When certain circumstances are satisfied, some travel insurance plans can cover those who have been diagnosed with cancer. Let’s go through those conditions because it’s critical that you grasp them.
Cancer is covered by travel insurance in the same way that any other pre-existing medical condition is. A pre-existing medical condition is defined by Allianz Global Assistance as an injury, illness, or medical condition that occurred within the 120 days preceding and including the purchase date of your policy:
- A individual sought medical examination, diagnosis, care, or treatment from a doctor as a result of this;
- A individual was required to take medication that had been prescribed by a doctor (unless the condition or symptoms are controlled by that prescription, and the prescription has not changed).
To be termed a pre-existing medical condition, the sickness, injury, or medical condition does not need to be formally diagnosed.
If your cancer diagnosis falls under this category, you may be covered if you get travel insurance that includes cancer coverage.
Can you get travel insurance when you have cancer?
If you have cancer or are in remission and want to travel with peace of mind, Cancer Travel Insurance is for you. This form of insurance protects you against medical crises when you’re traveling overseas, providing you with the help you need and preventing unexpected medical expenditures.
Superior2 rated Covid cover is provided for free with all of our AllClear branded plans, so you may travel with assurance.
Do I have to declare cancer on travel insurance?
If you have a doctor’s letter stating that you are fit to travel, certain high-street travel insurance firms will provide medical coverage. Many companies, on the other hand, will only cover you for treatments unrelated to your cancer.
So, while you’ll have travel insurance, it won’t cover any cancer-related care you might require. That is something you will have to pay for yourself.
Travel insurance that covers cancer related treatment
You’ll need an insurance policy that covers you in the event of an emergency medical condition related to your cancer while you’re traveling. As a result, you must disclose your cancer to the insurance company when you seek for coverage.
Your cancer kind will determine whether you can acquire insurance and how much it will cost.
It is preferable if you have these details before applying. If you have any questions, call your doctor or a professional nurse who will be able to assist you.
Some insurance businesses specialize in plans for those who have pre-existing medical conditions like cancer. This includes insurance agents and companies, so it’s worth looking for them particularly.
Can you get holiday insurance if you have terminal cancer?
If you’re going on vacation, it’s a smart idea to get travel insurance. If your luggage is lost or stolen, or your trip is canceled or delayed, travel insurance can reimburse you. Travel insurance also ensures that you have access to medical care while you’re gone.
Any health conditions you have, even a terminal illness, are known as pre-existing medical conditions when you purchase travel insurance.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may be able to get travel insurance depending on the insurance carrier. However, it may be more expensive, or the corporation may only pay out for certain items. They may, for example, pay for misplaced luggage but not medical treatment.
How does cancer affect insurance?
While cancer can make obtaining life insurance more difficult, it is not impossible. It’s possible that your insurance premiums will rise as a result. It could also imply that you won’t be able to apply for some insurance products. The amount of coverage you get and how much your premiums cost will be determined on the type of cancer you have (or had). It also depends on how long it has been since you were diagnosed or recovered.
Getting a quote is the best method to see if an insurer offers cancer coverage for your specific scenario. Attempt to provide accurate answers to any medical and health-related queries. Typical inquiries include:
How soon after chemo can I travel?
For this reason, your oncologist may advise you to travel earlier or later. A low white blood cell count can make you more susceptible to infection, while a low red blood cell count (anemia) can make you weary, and a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) can make you more vulnerable to bleeding. Air travel may be discouraged during high-dose chemotherapy, such as that used to treat some leukemias, for the course of treatment.
Is cancer a pre-existing condition?
A “pre-existing condition” is a medical ailment or injury that you have before starting a new health-care plan. Pre-existing health issues include diabetes, COPD, cancer, and sleep apnea, to name a few. They are usually chronic or long-term in nature.
How are pre-existing conditions determined?
A pre-existing ailment is one for which you had treatment or obtained a diagnosis before enrolling in a new health plan. Prior to 2010, when the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed, an insurance company would analyze your enrollment application and, if they discovered you had a pre-existing condition, might deny you coverage or offer you coverage at inflated prices.
Because of the Affordable Care Act, it is now illegal for health insurance companies to refuse coverage or raise rates based on a pre-existing condition.
What are some examples of pre-existing health conditions?
Many types of cancer, diabetes, lupus, epilepsy, and depression are examples of chronic illnesses and medical problems that may be considered pre-existing. Pregnancy is also considered pre-existing and chronic prior to enrollment, however less serious diseases including acne, asthma, anxiety, and sleep apnea may still qualify.
Can I be denied health insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?
No, your insurer cannot legally reject you coverage or charge you more premiums because you have a pre-existing condition if you have been enrolled in a plan after 2010.
The Affordable Care Act of 2010 made it illegal for insurers to deny coverage or charge exorbitant premiums to anyone with pre-existing diseases. Furthermore, if your health changes and you develop a chronic medical condition while enrolled in a health plan, your insurance carrier is prohibited from raising your rates as a result of the medical condition. Annual premium hikes, on the other hand, may apply to your plan for various reasons.
If you’re enrolled in a plan that began before 2010, though, you’re in a “grandfathered plan.” Due to a pre-existing condition, these plans have the ability to cancel your coverage or charge you higher prices.
If you’re looking at different insurance options, you should be aware of any prospective changes in health-care legislation that could affect how pre-existing conditions are covered.
Is pregnancy considered a pre-existing condition?
No. You cannot be denied coverage or charged more if you get pregnant before enrolling in a health plan. Pregnancy and delivery coverage begins the day you enroll in a plan.
Is there health insurance for pre-existing conditions?
The concept of a pre-existing condition is no longer used when choosing a health plan. If you have a medical condition at the time of enrollment, a health insurer cannot deny you coverage or boost your premiums. If you have a chronic or pre-existing medical condition, however, some health plans may be a better option for you than others.
If you require regular medical care, surgery, or treatments, for example, a plan with a little higher monthly premium and smaller deductible may give you with the coverage you require while also allowing you to budget more predictably.
Could my health plan have a pre-existing condition waiting period?
No, medical insurance do not have any waiting periods, including for pre-existing conditions.
Consider your medical requirements before selecting a health plan. If you have a chronic or continuous medical condition that necessitates more frequent treatment, the type of plan you choose may be influenced by your needs, but you cannot be denied coverage or paid more because of a pre-existing condition.
Can you travel with lymphoma?
We address some frequently asked issues concerning travel insurance and lymphoma in this section. Your medical team and travel insurers can provide you with personalized advice and information. The UK Government website also has up-to-date information on overseas travel insurance.
Should I speak to my medical team before I travel?
Yes. They can tell you if your plans are feasible. Your lymphoma consultant or clinical nurse specialist may also have helpful travel insurance recommendations based on what they’ve heard from other lymphoma patients.
Your travel insurance provider may require a ‘fit to travel’ certificate from your doctor. This is commonly referred to as a ‘fit to fly’ certificate if you’re flying. Inquire about the cost at your local GP’s office. It normally costs between £20 and £40. Even if you have multi-trip coverage, you’ll need a fit to travel note each time you travel.
Does having lymphoma make it difficult to get travel insurance?
People with a pre-existing medical condition are treated differently by different insurance companies:
- Some companies refuse to provide insurance because they believe the chance of you filing a claim is too great.
- Many companies will only provide coverage for a limited time (usually 12 months) after treatment is completed.
If another company has previously declared they will not cover you, a firm may refuse to cover you. Instead of getting a full estimate right away, some consumers find it easier to speak in general terms and ask a provider what coverage they can supply.
Do my friends and family need to tell their insurers about my lymphoma?
Close family members and friends may wish to inform their insurance about your lymphoma, even if they’re on a completely separate vacation from you. This is in case they decide to arrive early if you are ill, or if they wish to travel to be with you. Their insurance should spell out what they’re covered for in detail.
If I’m travelling with other people, should we all use the same insurers?
This could be beneficial. Some providers will only provide coverage if you take this route, in the event that you become ill and the trip must be shortened for everyone.
How does leaving the European Union (Brexit) affect travel to Europe?
From January 2021, the UK government’s website includes information on visiting Europe.
The UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has been replaced by the UK Global Health Insurance Card for those traveling in Europe (GHIC). This allows you to receive state-run healthcare in Europe at a discounted rate, or even for free. If you have an EHIC, it will be valid until the card’s expiration date. You’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it after it expires. Neither the EHIC nor the GHIC are intended to be used in place of travel insurance.
How does the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) affect travel?
On the UK government website and the Northern Ireland direct government services website, you may get the most up-to-date travel advice during the pandemic. COVID-19 and travel insurance are also updated on Medical Travel Compared.
Primary breast cancer
Because of your disease, you may have trouble receiving travel insurance if you plan to travel overseas. There are, however, some companies that specialize in providing coverage for persons who are presently undergoing cancer treatment or have previously been diagnosed with cancer. To find proper insurance, you may need to contact numerous firms. Most insurers decide whether or not to offer coverage based on a person’s particular circumstances, so one person may be covered while another is not.
If you do have issues, it might be aggravating and make you feel like you’re being punished for something you can’t change.
If you don’t tell the insurance provider about your breast cancer and treatment or any other pre-existing medical condition when you acquire the policy, your travel insurance will not cover you for any claim related to it.
Secondary breast cancer
Travel insurance can be arranged, and many women with secondary breast cancer still enjoy traveling. However, due of the larger chance of a claim, you will almost certainly have to pay a higher premium.
Some businesses may be unable to provide coverage if you have recently completed a course of treatment or have recently been released from hospital. Most insurers decide whether or not to offer coverage based on an individual’s circumstances, so one person may be covered while another is not.
What medical conditions do you have to declare for travel insurance?
If you’re not sure whether you need to reveal a previous medical condition, it’s best to err on the side of caution and notify your insurer so you can be sure you’ll be covered while you’re abroad.
What medical conditions do you have to declare for travel insurance?
Respiratory diseases, heart, liver, kidney, brain or circulation disease or damage, diabetes, strokes or central nervous system disorders, and terminal illnesses are all medical conditions that must be disclosed when getting travel insurance estimates.
Any serious psychological or mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, should also be disclosed.
In general, you must declare any medical condition for which you have received treatment in a hospital (inpatient or outpatient), clinic, or GP surgery in the previous five years, or if you have had surgery. In this time, you should also declare any medical conditions for which you have been prescribed medicine.
What if you develop a new medical condition after taking out travel insurance?
If you are diagnosed with a new medical condition after purchasing travel insurance, you should notify your insurance provider as soon as possible because this will be deemed a change in your health status.
What happens if you don’t declare medical conditions for travel insurance?
If you don’t tell your travel insurance company about a medical condition you have, you might not be protected if you need to file a claim. As a result, it’s critical to disclose any medical issues you may have, even if they may be managed with medicine.
If you require medical treatment while abroad, this might be quite pricey, as costs can often run into hundreds of pounds. As a result, you should look for a travel insurance policy that covers you for medical situations for at least £10m or £15m. Your policy should also provide sufficient coverage to pay you if you have to cancel your trip due to a medical emergency.
Finding the best travel insurance if you have medical conditions
- Do you have a pre-existing medical problem and need to travel? Get a quote from AllClear today for complete medical coverage while you’re gone.
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Can you travel abroad during chemo?
Traveling may be both enjoyable and rewarding. However, if you have cancer, you may have a few additional considerations while organizing a trip.
It’s critical to determine whether you’re physically capable of traveling. If there is anything that could make travel dangerous, your doctor can warn you.
Short-term physical difficulties might occur as a result of cancer therapies such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Certain treatments can also make your skin more sun sensitive. These side effects may limit the amount of travel you can do or the types of activities you can participate in while you’re gone. Travel insurance can be more difficult to obtain if you wish to travel overseas.
Traveling while undergoing treatment is not always impossible. It may be conceivable for example, in the interim between chemotherapy treatments. Consult your cancer specialist to choose the optimum time to go. They should also be able to advise you on what supplies you’ll need and any dietary concerns you should be aware of. Travel concerns can easily be avoided with careful planning.