Travel insurance provides financial protection against risks associated with travelling and going on holiday.
Most travel insurance policies cover costs relating to:
- cancellation or delay of your trip, or cutting it short
- travel or accommodation disruptions
- lost or stolen luggage
- medical emergencies
- personal injury and/or death
- accidental damage or injury caused by you.
Insurance companies calculate your travel insurance quote based on where you are travelling, the activities you will do there, and how likely they think you are to make an insurance claim.
Getting travel insurance when you have cancer
It is advisable for everyone to buy appropriate travel insurance before a trip, but especially if you have or have had cancer.
If you are taken ill abroad, for example, medical expenses could cost you thousands of pounds if you aren't insured.
Having travel insurance is also a legal requirement for you to enter certain countries. You might buy travel insurance for UK holidays and staycations too.
Find out more if you are worried if it is OK for you to travel when you have cancer.
Why can it be difficult to get travel insurance after a cancer diagnosis?
If you have or have had cancer, you are generally considered more likely make a claim on your travel insurance, so the price you are quoted can be higher.
Sometimes, travel insurance can be a significant cost of the holiday.
Insurance can be harder to obtain if you're currently in treatment, and for long-haul trips. You may struggle to find insurance that includes cancellation cover, and some providers might not offer you insurance at all.
This can feel like a setback at what might already be a challenging time, but there are things you can do that might help you find more affordable travel insurance.
How to get travel insurance if you have cancer
Our expert cancer support specialists have gathered their tips for getting the best quote for travel insurance if you have cancer or have had cancer in the past.
- Get a letter from your clinical team stating that, in their opinion, you are fit to travel. Most insurance providers will ask for this, so it is best to have it ready. Your clinical nurse specialist will be able to help.
- If you’re travelling to a country in the European Union (EU), get a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or ensure your EHIC or UK GHIC is valid. This card will give you access to free or local resident-rate healthcare in an emergency, but you should still buy travel insurance with medical cover too.
- Contact insurance providers known to have given insurance to people after a cancer diagnosis. Our cancer support specialists have compiled a list of companies below who may be able to help, with details of the conditions and stages they cover.
- Call insurance providers on the phone instead of filling in an online form or using a comparison site. Online forms are generic and cannot consider your individual circumstances, so you can often get more affordable quotes if you ring. Remember to check if there is a charge for that number before calling.
- Be prepared for direct medical screening questions, including whether you have a terminal diagnosis or are undergoing treatment.
- Contact multiple insurance providers to find the best and most affordable travel insurance for you. You don’t need to accept the first quote you are offered.
- Speak to a cancer support specialist at your nearest Maggie's centre. We can help you find the support you need for getting ready to travel. You don't need an appointment – just come in, or call or email us.
Cancer-friendly travel insurance providers*
| Insurance provider | Additional information |
| 020 3829 3875 | All cancers considered for those undergoing treatment, including secondary cancers. |
| 01252 780190 | Specialises in covering people with active, metastatic, relapsed and terminal cancer diagnoses, and for drug trials. |
| Able2Travel For instant quote: 01483 806826 | Single- and multi-trip coverage for all cancers for short-term travel, up to maximum age of 79. |
| For travel insurance: 01603 626904 For other enquiries: 01280 841430 | Specialists in life insurance and travel insurance for single trips only for most pre-existing conditions. |
| 01708 339028 For quote: 0800 077 777 | Offers cover for all stages if you have a prognosis of 6 months or more from the end of your holiday. |
| JD Travel Insurance Consultants 03442 474749 | Covers all types of cancer, provided you have a prognosis of 6 months or more from the end of your holiday. |
| 01279 621662 For customer service: 0330 024 9949 | Worldwide insurance available for all pre-existing conditions, with required prognosis of six months or more. |
| 01424 718790 | Cover for most pre-existing medical conditions, including for those with terminal diagnosis or in remission. |
| 01223 446914 | Coverage for most cancers and terminal diagnosis with prognosis of 6 months or more. |
| 0800 999 3333 | Clear2Go policy specifically designed for those with serious pre-existing conditions up to the age of 100. |
| 0345 908 0161 | May provide coverage if disease has spread, if you have had chemotherapy in the last 3 months, or have a terminal diagnosis. |
| 01702 427161 | May consider those with a terminal diagnosis. |
0330 123 3690 | All conditions considered without upper age limit for single or multi trip policies. |
02392 419080 | 'Free Spirit' cover available for people with pre-existing conditions and no upper age limit. |
The Insurance Surgery (broker) 0800 083 2829 | Specialises in finding insurance for those with pre-existing conditions and/or over 65. |
080 8281 0041 | Covers some cancers, including breast and lung, if you’re not awaiting surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. |
0800 294 2969 | Will insure single trips only for those in remission and with prognosis of 6 months from end of trip. No age limit. |
*Inclusion in this list does not indicate that these companies are endorsed by Maggie’s. This information is correct to the best of our knowledge.
Additional resources
- BIBA’s 'find insurance' phone service on 0370 950 1790 can be helpful. They offer a ‘matchmaking’ service to specialist brokers for people with health conditions.
- The travel insurance comparison site payingtoomuch.com and moneyhelper.org.uk's travel insurance directory are also useful for comparing quotes.
How Maggie's can help
We're here to help you through the challenges of getting travel insurance when you have or have had cancer.
Our cancer support specialists will listen to your concerns and find the support you need.
We also have benefits advisors who can help you access any grants you are entitled to, which may help with the cost of travel insurance.
- Find your nearest Maggie's centre. You don't need an appointment – just come in, or call or email us at your nearest centre.
Last review: Aug 2025 | Next review: Aug 2028
