Hi, I'm new here. Two weeks ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was totally shocked but am slowly coming to terms with it. I have breast conserving surgery and lymph node biopsy planned for 22nd Feb. I will then need chemo and radiotherapy. I was told it is grade 3 and triple negative but as yet don't know what stage it is. Before I found out, I had booked a holiday to Spain. The doctor said I can still travel but I cannot get any travel insurance because of the cancer. Has anyone else had this issue and been able to get any insurance?
Hi Sarah1970 and a warm welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
The cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but you have done the right thing in reaching out to a place where you can ask questions and getting support from others who are on the ‘exact’ same cancer journey.
The Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our supportive Triple negative breast cancer and Breast cancer support groups. These groups are safe places to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the (Bold) Group Text Links I have created above. Once the group page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go. You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
The Macmillan Support Line is open from 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 where you can talk with someone about specific cancer and practical information, get emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just connect with a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
We also have our Telephone Buddy Service where you can be matched with someone who understands what you're going through, and they'll give you a weekly call.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and aim to give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help.
As for getting Travel Insurance - getting affordable Travel Insurance can be a challenge and at times the price could be higher than the cost of the holiday.
Comparison sites tend to use the same algorithms so getting a clear price can be difficult and it’s not that unusual to be turned down or told to call the insurers.
It’s actually more effective to call a few insurers directly as this means that you have answered all the questions correctly and in doing this a suitable policy can be offered and price given.
Full disclosure is always advisable as in the event of you developing any issues this can reduce the risk of an insurance companies wriggling out from paying out.
Have a look through the 'recommended travel insurance' thread in our Travel insurance group as it's where the majority of recommendations from other forum members are. Clicking on the link I've created will take you straight there. You might also want to look at this thread as it includes a link to a Travel Insurance Directory.
If you have a current European Health Insurance Card, or you get a Global Health Insurance card (more information here) and you have opted to take an exclusion, you would still be able to get treatment in public hospitals when abroad. However, this treatment may still be chargeable at the time although it may be possible to reclaim some or all of the cost back once you are back in the UK.
