Can you get Travel Insurance if you have Cancer?

The following information applies to policies purchased from 30th October 2023 onwards. For policies purchased prior to 30th October 2023: you can find the PDS relevant to you in your policy confirmation email, by logging into MyPolicy, or you can contact us for assistance.

According to cancer research by the Australian Government, one half of all Australian men and women are estimated to develop some form of cancer by their 85^th birthday.

In many cases a cancer diagnosis won’t put a stop to your travel plans, but it can make it more difficult to find a travel insurance policy that will cover you.

This guide will outline the options for travel insurance that can provide cover to cancer patients. There are a number of options to choose from, but keep your personal requirements in mind so that you can find the policy that is best suited to your treatment plan.

Can I get travel insurance if I have cancer?

Depending on the policy that you choose, it would be likely that cancer is considered a pre-existing medical condition, so it may not be covered in your travel insurance policy. 

Different travel insurers have different definitions including time frames of what would be considered a pre-existing medical condition, and many even have different terms to define a pre-existing medical condition. A pre-existing medical condition will often include is any condition that has been diagnosed, is being treated, or that you exhibit symptoms of at the time of purchasing your travel insurance policy.

Travel insurers may fall into one of these categories:

1) Medical cover for cancer may be included after completing a medical assessment

Some travel insurance companies may be able to provide you with cover if you complete a medical screening. If they agree to cover your cancer, you may have to pay an extra premium on your travel insurance policy, and depending on the travel insurer and how they note it, it will be likely be listed on your certificate of insurance as a covered condition. This means that cover cover will be available for potential emergencies including medical and hospital expenses related to cancer while travelling, subject to the policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations.

Fast Cover is able to provide medical screening for your cancer diagnosis. Their Medical Conditions page can give you more information about medical screening for your medical condition, including information about the General Exclusions that may apply and what timeframe that they need you to consider before declaring your cancer diagnosis.

2) Medical cover for unrelated emergency expenses is provided, but cover for any expenses related to cancer is excluded.

If a policy does provide you with medical cover but excludes expenses under the policy related to the cancer, you may still receive certain cover under some of the policy’s benefits.

Some of the other benefits you may find in a policy can include:

• Cover for emergency medical expenses unrelated to your pre-existing medical condition, for example, food poisoning or breaking a bone from a bad fall.
• Cancellation cover where the cause of cancellation is unrelated to your pre-existing medical condition. For example, if you were involved in a car accident before your trip and become injured, or because your parents or children become severely unwell.
• Cover for the loss or damage of your belongings, including mobile phone, camera, travel bag and travel documents.
• Travel delay expenses cover.
• Rental vehicle insurance excess cover.

What conditions are there to get cover for cancer-related emergencies while travelling?

Some travel insurers will offer cover for cancer, provided you meet a few conditions.

These conditions can include:

• A medical assessment, so the insurer knows that you’re fit to travel.
• Whether or not you are in remission and how long you’ve been in remission.
• Whether you are currently receiving treatment. Cover is often excluded if you’re currently undergoing treatment for cancer.

Conditions and exclusions may differ depending on your travel insurance provider and policy type. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or ask if you're not sure before purchasing a policy.

How do I know if a travel insurer provides cover for cancer?

Some travel insurers have a list of pre-existing medical conditions that they provide cover for in their PDS, which is usually available to view or download online. If you have a pre-existing medical condition that isn’t included in the covered list, it's likely that it's not covered, however, you should check the Product Disclosure Statement for full details on what the policy does and doesn't cover, and always ask if you’re unsure.

Whilst Fast Cover does not have a list of covered existing medical conditions, they may be able to provide you with cover for your cancer if you complete a medical screening with them. Check out their Medical Conditions page for more information about medical screening for cancer, including information about the General Exclusions that may apply*.

Do you need to tell your travel insurer that you have, or have had, cancer?

You should never lie to your insurer about a pre-existing medical condition. Lying does not mean you’ll be provided with cover and the travel insurer will likely find out about your medical history when assessing any future travel insurance claims.

It’s important to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions when purchasing a policy so that you know whether you have cover for the condition, just in case you have any health complications overseas.

Would I be covered for a secondary cancer if it was diagnosed after purchasing a policy?

This would depend on the travel insurance company that you go with, the terms, conditions and exclusions of their policy.

Fast Cover needs you to complete another medical screening for the secondary cancer after you purchase your policy and before your trip departure date. This may be the case even if you completed a medical screening for your primary cancer when you purchased your policy and your primary cancer is listed as a covered condition on your certificate of insurance. If cover for your secondary cancer is approved, an additional premium will likely apply. Check out their Medical Conditions page for more information about medical screening for cancer, including information about the General Exclusions that may apply*.

You may be able to submit a claim for your trip cancellation or rescheduling expenses if you're not able to travel as a result of your secondary cancer diagnosis, or if we cannot cover you for the change in health, if your policy included cover for trip cancellation expenses and your trip has not started.

Check our your policy for terms, conditions, exclusions and limits that apply as everyone’s situation is different. We will always assess any claim on a case by case basis.

Please note: Any advice provided is general advice only. You should read the PDS as policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply. As everyone’s circumstances are different, you can submit a claim and our claims team will assess your claim on a case by case basis.

Travel insurance for cancer patients

Whether you’re recovering from treatment, taking a much-needed break, or celebrating the all-clear, a holiday overseas can be just what the doctor ordered.

Finding travel insurance can be a bit more difficult when you have or have had cancer, but it is possible. Remember to always read the Product Disclosure Statement to understand what cover you’ll have for emergencies, particularly medical emergencies, and ensure you purchase the right policy for your trip. 

Tips for travelling with cancer

The below is general advice only and is not intended to replace the advice from a medical practitioner or health care professional.

Cancer treatment can compromise your immune system.

Remember to make the necessary preparations before you travel and take extra care of your health while you’re away.

If you need assistance finding a travel insurance policy which covers your condition, you can contact the Insurance Council of Australia. 

*Stories are fictitious examples drawn from the experiences of Fast Cover travellers and staff. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

^{^}Source: https://canceraustralia.gov.au/affected-cancer/what-cancer/cancer-australia-statistics