Cancer and Travel Insurance: Can You Travel Abroad and Still Be Covered?

Many believe, mistakenly, that a cancer diagnosis or being in remission makes it impossible to obtain travel insurance for trips abroad. However, during such a challenging time, a sunny getaway can offer a soothing change of pace, helping to ease your mind and lift your spirits.

So, think again—travelling with travel insurance while dealing with cancer is often possible, and it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune!

Who Can Insure You Despite a Cancer Diagnosis?

Forget about travel insurance included with credit cards—these policies often disqualify you if you have had any medical changes in the six months before your trip. Something as simple as a medication adjustment, let alone a cancer diagnosis, makes it unlikely you’ll qualify. Many traditional insurance companies also refuse coverage for cancer patients. But all is not lost!

soNomad to the Rescue

While some travel insurance companies may deny coverage, soNomad’s mission is to make travel insurance accessible to as many travellers as possible.

At soNomad, if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, are undergoing treatment, or are in remission, there’s a good chance you can still obtain travel insurance.

To give you an idea of who might qualify despite a pre-existing condition of cancer, here are some concrete examples:

• A 53-year-old woman diagnosed with breast cancer planning a one-week tropical getaway between chemotherapy treatments.
• A 70-year-old man under observation for skin cancer diagnosed last year, heading to California for five months.
• A 66-year-old woman treated for lung cancer with radiation therapy 18 months ago, planning a two-month trip to Mexico.
• A 68-year-old man in remission from prostate cancer preparing for a four-month Florida escape this winter.
• A 72-year-old woman who finished colorectal cancer treatment two years ago, considering a six-week vacation in Arizona.

With soNomad, all these individuals could get travel insurance with coverage up to $5 million, although any cancer-related coverage would be excluded.

As long as you’re not in the terminal phase (life expectancy of less than 12 months) or your doctor does not explicitly advise against travelling, you can likely get insured through soNomad. This is reassuring news for those wanting to comfort a loved one or travel after a cancer diagnosis.

The insurance will cover accidents, medical emergencies, or illnesses unrelated to cancer while travelling. However, cancer-related treatments or expenses won’t be covered. Should you face a cancer-related issue, you’ll need to return home for care at your expense.

Between Treatments: Escape for a While

Travelling with cancer is possible! Between treatments, why not consider a relaxing week in the South or a trip to visit loved ones for a morale boost? With soNomad, you’ll be covered for accidents or illnesses unrelated to your cancer.

What If Symptoms of an Undiagnosed Cancer Appear During Travel?

Your travel insurance will cover the initial emergency medical consultation abroad, but ongoing treatments must be pursued upon your return.

Understanding the Stability Period

The "stability period" is a crucial concept in travel insurance. It refers to a time during which your health condition must remain unchanged (no new treatments, hospitalizations, or medication adjustments).

For cancer patients, this period varies among insurers and can begin once your condition is considered stable. Some policies even offer coverage with only seven days of stability.

Regardless, you can still obtain travel insurance that covers all medical emergencies unrelated to your cancer.

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Survivors and Remission: Shorter Delays with soNomad

If you’re in remission and dreaming of travel, note that insurer requirements vary significantly. While some companies impose stability periods of 3 to 12 months before offering coverage, soNomad stands out with a more flexible and inclusive approach.

Thanks to specific endorsements, you may qualify for insurance after just seven days of stability.

What If My Diagnosis Includes Metastases?

At soNomad, even with a diagnosis involving metastases, it’s still possible to secure travel insurance. While some metastases may be dormant and not require immediate treatment, remember that your travel insurance won’t cover medical costs related to cancer or its treatments.

That said, you’ll still be covered for other medical emergencies that may arise during your trip.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for Cancer Patients?

You might think travel insurance for cancer patients is prohibitively expensive, but in some cases, premiums are more affordable than you’d expect. Factors that influence the cost of travel insurance include:

• Age: Premiums increase for travellers aged 65 and older.
• Trip Duration: Stays longer than 90 days are often more costly.
• Type of Cancer and Treatment: Treatments like hormone therapy usually have less impact than chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

How Long Does a Cancer Diagnosis Affect Insurance Premiums?

A history of cancer can influence your travel insurance premiums for 2 to 5 years after completing treatment. Initially, it’s common for cancer-related medical costs to be excluded from coverage. Afterward, for 2 to 5 years, premiums may decrease over time as perceived risks diminish.

Reassuringly, after this period, most insurers no longer consider your medical history. For certain types of cancer, like melanoma, this period might even be as short as two years. After five years of complete remission, your medical history is generally ignored, allowing you to access standard premiums.

Embrace the World Again

A cancer diagnosis or remission doesn’t mean the end of your adventures around the world. With soNomad, you can confidently plan your trips. So, set your worries aside, get a quick quote from soNomad, pack your bags, and head out to explore the world—you deserve it!

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Disclaimer

The information in this article is for general guidance only and may vary depending on individual circumstances. It does not constitute financial, medical, or other professional advice and should not be interpreted as such. Prices, offers, and conditions are subject to change and may not apply to your specific situation.

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