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Cancer travel insurance

Cancer is one of the most common medical conditions there is; the vast majority of us have been affected by cancer in some way or know someone who has. From 2013 to 2015, Cancer Research UK recorded almost 990 new cancer diagnoses every day in this country, with cancers of the breast, prostate, bowel and lung counting for over half of all new cases when combined.

Although it is widespread, cancer survival rates have improved hugely over time – doubling in the last 40 years in the UK. Cancer Research UK also asserts that half of the people diagnosed with cancer in England and Wales now survive it for ten years or more, which shows how far we have come in battling this condition.

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Having cancer needn’t stop you from travelling abroad in any way, as long as your treating doctor is happy for you do so. That said, those who have had a bone marrow or stem cell transplant may find they are advised not to take any overseas trips for up to a year, to minimise their risks of infection. The way that cancer affects day-to-day life depends greatly on the type you have and other factors like your age and overall health, so be sure to assess your condition, and any other considerations,  with your GP before booking a trip.

Of course, it’s also essential to have cancer travel insurance cover in place before you head off too. Ours was the first scheme of its type specifically dedicated to people with pre-existing health conditions and/or disabilities and we have a strong track record of covering people who have been declined cover elsewhere. We are one of the UK’s largest medical travel insurance providers, as well as specialists in cancer travel insurance.

With our travel insurance for people with cancer, you can take a well-needed break or holiday knowing your condition is fully covered* and that you’ll be able to access any emergency medical care you might need while you’re away. Among other features, our travel insurance for cancer includes cancellation cover, loss or damage to medical aids and prescribed medications, plus repatriation to your home country if it’s medically necessary. Our 24-hour, 365 days a year medical emergency helpline will always be there if you need it.

What types of cancer do you cover?

At Free Spirit, we have over 20 years’ experience in providing travel insurance for cancer patients. Our cancer travel insurance extends to all types of the condition, including:

Why do I need cancer travel insurance?

While cancer shouldn’t be a barrier to enjoying a holiday with family, friends or by yourself, it does mean that you’ll need specialist travel insurance for cancer designed to cover your condition.  Like any existing health condition, cancer and its symptoms can be hard to predict, so it’s not worth risking a trip away without the protection that cancer travel insurance provides.

It is advisable to arrange travel insurance for cancer as soon as you have confirmed your travel plans. That way, if you were forced to cancel your trip due to your condition, you wouldn’t be left out of pocket for money already spent*.

As you may already have found, securing travel insurance when you have cancer can be difficult and soul-destroying, especially when you are rejected by other companies. Or, if you’re trying to source it for a close friend, work colleague, partner or children. Many standard travel insurance providers exclude existing health conditions from their cover. Our cancer travel insurance works differently, being specifically created to cater for people with all types of the condition. We can ensure that you won’t be left to pay any medical bills* for emergency treatment you might need while you’re away and that you will be covered for a host of other essential travel eventualities too.

How can I get travel insurance with cancer?

We aim to make obtaining an instant quote and arranging cancer travel insurance cover with Free Spirit as simple and straightforward as possible.

Our fully interactive website includes medical screening for quick and simple application online at any time or, if you’d rather speak to a UK-based expert we can take your call on 02392 419 080.

What questions will I be asked when I apply?

In order to ensure you have the best cover for your circumstances, we will need to ask you about your condition and how it affects you. Although the questions will depend largely on the type of cancer you have, in most cases we will ask:

  • How long ago was the initial diagnosis of cancer made?
  • If diagnosed more than a year ago, how often have you been seeing a hospital doctor about this?
  • Has the cancer ever spread to any other parts of your body?
  • Was the cancer completely surgically removed after diagnosis?
  • Are you currently having any treatment and/or is any planned?

What else is included with travel insurance for cancer?

Free spirit travel insurance policies provide the best medical benefits, such as aftercare at home following hospitalisation (including home help and physiotherapy) and a convalescence benefit (which provides up to £750 towards the cost of a trip in the UK if you were to be hospitalised abroad for over five days), as well as many non-healthcare related features. For example, your cancer travel insurance cover will protect you in the event of you having to cancel your holiday, missed or delayed departure, personal liability, or becoming separated from your passport, medication or medical aids, travel money or travel documents.

Your travelling companions can also be covered on your cancer travel insurance policy, whether they have a pre-existing medical condition or not. Including your whole travelling party on the same Free Spirit policy will ensure the whole party would be covered for their travel expenses if you had to cancel the trip due to your condition. This may not be the case if they were to take out travel insurance with another provider.

Why choose Free Spirit for cancer travel insurance?

  • All types of cancer plus most medical conditions and disabilities are covered**
  • No upper age limit on Single Trip and Annual Multi-trip
  • Choice of two cover options – Super and Super Duper
  • Single trips covered up to 94 days (45 days if aged 76 years or over)
  • Annual Multi-trip provides an unlimited number of trips within 12 months – travel up to 32 days per trip (Super) and 45 days (Super Duper)
  • Loss or damage to medical aids and prescribed medications

You can assess whether our cancer travel insurance is suitable for your needs by reading the full terms and conditions.

Advice for travelling with cancer

Whether or not you have taken trips overseas since being diagnosed with cancer, we know you may have questions or concerns ahead of your next holiday.

That’s why we’ve created a complete guide to travelling with cancer, containing a wealth of information on all aspects of travel, from arranging vaccinations to the best ways to take care of yourself abroad.

You can also find detailed information on travelling with cancer on the Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research UK website or Maggies. Maggies is a charity that provides cancer support and information across the UK and online for free.

*Cover is subject to the terms, conditions and limits of the Insurance Policy.

** Subject to medical screening. In some cases, we cannot provide cover online and you will be asked to call us.

Cover your travelling companions on the same policy

Travelling companions can also be covered on Free Spirit, whether they have a pre-existing medical condition or not. By including your travelling companions on the same Free Spirit policy, you will ensure the whole party is covered. For example, if you had to cancel your holiday due to your medical condition, your travelling companions on the same policy would also be covered which may not be the case if they had taken out a policy elsewhere.

How to get your Free Spirit travel insurance for cancer quote

Obtaining an instant quote and arranging cover with Free Spirit could not be easier.

Our fully interactive website includes online medical screening.

If you wish to speak to our friendly staff in our UK call centre or have a terminal condition and would like a quote, please call 02392 419 080.

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  • Testimonials

    Brilliant company and brilliant prices for people who have health issues and need holiday insurance, the site was easy to use no hassle. My condition …
    S. SparrowBirmingham


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