Travel Insurance for a Benign Brain Tumour

What is a benign brain tumour?

A benign brain tumour is a growth of cells in or near the brain that isn’t cancerous. It grows slowly and doesn’t usually spread, but it can still press on nearby parts of the brain and cause problems, which is why it’s treated seriously. We include it among our neurological conditions, and meningiomas and acoustic neuromas are two of the more familiar types.

Symptoms depend on where the tumour is. Headaches, seizures, changes in vision or hearing, weakness, and changes in memory or personality are all possible. Some small tumours are simply watched with regular scans. Others are removed with surgery or treated with radiotherapy. The NHS benign brain tumour page explains the treatment options.

Why do I need to declare a benign brain tumour for travel insurance?

A benign brain tumour is a pre-existing medical condition even though it isn’t cancer. We need to know because, depending on its size and position, it can cause seizures, headaches or problems with balance and vision, and recovery from surgery or radiotherapy carries its own risks. Any of these could mean emergency treatment abroad, or a change in health that forces you to cancel. If it’s not declared, a related claim could be refused or the amount paid 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 a benign brain tumour?

Often you can. Whether cover is offered depends mainly on how the tumour is being managed and how recent any treatment was. A tumour that’s been stable on monitoring for a long time is usually viewed differently from one that was removed a few weeks ago, and seizures or outstanding scan results will also be taken into account.

What we’ll ask about your benign brain tumour

Our online medical screening is quick and straightforward. You’ll answer a handful of questions about your benign brain tumour, covering how it’s being monitored and whether treatment is planned. Once this condition is done, carry on and declare any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions.

When the medical declaration is complete, you’ll move on to the quote page. Where your benign brain tumour and any other conditions are coverable, a list of quotes appears, with the cost of covering your medical already built into the premium. If cover isn’t possible, you’ll find out before you proceed.

If your health changes before travelling

A scan, new symptoms or a change in plan can happen at short notice. If, before your trip, your medication changes, you go into hospital, you’re referred for more tests, or you’re given a new diagnosis, you must let us know. It may mean reviewing your cover or referring your medical situation to the underwriters, and in some cases we may not be able to proceed with cover. Not telling us about a change in your medical can lead to a future claim being affected or denied.

What can benign brain tumour travel insurance cover?

When the tumour has been accepted, emergency treatment abroad related to it can be covered. If you have a seizure in Rome and need hospital care, for example, those medical costs can be covered, and so can repatriation with a medical escort if needed. Cover is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

Results or symptoms just before departure can change plans. If your doctor advises you not to travel, non-refundable costs may be claimable under cancellation cover.

Treatment or scans you plan to have abroad aren’t covered, and neither is anything linked to an undeclared condition.

Will a benign brain tumour affect the cost of travel insurance?

A benign brain tumour can add to the cost, though nothing is decided until you’ve been through our online medical screening. That result sets the price. Questions may cover how the tumour has been treated and how well any symptoms are controlled. Age, the length of the trip and where you’re travelling to make a difference as well.

Single trip or annual cover with a benign brain tumour

Many people choose single trip cover, which is assessed close to the travel date. If you travel a lot, annual cover may be available depending on your screening result.

Travelling with a benign brain tumour: practical tips

This section offers general tips only. None of it is part of your insurance.

Timing after surgery is the big question. After an operation on the brain, there are often restrictions on flying for a period, partly because of changes in air pressure. Your neurosurgery team will tell you when it’s safe, and the airline may want to know too.

If seizures are part of your condition, keep strictly to your medication timings. Missed doses, tiredness and too much alcohol can all make a seizure more likely. Tell the people you’re travelling with what to do if you have one, and consider wearing a medical ID. Our epilepsy page has more on this.

Steroids such as dexamethasone are sometimes prescribed to reduce swelling. If you take them, carry a steroid card and make sure you have enough for the whole trip, as stopping suddenly can be dangerous.

Go gently with heat and activity. Fatigue is very common after treatment, and hot weather can make it worse. Plan rest into each day and avoid strenuous activities until your team says otherwise. Some destinations at high altitude may not be suitable, so ask your specialist before booking a trip to the mountains.

Keep copies of your latest scan report and a letter from your consultant. If you ever need treatment abroad, it will save time.

How to get a quote

Put in your trip details, answer the questions about your tumour and any other conditions, then choose your cover.

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.