Travelling with lung cancer: I have no idea about travel insurance

Hi , I have incurable lung cancer, I am 5 years on from diagnosis and have had 2 years of immunotherapy which has shrunk my tumours and so far they have remained shrunken and stable. I am currently in really good health. My daughters bought us a girls trip to a spa hotel in Budapest for my 60th birthday last year and as I'm not a seasoned traveller I have no idea about travel insurance. We are due to travel next month so I'm currently looking for advice. I've looked at staysure then I get to the part where they ask is your cancer terminal. I know it's incurable but would that be classed as terminal even though I'm in good health at the moment? I used their chat and they couldn't say whether it's classed as terminal or not. I would appreciate any advice from someone in a similar situation.  Thank you 

Parents Reply
  • I'll be very interested to hear if you can get a clear answer on this one. I remember one insurance questionnaire I looked at asked if I had been diagnosed with a serious illness in the last 5 years, technically I haven't but anyway I never went ahead. I feel that with the GHIC card you are pretty much covered in Europe except in the event of an evacuation. I am currently looking at credit cards which offer  limited medical expense coverage but cover an evacuation if you pay for the trip using the card. Also you don't need to answer questions about your current health status. To be honest, nowadays, I think there is more probability of me needing evacuation for something that is unrelated to cancer, as in a car accident or some other serious illness. 

Children
  • Hi Maurice

    I think you are make a good point that the GHIC card covers most eventualities. We chose also to take insurance as belt and braces, ie a missed flight hotel car hire due to either of us being sick prior to departure more likely for my wife than me. Theft lost baggage Accident in Hired Car etc. Your idea on freebies like travel insurance with certain credit cards  is certainly one worth pursuing. 

    Ed