Skin Cancer Travel Insurance
There are different forms of skin cancer. Some skin cancers develop after the skin is exposed to the sun and others develop from skin cells called melanocytes.
According to the British Skin Foundation, there are over 100,000 new cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year in the UK. While efforts are being made to educate people on the risk factors that cause skin cancer, there is still a long way to go. If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, the most important thing for you to do is to understand the condition itself, especially when travelling to hot and sunny holiday destinations.
We know that no two cancers are the same and treatment can vary depending on the severity of the skin cancer. It doesn’t matter if you have received radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or had surgery, we will look at each case individually in order to provide you with the best cover available.
Types Of Skin Cancer We Can Cover
Malignant melanoma
Malignant melanoma skin cancer often develops from a mole and the main factor which causes it is exposure to ultraviolet light. Exposing moles to large amounts of direct sunlight or even artificial sources of UV light such as sunbeds can dramatically increase the chances of developing this type of skin cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer in the UK and it can occur on any part of the body. Areas which are most at risk are the head, neck, lips, backs of hands, scar tissue and areas of skin that have been sunburnt in the past. As with malignant melanoma, the main cause is the sun and artificial UV light.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
BCC is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for around 80% of all non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed, according to the British Skin Foundation. Often diagnosed in middle or old-aged people it mainly affects areas such as the face, nose and neck due to exposure to sunlight. There are different types of basal cell carcinoma; nodular, superficial, morphemic and pigmented. Each type has different characteristics and effect the body in different ways, with nodular making up many of the types diagnosed.
Mycosis Fungoides
Mycosis fungoides is a rare type of skin lymphoma, which is a cancer that originates in the lymphatic system. It primarily affects the skin, leading to various symptoms, including red, scaly patches, plaques, or tumors. Initially, it may resemble eczema or psoriasis, making diagnosis challenging.
Why Choose Free Spirit To Cover You?
- Most medical conditions and disabilities covered
- No upper age limit for most destinations on Single Trip and Annual Multi-trip policies
- Choice of several cover options
- Single trips covered up to 115 days (45 days if aged 76 years or over)
- Annual Multi-trip provides cover for any number of trips during the year – travel up to 32 days per trip (Standard and Super cover) and 45 days (Super Duper)
Get a Medical Travel Insurance Quote
With a Free Spirit medical travel insurance policy, you gain the peace of mind to travel knowing that you and your medical condition is fully covered.
Our Guide To Skin Cancer Travel Insurance
Planning your trip, accommodation, clothing and sun protection is a serious factor and can help cut the chances of developing a form of skin cancer dramatically or making a current diagnosis worse.
When you have medical conditions, you need to ensure you have the best wide-ranging travel protection when travelling abroad. The last thing you want is to purchase a travel policy, only to find it doesn’t cover your medical condition or the things you need. Being protected while away from home will ensure you have easy access to emergency medical assistance.
If for example you have a flair-up of your skin cancer and this was to cause you to seek emergency medical assistance while you are away, standard travel insurance may not cover you for this. If, however, you have declared and are covered for all of your medical conditions with a specialist travel policy, then any medical emergency relating directly to your declared medical conditions should be covered.
Free Spirit ‘Super Duper’ level of cover has a 5 Star Rating
from Defaqto for both Single Trip and Annual Multi-trip travel insurance. This recognises that it is one of the highest quality offerings in the market.
Top Tips For Travelling With Skin Cancer
- Speak to your GP or medical practitioner to make sure they would agree you are fit to travel. They may also have advice on travelling to different destinations that you might not have thought of.
- Buying your specialist travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday means you will be protected should you need to cancel because of your skin cancer. Imagine how you would feel if you were left severely out of pocket. There are many standard policies available at very cheap prices, however, do not be fooled! It is unlikely they will include the cover you need.
- Always add travelling companions to your policy, they could be your friends, family members, or even your carer. They too could claim if you needed to cancel your holiday because of your medical condition or if it had to be cut short while away because you became unwell.
How Do I Apply For A Specialist Skin Cancer Travel Insurance Quote?
Obtaining a quote and arranging cover with Free Spirit could not be easier, as our interactive website includes medical screening.
We will ask you some questions about your skin cancer so that you get the cover that’s right for you such as:
- Has the cancer spread to the skin to somewhere else in the body?
- What type of skin cancer do you (or did you) have?
- Has the cancer been completely removed or destroyed?
- Was the condition found in parts of the body other than the skin?
- What has been the treatment for this condition?
- Are you taking strong painkillers everyday for this condition?
If you would prefer to talk to us
You can call our dedicated UK-based customer service team to answer any questions you may have. We understand that some medical conditions especially cancer can be complicated and you may prefer to talk to a friendly voice instead. You can call us on 02392 419 080 and your call will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
Peace Of Mind
It goes without saying that if you suffer from any form of skin cancer and you are thinking of travelling abroad, you will want to know you have the protection you need, just in case! Free Spirit can offer you that much-needed reassurance and peace of mind when travelling abroad and our emergency medical assistance team are on hand all day every day should the need arise.
Please read the Insurance Policy for the full terms and conditions of this specialist medical travel insurance cover to make sure it’s suitable for you.
Customer reviews
″I would like to say how good it is to deal with an insurance company that is prompt and efficient in its dealings with its customers. Especially as there is so much in the papers about problems with insurance companies who ‘drag their feet’. Whilst it certainly wasn’t a pleasure to have to cancel our holiday, it has been a pleasure dealing with your Free Spirit Claims team.″