Author: Emma Mayo

It might be predicted that it would be hard to get life or private medical insurance once diagnosed with cancer – but travel insurance? Well that is exactly what has been happening, as the charity Cancerbackup has revealed.

Its survey found that 9 out of 10 people suffering from cancer found it either difficult or impossible to get travel insurance, and 7 out of 10 people found the experience of trying to get travel insurance distressing. This didn’t just apply to people suffering from cancer at the time of application, but also people that had been diagnosed in the past and were now cancer-free.

7 out of the 10 people surveyed were completely fit to travel, but they were still quoted very high premiums if they were not rejected at the offset. As a consequence, one in 20 of the people surveyed decided to travel without getting insured first – not a recommended action. However, the other option is not ideal either, as one in 10 people cancelled a trip because they were not able to get travel insurance.

Some travel insurance companies will not even consider people that have suffered from cancer, basically putting a blanket ban on the whole matter. Other will insure, but at vastly inflated prices. Considering that travel insurance covers a whole host of potential situations such as lost or stolen items and flight cancellations, it seems very unfair to force cancer sufferers into this difficult position.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has pointed out that travel insurance is available for cancer sufferers, although perhaps not with the mainstream, cheaper companies. The Cancer Research website directs people towards insurers that specialise in these areas, companies like A and B. They may specialise, but they’re not cheap, as this example shows: a 48 year old woman who has suffered from breast cancer within the 5 years previous to making the application would be charged £248.70 with Company B for 17 days worldwide cover. Compare that to a woman of the same age with no medical issues and the premiums fall to just £20 for a cheap policy.

The cost of the travel insurance for the cancer sufferer could potentially be more than the cost of the flight – so of course anyone diagnosed with cancer has to wonder if it really is worth buying, and taking a gamble instead.

The ABI does not recommend this course of action, and suggests that people that have been diagnosed with cancer try out the specialist insurers. Company A agree – saying that in a time of difficulty when morale is low, a holiday is often just what is needed. As a spokesperson for the company said, “Being refused insurance can have a terrible impact on their morale.”

A spokesperson for a charity has also added to the discussion, pointing out that with over one million people that have been diagnosed with cancer at some point, the issue is only going to get worse. They also said: “The insurance industry needs to recognise that not all cancers are the same and treat people accordingly.”

The ABI has offered to discuss the issue with the charity. Perhaps they will look into the issue to see if cancer sufferers are being treated unfairly. They will also be wanting to make sure that cancer sufferers are not diverted from getting insured as a result of Cancerbackup’s survey results.

In the meantime, we advise cancer sufferers not to give up, and to look on the Internet for specialist companies that can help. The Cancerbackup website (www.cancerbackup.org.uk) and Cancer Research website (www.cancerresearchuk.org/) both contain lots of useful information.

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