Travel Insurance for Cancer Patients

Can Cancer Patients Get Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance plans that offer coverage for preexisting conditions (not all do) often include coverage for cancer patients. However, you typically need to meet certain requirements to qualify, and coverage for preexisting conditions often has limitations.

You usually need to purchase travel insurance within a few weeks of paying for your trip, insure the total cost and be medically cleared to travel when you buy the policy. Additionally, plans that cover preexisting conditions may not cover care for common cancer-related complications; they may only cover treatment for unexpected emergencies.

Learn more: Travel Insurance for Preexisting Conditions

What Does Travel Insurance for Cancer Patients Cover?

Although coverage varies by insurer and plan, common travel insurance benefits for cancer patients include:

• Emergency medical care: Covers medical treatment for sudden and unexpected illnesses that occur while traveling. However, plans may not cover services for predictable cancer-related complications you may experience while traveling.
• Emergency medical evacuation: Pays for transportation to another location if the medical facilities in the area aren't equipped to handle your care.
• Trip cancellation: If you cancel your trip for a covered reason before leaving home, the insurer will reimburse you for nonrefundable prepaid travel-related expenses, such as airfare, hotels, tours and other activities.
• Trip interruption: If your trip is interrupted because you need medical care, the provider will cover travel-related expenses, such as flight change fees, missed excursions, lodging and more.
• Travel assistance services: Getting the care you need can be challenging in an unfamiliar location. Many travel insurance companies can help coordinate care, provide translation services, arrange transportation, help you get in touch with friends and family back home and more.
• Lost or delayed luggage: Not having your luggage isn't just an inconvenience; it can also be expensive. Travel insurance covers the cost of purchasing essentials if your bags are delayed and replacing your possessions if your bags are lost while traveling.
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR): Travel insurance plans typically only allow you to receive reimbursement for travel expenses in certain situations. CFAR coverage allows you to cancel your trip for any reason. You usually need to cancel within 48 hours of your departure date, and plans typically reimburse you for 50% to 75% of your insured costs.
• Accommodations and transportation: If you need to stay in your destination longer than planned because you're too sick to travel, your policy may cover accommodations while you're recovering and transportation home when it's safe for you to travel.

Who Offers Travel Insurance for Cancer Patients?

Several travel insurance companies provide coverage for preexisting conditions, which may include cancer. Here are some to consider.

• Allianz: Plans provide coverage for preexisting conditions when purchased within 14 days of making your first payment for travel expenses, as long as you're a U.S. resident, able to travel when you buy your plan and insure all nonrefundable costs. Allianz offers single- and multi-trip options that cover preexisting conditions.
• AIG: The company has several plans that cover preexisting conditions for people who insure the full cost of their trip within 15 days of making an initial deposit if they are medically cleared for travel at the time. Some plans also allow you to add optional CFAR coverage. However, preexisting condition coverage isn't available on last-minute trips.
• Seven Corners: This insurer offers coverage for preexisting conditions on many of its policies, and eligibility criteria, terms and conditions vary by plan. Policies are available in single- and multi-trip options, and optional CFAR coverage is available in some states.
• Generali: Preexisting condition coverage is only available through the premium plan. To qualify, you must purchase coverage within 24 hours of making the final payment for your trip, be medically able to travel when you buy the policy and insure all prepaid nonrefundable expenses. The plan offers high coverage limits and gives you 10 days to cancel and receive a full refund of your premium as long as you haven't filed a claim or left for your trip. CFAR is available as an optional add-on.
• Travelex: Coverage for preexisting conditions is available on the company's ultimate plan if you purchase insurance within 21 days of making the first payment for your trip and insure the total cost. You can upgrade your medical coverage limit from $250,000 to $500,000, and add optional CFAR coverage for greater protection.
• Berkshire Hathaway: Preexisting condition coverage is available on all plans except AirCare. Limits for medical expenses vary significantly by plan, so it's essential to review coverage options carefully.
• World Trips: To qualify for preexisting condition coverage, you must purchase travel insurance within a certain number of days (varies by plan) of paying for your trip and be medically able to travel. Multiple add-ons are available for added protection, including CFAR, interruption for any reason and the ability to double medical evacuation coverage.
• Travel Insured: Preexisting condition coverage is available on multiple plans when you purchase insurance within 14 or 21 days (varies by plan) of making your initial trip payment. CFAR and interrupt for any reason coverage are available as optional add-ons.

Tips for Buying Travel Insurance as a Cancer Patient

Here are some tips to help you find travel insurance that offers coverage for preexisting conditions, including cancer.

• Check the plan's medical coverage. Carefully review what will and won't be covered if you need medical care during your trip. Plans may not cover care for expected complications related to a cancer diagnosis.
• Be honest. When you purchase a plan that covers preexisting conditions, it's crucial to disclose all relevant medical information on your application. Otherwise, the insurer may deny your claim if you need treatment while traveling.
• Review coverage limits. Coverage limits vary widely among providers and plans. Review limits carefully to ensure you get adequate coverage that meets your needs.
• Understand eligibility criteria. You typically need to meet certain requirements to qualify for preexisting condition coverage. Common requirements include purchasing a plan shortly after booking your trip, insuring the total cost of the trip and being medically cleared to travel at the time you purchase travel insurance.
• Compare plans. Different plans offer different types of coverage and policy limits. Review each plan you're considering carefully to ensure it meets your needs before buying coverage.

The Bottom Line

It's possible for cancer patients and others with preexisting medical conditions to get travel insurance. However, you'll need to meet specific requirements to qualify, and insurers may limit the type of care they will cover related to a previous medical diagnosis. Speaking with a representative and reading the fine print of your policy carefully can help ensure you get the coverage you need and avoid denials if you need to file a claim.