Holidays

Hi JKG, Like Mmum has said, when they ask you questions, that is it. I book it over the phone because if you have any Medical Issues you need to speak to someone anyway before they OK it. Some insurance companies give you another number to phone to speak to their medical team but it is straight forward.

I have been with a few companies now and haven't once been asked to produce documents. Sometimes they ask you to speak to your GP to put a note on your records that they have no objections to you taking the trip.

Always say Incurable but not Terminal because they can treat incurable to slow it down! Good luck!

Hi, this company now pops up on my facebook page and the comments are very good.  I started to fill in the boxes for a quote but only got so far and am told one of the team will have to ring me. I am so impatient but I suppose I will just have to wait.  It is quite complicated because my primary cancer was removed by surgery so I have a secondary tumour which I suppose is very difficult to fit into the boxes so it is sensible that someone speaks to me to obtain all of the details.  Really hoping I can get the cover and my Consultant on Monday is happy for me to travel.  Not on any treatment at the moment, just pain killers and that is Zormorph which is an opium which the insurance also flags up.  All so stressful. 

Julie G

I took out an annual travel insurance policy last year with InsuranceWith. The company was formed by someone with cancer who was struggling to obtain insurance. There is a comprehensive and somewhat repetitive online form to complete, but in my experience (stage 4 breast cancer spread to liver, and at that point undergoing immunotherapy and chemo), it doesn’t lead to ‘computer says no’. The only other consideration is what to do if anything goes wrong when you are away, so my own travel has been restricted to places with frequent and easy travel links back home, as I would probably rather get home if possible! I had 3 trips on it last year - 1 to Italy and 2 to France, and will try to get away in the next few weeks before it expires - once the outbreak of gout I currently have has settled. 

I had an online chat because my original cancer was endometrial but of course everything has been removed now and I have something else and I was advised that I would need to speak to someone so I am now waiting for a call back and hopefully everything will be fine. I just don't fit in a tick box.

Julie G

Oh Elliekate that is amazing all is stable and gives me hope reading your post. I want to enjoy myself as much as possible. I dont have anyone to answer too and can do whatever I want . So sitting at home waiting to die isn't really an option and find out next week if the chemo is working or not as half way through treatment. My sister sent me a picture titled Last Summer and its a picture off her Paragliding near the Alps . She said we can go together if I fancy lol . Stuff it I will give it a blast I think All the Best Minmax 

Hi jkg I was told there is a 30 % chance of my chemo working in either stopping or hopefully shrinking my cancer in neck,  tumour in  liver and on both lungs . If this fails they will try immunotherapy with a 20 % chance of it working failing that its weed oil and party time try everything. You can stay up late drinking cocktails just booze free is better for you. I packed up everything as wanted to give myself the best chance of survival. Saying that when they told me I had cancer I went home and had a fag , I didn't realise at the time  less chance of the treatment working if you carry on smoking.All the Best Minmax I hope we all get what we want   

Morning Julie

I try to have mini breaks in England and also arrange a six week break in my treatment today holiday abroad. This year it will be France for a week in June.

I use Insurancewith and find them very reasonable.

You can ask your oncologist or their secretary for a Fit to Travel letter - the insurance company didn't ask for one but I just felt happier with it !

I went to Cyprus last July - depending on your treatment just be tory careful interest the sun ! I ended up with sunburnt toes which delayed my treatment when I got home. Would recommend a UV umbrella and lots of sun cream even in the shade 

Hope you get away and like you say just enjoy yourself.

Caroline 

You can read my profile but am stage 4 incurable bowel cancer on maintenance therapy

Hi

I am awaiting a call back from the medical assessor at Insurewith. I asked them to call after Monday when I have an Oncology appointment just to make sure I get permission from my Consultant. I think I will be due a scan and I am hoping this doesn't mean I will have to wait for the results as far as insurance is concerned but what will be will be. Just have to wait and see but will have holidays here or abroad. Not on treatment at the moment so not sure how the sun will affect me but I am usually careful anyway

 Good tip about the toes though

 Off on a 5 day break to Isle of Wight next weekend so see how I cope with that x

Julie G

 Jkg I had to have a telephone appointment with the medical team from insurancewith and the chap I spoke to was really pleasant but I think the call lasted a hour or so it was extremely through. I was taking opiates painkillers at the time and my trip included the USA. They do ask separately if your take liquid painkillers which mine aren't so I don't know what difference that makes to them. I had the long conversation then my answers had to go to the insurance underwriters again I think this was because I was after cover for the USA which I did get and I had the most amazing holiday that I will never forget. We are off on another holiday soon, then Center Parcs with family and friends then new baby will be here and hopefully another holiday in Sept/October time. So much to look forward to and I really hope you get your holiday too and many more too come. I find having something to look forward too whether a holiday or tea with my friends keeps me in a more positive state of mind. The dark days still happen but then the sun peeks through again 

Take care xx

Hi Caroline (CST) If you are not on treatment is the scan just a three or six monthly one? Or is it for something spacific?

Like Elliekate I had a phone call from the medical team at the insurance company. I've used insurancewith but am now with Staysure and there is a call with both. Weve been on numerous Cruises, been to Canada, USA, Norway etc etc, even St Petersburg! All reasonable prices.

I take factor 50 because i have Melanoma and never sit in the sun, even before dx as im fair with blue eyes & burn easliy. I wear long cotton trousers, tee shirt but take long sleeved cotton shirt with long sleeves i can take off when inside, plus sunhat with brim.

The places I watch out for are toes, ears and back of my neck, especially when i take my hat off for a bit as it is too hot to wear all the time! By the way, i have been on Oramorph (liquid morphine for years) i think they ask because you have to let airline know if you have over 100mls!

In this country there isnt a problem but i would never go anywhere abroad without full cover. Our insurance is yearly and my husband has Bowel Cancer although lucky he doesnt need chemo!