Holiday/travel insurance

Give Insurancewith a try, I have used them a few times.

I suppose it’s all about risk….in both sides.  You don’t say where you were going or for how long….but the ‘gap’ between your departure date and the biopsy result is a minimum of a week.  That could be delayed while they decide what treatment is necessary…..or indeed, the biopsy could come back negative.   The minimum week gap is half of a two week holiday.  
If it were me, Id be taking the advice of the medics and, as long as they didn’t veto it (in which case your current insurer should pay out incurred costs) I’d go with a GHIC card.

Liz 

The GHIC card only gives basic treatment. if there was any health problem cancer related or not, and if hospitalization or repatriation was needed, you wouldn't have cover for that. Without insurance the cost of that could be tens of thousands of pounds.

Ray. 

Hi sparkydog 

Unfortunately, it can be more difficult to find travel insurance when a cancer diagnosis is involved so please join us over in the travel insurance group to see the recommendations from others who have been successful.

Once you've joined, have a look through the threads there called 'Recommended Travel Insurance' and Recommended travel insurance 2023-24', both of which you'll find on the first page. They are full of recommendations from other cancer patients who have got travel insurance.

Although a GHIC card is useful, as old biker has said it's not a substitute for travel insurance. If you apply for one you'll see it says on the website that "The UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. We advise you to have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip."

I have used payingtoomuch.com and goodtogoinsurance.com in the past but I had already had a diagnosis so don't know if they cover people waiting for a diagnosis.

I hope you're able to get insurance so that you can continue with your holiday plans.

Anne

thak you so much i'll have a look later this evening much appreciated

There are rules relating to exclusions/cancellation of the policy.  Much of it depends on your state of health when a) you renewed the policy in the last 12 months and b) if you had booked the holiday prior to first going to the doctor with what has now potentially become H&N cancer.

I am insured with Nationwide through the bank account and they have always insured me for everything at no extra cost with the exclusion of the H&N cancer.  That works for me, but may not be so good risk wise for others.

Hopefully you can have the holiday as that will be a tremendous uplift for you.  I got my first diagnosis and went a few days later to the USA for a holiday.  Best thing I ever did!

True….but as I understood the situation, the insurance company was not withdrawing all cover, but was declining to cover the potentially cancer related uncertainty re the biopsy?  I appreciate that for the less scrupulous insurance company….and that’s most of them….that leaves them a huge amount of wriggle room, but the whole issue comes down, in my view to first: what do the medics advise, as travelling against medical advice would probably invalidate any policy, and secondly how do I feel about the actual risk, if any, involved in jumping the diagnostic gun by maybe a week max.  Not an easy one, but had the medics left me with any choice about an Italian holiday I was booked to take when my cancer was diagnosed, I would have gone without hesitation.  
Liz

I too use the Nationwide travel insurance through my account.  As for you, they insure me for everything bar the cancer, likewise with no extra cost. I feel perfectly comfortable travelling on that basis.

Liz

GHIC Iis a must have for us....provides so much more than just the basic treatment........

travel_tcm9-351922.pdf.....Macmillan.....Travel Travelling can have many benefits for people affected by cancer. It may help you relax, or allow you to spend more time with family and friends. Travel may also help you become more active. This can have health benefits before, during and after cancer treatment. Many people who have cancer can travel without problems. For others, cancer or its treatment may make travelling more difficult. Here are some things you may need to think about: • Cancer and treatment can cause symptoms or side effects. These may cause problems while travelling. • You may need to take medicines and medical equipment with you. • Travel insurance is generally more expensive for people who have cancer. • You may need a fit to fly certificate from your doctor. Tips for travelling if you have cancer • Speak to your doctor, specialist nurse or a health professional before you make any plans. They can advise whether it is safe for you to travel and explain how to prepare. • Ask your GP or cancer doctor for a letter giving a short explanation of your diagnosis and treatment. You can take the letter with you and show it to healthcare providers abroad if you become ill. • If you are still having cancer treatment, your healthcare team may be able to help you plan a safer trip. It may be possible to change your treatment dates or arrange a break in your treatment. • Ask a healthcare professional about having vaccinations at least 8 weeks before you travel. Vaccinations can protect you from certain infections found around the world. But some vaccinations may not be suitable for you. This may mean you cannot travel safely to some parts of the world. • Try to find suitable travel insurance. This may protect you from losing money if you need to cancel your trip or need emergency medical treatment abroad. Some travel insurance providers may ask for a doctor’s letter confirming you are fit to travel. • Apply for a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). You can use this to get free, or less expensive, emergency healthcare in some European Union countries. A GHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and it is important to buy this wherever you travel. • Tell your travel company and accommodation in advance about any needs you have. • Get advice from your healthcare team about taking medicines or medical equipment abroad. If you are taking medicines abroad, check with the country’s embassy or high commission if there are any restrictions. You may need to get a doctor’s letter or apply for a personal medicines licence from the Home Office. • Take enough medicine to last your whole trip and in case your return is delayed. • Cover up in the sun. Use sun cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and a 4 or 5-star UVA protection rating. • It is important to reduce your risk of infection. Wash your hands regularly and be careful about what you eat and drink. Try to avoid insect bites, especially from mosquitos. • If you become ill while staying in a hotel, ask the receptionist to call a doctor. If you need urgent help, contact the emergency services or go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital.

We used Insurewith recently on our trip to the USA