Travel insurance is essential for everyoneand covers a myriad of possibilities. Lost luggage, stolen property, and cancelled flights are just some of the circumstances where travel insurance is called for. Apart from these obvious risks, one does not want to have medical bills while in a foreign country. You may be in a country where medical treatment is very costly or even worse,you may require to be flown home in an emergency. This can be very expensive, so it pays to obtain insurance cover for all eventualities. There are many factors involved in quoting travel insurance, such as your destination country, your reason for travel, and your current state of health.
Medical Insurance for Cancer Patients
Cancer is something that no one wants, yet today’s lifestyle increases the risk, with more than 100 types of cancer that can affect any part of the body. To make matters worse, cancer strikes indiscriminately. The type of cancer you have has a direct effect on the insurance premium, as does the stage of the disease.
People with cancer have even more reason to have comprehensive medical insurance when travelling. Your insurance premiums will depend upon the type and the stage of cancer you have.Most regular travel insurers will exclude cancer related treatment from the policy, so a company that specialises in medical health insurance is essential.Medical Travel Compared will provide insurance for people suffering from cancer, with a range of policies to cover all conditions.
Past History of Cancer
Should you have had cancer in the past, most regular travel insurance companies will cover your travel, providing you show doctor certification that you are free from the disease.Some companies will not insure you unless you have been cancer free for three months, while some stipulate a period of twelve months. There are even some insurers who will only give you cover if you have been free of cancer for at least ten years. Because of this wide differentiation, it makes sense to shop around.The coverage may not include any cancer treatment that you might require on your journey, so make sure you inform the insurance company of your current medical status.
Policy Refusal
Some people do not understand how an insurance company can simply refuse a client, yet we must realise that insurance companies are in the business of making money, and they can only do this from people who do not make a claim. If you have a history of cancer, be prepared for many questions when applying for medical travel insurance. Should you be receiving chemotherapy, then it will be harder to obtain travel insurance. If the company thinks the risk is too high, they are within their rights to refuse coverage, and a history of cancer may result in rejecting your proposal.
If you are suffering from Cancer
Some insurance companies will give you travel insurance if you have cancer, providing you have a doctor’s certificate stating you are fit to travel. They may exclude any cancer treatment from the policy, soit is important to give your insurance company details about your current medical condition, and should they accept you, this should be clearly stated on the policy documents. It is also important to answer any questions they might have regarding your health, such as,
- What type of cancer you have
- The stage the disease is at
- What treatment you are currently undergoing
- What is the prognosis
It is essential that you are very clear with your insurer about these details, otherwise you might find yourself in the predicament where you are not covered for any cancer related treatment while travelling.
Consult Your Doctor First
Prior to making any travel arrangements, you should consult your physician. Your doctor will be able to assess whether you are fit to travel. Different types of cancer have different treatments, and sometimes require special travel precautions. It is advisable to allow 4 – 6 weeks for preparation before your departure date.
Things to consider when preparing to travel include,
- Air travel – Some types of cancer are prone to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), especially during long haul flights.
- Travel vaccinations – If your destination requires you to have vaccinations, check with your doctor whether it is safe to have them.
- Travel medicines – Make sure you take enough medication to cover delays, also check to see if your medicine can be obtained in your destination country. For air travel, all medicines should be kept in the original containers, and a prescription must be declared, if necessary.
- Travel insurance – Make sure this includes any medical condition you might have.
Your Destination is Important
Before applying for travel insurance, consider the medical expenses in your destination country. They may be high, as in the US for example, therefore it will be harder to obtain medical insurance. Certain incurable types of cancer may result in having to change your travel plans, as the insurance companies will not take the risk.
Sufficient Medical Insurance
Make sure you have sufficient medical coverage, as many high street insurers will not accept cancer patients. Often there will be exclusions for people who have cancer, and anything on the list of exclusions, will not be covered. Insurance for cancer related conditions may be possible with a doctor’s certificate stating you are fit to travel, or if you have had no cancer treatment in the past twelve months.
Safe Travel Means Comprehensive Insurance
The last thing anyone wants when on holiday is to encounter a situation where you are not covered by your travel insurance. Careful planning and consultation with your GP will eliminate any concerns, allowing you to enjoy your holiday without worry. It is a good idea to use an online broker, who can arrange the right policy for you, with the minimum of fuss.
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