Travel insurance and prostate cancer: 10 top tips to get ready for your next adventure

Suitcase packed? Check!
Remembered your passport? Check!
Got the sunscreen? Check!
Travel insurance sorted …?

Whether you're planning a relaxing beach holiday, a thrill-a-minute city break or a long-awaited trip to visit family and friends, travelling can still be an important and enjoyable part of life during and after treatment.

But finding travel insurance when you have prostate cancer can sometimes feel daunting and overwhelming. You may be unsure about what information you need to share, how your diagnosis or treatment could affect the cost of cover, or whether you'll be able to get insurance at all.

Here are our 10 top tips to help you find the travel insurance that’s right for you

1. Shop around for travel insurance

Travel insurance prices and levels of cover can vary quite a bit between providers, so it's worth taking the time to compare a few different options.

Online comparison websites can be a useful starting point, helping you see a range of policies side by side. You could also speak to an insurance broker to identify suitable policies for your situation. Comparing quotes carefully can help you find the best balance between cost and level of cover.

2. Consider a specialist insurance provider for cancer

Some insurers specialise in covering people with pre-existing medical conditions, including prostate cancer. They’ll probably have a better understanding of prostate cancer and its treatments, which might mean you get more suitable or comprehensive cover.

If you're struggling to find what you need through well-known insurance companies, specialist insurers may be worth exploring. Resources like the Money Helper directory and the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) can point you towards providers that may be able to help.

3. Get your health information together beforehand

Insurance providers often ask detailed questions about your health and medical history, so having this information ready can make your application process smoother.

You may be asked about your prostate cancer diagnosis, PSA level, Gleason score, TNM stage and recent scan results, as well as any treatments you’ve had and the dates of these treatments. They may also ask for a letter from your doctor or specialist.

4. Ask the travel insurance provider questions

If there’s anything you're unsure about, don't be afraid to contact the insurance provider directly. It’s important to understand exactly what your policy covers, but you should also be aware of anything that isn’t covered (your ‘exclusions’).

Here’s an example. Ask whether the policy covers treatment related to your prostate cancer while you're away, the amount you’ll pay when you make a claim (the ‘excess’), and whether the policy would cover a family member or friend if you became unwell.

Taking the time to ask questions now could help avoid you unexpected surprises later.

5. Think about where and for how long you're travelling

Where you're travelling and how long you're planning to be away can also affect the cost of your travel insurance. Some destinations may have higher healthcare costs than others, which insurers take into account when working out the amount you pay for your policy (your ‘premium’). Longer trips can also increase the overall cost of your cover.

Before booking, think about whether your chosen destination and travel plans could have an impact on the price of your insurance.

6. Try calling on the phone

Speaking directly to an insurer can be easier than filling in online forms, especially when discussing a complex medical condition.

Having a phone conversation allows you to explain your situation in more detail and gives you the chance to ask questions along the way. It may also help you avoid any misunderstandings and make sure the provider has a clear picture of your situation.

7. Check the small print

Insurance policies can be lengthy, but taking the time to read the terms and conditions is important. Make sure you understand what’s covered, what isn't covered, and whether there are any requirements you’ll need to meet before travelling.

Paying particular attention to exclusions related to pre-existing medical conditions can help you avoid problems if you need to make a claim while you’re abroad.

8. Book your insurance as soon as possible

It's a good idea to look into travel insurance costs before booking your trip and factor this into your overall travel budget. Once you've booked, sort your insurance as soon as possible – don’t leave it until just before you travel.

Having cover in place early may give you protection if you need to cancel your trip due to unexpected circumstances before you leave.

9. Apply for a GHIC & EHIC card

If you're travelling within the EU, it's worth checking that you have a valid Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) before you go. The GHIC replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but existing EHICs remain valid until their expiry date.

A GHIC can help you access state healthcare while you're abroad. The GHIC is free to apply for, but it’s not a replacement for travel insurance. Travel insurance can give you extra protection, such as covering the cost if you need to return home for medical reasons (known as ‘medical repatriation’), cancellations, lost luggage and other travel-related costs, which a GHIC or EHIC does not cover.

10. Reach out for support

Sometimes the best practical information comes from people who’ve been through a similar experience.  Through our Prostate Cancer UK Online Community, you can connect with others who’ve been in the same position and can suggest providers they’ve found helpful.

Local support groups can also be a great place to get advice and comfort. Insurance prices and policies can change over time, but hearing about other people's experiences may point you in the right direction. Both Macmillan and Cancer Research UK also provide information on getting travel insurance if you have cancer including stories and tips from people with cancer.

Finding travel insurance after a prostate cancer diagnosis can take a little extra time and effort, but many men do successfully find the right cover and go on to enjoy holidays both at home and abroad. Being prepared, asking questions and researching your options can help make the process feel more manageable.

And finally, once your travel insurance is sorted, make sure you enjoy your holiday!

More information and support

We have more information about travel insurance and prostate cancer, as well as on travelling with medication, vaccinations, and looking after yourself when you're away.

Our online community also has helpful chats between men about finding the right travel insurance.