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

ANGELICGHOST
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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 

  • Offline in reply to Irishlizzy

    Hi Lizzy

    It seems the High Street insurers are not interested and just give a silly quote to get you off their back.

    I looked on Martin Lewis Money Saving Expert site and a medical insurance comparison website was mentioned.

    https://www.medicaltravelcompared.co.uk/

    My treatment is palliative care but good chances of remission. I don't know if that means terminal (eventually).

    Non of the companies will insure you if you have less than 6 months life expectancy.

    A range of quotes from low £300s to £1500 were given for 2 people (my wife also has a health problem) for 9 days Spain / EU. We chose the £380 one which met our needs.

    Oddly enough the companies included Post Office Insurance, Virgin Money and Admiral, plus the usual travel health insurance companies like Travel Insurance Medical, Goodtogo.com, Esure and Ok to travel.

    Also check https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/insurance/travel-insurance-directory

    Hope there are a few pointers to get a better quote and get your holiday.

    Ed

  • Offline in reply to ANGELICGHOST

    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. 

  • Offline in reply to MauriceS

    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

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