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About Travel Insurance
 

It can be difficult for people who have, or have had, cancer to get travel insurance.  This fact sheet produced by the team at the Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre is designed to offer some help and advice.

Things to Consider

  • Most insurance companies will only provide cover if your doctor agrees that you are fit to travel, so it is worth discussing your travel plans with your doctor first.  It is also worth discussing how you are going to travel, e.g. flying and any vaccinations you may need.  Some companies may ask for a letter or report from your doctor.
  • Arranging travel insurance can take a few weeks so it is worth planning ahead. 
  • Each company deals with medical conditions differently; it is a good idea to ring round to get the best deal.
  • Most companies will refer you to a Medical Screening phone line.  The staff will ask you a number of questions about your illness and treatment.  In order to help prepare you for this we have included a list of possible questions you may be asked.  Some are unpleasant.  You must declare any medical conditions of the insurance policy may be invalid.  Some companies may offer cover which does not include your cancer.  This means that should you require medical care relating to your cancer you would have to pay any costs yourself.
  • Insurance costs depend on where you are travelling to.  Usually mainland Europe is cheaper and the USA most expensive because of the high cost of health care.  Some companies do not provide insurance for trips to America. 
  • Check any existing travel insurance policies; they may need updating regarding your health status.
  • Sometimes insurance cover will only be given a few weeks in advance of travel and not months before the travel date.
  • Annual travel insurance may not be offered, only single trip cover, and sometimes for only for short trips.

 When applying for insurance it is worth asking:

  • Exactly what is included and excluded in the policy.
  • The cost of the policy.  Some companies have a basic cost plus an additional premium for the medical condition.
  • How much excess you will be liable to pay if you make a claim. 
  • The limits of the cover.  Normally healthcare costs have a top limit of £2 million to £5 million, though some companies may reduce this for certain medical conditions. 
  • Read the policy through very carefully before accepting.  Double check on any queries you have. 
  • Don’t forget to take the policy with you as it contains the phone numbers you need in case of an emergency.

Travel Insurance Companies

 

Please note that inclusion in this fact sheet does not mean that the companies are endorsed by the Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre or by Andrea's Gift.  You may wish to let us know of your experiences, good or bad, when dealing with these companies.  Follow the Insurance Companies link for details.

 

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

If you are a UK resident, you are entitled to medical treatment that becomes necessary, at reduced cost or sometimes free, when temporarily visiting a European Union (EU) country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

Only treatment provided under the state scheme is covered. However, to obtain treatment you will need to take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. Please note: Not all UK residents are covered in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

Important changes to healthcare cover in Europe

 

The EHIC has replaced the old E111. From 1 January 2006, E111s are no longer valid. The quickest and easiest way to get an EHIC is to apply online.

 

Travel Insurance

Remember that the EHIC won't cover you if getting medical treatment is the main purpose of your trip. You are advised to take out comprehensive private insurance for visits to all countries, regardless of whether you are covered by your EHIC.

Applying For A Card

In order to apply ensure you have the NHS or National Insurance Number, Surname/Family Name, Forenames and Date of Birth of each applicant.

You can apply for an EHIC, free of charge:

On line at www.ehic.org.uk

  • By calling 0845 606 2030
  • By post; To apply by post, pick up the EHIC form and pre-addressed envelope from the Post Office.
  • If you need more information about your EHIC application, call the EHIC Enquiries Line on 0845 605 0707 or write to the EHIC Enquiries service.

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