Getting Travel Insurance With Terminal Cancer?

Q.

My nan is terminally ill with cancer but she is wanting to go on one last holiday.

How can I get holiday insurance for her?

A.

Travel insurance provides essential cover for any medical expenses you may incur, and can cover the cost should you need to be flown back home in an emergency. Travel insurance companies make their money from travellers who do not have to make a claim, and because of this insurance companies may turn down a request, for coverage, if they feel the risk of having to pay out on a claim may be too great.

If You Have Cancer

The current state of your health, when travelling, will affect the amount of insurance you may need, and if you have cancer you may be viewed by many travel insurance companies as a bigger risk. This is because you may need medical assistance whilst on your travels, or because your illness may mean that you cancel your travel arrangements at the last minute.

Provided you have a certificate from your doctor, stating you are well enough to travel, an insurance company will consider providing the level of insurance you require. However, you must clearly state that you have cancer when you apply for cover, as failure to do so will mean you will not be able to make a claim, should you need to. If you have undergone medical treatment, in the 12-month period before your trip, an insurance company will only provide you with coverage for treatment that is unrelated to your illness, whilst you are away. In other words, you will be responsible for covering the cost of medical expenses for your cancer treatment.

Specialist Insurance

A specialist insurance policy is designed to provide insurance coverage for people with serious or terminal illness or a disability. This type of policy may have many restrictions so it is worth making an informal enquiry before you plan to travel. You must remember however, to disclose all information about existing or pre-existing medical conditions, and if you have an annual policy you will have to provide a confirmation of fitness certificate from your doctor on each occasion you travel. A specialist insurance policy is the best option for anyone who finds it difficult to obtain standard insurance coverage.