Travel insurance

[EmmaD]

Hello everyone,

This is my first foray into a discussion forum and I'm desperate for some advice. I'm not even sure that I've posted this on the right area so apologies if not.

My dad has terminal pancreatic cancer and is still fighting after a year of different chemotherapy regimes ( and a prognosis of 6 months life expectancy this time last year)

My parents would love to go away on holiday but obviously it is a challenge to try and get any travel insurance for him. The only companies they have contacted (including insurancewith) won't touch him while he is still on oral chemo. Does anyone know of any insurance company that would cover cancer patients for travel abroad? It's so demoralising trying to find one that they've given up right now so this is a last ditch attempt. Any information would be very gratefully received.

Many thanks, Emma

[Guest]

Hi Emma,

Sorry to hear about your Dad. I don't have any advice regarding Travel, but I had to reply to you as my own Dad was diagnosed 11th February last year, stage 4. He was only given 6 months also. How is he doing?

I know other people on here can help you with travel.

Leila xx

[EmmaD]

Hi Leila,

If your dad is a fighter like mine it makes a massive difference. Dad didn't ever want to know the results of any of the CT scans as the mind is such a powerful thing and this helped him stay positive. A healthy diet with fruits, veg and pulses to help boost the blood platelets has also been important. Dad is still able to get out and do things and isn't going to give up easily. He didn't expect to see my baby arrive last year let alone her first birthday this May so all I can say is the medics don't know everything. Each person is different and reacts differently. Stay strong for your dad and keep him positive.

Emma xxx

[Guest]

Hi Emma,

Your Dad sounds really positive, and yes I agree, that is so important. Really pleased he has seen your child, that must be so special to you.

This forum is amazing and you will get lots of support here. I think you learn more here, than from the consultants. When I was first given my Dads prognosis, I was devastated and I believed them. My Dad is better now than when diagnosed. He is more anxious but that is understandable. I hope you gain lots of knowledge and lots of advice to help your Dad. I know I couldn't be without this forum.

We have had some sad news on this forum recently, but as you may have seen, we all love and aupport each other, through all times.

Leila xx

[nikkis]

Hi Emma,

So sorry to hear about your Dad. When we went on holiday last year we also had the same problem because of the chemo. One company did say they would insure us, but in the end we didn't bother as the travel insurance through our medical insurance covered us. Unfortunately I can't remember what they were called, but I do remember Insurancewith gave me the number, so it might be worth ringing them again and asking them who does insurance whilst on chemo.

Best of luck,

Nikki

[Slewis7313]

Hi Emma, As we regularly say on this forum, welcome to the place where nobody really wants to be. The fact that you have posted means you have been touch by the damned illness that is Pancreatic Cancer. However, as you can already attest, prognosis' should always be taken with a pinch of salt as we are all different and many of us simply confound the experts with our response to treatments. I am 60, was diagnosed with inoperable Pancreatic Cancer in December 2012 and am still going strong.

With regards to insurance, I have made two European trips in the last 18 months and found it almost impossible to arrange insurance whilst still on chemo. There are several schools of thought on this and as my general condition was stable at the time of travel, I simply 'winged it', travelling with insurance which excluded any Cancer related illnesses. My (our) logic was that if I became ill, we would simply go to the nearest airport and jump on the next plane home. Had my condition deteriorated directly before outward travel, then we would have reassessed the situation. As it transpires, we had no issues, but this course of action may be too risky for some depending on their specific situation / health.

I recall having found only one Company prepared to insure me, but the cost was around £800 for a one week European trip!

I hope this is of some help.

Good luck with your Dad's ongoing treatment.

Steve

[Cathy]

Hi,

My partner and I took two trips abroad (he was stage 4). The first time we winged it, like Steve as Jonathan hadn't been long off chemo. Our thinking was the same as Steve. I would advise against doing this if you are travelling outside the EU (take an EHIC card). Just check out what is available locally in terms of medical centres and availability of flights (i.e. dont go anywhere where there is just one flight a week and you wouldn't be able to get a flight back easily and obviously only if your Dad feels well!). The second time we used " insurewith" who i think is who you have contacted? A cancer specialist ins company who charged us only £80 for a week BUT you need to have been off chemo for a certain amount of time. If you search on this site you will find various threads about travelling abroad and insurance as it is a topic that come up a lot.

Finally, if your Dad is well enough, go for it!!

Cathy xx

[EmmaD]

Hi Everyone,

Thank you so much for all your replies. This is such a wonderful support network. Those of you who still went for it without travel insurance are very courageous, I know that just wouldn't be an option for mum and dad as they would be so worried it would ruin their holiday.

All of your stories just go to show that the doctors are not always right and I'm very grateful to you for your positive stories.

Thank you also Nikki for mentioning that Insurewith recommended another insurance company to you. I have contacted them with the same request and they have given me the number for 'Free Spirit' so I'll try them next. I have my fingers crossed. If my parents can just go on holiday it would mean so much to them. I'll keep you all updated with any useful information that I can obtain.

Emma XX

[hasan008]

I have also planned to trip North America this year with my friends to explorer the great mountains, but my mom was feared so I also have to take Travel Insurance then only I am allowed. So its not that bad thing, it only helps in one or the other way. So if any tragedy happens travel insurances makes sure that some one is there backing up.