

    Whilst we hope that it is not necessary, unfortunately we cannot say for sure that you would not need travel insurance for a cancer related problem. Although it must be difficult to be thinking about a possible recurrence it is also important to consider having appropriate cover should you need it. One issue may be how a ‘cancer related problem’ is defined. If someone has an illness related to their heart or blood clots, just for example, a doctor may attribute this to being related to previous cancer treatment. If this happens then an insurance policy without cancer cover may be invalid.

    Before you make your decision, you may also like to speak to specialist firms that do insure people with pre-existing conditions. Whilst premiums can be more expensive, they do consider the extent of your illness and how long you have been cancer free.

    We have further information on cancer and buying travel insurance on our website. There is also lots of useful information in this blog finding travel insurance when you're living with cancer. For the most up to date information and tips you can also look at our travel insurance forum.

    I hope that this information is helpful and that you have a wonderful holiday next year.

    Best wishes

    Penelope, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    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 send us an email

    Ref/ Lrob