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A Guide to Travel Insurance for Cancer Patients

When you have cancer, what can travel insurance cover?

The benefits you receive depends on the type of plan you buy. You can see all available travel insurance plans here , or get a quote to easily compare plans and pricing. That being said, here are some of the situations in which travel insurance can protect cancer patients.

• You have to cancel your trip because of your cancer diagnosis. Trip cancellation benefits can reimburse you for pre-paid, nonrefundable travel expenses if you must cancel your trip for a covered reason. One common covered reason is when you or your travel companion suffer an illness, injury, or medical condition that’s disabling enough to make a reasonable person cancel their trip. Remember that a doctor must advise you (or your traveling companion) to cancel your trip before you cancel it — or, if that’s impossible, within 72 hours of the decision to cancel.
• You have to cut your trip short because your illness gets worse. If you’re already on your trip, and you become too ill to travel, trip interruption benefits can reimburse you for your unused, pre-paid and nonrefundable travel expenses. This benefit can also pay reasonable transportation expenses to continue your trip or return home. It can even pay additional accommodation and transportation expenses (up to the stated limit) if the interruption forces you to remain at your destination for longer than you’d planned.
• You suffer an unexpected medical emergency while traveling. Emergency medical/dental benefits can reimburse you for the cost of emergency medical care you receive while traveling for a sudden, unexpected illness, injury, or medical condition that could cause serious harm if it is not treated. The key words here are sudden and unexpected . Travel insurance can’t cover your medical emergency if it’s an expected complication of your cancer diagnosis or treatment.

Also, please understand that travel insurance can’t pay for planned medical expenses if you travel overseas to obtain treatment for cancer (or any other condition). Travel insurance will not pay for any non-emergency care, elective care, long-term care or experimental treatments, among other exclusions listed in your policy.

How can travel insurance help if a family member is diagnosed with cancer?

What if someone in your family is diagnosed with cancer right before you’re about to leave on a week-long vacation? There’s no way you’re going to leave their side — but your resort’s cancellation policy says clearly that no refunds will be given.

In situations like this, travel insurance can help. If a family member who’s not traveling with you develops an illness, injury, or medical condition that’s considered life-threatening or requires hospitalization, that can be a covered reason for trip cancellation. The same is true for trip interruption — if you’re already on your trip when a family member becomes seriously ill, then trip interruption benefits can pay for your transportation home, as well as reimbursing you for unused trip costs.

Read more: How Travel Insurance Covers Family Members

What if you’re diagnosed with cancer after you purchase travel insurance?

Let’s say you book a Mediterranean cruise for yourself and your spouse to celebrate your 25th wedding anniversary. You also purchase travel insurance to protect the trip. Six months later, a routine mammogram detects a lump in your breast, and you’re diagnosed with stage-2 breast cancer. You must undergo surgery and radiation, which means you won’t be able to go on your long-awaited cruise.

Travel insurance with trip cancellation benefits can be invaluable in situations like this, when you’re facing a cancer diagnosis. If your symptoms (or the side effects of treatment) are disabling enough to make you cancel your trip, and if your doctor advises you to cancel it, then trip cancellation benefits can reimburse you for your prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses. That way, you can reschedule the cruise for after you’ve recovered — and the sea breezes will be even sweeter.

Related Articles

• Travel Emergency Medical Insurance Explained
• Travel Insurance with Emergency Medical Benefits
• Travel Insurance 101: Covered Illnesses

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04 Feb Travel Insurance for Cancer Patients: What Does it Cover, and How Does it Work?

Planning an upcoming trip you might want to double-check your travel insurance coverage before you hit the road..

Recently in a story by the LA Times , Kathy Mutchler described her experience with the travel insurance company the Good Sam Club. Kathy pays $89.99 annually for the TravelAssist program, which says it covers medical evacuations if suitable care isn’t available locally. Kathy assumed that when she needed to be airlifted out of a Mammoth Lakes RV park after being diagnosed with a severe kidney infection, she was covered. Imagine her surprise when she received a $71,000 air ambulance bill, and a notice from Good Sam that her medical evacuation was not covered by their insurance. While many travel insurance policies allow policy- holders to bypass prior approval in emergencies, Kathy’s plan didn’t include this language. Since she didn’t get prior approval for her air ambulance (while she was barely able to stand due to her kidney infection), Kathy’s evacuation wasn’t covered by Good Sam.

Luckily for Kathy, her primary insurer Blue Cross did cover her medical evacuation. Kathy avoided that bill, but do you know what your travel insurance covers? If you or your loved one is dealing with a cancer diagnosis, leveraging this coverage can make traveling more affordable and secure, but should be used carefully. Whether you’re a policy-holder or in the market for travel insurance, read on to learn more about how these policies work.

What is travel insurance?

Travel-related insurance covers financial, medical, or other unforeseen expenses you run into while traveling. You can usually buy insurance when you book a trip to last for the duration of the tip. Some policies, like Kathy’s, are tailored for people looking for more long-term plans. You can purchase travel insurance from travel agents, travel insurance companies, or travel suppliers like cruise lines.

What does travel insurance cover?

Benefits vary widely by plan and insurance company, but travel insurance policies often cover:

• Travel Delay
• Trip Cancellation
• Loss, theft, or damage to personal possessions
• Medical & Dental expenses
• Emergency evacuation
• Oversees funeral expenses
• Accidental death, injury, or disablement
• Legal assistance
• Death of an immediate family member
• Personal liability and rental car damage

Your cancer diagnosis may be considered a pre-existing condition. Most travel insurance policies treat a cancer diagnosis as a pre-existing condition, which is often defined as an injury, illness, or medical condition, that within 120 days before you purchase your policy:

• Caused you to seek medical examination, diagnosis, care, or treatment from a doctor
• Presented symptoms; or
• Required you to take medication prescribed by a doctor (unless that condition or symptom is controlled by the medication prescribed)

You can likely apply for a waiver which allows you to be covered for losses caused by your cancer diagnosis or treatment, usually called a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver , if your diagnosis fits this definition. Insurance policies and waivers vary by insurer, but benefits often include:

• Reimbursing pre-paid, nonrefundable expenses if you have to cancel your trip because your illness worsens or requires additional treatment.
• Reimbursing pre-paid, nonrefundable expenses if you have to end your trip early due to an illness worsening.
• Reimburse you for emergency medical care if you suffer a cancer-related medical emergency while traveling.

There are often limits to this coverage. Travel insurance is designed to cover unforeseen costs, so, for example, if you wait until you suffer an injury while oversees, you likely won’t find medical coverage. These policies tend to cover specific situations, events, or losses, so it’s important to read your policy carefully. Some travel insurance policies don’t cover individuals with pre-existing conditions (which could include a cancer diagnosis), or people over 70 years old.

How does travel insurance work?

Most of the time, travel insurance reimburses you for covered costs after you file a claim and that claim is approved. Claim processes vary by company, but you’ll have to provide proof of your covered loss or expense. While waiting for reimbursement, you will likely have to pay to accommodate your unexpected travel delay or medical expense. In some situations, (unfortunately not Kathy’s), travel insurance companies pay emergency medical expenses up front.

Tips for Buying and Using Travel Insurance

• Buy early: The earlier to buy travel insurance, the longer you’re covered if your trip is delayed, cancelled, or disrupted before you leave. Usually, the best time to buy travel insurance is right after you’ve made your travel arrangements. Some policies require you to purchase insurance within a certain window (often 14 days) after making travel plans to qualify for special benefits, like coverage for pre-existing conditions.
• Read your plan carefully: As Kathy’s story shows, it pays to know exactly what situations your plan covers. Do you need pre-approval for medical services or hotel accommodations? Receipts of purchases for claims to be filed once you get home? Read your plan carefully before you start your trip to avoid unexpected bills.
• Call your insurance company when you need help: Many insurance companies have 24-hour hotlines for policy holders, so give your insurance company a call if you’re faced with an unexpected expense and are unsure about coverage. Representatives can explain your benefits and help you deal with your unexpected costs.

Make sure to research your plan carefully before purchasing— without her Blue Cross coverage, Kathy’s RV trip would have cost her $71,000.

For more information about health insurance coverage, visit https://TriageCancer.org/HealthInsurance .

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• Dangers of Fixed Indemnity Plans: But Not in the Eyes of the Court
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• Is Short-Term Insurance the Solution?
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Cancer Travel Insurance

We can provider cover for all types of cancer, including:

• Breast cancer
• Skin cancer
• Prostate cancer

Going on holiday should be a time of excitement, but if you’re diagnosed with cancer, it can also bring a unique set of challenges. Having the right Travel Insurance can make all the difference in reducing your worries before your trip.

Specialist Travel Insurance for people with cancer

Travel Insurance for Cancer is a specific type of Travel Insurance for people who are living with cancer. Whether you’re currently a cancer patient or are in remission, we cover all stages and most types of cancer.

• 50% of people who are diagnosed with cancer go on to live 10 years or longer . This means if you currently have, or have previously lived with cancer, you may have many more opportunities for adventures.
• Data from cancer charity Macmillan has shown that Travel Insurance is one of the biggest concerns for people living with cancer. Our job is to help you know you’re protected if unexpected issues arise.

If you are planning to go abroad and you’re living with cancer, you might need a little extra support, which is where Travel Insurance for Cancer comes in. This will ensure you’re not left without vital medications if you lose your luggage, and that in the event of an unexpected hospital trip, you’re not left with a big medical bill.

What cover does AllClear’s Cancer Travel Insurance provide?

What’s covered?

• Medical expenses – We can cover any emergency medical treatment you need while travelling, including if it relates to pre-existing medical conditions you’ve declared.
• Medical aids – You can travel with confidence because we’ll protect all your important medical equipment and accessories from loss or damage.
• Medication – If you lose your medication, we will help you get a replacement as soon as possible.
• Repatriation – This covers the cost of emergency medical transport back to the UK.
• Lost luggage – We will pay out if your baggage is stolen or damaged. This way, you can replace your important items and enjoy your holiday.
• Cancellation and curtailment – Provides cover if you have to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency or reasons beyond your control.
• Travel disruption – We will help you cover alternative transport or accommodation if your travel plans are disrupted, so you can continue your journey smoothly.

What’s not covered?

• Medical conditions you fail to declare – You need to declare all your medical conditions that fall within the medical warranty when you buy Travel Insurance so we can provide you the right cover. 
• High-risk activities – Some activities are not covered by our standard Travel Insurance. However, extra protection is available for an additional premium
• Missed departure within your control – While we know that things can go wrong, you won’t be covered if you miss your transport for an issue within your control.
• Deciding not to travel – We offer cancellation cover for specific reasons, such as illness, injury or bereavement. For full details please see your policy documents.

Find our different products below. We have three to choose from, Gold, Gold Plus and Platinum

If you’d like some help choosing which is best for you, give us a call .

SWIPE TO COMPARE POLICIES

* If you buy a policy which includes cancellation cover. / All these figures are per person and per trip.

What types and stages of cancer are covered by AllClear’s Travel Insurance?

Types of cancer covered.

We can offer Travel Insurance for all types of cancer, including:

• Lung cancer
• Bowel cancer
• Brain cancer
• Metastatic cancer

If you don’t see your cancer type listed above, that doesn’t mean we can’t cover it. The best way to get an answer is to give us a call.

Stages of cancer covered

We can cover you during every stage of your journey, from the initial diagnosis, through chemotherapy and radiation therapy to remission .

As you proceed through the medical screening process, we will gather all the information needed to offer a quote for your specific circumstances.

How to get Travel Insurance when you have cancer

As we’re a Specialist Medical Travel Insurance provider ,  the first step towards getting a quote is completing the medical screening process. 

This medical screening process is a set of questions we’ll ask you about your cancer, and any other pre-existing medical conditions you might have. Some questions we may ask include:

• What age were you when you were diagnosed? 
• Are you currently undergoing treatment or is any planned? 
• Has the cancer spread to other parts of the body?

The answers provided during the medical screening process can have a significant impact on your Cancer Travel Insurance. We’ll use the information you give and your unique medical history to provide the best cover for your trip. 

We won’t be able to cover you for costs relating to any medical issues that aren’t declared during the screening process. This is why it’s important to provide accurate information at this stage, so we can keep you protected and you don’t end up out of pocket for any unexpected costs.

AllClear’s Cancer Travel Insurance with other pre-existing medical conditions

At AllClear, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to travel.

If you’ve got a secondary or additional pre-existing condition in addition to cancer, we can help cover your travel plans. We can cover over 1,300 different conditions, and we’ve helped more than 3.5 million people get cover for their trips. 

If you have another condition, you must also declare it during the medical screening process. Remember that we define a pre-existing medical condition as any condition you have:

• Been to a hospital, clinic, or GP surgery to have medical treatment diagnosed or advised within the last two years. This also applies to remote consultations, either on the phone or through an app.
• Been placed on a waiting list which might mean you’ll have to miss your trip.
• Been told they have a terminal illness.

Examples of other pre-existing medical conditions we cover include:

• Heart Conditions – We cover all cardiovascular issues affecting heart function, including high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation . We’ll also provide cover if you have a pacemaker .
• Respiratory problems – This includes conditions that are linked with, or cause breathing difficulties, like asthma and COPD . 
• Chronic illnesses – Nearly 95% of adults 60 and older are living with at least one chronic condition. We cover issues like Crohn’s disease , diabetes , gallstones and other long-lasting concerns.
• Musculoskeletal conditions – Conditions that affect your bones, muscles, and joints, including back problems , osteoarthritis and osteoporosis .
• Neurological conditions – Disorders affecting the brain and nervous system, including strokes , epilepsy and multiple sclerosis .

Find the best Travel Insurance for your trip

Each trip will be slightly different if you’re travelling with cancer, so you might need a different policy depending on your travel plans.

• Heading off on a once-in-a-lifetime trip? Our Single Trip Travel Insurance will cover you for a single trip of up to 365 consecutive days. 
• Planning multiple trips abroad? Our Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance has you covered, no matter how many trips you do this year. 
• Big family holiday? Our Family Travel Insurance can cover the entire family (up to 10 people), in a single policy meaning that there’s less paperwork and more time for fun. 
• Taking a cruise? We’ve got you covered, with Cruise Insurance that protects you against things like cabin confinement, missed departures and even unused excursions.
• Golfing holiday? Our Golf Travel Insurance covers your clubs and insures you against unused Green Fees.
• Planning a staycation? You’re covered against medical fees, but what about other problems? Luckily, our UK Travel Insurance insures you against any cancelled accommodation or lost luggage.

How our Travel Insurance for Cancer Patients works: A simple 3 step quote process

Our 3-step quote process is quick and simple and designed to provide you with comprehensive worldwide cover.

Here’s how it works.

1. Get a quote online or by phone

Once you’re ready to start the quote process, the first step is to provide your personal details and information about your holiday and travel plans. This can be completed over the phone with one of our team members or online.

  Get your quote

2. Complete our simple medical screening process

You’ll need to declare that you have cancer, along with any other medical conditions you have. You may also need to provide information about any medications you and your travel companions are taking. Be sure to answer all our medical questions and tell us everything we need to know about your current health. 

This way, we can provide the cover that best suits your needs.

3. Get your quote

You’ll then get your quote(s) and can either proceed to buy or save your quote at this stage.

“Whether you’re living with cancer or are in remission, we’re here to help you travel with confidence. Our comprehensive Cancer Travel Insurance will keep you covered while you travel so you’re protected against any unexpected costs. With flexible, tailored policies to suit your needs, we’ll make sure you’re not left out of pocket, whatever issues could come up.”

Letitia Smith – Travel Insurance expert

What our customers say

“My husband has cancer which has metastasised and we wanted insurance for a week away. The man that arranged it for us was extremely helpful and talked us through everything. He gave me a reference number, I then booked the holiday and he rang back and we completed the booking. It was stress free, just what we needed.”

Mrs Anne Bedford

Date of experience: 15 January 2024

There’s a reason we’re the UK’s most trusted Travel Insurance provider 2 .

What our Customers Say

Frequently asked questions on cancer travel insurance, how much is travel insurance for cancer patients.

The cost of Travel Insurance for Cancer patients will change depending on your unique set of circumstances. The nature of your cancer, what stage it is at, whether or not you’re in active treatment, and if your cancer is expected to be or is currently in remission. All of this will alter the quote for your Travel Insurance. 

Here are a few other things that will also change your quote premium.

• Your destination: Some places carry a greater risk of you needing to claim or a more expensive health care system.
• Activities: While we cover some activities as standard, you’ll need to pay an additional premium to take part in others.
• Trip length: The longer you’re away, the greater the odds of a claim, and hence, the impact on the policy premium.
• Additional cover: You may want to include extra cover for a special type of holiday, such as a cruise or golfing holiday.

Do you need to declare previous cancer for Travel Insurance?

Yes, you need to declare any cancer that you have had medical treatment, consultation or check ups for in the last 2 years during the medical screening process . This still applies, even if your cancer has been in remission for years. This covers things like skin cancer and prostate cancer too. Even if your cancer has been in remission for years, you are still required to declare it during the medical screening process.

If you don’t declare all your pre-existing medical conditions, you may find that your policy becomes invalid, leaving you out of pocket for any unexpected medical costs while abroad, as well as any other holiday mishaps, like lost luggage, delays or cancellations.

Does skin cancer affect Travel Insurance?

Yes, having skin cancer will affect your Travel Insurance. Skin cancer counts as a pre-existing medical condition, and should be declared during the medical screening process . Even if your skin cancer has been in remission for years, it’s important to disclose it or you may find that your policy becomes invalidated.

How does medical screening for cancer impact your Travel Insurance cover?

Medical screening is an important step when buying Travel Insurance, as this lets your provider know what sort of cancer you have, and what sort of treatment you will or might need. If we have any specific cancer-related exclusions, you are not covered for any claims related to the cancer or its treatment.

What if you’re in remission from cancer?

50% of people diagnosed with cancer in England and Wales survive their disease for ten years . You must declare your cancer and that you are in remission if you have had medical treatment, consultation or check ups for it in the last 2 years.

What if your cancer is undiagnosed?

We can’t cover undiagnosed conditions.  So, we won’t be able to cover you for cancer if you’re in the middle of a diagnosis. We will, however, be able to cover you for other pre-existing medical conditions or issues on your trip. You just wouldn’t be covered for any treatment or costs relating to the undiagnosed health condition.

Is a GHIC card enough to cover you when travelling if you have cancer?

The UK Government recommends that you always have the correct level of Travel Insurance for the country you are visiting . It’s important to note that the GHIC covers you for some emergency medical bills in participating European countries. It won’t, however, cover you for other needs, like transport to and from the hospital. 

The GHIC also does not cover any other unexpected costs that might come up, such as lost baggage, delays or cancellations.

Get the most out of your trips with our helpful guides

Where are you visiting?

Explore our helpful guides for tips. They’ll help you remember everything you need when travelling to one of the below destinations.

What activities do you have planned?

Whether you’re planning a golfing holiday or setting sail on a cruise, remember to add the cover you need to your policy for a worry-free trip.

• United Kingdom
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Golf Travel Insurance

2 Based on Trustpilot reviews of all companies in the Travel Insurance Company category that have over 50,000 reviews as of February 2024.

Written by: Letitia Smith | Travel Insurance Expert Last Updated: 12 April 2024

3 - Based on Trustpilot reviews of all companies in the Travel Insurance Company category that have over 40,000 reviews as of September 2023.

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Getting travel insurance

Travel insurance is very important for people who have or have had cancer. 

You have travel insurance to help you get compensation for anything that might go wrong with your travel. This usually means anything from having to cancel your trip, to losing your suitcases. But the most important part is the medical expenses cover.

Suppose you’re going to a country with high medical costs and you need to be flown back in an emergency. Without medical expense cover, the cost to you could be huge.

On this page we look at:

Why is it so hard to get travel insurance?

Travel insurance for people with cancer.

Travel insurance if you have had cancer

Destinations and costs

Finding insurance

Healthcare abroad

Tips on what you need to know

Getting travel insurance when you have or have had cancer can be difficult.  

Insurance companies only make money from people who don't claim. Because you’ve been ill, they think you’re more likely to claim. For example, you might need to cancel your trip or have medical treatment abroad. This makes you a bigger risk to the company, and they can refuse to give you travel insurance.

But finding travel insurance is getting easier. Many insurance companies now look at individual cases rather than refusing everyone who has had cancer.

Some travel insurance companies will give you medical cover if you have a doctor’s letter saying you’re fit enough to travel. But other companies might only insure you for treatment that isn't to do with your cancer. 

So although you'll have travel insurance, it won't cover any treatment you might need because of your cancer. You'll have to pay for that yourself. 

Travel insurance that covers cancer related treatment

For emergency medical problems relating to your cancer while you’re travelling, you'll need an insurance policy that covers you for this. So you must tell the insurance company about the cancer when you apply for cover.

Whether you can get insurance, and how much it costs, will depend on your cancer type.

When you apply for travel insurance, be prepared for questions about:

• your cancer type
• how big your cancer is or was at diagnosis and whether it had spread (stage)
• the grade of your cancer
• the treatment you are having or have had
• your outlook (prognosis)
• follow up care you are having

It’s best if you have these details before you apply. Ask your doctor or specialist nurse if you're unsure about anything. They can answer your questions.

Some insurance companies specialise in policies for people with pre existing medical conditions. This includes cancer. It's worth shopping around. Try insurance brokers as well as travel insurance companies. 

Travel insurance for people who have had cancer

Many travel insurance companies will give you medical cover if you have a doctor’s certificate saying you no longer have cancer and are fit enough to travel. 

Some companies won’t offer you insurance until you’ve been cancer free for some months or even years. Be prepared for the cost to be higher if you finished treatment recently. Prices generally go down the longer you’re cancer free. 

You need to be able to claim for emergency medical care abroad. This includes treatment related to your previous cancer.

To be covered for this, you need a policy that says the insurance company will pay for emergency medical problems that are related to your cancer. Again, you must tell the insurance company your full medical history when you apply for cover. They must pay according to the policy if they agreed to cover you.

The policies of travel insurance companies vary a lot. Some offer more suitable cover than others. Be sure to shop around and check your policy carefully.

Whether you have had cancer or not, travel insurance costs vary depending on where you want to go.

The UK has mutual agreements with some countries that are not in the European Economic Area (EEA). So they may provide medical care at a lower cost or in some cases free. The NHS website has a list of these countries. It also explains briefly what:

• you’ll need to pay
• documents you need
• Find out more at the NHS website

Medical costs in the USA are very high. So it’s hard to get cover if you’re planning a holiday there.

You may not be able to get insurance for the USA if you have incurable cancer, particularly cancer that has spread. So you may need to rethink your holiday plans.

Finding travel insurance

There are different ways to look for travel insurance including:

• contacting an insurance broker
• comparison websites
• contact the money advice service

Insurance brokers An insurance broker can try to arrange a policy for you. Or they can give you a list of insurance companies with special policies for people with cancer or other medical conditions. 

Brokers make a service charge. So it’s always best to make an informal approach to a few brokers before you make a decision. Make sure you feel happy that they know what's available for people with cancer.

The British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) can suggest brokers. They can look for travel insurance policies for people with cancer.

• The British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) website

Comparison websites Other ways to look for policies would be to use comparison websites such as:

• Money Super Market
• Confused.com
• Compare the Market

Money Advice Service

Another way is to contact the Money Advice Service. They can direct you to specialist travel insurance firms that cover serious medical conditions. 

• Go to Money Advice Service

Information the travel insurance companies and brokers might want to know

Being ready with answers to questions the companies might ask will help when you contact them. They will ask about your cancer and about your holiday. 

Questions about your cancer might include:

• when you were diagnosed
• what type of cancer it is
• how advanced it is and whether it is terminal
• what treatment you have had or are having, or if you are due to start treatment
• any medicines you are taking
• any appointments you have with your GP or specialist
• symptoms you have

Questions about your holiday:

• where you want to go
• how long for
• who will be travelling with you

Questions you might want to ask include:

• How much does the insurance cover you for?
• What is the excess? Does it vary depending on what you are claiming for, for example a medical claim or lost luggage
• Are you and whoever you are travelling with covered if you cancel?
• Is there anything it doesn’t cover?
• Depending on the situation some people might want to know if it would cover them if they died and their family wanted to get them home to bury them
• How much is the travel insurance policy?

Healthcare in Europe

The UK has now left the European Union (EU). This means there are changes to the healthcare agreements between the UK and EU countries.

To be able to receive state provided healthcare when visiting an EU country . You should hold either a: 

• UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
• UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

These cards mean you can get necessary healthcare free or at a reduced cost in the EU country you are visiting. This is healthcare that cannot wait until you get home. It means you’ll have the same care as a citizen of the country you’re visiting. Remember, the cards might not cover everything you'd get in the NHS. This is because each healthcare system is different.

Ask where you are being referred to. Sometimes people are sent to a private practice or hospital. If this happens, you may not be covered for the costs of care unless you have travel medical insurance. If you have insurance, check the terms and conditions of the policy before agreeing to any treatment.

If you still hold a valid EHIC card you can use this until it expires. You will then need to apply for a UK GHIC. The EHIC will still be around but will only apply to some UK residents and is now replaced with the new UK EHIC card. To see if you should apply for a new UK EHIC card find out more on the NHS website.

• Visit the NHS website for information about the new UK EHIC card

The guide below gives you information on the different healthcare arrangements and systems in countries abroad.

• Guide to healthcare in countries abroad

The UK EHIC and UK GHIC doesn't cover the cost of any medical treatment that you planned in advance, only for unexpected needs. But if you need continued treatment for an ongoing illness while you're abroad, such as regular injections, the UK EHIC or UK GHIC covers this.

The UK EHIC or UK GHIC doesn’t always cover the full cost of treatment. For instance, it won’t cover the cost of getting you home in an emergency. So it’s important to have the right travel insurance even when travelling in the EU.

You still need a UK EHIC or UK GHIC because your insurance company might not cover the cost of treatment that the card covers. If you try to claim in full, they might say you should have had the UK EHIC or UK GHIC. 

It does not cover you if you are on a cruise. And it doesn’t cover the cost of flying you home.

Visiting Ireland

If you're a resident in the UK, you can get healthcare that cannot wait until you get home (necessary healthcare) from state healthcare services in Ireland during your visit. This includes medically necessary treatment for a pre-existing or chronic condition. Some treatments will need to be pre-arranged with the relevant healthcare provider in Ireland, for example chemotherapy. But you will still need travel insurance.

• Guidance on how to get healthcare when visiting Ireland

Europe beyond the EU:

Some countries within the European region do not accept the UK EHIC or UK GHIC, these are:

• the Channel Islands, including Guernsey, Alderney and Sark
• the Isle of Man
• the Vatican
• Guidance for Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

The UK has an agreement with a number of non-EU countries so that people from the UK can receive urgent care. Usually, only immediate medical treatment is free of charge. This includes places such as:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Faroe Islands
• Isle of Man
• Bosnia and Herzegovina, Faroe Islands, Isle of Man and Jersey

Medical care on cruise ships is quite expensive. You should have travel insurance to cover any medical care costs. If you require additional medical care that cannot be provided on board the ship, you will be transferred to medical facilities on land. What you are covered for depends on the country the cruise ship drops you in. So, it is not a good idea to rely on the UK EHIC or UK GHIC. You need medical care cover for anywhere that the ship could stop in. This includes unscheduled stops.

• Apply for the new UK-issued EHIC or UK GHIC online

Tips on what you need to know before you look for insurance

• Many insurance companies have exclusions on their policies for people who have medical conditions such as cancer.
• If you had cancer in the past, you still need to tell the insurance company about it. You must declare all existing and pre existing conditions. Otherwise the insurance company might say you misinformed them and may not pay out.
• Regular high street travel insurance companies will not cover you if you have a terminal illness or if you aren't fit to travel.
• Get a letter from your doctor saying that you are fit to travel, even if you haven’t had any treatment for some time. It’s always best to get advice from your doctor before going abroad.
• You’ll need an updated doctor’s certificate every time you travel if you have an annual or multi trip policy.
• Start by making informal enquiries. Some companies might ask if you’ve been refused insurance before. If you’ve only made informal enquiries, this won’t affect any applications you make.
• As a condition of covering you, some insurance companies insist that you also get their travel insurance for everyone travelling with you.
• Always check a policy carefully. Make sure it covers everything you might need. Such as getting you home if you become unwell whilst abroad.
• Check the cost of insurance (premium) as well as the excess and whether there is a separate excess for everyone travelling.

Related links

Travelling abroad.

Travelling abroad when you have cancer might not affect where or how you travel. But sometimes you could have a few extra things to think about.

Coping practically

Get information on coping with practical matters such as money and travel, as well as treatment for overseas visitors.

Travel tips

Plan a safe and pleasant journey with these travel tips for people who have cancer, are having treatment, or are recovering from treatment.

Travelling with cancer main page

Travelling when you have cancer or treatment might need some extra planning. Find out how cancer can affect travelling in the UK and abroad and get plenty of tips to make it easier.

It’s a worrying time for many people and we want to be there for you whenever - and wherever - you need us. Cancer Chat is our fully moderated forum where you can talk to others affected by cancer, share experiences, and get support. Cancer Chat is free to join and available 24 hours a day.

Visit the Cancer Chat forum

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Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK

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Talk to other people affected by cancer

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Travel & Travel Insurance after a Cancer Diagnosis

Written by Fiona Macrae on 6th February, 2024

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Fiona Macrae, founded the travel insurance brand Insurancewith when she struggled to get travel insurance after her own cancer diagnosis in 2005. Fiona founded Insurancewith with the aim of providing people with medical conditions such as cancer a fair and affordable travel insurance policy to cover their upcoming holidays.

A cancer diagnosis can turn your world upside down, and treatment for cancer can be exhausting both physically and mentally, so it is understandable that many people’s thoughts after a diagnosis turn to holidays and those precious breaks become all the more important. However, it can feel like those carefree days of packing a suitcase and jumping on a plane are gone, but be reassured, they are not! They just need a bit more planning, and below are my tips for planning a holiday post cancer diagnosis.

Travel Check list:

• Speak to your GP or treating team to ensure you are fit to travel, your travel insurance will not cover you if you travel against medical advice.
• If you are asking for assistance at the airport or on the plane, it is advisable to request a fit to fly letter from your GP or treating team. They can take up to 4 weeks to arrange so make sure it is organised in plenty of time.
• Visit a travel agent or tour operator and speak about appropriate holidays for you – make sure the destination, airline and hotel are suitable for your needs. Consider things like length of flight, can you get a direct flight, quality of health care in the country you are travelling to and will you need any inoculations (you can’t have live ones for 6 months after chemo).
• Consider if you will need to request assistance while travelling, and if you will need disability access when you are abroad. If you do require assistance, make sure it is booked well in advance, it might not be available if you leave it until the last minute.
• Look into medical facilities and pharmacies close to your holiday destination and make sure you know where the closest one is for you.
• Travelling while taking cancer treatment – Are you travelling with antibiotics? If you are taking prophylactic antibiotics with you, that your treating team have already prescribed, check they are still in date and request a fresh prescription if required.
• Speak to the Country’s embassy or check the Foreign and Commonwealth website ( https://www.gov.uk/take-medicine-in-or-out-uk ) to make sure your medication is legal in the country you are travelling to and you do not need to obtain a certificate of approval. This is especially important if you are travelling with any controlled drugs.
• Check your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is valid, if not or if you do not have a GHIC or your old European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has expired, you can renew/register for one here ( https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/ ).
• Ensure you pack any medication in your hand luggage, if it isn’t possible to pack it all in your hand luggage, split it between luggage.

It goes without saying, if you are planning a trip abroad, then you should ensure you have suitable travel insurance that also covers your medical condition. Below are some tips on looking for travel insurance after a cancer diagnosis:

• When looking at travel dates be flexible, as an example, travel insurance cover may not be available straight after surgery or treatment has finished, you may need to you may need to allow a period of recovery before insurers will consider cover.
• Looking for quotes for both single trip and annual travel insurance policies. Before being diagnosed with cancer you may have had an multi trip travel insurance policy. However, post diagnosis, particularly if you have just finished treatment or have a recent cancer diagnosis, you may only be offered a single trip policy initially.
• Do not exclude cancer cover from your travel insurance policy. Many people think, I am not going to need cancer treatment, or my cancer is not suddenly going to get worse while I’m abroad so why do I need to cover cancer? What they do not realise when they exclude cancer cover from the policy is, they are not just excluding cancer, but also anything that can be attributed to the cancer or the treatment of it. It is worth remembering, you are more likely to get issues with the side effects of your treatment than you are from your actual cancer while travelling. For example, if your take Tamoxifen (a hormone treatment for breast cancer) you are more prone to DVT, so you would be excluding cover for that. Or if you are on immunotherapy and pick up an infection, this could be attributed to your treatment, so also would not be covered, if you excluded cover for cancer on your policy.
• Ensure you have travel insurance cover for any activities you are planning to take part in. Many activities that you would consider normal to do whilst on holiday may not be covered under your travel insurance policy as standard so cross check the activities you will be taking part in against the cover offered by your travel insurance provider. Furthermore, if you are going on a holiday where you will be doing winter sports such as skiing or tobogganing, then you should look for a policy that offers winter sports cover, but again double check the activities that you will be doing against the cover provided.
• You should always take out travel insurance, where possible as soon as you have booked your holiday so you have cover should you need to cancel the holiday. If you are recently diagnosed or your diagnosis is more complex, we would always advise checking that you can get travel insurance cover to the destination you are thinking of travelling to before you book your holiday, particularly if you have just finished treatment, or if you have just changed treatments. The timing of the holiday around treatment or changes in treatment could also be relevant to whether cover would be available or not. Speak to the travel insurance provider and ask if moving holiday dates or destinations would help you to get cover.
• If you are travelling in Europe, you should always take your EHIC/GHIC Card with you. However, it must be noted that the EHIC/GHIC are not substitutes for travel insurance. Both cards will provide you with health care to the same level of a national of the European country you are visiting. But this does not mean that it is completely free; you would pay what a local resident would pay, which will differ from country to country. The EHIC/GHIC will also not cover you for repatriation back home if you are taken ill and cannot travel home as planned, which could be quite costly should you need a medical escort or air ambulance. Remember you may not be well enough just to jump on the next available flight home, and if the airline is at all concerned about your state of health, they will request a fit to fly letter from a doctor before they allow you to board the flight.
• Many people who have been diagnosed with cancer will take out a specialist medical travel insurance policy just for them and have their family on a general travel insurance policy. However, this is not advisable, should you needed to cancel the holiday due to your cancer or the treatment of it, you could make a claim for your portion of the holiday costs on your policy, but the rest of your family will not have declared your cancer to their travel insurance provider, so they would be unable to claim against their policy for the cancelled holiday.

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The above blog has been written by Fiona Macrae, who founded the travel insurance brand Insurancewith when she struggled to get travel insurance after her own cancer diagnosis in 2005. Fiona founded Insurancewith with the aim of providing people with medical conditions such as cancer a fair and affordable travel insurance policy to cover their upcoming holidays.

We are partnering with Insurancewith to help provide you with further choice when you are searching around for a travel insurance policy to suit your individual needs. You can use our code CCSENTME* to receive a discount with Insurancewith.

To receive your quote visit: https://www.insurancewith.com/quote/

Insurancewith and tifgroup are trading names of Travel Insurance Facilities Plc, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN306537. Travel Insurance Facilities Plc is registered in England No. 3220410 and registered office: 1 Tower View, Kings Hill, West Malling, ME19 4UY.

*The discount code CCSENTME offers you a 20% discount made up of our automatic 15% online discount price and an additional 5% discount against the Customer Service Centre prices. This is discounted from the core policy price before you add any additional cost of optional extensions or additional medical premium.

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• Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance for Cancer patients

A Cancer diagnosis can be life changing for you and your family. In addition to the health impact during and after treatment, it can continue to present long-term problems whenever you are required to give medical history details. Many travel insurance policies have exclusions or restrictions on Cancer and other major health conditions, leaving you with the unenviable choice of travelling with inadequate insurance or cancelling your travel plans altogether. We understand that after a Cancer diagnosis, the type and duration of treatment, plus long-term aftercare and prognosis can be very varied, which may affect the insurance cover that you require. Whether you have successfully completed all treatment; are on preventative maintenance medication following Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy or Surgery; are currently receiving treatment or are having check-ups on a 'watch & wait' basis, we have a range of policies available and our experienced Sales Consultants can guide you through the medical screening to help you choose the right cover for your needs . Every day, approximately 1,000 people will be diagnosed with Cancer in the UK. With improving treatment, more people are living with Cancer successfully in remission or maintained at a slow-progressing stage. Cancer should not prevent you from travelling overseas, so Worldwide Travel Insurance are here to help you buy cover to give you real peace of mind so you can relax knowing you're insured. Worldwide Travel Insurance offers cover at competitive rates, with low medical endorsement premiums, giving you the cover you need at an affordable cost.

To find out more about insurance options for travellers affected by Cancer conditions, please call our office UK(+44) 01892 833338 or email us .

• Product Information
• Medical Conditions
• Sports & Activities

Benefits to travellers with, or after, Cancer when buying travel insurance with us:

• We offer a Specialist Screening service over the telephone for customers in the UK with medical conditions including Cancer
• Medical screening is also available for some EU residents - please contact us for information
• For residents of other Countries, we are currently unable to screen existing medical conditions, so please contact us to discuss the policies we can offer
• In addition to our main range of comprehensive policies, we have insurance options with no age restrictions; cover for medical conditions whether long-term or recently diagnosed; cover for higher risk conditions. This enables us to assist you in finding the right cover for your individual needs
• We can cover UK and EU-based travellers with, or following, various Cancer conditions, including Breast Cancer; Prostate Cancer; Bowel Cancer; Malignant Melanoma, and other Skin Cancers; Leukaemia; Lung Cancer; Ovarian Cancer; Testicular Cancer; Bladder Cancer; Liver Cancer; Stomach Cancer.
• Our policies can also insure many associated conditions including Solar Keratosis; Pre-cancerous Cells.
• If you have Metastatic Cancer, or have had a terminal prognosis of more than 6 months, we may be able to help; contact us for information on policy options for higher risk condition
• our Sales Consultants are highly trained to provide a friendly, sympathetic and professional service.

Buy travel insurance from the experts...

• Worldwide Travel Insurance, a specialist in travel insurance and related products, has over 20yrs experience in offering high quality cover at great prices.
• All policies purchased online are emailed immediately - ideal for last-minute bookings.
• Cooling-off Period: You have 14 days following receipt of your documents during which you can obtain a full refund if you have not travelled and no claim has arisen.

Customers with Serious Medical Conditions

If you are resident in the UK, the Money & Pensions Service (MaPs) has developed a directory of specialist Travel Insurance providers to assist UK-based travellers with existing medical conditions to obtain travel insurance that is affordable. If, due to a serious medical condition, we are unable to offer cover and you are having difficulty finding suitable insurance, you can use the MaPs travel insurance Directory to find a Company that may be able to help. Go to www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk or call 0800 138 7777 (Mon to Fri 8am – 6pm).

A wide range of Insurance Policies to suit your individual needs

Our policies include:.

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Our Response to COVID-19 →

Medical Tourism

Medical tourism insurance: a guide to understanding coverage and protection.

Medical tourism has emerged as a popular option for patients who are looking for affordable and high-quality medical care outside their home country. However, one of the most significant concerns of patients considering medical tourism is the lack of understanding of insurance coverage and protection while receiving medical treatment abroad. This is where medical tourism insurance comes in handy.

Medical tourism insurance is a specialized type of insurance that provides coverage for patients who travel to another country for medical treatment. It covers various aspects of the medical journey, including pre-travel medical consultations, medical procedures, and post-treatment follow-up care. However, it is essential to consider several factors when choosing an insurance provider for medical tourism.

The first thing that patients should do is to review their current medical insurance policy to determine if it provides any coverage for medical tourism. While some policies may provide limited coverage, others may not cover medical tourism at all. Patients must also determine what medical procedures their insurance policy covers and if there are any exclusions.

If a patient's current insurance policy does not provide sufficient coverage for medical tourism, they must consider purchasing additional medical tourism insurance. It is essential to research various insurance providers, compare coverage, and read reviews before choosing a provider. Patients must also ensure that the insurance provider is licensed and regulated by the country's governing body to provide medical tourism insurance.

When purchasing medical tourism insurance, patients must consider the type of coverage provided. Some insurance providers offer comprehensive coverage, including travel and medical coverage, while others only provide medical coverage. Patients must also review the policy's terms and conditions, including deductibles, co-payments, and coverage limits. The policy should also include coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation services, which are essential in case of an emergency.

Another critical factor to consider is the insurance provider's network of healthcare providers. Patients must ensure that the insurance provider has a network of accredited hospitals and healthcare providers in the destination country. The insurance provider should also have a network of medical evacuation and repatriation services to transport patients back to their home country in case of an emergency.

Choosing the right insurance provider for medical tourism is crucial as it can make a significant difference in the quality of care and peace of mind for patients. Patients must understand their current insurance policy, research various insurance providers, and review the policy's terms and conditions before purchasing medical tourism insurance. It is essential to choose a licensed and regulated insurance provider with a network of accredited healthcare providers in the destination country.

In addition to choosing the right insurance provider, patients must also take other precautions to ensure their safety and well-being during their medical journey. Patients should research the destination country's healthcare system, medical facilities, and the medical procedures they will undergo. Patients must also follow the doctor's instructions carefully and take the prescribed medication as directed.

In conclusion, medical tourism insurance provides coverage and protection for patients seeking medical treatment abroad. Patients must carefully review their current insurance policy, research various insurance providers, and review the policy's terms and conditions before purchasing medical tourism insurance. It is essential to choose a licensed and regulated insurance provider with a network of accredited healthcare providers in the destination country. With proper research and planning, patients can have a safe and successful medical tourism experience.

To receive a free quote please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote

Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com/

It is recommended that consumers do not share their personal and confidential information on random medical tourism platforms as they may not be secure. Consumers must be cautious when disclosing their private information as some organizations may not protect their privacy and could misuse their information. Additionally, there are agencies that may prioritize their commissions over the well-being of the patients. Consumers should avoid choosing the cheapest price and instead make a thorough comparison across multiple facilitators to make an informed decision.

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The Medical Tourism Magazine (MTM), known as the “voice” of the medical tourism industry, provides members and key industry experts with the opportunity to share important developments, initiatives, themes, topics and trends that make the medical tourism industry the booming market it is today.

• Best overall
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for annual plans

How we reviewed travel insurance for seniors

Best travel insurance for seniors of may 2024.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Reaching your golden years doesn't mean your adventures have to end. In fact, in this stage of life, you'll hopefully have more time and resources to travel. But as a senior citizen, you'll want to ensure you have travel insurance that covers any health-related issues arise while you travel.

Our top picks for the best senior travel insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic trips: World Nomads Travel Insurance

Best for annual plans: Travel Guard

How we rate the best senior travel insurance companies »

Compare travel insurance for seniors

Your health gets more unpredictable as you age, which makes travel insurance more important for seniors. Unfortunately, it's also more expensive. The best travel insurance for seniors won't have too steep of a price hike compared to rates for younger travelers. It will have high coverage limits for emergency medical coverage, trip cancellations, and and emergency medical evacuation. It's also important that your travel insurance offers pre-existing condition waivers , ideally at no extra cost to the traveler. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance coverage for seniors in 2024.

Best overall: Allianz

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
• Single and multi-trip plans available
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the most widely recognized names in travel insurance, and it stands out as one of the top travel insurance providers for seniors. It offers a wide range of policies covering medical treatments overseas and emergency medical transport.

Allianz also provides options for varying trip lengths. Its annual multi-trip policies , for example, cover any trip you make during your policy period, even if they aren't yet planned, making it an excellent option for seniors who vacation multiple times per year.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for expensive trips: John Hancock

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 3 travel insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason rider available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable travel insurance premiums
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews of claims process are mixed
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers may not get specialty coverage for sports equipment and other high value items
• Trip cancellation for 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000 per person
• Medical evacuation coverage of up to $1,000,000

John Hancock Travel Insurance plans for seniors offer some of the best coverage available. It provides generous maximum benefit amounts while still offering affordable prices.

Each plan includes coverages like trip cancellation, emergency accident, and emergency medical, with the option to add benefits like CFAR (cancel for any reason) . Plus, getting a free online quote is a quick and straightforward process.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance is a great choice for active senior citizens under 70 who want comprehensive travel insurance. The key difference between World Nomads and many other providers is that it covers 200+ adventurous activities like scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing, skiing, and even bungee jumping. In addition, World Nomads' trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage includes COVID-19-related issues. Many other insurers are excluding that type of coverage now.

For adventurous senior citizens over the age of 70 years, World Nomads suggests working with its partner, TripAssure .

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard  offers comprehensive insurance plans for shorter and longer trips. One of its more unique offerings is its Travel Guard Annual Plan.

This annual travel insurance comes with standard coverage benefits (trip delay, baggage loss, etc.) and substantial coverage amounts, which is important for seniors who travel multiple times per year. Travel Guard also offers a preexisting medical condition waiver, meaning those with certain medical issues can still gain coverage.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review here.

Understanding travel insurance for seniors

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what travel insurance is and why it's particularly important for senior travelers. The best travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events affecting your trip, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Types of coverage

• Medical Coverage: Ensures your medical expenses are covered in case of illness or injury.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Provides reimbursement if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Coverage: Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal items during your trip.

Benefits of travel insurance for seniors

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered in case of emergencies can make your travel stress-free.
• Financial Protection: Shields you from potentially overwhelming medical costs and trip cancellations fees.
• Assistance Services: Many plans offer 24/7 assistance services, providing help whenever and wherever you need it.

Making the most of your plan

After choosing a plan, it's crucial to understand your policy fully and know what services are available to you in case of an emergency.

Understanding your policy

• Read the fine print and understand the claims process to avoid surprises.

Emergency assistance services

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency assistance services offered by your plan and keep all necessary contact information handy.

How to pick senior travel insurance

It's wise to compare several different travel insurance policies for the best coverage and pricing, as premiums vary widely between insurers and depend on factors like your age and travel destination.

That said, some of the more essential coverages to look for if you're a senior citizen include:

• Travel medical coverage - This coverage will pay for your medical bills outside the US.
• Medical evacuation coverage - If you're injured or become sick while traveling, this coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if your condition necessitates it.
• Preexisting conditions - Coverage for known health conditions. You'll need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time period from when you book your trip to qualify for a preexisting condition waiver .
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) - The name says it all! It'll cost extra and you'll need to purchase insurance early, but it's the most comprehensive trip cancellation coverage you can get. Note that CFAR insurance usually only covers up to 75% of your trip fees.
• Trip cancellation insurance - This coverage provides reimbursement for your prepaid and nonrefundable costs if you cannot make your trip due to an unforeseen event.
• Baggage delay insurance - This coverage will reimburse you for essentials like toiletries and clothes if your bags are delayed.
• Lost luggage insurance - This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount if your bags get lost en route.

Of these, the most critical to note are whether or not your policy covers preexisting conditions and the limits for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.

Some insurance companies offer a waiver that will cover preexisting conditions. You'll have to follow the requirements for adding a waiver to your policy, like insuring the entire cost of your trip. Or purchase the policy within a specific time after making your first trip deposit payments.

You'll also want to find a policy with high maximum limits for travel medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage. These types of expenses can be substantial, so you want to have appropriate coverage.

When comparing senior travel insurance options, we looked at the following factors to evaluate each travel insurance provider:

• Coverage limits: We looked at each travel insurance company's coverage amounts for benefits like medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
• Flexibility: We looked at how customizable a policy is, so you can choose what your travel insurance policy covers .
• Coverage for preexisting conditions: Preexisting conditions are one of the more critical factors for travel insurance for senior citizens, so we looked at travel insurance companies that offer the best coverage for preexisting conditions.
• Price: We compared travel insurance providers offering reasonable basic and comprehensive coverage rates.
• Benefits geared towards seniors: We compared travel insurance companies that offer solid coverage for senior citizens, like medical evacuation, COVID-19 coverage, and trip cancellation.

You can read more about our insurance rating methodology here.

Seniors should look for travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive medical coverage, including for preexisting conditions and emergency medical evacuation. They should also consider policies with higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection. Additionally, seniors should seek travel insurance plans that provide 24/7 assistance services, as well as coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage protection.

The cost of senior travel insurance coverage can vary depending on your age, overall health, state of residence, travel destination, and length of your trip. However, assuming all other factors are the same, you'll pay more for travel insurance at 70 than at 30.

All travel insurance companies, except World Nomads, included in this guide offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as long as you buy your policy within the qualifying period from when you placed your trip deposit.

Allianz is the best travel insurance for seniors due to its wide array of medical coverages and emergency medical transport. Allianz also offers multi-trip insurance policies , which could make sense for seniors who travel frequently.

In some instances, travel insurance companies will have age eligibility restrictions, often only insuring people 80 years old and younger.

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What consumers should know as Philips agrees to $1.1 billion CPAP settlement

Bill Chappell

The medical device maker Philips has agreed to a $1.1 billion settlement to address claims brought by thousands of people with sleep apnea who say they were injured by the company's CPAP machines. Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images hide caption

The medical device maker Philips has agreed to a $1.1 billion settlement to address claims brought by thousands of people with sleep apnea who say they were injured by the company's CPAP machines.

Millions of CPAP sleep apnea machines made by the medical device maker Philips and a subsidiary were found to have a dangerous problem, triggering consumer lawsuits and a massive recall in 2021. Now, Philips has reached a $1.1 billion deal to settle claims from people who say they were injured. A portion of the funds will also go toward medical monitoring.

Some 15 million Philips CPAP and ventilator machines worldwide are affected by the Class I recall, a designation reflecting "a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, the products will cause serious adverse health consequences or death," according to the Food and Drug Administration .

The devices were sold between 2008 and 2021 in the U.S. under the Philips Respironics brand, according to Philips' recall notice .

"Since April 2021, the FDA has received more than 116,000 MDRs [Medical Device Reports], including 561 reports of death," that were either reported or suspected to be related to problems with insulating foam in the Philips devices, the FDA said earlier this year.

"Philips and Philips Respironics do not admit any fault or liability, or that any injuries were caused by Respironics' devices," the company said as it announced the new settlement agreement.

Here's an overview of the recall and where consumers stand:

Settlement money will likely flow next year

The $1.1 billion deal — which includes $25 million for medical monitoring — stems from mediation by retired magistrate judge Diane M. Welsh, but it's not yet final, as the agreement must be filed with a federal court in Pennsylvania — a main state where the machines were produced.

Philips announced the new settlement on Monday, along with its first-quarter financial results. The Dutch-based corporation then saw its stock price vault to a likely one-day record gain, as investors welcomed news that the recall issue seems to have been resolved at a lower cost than analysts predicted.

"The remediation of the sleep therapy devices for patients is almost complete," said Roy Jakobs, CEO of parent company Royal Philips, in a statement. He added, "We do regret the concern that patients may have experienced."

"We are pleased to have reached a resolution" of personal injury claims, the plaintiffs' co-lead attorneys, Sandra L. Duggan; Kelly K. Iverson; Christopher A. Seeger; and Steven A. Schwartz, said in a joint statement to NPR.

The money will go to "users of the now-recalled CPAP and other respiratory devices who suffer from significant physical injuries," and to fund research into treating their injuries, the attorneys said. Philips says some 58,000 people have filed claims or registered for the settlement.

As for when consumers could see money from the deal, Philips said it expects to make the payments in 2025.

This isn't the only settlement

News of the personal injury settlement comes a week after Philips settled a class-action lawsuit over economic damages from the recall.

That settlement is worth a minimum of $613.3 million, including $94.4 million in attorneys' fees. It offers reimbursement to users and "payers" — e.g., insurance companies — for recalled machines they had bought or leased.

The deal was approved last Thursday by senior U.S. district judge Joy Flowers Conti in the federal Court in western Philadelphia. The judge had previously appointed Welsh to serve as mediator in the injury-related class-action suit.

Philips says it expects to pay that money out this year.

What can consumers do?

Under the financial-loss settlement, users are entitled to a $100 award if they return their recalled device by Aug. 9, 2024 — the claim deadline.

People who suspect they own or use one of the affected devices should act soon to verify that if they haven't already, the FDA says . The agency notes that Philips' recall page offers ways to check serial numbers and register a product.

A specially dedicated website is accepting claims for the financial-loss settlement , and it notes that taking part in that deal "does not affect or release any claims for personal injuries or medical monitoring relief."

Under the financial-loss settlement, users are also eligible for a payment for each recalled device they purchased, leased, or rented — and if they paid out of their own pocket to replace a recalled machine, they could be entitled to a device replacement award, according to the website.

The arrangement includes a prepaid shipping label, although the administrators also warn users to consult with their doctor before returning a device they're still using.

A similar claims process will likely emerge for the injury-related deal once its terms are finalized.

Defective machines can send particles, VOCs into airways

The recall was triggered by thousands of health complaints from CPAP users. An investigation found that a polyester-based polyurethane foam built into the devices to dampen sound and vibration also had a risk of breaking down — especially when used in warm and humid conditions.

"If the foam breaks down, black pieces of foam, or certain chemicals that are not visible, could be breathed in or swallowed by the person using the device," the FDA said.

The agency said in a letter to Philips in 2022 that the foam also "may degrade and/or emit harmful chemicals, potentially resulting in toxic and carcinogenic effects and other significant harms to device users," listing formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.

"Philips has acknowledged that, in a worst-case scenario, exposure to VOCs as a class may cause possible toxic and carcinogenic effects, as well as irritation of the respiratory tract, eyes, nose, and skin, nausea or vomiting, hypersensitivity reactions, dizziness, and headache," the FDA said.

Resulting problems "could potentially result in serious injury and may require medical intervention to prevent permanent injury," the agency said.

The plan to fix machines with the problem call for replacing the polyester-based foam with one that uses silicone as its base .

What is the current status of Philips CPAP machines?

U.S. sales of Philips' popular DreamStation and other respiratory units are currently on hold; the company says it plans to resume selling the devices once it has satisfied the terms of a consent decree with the U.S. government .

Philips also says it will continue to service units that are still in use, including by providing replacement parts.

Shots - Health News

You snooze, you lose: how insurers dodge the costs of popular sleep apnea devices.

Lawsuits against the company contend that Philips designed its CPAP machine poorly and put it on the market without appropriate warnings.

The FDA accuses Philips of not taking appropriate action about the dangers of the degrading foam in its CPAP and ventilator devices despite learning about the risk as early as 2015. That year, the FDA said in a letter to the company, a Philips subsidiary began a preventative procedure because of complaints about the foam breaking down. The agency says it learned about the matter when the FDA inspected a manufacturing plant in Murrysville, Pa., in 2021.

When asked about the 2015 revelation, a company representative said the only documentation of the issue was a single email, with other communications handled over the phone, the FDA said in its letter.

What is sleep apnea, and how much do CPAP machines cost?

Sleep apnea is a disorder that prevents people from getting enough oxygen while they're sleeping — it's often characterized by long pauses in breathing, and loud snoring. People diagnosed with the disorder rely on continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machines to keep their airways open and help them stay asleep.

Last June, the White House said President Biden was using a CPAP machine to help with sleep apnea.

Prices for many units range from around $500 to more than $1300.

"The average cost of a CPAP machine is about $800 among those we reviewed," the National Council on Aging said last year.

The recall also covers some models of Philips' more complicated BiPAP ventilators, which facilitate both inhalation and exhalation and routinely cost hundreds of dollars more.

Many apnea and ventilator devices' users also face additional costs, from replacements parts and upkeep to buying an additional machine for travel.

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Best International Travel Insurance for May 2024

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If you're planning your next vacation or trip out of the country, be sure to factor in travel insurance. Unexpected medical emergencies when traveling can drain your bank account, especially when you're traveling internationally. The best travel insurance companies for international travel can step in to provide you with peace of mind and financial protection while you're abroad.

Our top picks for the best international travel insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic travel: World Nomads Travel Insurance
• Best for trip interruption coverage: C&F Travel Insured
• Best for families: Travelex Travel Insurance
• Best for long-term travel: Seven Corners Travel Insurance

How we rate the best international travel insurance »

Compare the top international travel insurance

As a general rule, the most important coverage to have in a foreign country is travel medical insurance , as most US health insurance policies don't cover you while you're abroad. Without travel medical coverage, a medical emergency in a foreign country can cost you. You'll want trip cancellation and interruption coverage if your trip is particularly expensive. And if you're traveling for an extended period of time, you'll want to ensure that your policy is extendable. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance companies for international travel.

Best overall: Allianz

Allianz Travel Insurance  offers the ultimate customizable coverage for international trips, whether you're a frequent jetsetter or an occasional traveler. You can choose from an a la carte of single or multi-trip plans, as well as add-ons, including rental car damage, cancel for any reason (CFAR) , adventure sport, and business travel coverage. And with affordable pricing compared to competitors, Allianz is a budget-friendly choice for your international travel insurance needs. 

The icing on the cake is Allyz TravelSmart, Allainz's highly-rated mobile app, which has an average rating of 4.4 out of five stars on the Google Play store across over 2,600 reviews and 4.8 out of five stars from over 22,000 reviews on the Apple app store. So, you can rest easy knowing that you can access your policy and file claims anywhere in the world without a hassle.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

World Nomads Travel Insurance  offers coverage for over 150 specific activities, so you can focus on the adventure without worrying about gaps in your coverage. 

You can select its budget-friendly standard plan, starting at $79. Or if you're an adrenaline junkie seeking more thrills, you can opt for the World Nomads' Explorer plan for $120, which includes extra sports like skydiving, scuba diving, and heli-skiing. And World Nomads offers 24/7 assistance, so you can confidently travel abroad, knowing that help is just a phone call away. 

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Best for trip interruption: C&F Travel Insured

C&F Travel Insured offers 100% coverage for trip cancellation, up to 150% for trip interruption, and reimbursement for up to 75% of your non-refundable travel costs with select plans. This means you don't have to worry about losing your hard-earned money on non-refundable travel costs if your trip ends prematurely. 

Travel Insured also stands out for its extensive "reasons for cancellation" coverage. Unlike many insurers, the company covers hurricane warnings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Read our C&F Travel Insured review here.

Best for family coverage: Travelex

Travelex Travel Insurance offers coverage for your whole crew, perfect for when you're planning a family trip. Its family plan insures all your children 17 and under at no additional cost. The travel insurance provider also offers add-ons like adventure sports and car rental collision coverage to protect your family under any circumstance. Got pets? With Travelex's Travel Select plan, you can also get coverage for your furry friend's emergency medical and transportation expenses. 

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review here.

Best for long trips: Seven Corners

Seven Corners Travel Insurance offers specialized coverage that the standard short-term travel insurance policy won't provide, which is helpful if you're embarking on a long-term trip. You can choose from several plans, including the Annual Multi-Trip plan, which provides medical coverage for multiple international trips for up to 364 days. This policy also offers COVID-19 medical and evacuation coverage up to $1 million. 

You also get the added benefit of incidental expense coverage. This policy will cover remote health-related services and information, treatment of injury or illness, and live consultations via telecommunication. 

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review here.

How to find the right international travel insurance company 

Different travelers and trips require different types of insurance coverage. So, consider these tips if you're in the market to insure your trip. 

Determine your needs 

• Consider the nature of your travel (leisure, business, or adventure) and the associated risks (medical emergencies, trip cancellations, etc.).
• Determine your budget and the amount of coverage you require. 
• Consider the duration of your trip and the countries you'll be visiting, as some policies won't cover specific destinations. 

Research the reputation of the company 

• Look for the company's reviews and ratings from reputable sources like consumer advocacy groups and independent website reviews. 
• Check the provider's financial stability and credit ratings to ensure it can pay out claims reliably. 
• Investigate the company's claims process to ensure it can provide timely support if you need to file a claim.

Compare prices

• Get quotes from multiple providers to compare rates and coverage options.
• See if the company provides discounts or special offers to lower your cost. 
• Look at the deductible or any out-of-pocket expenses you may have to pay if you file a claim to determine if you can afford it. 

Understanding international travel insurance coverage options 

Travel insurance can be confusing, but we're here to simplify it for you. We'll break down the industry's jargon to help you understand what travel insurance covers to help you decide what your policy needs. Bear in mind that exclusions and limitations for your age and destination may apply. 

Finding the best price for international travel insurance

Your policy cost will depend on several factors, such as the length of your trip, destination, coverage limits, and age. Typically, a comprehensive policy includes travel cancellation coverage costs between 5% and 10% of your total trip cost.

If you're planning an international trip that costs $4,500, you can expect to pay anywhere from $225 to $450 for your policy. Comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you find a budget-friendly travel insurance policy that meets your needs.

How we reviewed international travel insurance companies

We ranked and assigned superlatives to the best travel insurance companies based on our insurance rating methodology . It focuses on several key factors, including: 

• Policy types: We analyzed company offerings such as coverage levels, exclusions, and policy upgrades, taking note of providers that offer a range of travel-related issues beyond the standard coverages. 
• Affordability: We recognize that cheap premiums don't necessarily equate to sufficient coverage. So, we seek providers that offer competitive rates with comprehensive policies and quality customer service. We also call out any discounts or special offers available. 
• Flexibility: Travel insurance isn't one-size-fits-all. We highlight providers that offer a wide array of coverage options, including single-trip, multi-trip, and long-term policies.
• Claims handling: The claims process should be pain-free for policyholders. We seek providers that offer a streamlined process via online claims filing and a track record of handling claims fairly and efficiently. 
• Quality customer service: Good customer service is as important as affordability and flexibility. We highlight companies that offer 24/7 assistance and have a strong record of customer service responsiveness. 

We consult user feedback and reviews to determine how each company fares in each category. We also check the provider's financial rating and volume of complaints via third-party rating agencies. 

International travel insurance FAQs

Which company has the best international travel insurance.

The best insurance policy depends on your individual situation, including your destination and budget. However, popular options include Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, and Travel Guard. 

Are there any limitations or exclusions international travelers should be aware of?

You should pay attention to any limitations regarding covered cancellations, pre-existing conditions, and adventure activities. For example, if you're worried you may have to cancel a trip for work reasons, ensure that you've worked at your company long enough to qualify for cancellation coverage, as that is a condition with some insurers. You should also see if your destination has any travel advisories, as that can affect your policy. 

What insurance do you need for international travel?

Typically, your regular health insurance won't cover you out of the country, so you'll want to make sure your travel insurance has adequate medical emergency coverage. Depending on your travel plans, you may want to purchase add-ons, such as adventure sports coverage, if you're planning on doing anything adventurous like bungee jumping.

Should you get travel insurance for international travel?

Travel insurance is worth the price for international travel because they're generally more expensive, so you have more to lose. Additionally, your regular health insurance won't cover you in other countries, so without travel insurance, you'll end up paying out of pocket for any emergency medical care you receive out of the US.

How far in advance should international travelers purchase travel insurance?

You should purchase travel insurance as soon as possible after making payment on your trip. This makes you eligible for add-ons like coverage for pre-existing conditions and CFAR. It also mitigates the chance of any losses in the days leading up to your trip. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find a top-rated Oncologist near me?

U.S .News provides patient reviews for Oncologists in your area. Consult the Areas of Expertise and Patient Experience sections of the U.S. News doctors profiles to help you choose the best Oncologist for your specific type of cancer.

How can I find an Oncologist near me that takes my insurance?

U.S. News provides insurance information for Oncologists near you, when available. Confirm insurance coverage with your insurance company before making an appointment.

How can I book an appointment online with an Oncologist near me for a consultation?

U.S. News provides online appointment bookings for select Oncologists in your area. Click on “Book Online” button within the profile to book an appointment today.

How can I make a same day appointment with an Oncologist near me?

U.S. News provides online booking through telephone, in person visits and tele-visits when available.

How can I find an Oncologist near me that provides care after hours?

U.S. News provides online appointment booking for select Oncologists through telephone, in person visits and tele-visits when available. Click on “Book Online” within a provider's profile to check if they provide after-hours care.

What are some of the common conditions treated by an Oncologist?

Some of the common conditions treated by a Oncologists are: Brain Cancer, Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Childhood Cancer, Colon Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Lung Cancer, Oral Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Skin Cancer, Thyroid Cancer, Blood Cancers, Multiple Myeloma, Leukemia, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin Lymphoma.

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