Finding travel insurance for cancer patients

Obtaining a travel insurance for cancer patients is almost an impossible task for 90% of cancer sufferers. Studies show that over 70% of people who tried to obtain an insurance policy for this medical condition, had a hard time in finding an insurance company wiling to provide travel insurance for cancer patients.

Getting travel insurance when you have had cancer can be more difficult even for people who have been cancer-free for years as the insurance premiums become unaffordable even for travel insurance after you had cancer. People travelling without cover for cancer are exposing themselves to a huge personal risk, because if they have to make a claim the insurance company will associate the claim with the cancer, and the cancer patient has to prove that they  are not related.
It’s essential that you start looking for insurance before booking your holiday because it could take some time to find, not just the right insurance policy, but a company that offers you the best deal and affordable quotes. 

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Some countries have special demands when it comes to travel insurance for cancer patients, for example the USA or specific types of holiday such as a cruise.
The study made by Cancerbackup.co.uk on travel insurance cancer sufferers shows that one in ten respondents had to cancel a trip because they were unable to buy insurance and 1 in 20 had traveled without travel insurance.

Most insurance companies have a list of criteria that they use to assess the possible risks of insuring a person. People who have had cancer and want to travel , usually need to contact a medical screening line, and answer a list of questions over the phone about your illness and treatment. During the screening they may ask some difficult questions, and different companies assess the results differently, so the level of the cover will vary from one company to an other. 
Consulting a insurance Broker could be a good idea because they have the required connections with the insurers, and could find you the right travel insurance even for cancer patients.
The first step you need to do before applying for travel insurance is to contact your doctor and ask for a letter. Most companies need it and if you don't provide it they may charge you if they are the ones contacting your doctor. You can take any special medical equipment with you on holiday, and make sure that your travel insurance will cover this.

Medi Travelcover and Free Spirit are specialist companies which offer travel insurance to people with pre-existing medical conditions including cancer patients. At the botom of this article you will find a list with such companies.