Travel Insurance for Breast Cancer

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. It begins in the breast tissue, usually in the ducts or lobules, and is far more common in women, though men can get it too. Many cases are found through screening or after someone notices a lump or a change in the shape or skin of the breast.

Treatment is tailored to the type of breast cancer and often involves surgery plus some combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted drugs. Hormone tablets are commonly taken for five years or more after the main treatment ends. You can read more on the NHS breast cancer pages.

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

Breast cancer has to be declared because it counts as a pre-existing medical condition, even when you’re years past treatment or taking hormone tablets. Treatment can raise the risk of blood clots on long journeys and infections while your immunity is low, and lymph node surgery can lead to lymphoedema or cellulitis in the arm. Each of these could mean seeing a doctor abroad or cancelling before you go. If the condition isn’t on your policy, a claim connected to it may 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 breast cancer?

Yes, in many cases. For breast cancer, whether cover can be offered tends to hinge on whether it has spread, how recently treatment finished, any hospital admissions in the last year and whether further tests or surgery are planned. Your medical screening result confirms whether it can be accepted.

What we’ll ask about your breast cancer

The online medical screening is short and easy to get through. It asks a few things about your breast cancer, the treatment you’ve had and whether you’re still taking medication. 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 breast 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

Breast cancer care can change between check-ups. If you have a recurrence or new diagnosis, you switch medication, you have a stay in hospital, or you’re referred for scans before you travel, you must let us know. Your cover might need another look, your medical situation may have to go to the underwriters, and in some cases we may not be able to continue with cover. A future claim can be affected or denied if a change in your medical isn’t reported.

What can breast cancer travel insurance cover?

With breast cancer accepted on your policy, a related emergency abroad can be covered in the same way as any other. Suppose you develop cellulitis in an arm affected by lymph node removal while you’re in Cyprus and need hospital treatment: emergency medical costs can be covered, as can repatriation with medical support if required. Subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

Before you go, cancellation cover may let you claim back non-refundable costs if your doctor advises against travel because of your condition.

Routine or planned treatment abroad isn’t covered, and nor are claims linked to conditions you didn’t declare.

Will breast cancer affect the cost of travel insurance?

Possibly. Breast cancer can make a difference, though nobody can say how much without your screening result. Our online medical screening may include questions on how your breast cancer was or is being treated and how well controlled it is today. General things such as your age, where you plan to go and the length of the trip are factored in for everyone. You’ll see the price on screen before buying anything.

Single trip or annual cover with breast cancer

Single trip cover works well for one holiday. People who travel a few times a year, including many who’ve finished treatment and are on hormone tablets, often look at annual multi-trip cover. Whether annual cover is available depends on your screening result.

Travelling with breast cancer: practical tips

These general tips may help you plan. None of them form part of your cover.

If you’ve had lymph nodes removed, your arm on that side is more prone to infection and swelling. Use insect repellent, cover cuts straight away and wear gloves for gardening or rough work. A lymphoedema specialist can advise on whether to wear a compression sleeve on the flight, and some people take a course of antibiotics with them on their team’s advice.

Skin that’s had radiotherapy can burn easily for a long time afterwards. Keep it covered or use a high-factor sunscreen, and be careful with chlorinated pools if the skin is still sore.

Some hormone therapies, including tamoxifen, can raise the risk of clots. On long journeys, walk around when you can, keep hydrated and do simple leg exercises in your seat. Ask your breast care nurse whether flight socks are a good idea for you.

Hot flushes are common on hormone therapy and can be worse in hot climates. Light, layered clothing and a portable fan help. If you wear a breast prosthesis, take it in your hand luggage, and know that you can ask for a private search at security.

Keep medication in its original boxes with a copy of your prescription. The travelling abroad with medication guide explains what to check.

How to get a quote

Tell us about your trip, answer the screening questions for breast cancer and any other conditions, then choose the cover that suits you. You’ll see the cost upfront.

Get a Quote

Other Useful Cancer Pages

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia Travel Insurance
• Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Travel Insurance
• Anal Cancer Travel Insurance
• Bladder Cancer Travel Insurance
• Bone Cancer Travel Insurance
• Bowel Cancer Travel Insurance
• Brain Cancer Travel Insurance
• Breast Cancer Travel Insurance
• Cancer Travel Insurance
• Cervical Cancer Travel Insurance
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Travel Insurance
• Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia Travel Insurance
• Endometrial, Uterine, or Womb Cancer Travel Insurance
• Kidney Cancer Travel Insurance
• Lung Cancer Travel Insurance
• Melanoma Travel Insurance
• Ovarian Cancer Travel Insurance
• Pancreatic Cancer Travel Insurance
• Prostate Cancer Travel Insurance
• Skin Cancer Travel Insurance

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.