Whether you or someone dear to you has been diagnosed with cancer like mesothelioma, don’t let the disease stop you from traveling.
Investing in travel insurance is a great idea for cancer patients who value peace of mind while maximizing the most out of their travel adventure.
However, getting travel insurance after a cancer diagnosis could be pretty challenging. Your health status, including how you respond to therapies and what stages of mesothelioma you are experiencing, may require discussion with your doctor. They can then advise you and the insurance agent on what the insurance company will and won’t cover.
While each individual’s financial situation differs, getting the coverage you need as you plan your next trip is generally wise.
Find out what types of coverage are available for cancer patients who plan to travel. You can also learn tips on getting adequate travel insurance coverage.
This article explains various coverage for cancer patients who want to travel. This write-up also discusses steps to take when accessing travel insurance coverage for cancer patients.
Travel Insurance to Cover Cancer Patients
Whether you have cancer or not, buying travel insurance before traveling abroad is a sensible move.
Here are different types of travel insurance available to cancer patients:
● Travel insurance for people with cancer: Some insurance companies will provide medical coverage if you have a letter from your physician indicating that you are fit to travel. However, other companies might only cover treatments that don’t concern cancer.
You will have travel insurance, but it doesn’t usually cover any treatment you might need due to your cancer. So, you might have to pay for cancer-related treatments yourself.
● Travel insurance for cancer-related treatment: You’ll need coverage for emergency medical issues relating to your cancer while traveling.
So let the insurance company know you have cancer when you apply. Note that your cancer type will determine whether you can get insurance and how much it will cost.
Prepare for questions about the following factors when applying for travel insurance:
● Your cancer type
● Your outlook (prognosis)
● The grade of your cancer
● Your cancer’s size or stage when you were diagnosed
● The treatment you are receiving or have received
● Follow up care you are having
You’ll need these details before applying. Consult your doctor or specialist nurse if you have any questions.
Some insurance companies offer policies to people with pre-existing medical conditions, including cancer.
It would be best if you shopped around before making a decision. Check out various insurance brokers and travel insurance companies.
● Travel insurance for cancer survivors: Most travel insurance companies will provide medical coverage if you have a doctor’s certificate stating you’re cancer-free. But note that some companies will not offer insurance unless you have been cancer-free for several months or years.
If you just finished treatment, expect a higher cost. Long-term cancer survivors generally pay less.
Also, ensure that you can access emergency medical care when traveling abroad. A policy that covers emergency medical problems related to cancer will cover this concern.
When applying for coverage, you must give the insurance company your complete medical history. The company must pay according to the policy if they agree to cover your case.
Tips on Buying and Using Travel Insurance for Cancer Patients
Here’s a list of reminders to help you get the most out of your travel insurance:
● Buy travel insurance early: The earlier you buy travel insurance, the longer you have coverage in case your trip gets delayed, canceled, or disrupted.
Generally, the optimal time to purchase travel insurance is after making travel arrangements.
Suppose you wish to qualify for unique benefits, such as pre-existing condition coverage. In that case, you must purchase insurance within a specific window after making travel plans.
● Read the insurance policy carefully: Know your policy’s specific coverage. Do you need pre-approval to receive medical services or stay in a hotel? Do you have to provide receipts of purchases for filing claims when you get home?
Refrain from letting unexpected costs ruin your trip by not reading your plan carefully before you pack your bags and leave.
● Contact your insurance company if you need assistance: Many insurance companies offer 24-hour hotlines to their policyholders, so call them if you are faced with an unexpected expense or uncertainties in your coverage.
Representatives help you understand your benefits and deal with unexpected expenses.
You can find travel insurance in several ways, including
● Consulting an insurance broker
● Comparison websites
● Accessing financial advice services
You can arrange a policy through an insurance broker.
Many insurance companies can offer tailored policies for individuals with cancer or any medical condition.
Note that brokers typically charge a fee for their services, so it’s always best to get an informal opinion from a few brokers first. Make sure they’re aware of the resources available to cancer patients.
You can check the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ insurance guidelines to help you make better decisions.
Another way to search policies would be to use comparison websites. You can also request financial advice from organizations like the Financial Planning Association and the Foundation for Financial Planning.
In addition, it will be helpful if you are ready to answer any questions the insurance companies might ask. Usually, they will ask about your cancer and your travel plans.
Cancer-related questions might involve the following topics:
● Medications you are taking
● Your doctor’s or specialist’s appointments
● Symptoms you have
● The date of diagnosis
● Cancer type
● Whether your cancer is an advanced or terminal condition
● If you’ve had or are receiving treatment, or if you’re due to start
● Your travel destination
● Travel companions
On the other hand, questions you might ask include:
● What is the coverage amount of your insurance policy?
● How much is the excess? Do the rates vary depending on the nature of the claim, such as a medical or a lost luggage claim?
● Does your trip insurance cover you and your travel companions if you cancel?
● How does this coverage differ from other insurance policies?
● How much is the travel insurance policy?
● If you think it’s necessary, ask whether the policy would cover you if you die while on the trip and your family wish to bury you at home.
Most travel insurance policies reimburse you for covered costs once a claim is filed and approved.
Claim procedures vary from company to company, but you must provide proof of the covered expense or loss.
You will likely have to pay for accommodations or medical expenses while waiting for reimbursement. Still, sometimes health insurance companies pay upfront for emergency medical expenses.
The Joys of Travel (Even When You Have Cancer)
Suppose you’ve just been told that you have cancer and must undergo demanding treatment like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
In that case, it’s understandable that you’d feel devastated, especially if you love to travel or have plans to travel.
However, depending on your cancer condition, there’s a good chance your doctor will let you go ahead with your travel plans.
Remember to discuss your plans with your doctor to ensure it is safe for you to travel. Also, plan your trip carefully to help you handle the physical and emotional demands of traveling.
Traveling could be an excellent way to take your mind off your cancer. Traveling can benefit you in many ways. Travel can:
● Provide you with a brief distraction from your cancer condition
● Help relieve stress and relax
● Allow you to explore new locations and meet new people
● Boost your morale
● Help improve your overall health
So, even though you’re facing cancer, you can still plan for holiday trips with your loved ones. It might be extra challenging, but it can be worth your time and money.
Here are some tips on maximizing your trip:
● Make sure you pick a good destination. Choosing a vacation destination that fits your medical needs is essential.
If you’re going through treatment, pick a place with access to quality medical care.
● Spend time with family and friends. You can have a relaxing and stress-free vacation if you travel with supportive and understanding friends and family.
Family members and close friends can provide emotional and practical support when you’re away from home.
● Keep your medications organized. This task applies to both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
A printed list with the medications’ dosages, times, and names is a good idea to avoid confusion. You can put this information in a pill organizer for quick reference.
● Take each day as it comes. The main goal of your vacation should be to relax and enjoy yourself, so do not try to accomplish too much in one day.
Plan some downtime daily to rest and recuperate if sightseeing is on the agenda. Last but not least, remember to have fun.
Look forward to experiencing all the joys that travel offers, even if you’re battling cancer. With careful planning and a little help from friends or family, you can still enjoy the trip you’ve always wanted.
Conclusion…
Don’t stop doing what you love because of cancer. With attention and caution you can enjoy wonderful moments during a trip with your family or friends.
So keep these tips and go travelling!
Reference
1. All my life to live: travel health benefits and risks for cancer survivors
https://academic.oup.com/jtm/article/29/5/taac069/6596549