Travel Insurance
Despite having cancer, or being a sufferer in the past, it is quite understandable that many people still wish to travel abroad whether, for example, for a holiday or to see relatives in other parts of the world.
Unfortunately getting travel insurance in such circumstances can sometimes be difficult, and in some cases impossible, and that’s why it’s important to start making enquiries as soon as possible - even before a trip is booked.
Where can you get travel insurance?
As in the case of most insurances, travel insurance can be obtained directly from an insurance company, who can offer details on their particular policies, or via an insurance broker who can provide details on a range of insurance products from different companies.
Will travel insurance be offered?
The decision as to whether travel insurance will be offered will be up to the insurance company who provides the policy and this decision will be based on the applicants individual circumstances.
Some insurance companies, for example, may not necessarily offer insurance to all people suffering from the same sort of cancer as their personal situations, or their treatment, may be different. In addition, some companies may choose not to offer annual policies and instead offer insurance cover for individual trips only. Sometimes premiums may also vary according to how long or where the trip is going to be taken.
In most cases, however, the decision as to whether insurance cover will be provided will be based on how you, the customer, answers certain questions, many of which will relate to your medical condition. Within this they will want to know if there is any special treatment of equipment that you may need during your trip so that they can take this into account in your premium rate and make sure this it is covered under the policy.
Travel Insurance - the options offered
Dependant on your individual circumstances, and receipt of a ‘fit for travel’ letter – often required as confirmation from your GP that you are healthy enough to travel - the insurance company will then either provide insurance cover at a normal premium rate or provide it with an increased premium rate or excess. The excess is the amount of money that you will have to pay in the event of a claim on the policy, with the insurance provider paying the rest.
Some companies may also choose to offer travel insurance but will only pay out a claim for an illness or accident if it doesn’t relate to the cancer itself. In some cases, an insurance company could choose to refuse cover altogether.
Additional requirements when travelling in Europe
If travelling in Europe it’s also essential that you obtain a European Health Insurance Card or EHIC at least three weeks prior to travel. This replaced the E111 that was made obsolete in 2006.
The EHIC means that if you need to obtain emergency treatment while visiting a country in the European Union (EU) you’ll get the treatment either free or at a reduced cost. It doesn’t, however, cover the cost of travelling to a country for health treatment or the cost of travelling back to the UK for treatment.
The EHIC can be obtained by completing an application form which is available from Post Offices, by telephoning 0845 606 2030 or via the EHIC website. You’ll need to have your NHS or National Insurance Number, Surname/Family Name, Forenames and Date of Birth when applying.
The Department of Health website also provides useful information about the EHIC as well as other health advice for travellers including a list on non-EU countries that provide health services to UK visitors.
Overall the message is be prepared and make sure you apply for travel insurance and a fit for travel letter from your GP early, make sure you answer any questions asked fully and provide as much information as possible to the insurance company to make sure any equipment or treatment you require while on holiday is covered.