Travel Insurance for Bone Cancer

What is bone cancer?

Primary bone cancer begins in the bone itself and is rare. The main types are osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, which are more common in children and young adults, and chondrosarcoma, which tends to affect older adults. It usually shows up as persistent bone pain, often worse at night, sometimes with swelling or a bone that breaks easily. It’s one of the less common cancers on our site.

Bone cancer is different from secondary cancer that has spread to the bones from somewhere else, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer. Treatment usually combines surgery, chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy. Surgery may involve replacing part of the bone with a metal implant, or less often an amputation. The NHS bone cancer page explains more.

Why do I need to declare bone cancer for travel insurance?

Bone cancer is a pre-existing medical condition, and we need to know about it because it can change the odds of something going wrong on a trip. Bone weakened by a tumour or by surgery is more likely to fracture after a minor fall, and treatment can leave you more prone to infections that need hospital care abroad. A setback before departure might also mean cancelling. If bone cancer isn’t declared and you need to claim for something connected to it, the claim could be refused or the payout 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 bone cancer?

It’s often possible, depending on your situation. Whether bone cancer can be accepted comes down to your medical screening result, which looks at whether the cancer is primary or secondary, whether it has spread, what treatment you’ve had or are having, and whether there’s surgery or treatment still to come. Recent fractures and mobility problems can also be relevant.

What we’ll ask about your bone cancer

The online medical screening is short and easy to get through. It asks a few things about your bone cancer, the treatment you’ve had and whether your bone cancer has spread. When you’re done declaring this condition, carry on declaring any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions.

After the declaration, you’ll be taken to the quote page. You’ll be shown a list of quotes if your bone cancer and your other conditions are coverable, and each premium includes the cost of cover for your medical. If we’re unable to offer cover, you’ll be told before you proceed.

If your health changes before travelling

Cancer care can change quickly. If you get new scan results, your treatment changes, you have a hospital admission, or you’re given a new referral before you travel, 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 bone cancer travel insurance cover?

When bone cancer is accepted, emergencies linked to it can be covered on holiday. If a weakened bone fractures after a fall in Croatia and you need surgery, emergency treatment can be covered, and so can bringing you home with medical support. This is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If you become unwell before you travel and your doctor says you can’t go, cancellation cover may help you reclaim non-refundable costs.

Planned treatment abroad, routine scans and anything relating to undeclared conditions are not covered.

Will bone cancer affect the cost of travel insurance?

Bone cancer can push the price up, but it isn’t possible to say by how much until you’ve completed our online medical screening. The screening may ask how your cancer has been treated and how well it’s controlled now, and your answers shape the figure you’re quoted. Your age, where you’re going and how long you’ll be away also play a part. You see the full price before you buy.

Single trip or annual cover with bone cancer

Single trip cover is often simplest during treatment. Annual cover may be an option for frequent travellers, depending on the screening result.

Travelling with bone cancer: practical tips

These are general tips, not part of your cover.

Mobility is often the main practical issue. Book airport assistance in advance, ask for a wheelchair if walking long distances is difficult, and check that your hotel has step-free access. If you use crutches or a wheelchair, let the airline know when booking.

Metal implants can set off airport scanners. A letter from your surgeon or a medical card can save explaining, though security staff are used to it.

Protect weakened bones. Avoid activities with a high risk of falls, such as hiking on uneven ground or water sports, unless your team has said it’s fine. Wear supportive shoes and take care on wet poolside tiles.

Long flights can be uncomfortable after bone surgery. An aisle seat with extra legroom makes it easier to stretch, and regular movement helps lower the risk of blood clots. Pack enough pain relief for the trip in your hand luggage, and check whether any of your painkillers are restricted at your destination.

How to get a quote

Add your trip details, complete the medical questions about your bone cancer and other conditions, and choose your cover. The price is shown before you buy.

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.