Travelling with Breast Cancer

Can I get travel insurance if I have or have had breast cancer?

Yes, MIA can usually offer insurance for people travelling with breast cancer, but our ability to offer travel insurance cover will depend on your individual circumstances, such as what stage you’re at in your treatment and what type of breast cancer you have. However, rest assured, MIA specialises in offering cover for those people who have found it difficult getting travel insurance previously.

What's covered?

MIA is made up of two specialist medical travel insurance products, Clear2Go and Clear4Travel. Each product has its own levels of cover:

• Medical cover up to £5,000,000 per person
• Baggage Cover of up to £1,500 per person
• Cancellation cover of between £1,000 and £2,000
• Mobility Equipment is available as an add-on product for up to £5,000

• Medical cover up to £5,000,000 per person
• Baggage Cover of up to £1,500 per person
• Cancellation cover of between £2,000 and £5,000
• Hospitalisation cover and personal accident cover - inclusive of death benefit of up to £30,000

Please see our policy wording for a full list of benefits and exclusions.

Here at MIA, we won’t define you by the fact you have breast cancer or by a set of medical questions, so we don’t only use standard online questionnaires to get you covered.

We have an experienced and friendly team to talk you through the process and explain any difficult insurance or medical jargon, so we can tailor-make a policy that’s right for you.

We can offer cover for an array of cancerous conditions, including those under treatment, secondary or metastatic breast cancer, cancer that’s in remission and those given a terminal prognosis.

All policies and prices vary according to individual circumstances, such as the destination you have chosen and the medical facilities that are there, as well as your health at the time of travel. There may be times where we can’t offer you cover, but our team will be able to talk you through any options available to you.

Travelling with Breast Cancer - Tips

This seems obvious, but it’s really important to speak to your doctor before you make any plans. Breast cancer and its treatments are often very complex, meaning careful consideration should be made on your destination, mode of transport and the ability to deal with any side effects or worsening of your health while you’re away. Your doctor or specialist team should be able to offer you the support you need to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

You’ll need enough to last for the duration of your trip, as well as a little extra just in case of delays. Carrying your medication in your hand luggage, will lower the chances of it going missing during your journey.

If you have breast cancer and are taking Tamoxifen you may be at risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis, you may benefit from investing in some compression socks. The NHS website has guidance on how to reduce the risks.

It’s safe to fly wearing your prostheses, as the cabin is pressurised. Most UK airports have a random selection process for body scanning, so chances of you being scanned is low – however, if you are selected for a security scan you can request that this is done privately if you prefer. Security personnel are trained for all eventualities, so be sure to let the security officer know if you’re not able to lift your arms fully for the scan or if you’ve recently had radiotherapy, as this can have an affect on some scanning equipment.

Some breast cancer treatments and medications can make your skin sensitive and more likely to burn. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the sun, just take sensible precautions and apply a high factor sunscreen frequently. You can still experience sun burn through clothes and hats, unless they contain an in-built protection factor, so apply the cream everywhere if you can.

If you’ve recently had radiotherapy, you may find that your doctor advises you against swimming in chlorinated water, until all skin irritations have healed fully and for a short time after, as chlorine and chemicals can further irritate the skin and cause dryness.

If you’re undergoing Chemotherapy, you may also be advised to steer clear of swimming due to suppressed immunity and the chance of contracting infections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it’s best to be upfront and let us know your full medical history, if you don’t declare all details, it could make it difficult to make a successful claim.

If your breast cancer has been in remission for some time, you might find that you no longer need specialist insurance, and it may not affect the price you pay, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

As long as you declare your full medical history, we should be able to find a policy that suits your needs. If we can’t, were here to discuss any available options.

You may have booked your holiday when you were feeling well, but now you’re unwell or you’ve picked up an infection – if your doctor declares you unfit to travel, we can offer cover for you and any other travellers insured on the policy, subject to terms and conditions.

If you become seriously ill while you’re away or your condition worsens, our Emergency Medical Assistance team can arrange for you and a companion, as long as they’re on the policy, to be brought home and cover any reasonable costs that you can’t be refunded for.

MIA may decline to offer you insurance for some destinations, for example if your resort does not have facilities to deal with your needs or the local standard of hygiene is very poor. If you have recently undergone surgery, you may be advised not to travel long haul, because of the risk of complications caused by long flights.

If you are undergoing Chemotherapy treatment or have done so within the last 6 months, you may not be able to have the vaccinations necessary to travel to your chosen destination.

Not usually, but we do ask that you discuss your travel arrangements with your GP or Oncologist and that they make a note on your records that they’re happy for you to travel. If your doctor offers any restrictions to your travel, please let us know.