Travel Insurance for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

What is acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a type of cancer that starts in the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. The marrow produces large numbers of immature white blood cells called lymphoblasts, which crowd out healthy cells. That leads to tiredness, frequent infections, and bruising or bleeding easily.

ALL is the most common leukaemia in children, though adults get it too. It develops quickly and is treated straight away, usually with several phases of chemotherapy. The last phase, maintenance, often goes on for two years or more and is largely taken as tablets at home. Some people also need a stem cell transplant. You can read about it on the NHS acute lymphoblastic leukaemia page.

Why do I need to declare acute lymphoblastic leukaemia for travel insurance?

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is a pre-existing medical condition whether you’re in treatment now or finished years ago. We ask about it because chemotherapy and other treatments weaken the immune system, so infections abroad can become serious quickly. Low blood counts can also cause bleeding or tiredness, and a relapse or change in treatment could mean cancelling a trip.

If ALL isn’t declared, a claim related to it could be refused or reduced.

You won’t need to declare every medical condition you’ve ever had or been diagnosed with, only those that fall into the initial set of medical questions.

Can I get travel insurance with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?

It’s often possible to get cover, both during treatment and after it. Where you are in treatment makes a real difference to what’s offered. Intensive chemotherapy, a recent transplant or a relapse will be viewed very differently from being several years into remission, and treatment planned during your trip is taken into account too.

What we’ll ask about acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Our online screening is easy to follow. It asks a few questions about your acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, including the treatment you’ve had and whether you’re still having it. When you’ve declared this condition, carry on with any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions.

Finishing the medical declaration takes you through to the quote page. Provided your acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and your other declared conditions can be covered, you’ll be presented with a list of quotes. The premium you see already includes cover for your medical, and if we cannot provide cover, you’ll know before going ahead.

If your health changes before travelling

Treatment plans for leukaemia can shift. If your treatment changes, you have a hospital admission, you’re referred elsewhere, or you receive a new diagnosis between now and departure, you must let us know. We may need to review your cover or refer your medical situation to the underwriters, and occasionally we may not be able to proceed with cover. Any change in your medical you don’t tell us about could mean a future claim is affected or denied.

What can acute lymphoblastic leukaemia travel insurance cover?

Once ALL is accepted, emergency treatment abroad can be covered. If an infection during maintenance treatment means a hospital stay in Orlando, the cost of emergency care can be covered, as can getting home with medical support if needed. All of this is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

Low blood counts or an infection just before departure can mean your team advises you not to go. In that case, cancellation cover may let you reclaim the non-refundable cost of the trip.

Routine blood tests, planned chemotherapy abroad and anything linked to undeclared conditions aren’t covered.

Will ALL affect the cost of travel insurance?

ALL can affect what you pay. The online medical screening works out how, using your answers to questions that may cover how the leukaemia has been treated and how well it’s controlled now. On top of that, things such as your age, your destination and the length of the holiday come into the price. Everything is shown before you buy, so there are no surprises later.

Single trip or annual cover with ALL

During treatment, single trip cover is often easiest. After treatment, if you’re well and travelling often, annual multi-trip cover may be possible, depending on your screening result.

Travelling with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: practical tips

These general tips don’t form part of your insurance.

Plan around your treatment. Many families take holidays during maintenance, when treatment is lighter. Talk to your haematology or oncology team early, as they’ll know when blood counts are likely to be at their best and can work around clinic visits.

Infection is the biggest worry while immunity is low. Wash hands often, be careful with food and water, and avoid crowded places when you can. Live vaccines are usually not suitable during treatment, so check with the team or a travel clinic what’s safe. The TravelHealthPro country pages list what’s recommended for each destination.

Some chemotherapy makes skin more sensitive to the sun. Use high-factor sun cream, a hat and loose clothing, and keep out of the strongest sun.

Before you go:

1. ask for a treatment summary and contact details for your hospital team
2. find out where the nearest hospital is at your destination
3. know what temperature means you need to get help urgently
4. take enough medicine for the trip, plus extra for delays

How to get a quote

Add your trip details, answer the medical questions about ALL and anything else you need to declare, and pick your cover. You’ll see the price first.

Get a Quote

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Don't worry if your condition is not listed above - we cover plenty more medical conditions.
* Please note that cover will vary depending on individual medical screenings.