Travel Advice for Lung Cancer Patients
Planning Your Trip
Holidaying with lung cancer may require some extra planning, but it’s well worth the effort for the joy and relaxation it can bring. Speak to your cancer care team to ensure you’re fit for the journey. They can provide a health status letter, crucial for insurance claims and accessing healthcare abroad.
Booking Through a Travel Agent
When planning your holiday, think about booking through a travel agent, especially if you're concerned about the possibility of needing to cancel your trip. Our members have found that using a travel agent can significantly simplify the cancellation process. While good medical travel insurance is crucial, managing cancellations on your own can be a complex and time-consuming administrative task. A travel agent can handle these difficulties on your behalf, often making it easier to recover your travel costs without the hassle. This service can be particularly valuable for anyone dealing with health uncertainties, ensuring that you can book your holiday with greater peace of mind.
Medication Management
Pack an up-to-date prescription list and necessary medical documents if you’re travelling with injections or controlled substances. Keep your medications in your hand luggage to avoid loss. Check the regulations for medication entry into your destination country to avoid issues at customs. You can find more information about taking medications in or out of the UK HERE. If you're on medications that increase sun sensitivity, remember to take appropriate sun safety measures.
SUN SAFETY
Some lung cancer treatments can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sun damage. Here are important tips to protect yourself when travelling to sunny destinations:
Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Make sure to reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
Protective Clothing: Wear a sun hat, long sleeves, and clothing with a UV protection factor (UPF). Don’t forget to cover often-overlooked areas such as the tops of your ears, the backs of your hands, and your toes. Sleeves with SPF can also provide additional protection.
Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek shade whenever possible.
Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids to help your body cope with the heat.
Consult Your Healthcare Team: Speak with your healthcare team about any additional precautions you should take based on your specific treatment and destination.
Travel Options for Lung Cancer Patients
Choosing the right mode of transport is crucial. If you've had lung surgery or suffer from chronic conditions, consider alternatives to flying. Travelling by train, car, or boat might be safer and more comfortable, avoiding the complications of high altitude.
Staying Healthy on Holiday
Maintain your medication regimen meticulously. Due to weakened immunity, some lung cancer patients may need to avoid live vaccines like yellow fever and MMR. Consult with a travel health specialist to ensure all necessary precautions and safe alternatives are arranged for your destination.
Navigating Time Zones with Lung Cancer
Adjusting your medication schedule across different time zones can be tricky. Plan this adjustment with your healthcare provider before your trip to ensure continuity in your treatment.
Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
For UK residents travelling in the EU, the GHIC provides access to state healthcare at reduced costs but does not cover all medical or repatriation costs. Complement this with a comprehensive travel insurance plan to cover additional health issues not included under GHIC.
Emergency Planning
Carry enough medication for your trip plus extra in case of delays, and always have a written summary of your medical condition and treatment details. This should include contact information for your doctors, details about your diagnosis and a medication schedule to assist any local healthcare providers if necessary.
Travel Insurance for Lung Cancer Patients
Navigating travel insurance when you have lung cancer might seem daunting, but it’s entirely doable with the right guidance. Here are essential tips to help you secure a policy that suits your needs, enabling you to travel with confidence:
UNderstanding “TeRMINAL” status in insurance terms
Clarification on 'Terminal' Diagnosis
When seeking travel insurance, it's important to understand how insurers define "terminal." In most cases, this term refers to patients who are expected to live for 12 months or less, although some policies may specify a shorter period, such as 6 months. This definition can significantly impact the type of coverage available and the benefits you might be eligible to claim.
securing insurance with a terminal diagnosis
For patients with a terminal diagnosis, securing travel insurance requires careful consideration. It's crucial to:
Disclose your prognosis honestly to ensure that the policy you purchase fully covers your needs without any disputes arising from undisclosed information.
Seek out specialised insurers who provide coverage for terminal conditions and are familiar with the needs of terminally ill travellers.
Understand policy details, particularly those related to medical repatriation and trip cancellation, to ensure that these aspects are adequately covered in case of a health-related travel disruption.
Advice for Non-Terminal Patients
If your prognosis extends beyond 12 months, you have broader options. It's essential to:
Communicate clearly with insurers about your health status and expected needs.
Compare different policies to find one that respects your longer-term prognosis and covers potential health-related issues during travel.
Resources for Support
Navigating travel insurance with a terminal or serious prognosis can be challenging. Consider consulting with organisations that specialise in support for cancer patients, or speak with a financial advisor who understands the nuances of insurance for serious medical conditions.
Choosing Your Insurer
Seek insurers that specialise in travel insurance for medical conditions, particularly if you are managing advanced stage lung cancer. These companies are often recommended by healthcare communities because they understand the intricacies of cancer treatments. They provide policies specifically tailored for cancer patients, ensuring you receive the coverage that matches your unique health situation.
getting your quote
Having direct discussions with insurers is generally more effective than completing online forms, especially when explaining complex conditions like EGFR+ lung cancer. Phone conversations allow you to comprehensively explain your health status and treatment regime, ensuring the policy covers all necessary aspects, particularly if you are being treated with targeted therapies.
family inclusion
When arranging your insurance, it's important not to overlook the potential benefits of including your family in your policy. While family travel insurance may not be right for everyone, it can offer significant peace of mind if it aligns with your travel plans. Such coverage ensures that your loved ones are also protected against unexpected changes in travel plans due to your health conditions. Always check with your insurer about the availability and terms of family coverage to determine if it's the right choice for your situation. Always check with your insurer about the availability and terms of family coverage to ensure comprehensive coverage for all family members.
What Should Be Covered
Ensure your policy includes provisions for cancellations and additional medical costs that might arise if your health impacts your travel plans. This coverage is vital for anyone travelling with lung cancer, ensuring you are protected against any scenario that could delay your return.
Shop Around and Compare
Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Speak with several insurers to find the best deal. Always scrutinise the fine print carefully, particularly concerning medical repatriation, which can be crucial in emergencies. Comparing different options will help you understand which policy offers the most comprehensive coverage at the best value. Look for reviews and ratings of insurance providers to gauge their service quality and reliability.
Below are some insurers you could try (we do not endorse these, and there are many others).
Insurancewith
www.insurancewith.com
Freedom Travel Insurance
www.freedominsure.co.uk
AllClear Travel Insurance
www.allcleartravel.co.uk
Saga 50+ Travel Insurance
www.saga.co.uk