Travel Insurance

Krish Shastri Director, InsureCancer

Survivorship

Travel

SurvivorshipTravel Insurance

“I was going to France, I declared my childhood diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. “I was shocked at the insurance premiums. Some were double the normal amount. “They considered my cancer history as more of a threat than my ME or high blood pressure, for which I was having treatment.

“Hearing that my cancer was still considered a risk after 23 years was distressing.” - 40 year old Tracy (Macmillan - Recovered But Not Covered)

Travel

SurvivorshipTravel Insurance

“I’ve got some relatives in Spain and I was hoping to go see them again but the cost of the travel insurance was more than the cost of the plane and car and everything else.” (Macmillan - Recovered But Not Covered)

Travel

SurvivorshipTravel Insurance

“The year after surgery when I felt fit enough to do anything I applied for travel insurance from a company I had used before. I got a straight ‘No.’” (Macmillan - Recovered But Not Covered)

Survivorship

Travel

Trouble Getting Cover

Higher Premiums

39% of people affected by cancer are quoted higher premiums for travel insurance.Refused Cover

6% of people are refused travel insurance altogether.No Insurance

8% resort to traveling without travel insurance.

(Macmillan - Recovered But Not Covered)

Survivorship

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Trouble Getting Cover

Many affected by cancer...

don’t know where to get advice on travel insurance and what to expect when talking to insurers.experience insensitive call centre staff, with no understanding of cancer.are quoted higher premiums even when in remission and begin to wonder if medical professionals have told the whole truth about their health.believe insurance companies are ‘profiteering’ from higher premiums.

(Macmillan - Recovered But Not Covered)

Survivorship

Travel

Trouble Getting Cover

The Options

People who can’t find a reasonably priced travel policy are left with 4 unsatisfactory options:

Pay the higher premium.Travel without insurance.Don’t travel.Invalidate the policy by concealing cancer history.

(Macmillan - Recovered But Not Covered)

Survivorship

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How to Get Covered

Start Early

Tip! First - check your bank account or credit card for ‘free’ travel insurance. Tip! Start looking for insurance before you book your holiday. Tip! Buy travel insurance when you book a holiday, commencing immediately to benefit from the cancellation cover.

(Macmillan Fact Sheet 2010: Travel Insurance)

Survivorship

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Be Aware - Declaration

Pre-Existing Conditions

Policies ask about Pre-Existing Medical Conditions. Which can mean: ‘any medical or nervous or mental condition that’ ...

existed at any time before applying

you had advice, medication or treatment for in the 12 months before applying

was investigated, diagnosed or treated after applying for the policy and before you left on your journey.

Tip! Read your policy carefully and get advice on whether you’re properly covered.

Tip! You must respond fully and accurately or you may lose cover.

(Macmillan Fact Sheet 2010: Travel Insurance)

Survivorship

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Be Aware - Assessment

Phone Screening

Most providers have a list of criteria they’ll use to assess the risks of insuring you. You may need to call a medical screening line. The staff will ask you about your illness and treatment.They may ask about prognosis, which can be distressing, so only contact only a couple at a time.

(Macmillan Fact Sheet 2010: Travel Insurance)

Survivorship

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Be Aware - Cover

It can be more difficult to get insurance for some countries, particularly the USA, or for some types of holiday such as a cruise.A company that a friend recommends may not give you cover. Their offer will depend on your personal situation, the type of cancer and treatment.Many companies will not offer an annual policy if you’re undergoing treatment, or have had it recently.

(Macmillan Fact Sheet 2010: Travel Insurance)

Survivorship

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How to Get Covered

'Fit for Travel' Letter

Some companies may ask for a letter from your doctor that says you are well enough to travel. Tip! The company may charge you if they contact your doctor, so it's best if you get the letter from your doctor before you contact insurance companies.Tip! If you need to take any special medical equipment with you on holiday, make sure your insurance will cover it.

(Macmillan Fact Sheet 2010: Travel Insurance)

Survivorship

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How to Get Covered

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Free or cheaper emergency treatment in EU, Norway, Iceland & Liechtenstein.

You get the same care as people in that country. It may not be the same as the NHS.

You might have to pay for your ambulance. You might have to pay and claim back the money in the country you visit.

You should also buy travel insurance.

How to Apply

Application from post office (takes 3 weeks)

Call 0845 6062030 (takes10 days)

Visit ehic.org.uk (takes 7 days)

Find out more:http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/Healthcareabroad/pages/Healthcareabroad.aspx

(Macmillan Fact Sheet 2010: Travel Insurance)

Survivorship

Travel

How to Get Covered

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Check your cover carefully!

“I took my son to the clinic. We got a bill for €780. When we showed our EHIC we learned the hospitals recognized it, but the Spanish clinics are private and are not covered. I’m trying to claim the money on my Travel Insurance but they might not pay because my son had suffered previously from the condition.”

(Macmillan Fact Sheet 2010: Travel Insurance)

Survivorship

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How to Get Covered

Get a BrokerTip! Companies vary in the cover they’ll provide, so shop around for travel insurance.

Tip! Get advice from a broker who can look around for you.

Tip! Some companies & brokers specialize in insurance for people with medical problems.

For a list of Specialist Brokers and Companies, visit:

http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/coping-with-cancer/coping-practically/travel/travel-insurance

(Macmillan Fact Sheet 2010: Travel Insurance)

Survivorship

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Find Out More

Macmillan

To share your experiences or to learn more:Call Macmillan free

0800 500 800

Email insurance@macmillan.org.uk

Visit

www.macmillan.org.uk/travelinsurance

(Macmillan - Recovered But Not Covered)

Survivorship

Travel Insurance

Krish Shastri Director, InsureCancer

Travel Insurance for Cancer Survivors

Author: Krish Shastri, Director, InsureCancer

Design & Editorial: Robert Hart-Fletcher

Produced by: KidsOKOnline, www.KidsOKOnline.com

Images licensed from Shutterstock

© Copyright 2013, Young Oncology Unit, The Christie Hospital, Manchester

Contact: www.tyacancersurvivorship.org.uk

Survivorship

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