If you do decide to go ahead with it, you need to change your health insurance. That alone may be the deciding factor. In many cases, it can be a lot more expensive than the holiday.  You really do need to take this into consideration as if he falls ill abroad, the insurance could leave you high and dry. Unless of course his illness has been declared.

As for the rest, only the treating doctors can give you the answers you seek.

This is devastating news. So sorry you are going through this. It's horrible your stepfather might miss his holiday. The airline will require a fit to fly note signed by a doctor, so the lung consultant saying no/refusing to sign a fit to fly note is a problem. Flying involves reduced oxygen which can be very problematic with lung issues where there may be a need to organise supplemental oxygen. The insurance is also going to be very difficult if not impossible if your stepfather's doctor has advised against travel (check the policy detail as most exclude pre-existing illness). Has the lung consultant said no to any mode of travel or just flying? I've personally had to cancel holidays because of difficulties with insurance and illness and I know how upsetting this can be. 

I forgot to say you also need to check medical facilites close to Zante. I had an awful telling off from a doctor once after some UK travel which was a bit off the beaten track (visiting a close relative). Apparently, we should not have gone so far away from a hospital. A medical emergency arose and it was a close shave. I would never want to be in that situation again! It was Boxing Day, everyone except me was too drunk to drive and a nebuliser had to be obtained. Somehow we got to a remote GP surgery – the doctor had to open up specially – and got the necessary equipment, but really needed to get to a hospital. However, we didn't have the means to travel there. I remember driving all the following day in tears and the enormous relief I felt once we were back close to a hospital and the patient's own GP. I learnt the hard way, I guess. 

Hi Millie35,

Welcome to Cancer Chat. I'm so sorry to hear about your stepdad.

You've had some great advice here already from some members of our community - particularly regarding the oxygen and fit to fly point. It is important to be prepared as travelling without a fit to fly certificate would mean medical costs wouldn't be covered abroad and therefore could be costly.

We have some more information about this on our website regarding travelling abroad and getting travel insurance.

And here is a helpful document from the Roy Castle Foundation with further information.

You may also find it helpful to have a chat with one of our nurses about this. You are welcome to give them a call on freephone 0808 800 4040 (Monday-Friday, 9-5).

Wishing you all the best,

Ben
Cancer Chat Moderator