Travel Insurance for Lung Cancer

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer happens when abnormal cells in lung tissue or airways develop. It is one of the most common cancers in the UK and is usually diagnosed in older people. Smoking is the main cause, though people who have never smoked can get it as well. A cough that won’t clear, breathlessness, chest pain, and coughing up blood are some of the signs that lead to tests.

Doctors split it into two broad groups. Non-small-cell lung cancer is the more common and tends to grow more slowly, while small-cell lung cancer usually spreads faster. Depending on the type and stage, treatment can include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted drugs, or immunotherapy, often in combination. There is a clear overview on the NHS lung cancer page.

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

Lung cancer is a pre-existing medical condition, and we want to know about it because it can raise the risk of problems while you’re away. Breathlessness can get worse on a long flight or at altitude, chemotherapy leaves you prone to chest infections, and the cancer itself increases the risk of blood clots. Any of these could mean treatment abroad or calling off the trip. If lung cancer isn’t declared, a related claim 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 lung cancer?

It is often possible. The screening usually asks about the stage, whether the cancer has spread, whether you need oxygen and how recently you were in hospital. A small tumour removed by surgery some time ago is looked at quite differently from cancer that is still being treated or is causing breathlessness at rest. Your medical screening result decides whether cover can be offered.

What we’ll ask about your lung cancer

The medical screening is online and simple to complete. For your lung cancer, it asks about treatment you’ve had and whether your lung cancer has spread. When you’ve finished with this condition, carry on declaring any other relevant pre-existing medical conditions.

With the medical declaration complete, you’ll go through to the quote page. A list of quotes is shown if your lung cancer and any other conditions are coverable, and the premium quoted includes the cost of covering your medical. If we can’t offer cover, you’ll find that out before going any further.

If your health changes before travelling

Cancer care can change at short notice. If you’re given a new or altered medicine, you have a hospital stay, you’re referred for scans or tests, or you receive a new diagnosis before you travel, 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 lung cancer travel insurance cover?

With lung cancer accepted on your policy, emergency treatment abroad related to it can be covered. If you developed a chest infection in Tenerife and needed admitting to hospital, the medical costs could be included, along with repatriation if you needed to come home with medical support. All cover is subject to the policy terms, exclusions, limits and excess.

If your health means you can’t travel, perhaps because a scan shows changes and treatment is brought forward, cancellation cover may help you recover non-refundable costs.

The policy won’t pay for treatment you planned to have abroad, or for claims arising from a condition you didn’t declare.

Will lung cancer affect the cost of travel insurance?

Lung cancer can affect what a policy costs, but the screening result is what works out by how much. In our online screening, some questions may cover how the condition is treated and how well it is controlled. General details also count, like your age, your destination and the length of your stay. When the screening is done, the price appears, and you’re free to decide then.

Single trip or annual cover with lung cancer

Many people with lung cancer go for single trip cover, as it fits around treatment and scan dates. If you travel more than once in a year, annual cover can be worth a look, though whether it is offered depends on your screening result.

Travelling with lung cancer: practical tips

These are general suggestions for travelling more comfortably. They don’t form part of your cover.

Air pressure in a plane cabin is lower than on the ground, so there is less oxygen available. If you already get breathless, talk to your respiratory or oncology team well before booking. They may suggest a test to see whether you need oxygen during the flight. Airlines have their own rules on medical oxygen and usually need plenty of notice, so contact them early.

Think about altitude on the ground as well. Mountain resorts and some cities sit high enough to make breathing harder, and a destination near sea level is often easier.

Chemotherapy can lower your resistance to infection. Wash your hands often, take care with food and water, and know what a high temperature means for you, as your team may want you to seek help quickly. Check the TravelHealthPro country pages for vaccine advice, and ask your specialist before having any live vaccine.

Airports involve long walks and queues. Free assistance can be booked through your airline or the airport, and it is worth doing even if you only get tired on longer distances.

1. keep inhalers and medicines in your hand luggage, with a copy of your prescription
2. choose smoke-free accommodation and avoid smoky bars
3. build rest into each day and don’t over-plan
4. move around on long journeys to help prevent clots in the lungs

How to get a quote

Start with your trip dates and destination, then work through the medical questions for lung cancer and any other conditions. You can compare cover levels and see the price before buying.

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.