Cancer Research UK main site

Is having palliative treatment the same as terminal illness for travel insurance.

Frecklebunny
Offline

My husband has oesophageal cancer with liver metastases and has had palliative chemo and now on maintenance targeted therapy. the last scan showed improvement to the liver lesions and a small shrinkage of the tumour.  He doesn't want to know his prognosis. So when applying for travel insurance do I say he is terminally ill or not - and when they ask if prognosis is more or less than 6 months we don't know so what do I answer? Has anyone got any advice on this please? 

  • Offline

    I know clinicians have to be careful sharing a relative's health status with a loved one, however, I think in this case I would suggest you contact your husband's nurse & explain the situation. The reason being that, if they are treating your husband as terminal, he would have to get a doctor's note to say he isn't travelling against doctor's advice. Whereas, if Stage 4 but not terminal & being treated palliatively, the insurance company may be happy to insure without a doctors note. 

    I hope you manage to get the insurance sorted and you have the holiday you both deserve. Take care,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Thank you for your reply-I managed to find cover through Insurewith at a very reasonable price. 

  • Offline in reply to Frecklebunny

    Insurancewith is a fantastic company. Started by a woman with cancer they give the best rates

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.