Single trip travel insuranceLung cancer travel insurance
There is a lot of contradicting advice surrounding travelling with Lung Cancer, especially Air Travel with Lung Cancer. We understand that it can be difficult trying to arrange travel insurance if you have recently been diagnosed with Lung Cancer (small cell or non small sell) or are undergoing treatment as many insurers don’t understand the condition, different stages, spreads and levels of severity. Using our specialist screening system you can obtain a quote for your Lung Cancer travel insurance especially tailored to your specific circumstances and stage in treatment. This can be done via our website www.insurancewithlungcancer.com or you can call one of our dedicated, fully trained medical screening advisers on 0845 2 307 159 who will sensitively assess your condition and provide friendly advice.Insuranceiwthlungcancer have 15years experience insuring people with this condition and know the actual risks of travelling abroad with Lung Cancer.
insurancewithlung cancer has up to £5 million of medical cover and repatriation cover for the duration of your trip and is automatically extended should either due to flight delay or medical necessity you are unable to travel home as planned.
The actual risks of travelling with Lung Cancer
Generally, a solid tumour will not create too much of a risk, except where your level of lung function is severely affected. There are two main physiological issues that will influence the risk and your comfort whilst flying.
1. As aeroplanes take off and go up the cabin pressure falls until it reaches the same altitude of approximately 6000 feet and this leads to expansion of air within closed cavities. If you have any minor degree of collapse in a lobe of the lung this could become detrimental to your health altitude, potentially leading to a collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
2. The amount of oxygen available reduces at altitude and as such should you normally have reduced ability to oxygenate the blood due to insufficient red blood cells, or limited lung performance this becomes be more evident than it is at ground level.
We must stress that it is very important to seek medical advice and get confirmation that you are fit to travel prior to booking your holiday, there are some risks, especially flying with Lung Cancer. Anyone who has had a collapsed lung(pneumothorax) must not travel by air until their doctor tells them it is safe to do so.
Important things to check and do
- Ask your GP or consultant for a letter to carry in your hand luggage with details of your condition and medication.
- Carry your inhalers in your hand luggage not in your suitcase
- Distances to departure gates can be quite long. If you get breathless when walking, make sure you have help when you get to their airport,disabled assistance at airports can be arranged but you will need to organise this before you arrive.
- When you check with your GP about flying please make sure you
inform them what sort of flight it is i.e. long haul/short haul. Long haul flights carry health risks for anyone, because of the health effects of long periods sitting without much exercise DVT can develop; this is increased for people with lung cancer who are more prone to Deep Vein Thrombosis (clots in the veins). - When you are in the aeroplane try to move about every hour
or so and exercise your legs. Sitting for too long can lead to blood clots in the legs. - Drink plenty of water and non-alcoholic drinks during the flight.
If booking through an agent you can get your travel agent to arrange this for you, it is best to get this sorted before you pay for any flights. You cannot presume that your plane will have extra oxygen on board. They carry emergency supplies but not enough for several hours. If you have your own medical supplies you will need permission from the airline to take it/them on board as well as permission use any electrical equipment you need for your treatment. Equipment must be battery driven, and you will not be allowed to use it during takeoff or landing.
When you get there
It is advised that although you are on holiday and by all mean relax, please consider your health and abilities when out and about so you do not worsen your condition. However should you need medical attention whilst on your holiday our Doctor led worldwide 24 hour emergency assistance service is there to help you receive the right treatment at the most appropriate hospital for your needs. In the event of an emergency our chief medical officer will liaise with the treating Doctor and your specialist to ensure any treatment received whilst on your trip is not detrimental to your continued treatment at home. They will also make arrangements for alternative travel and accommodation, when necessary for you and your family until you are fit to return home. This is because we understand that when you are on holiday with Lung Cancer and are unfortunate enough to require treatment, that it is distressing enough without having to worry about getting home and general organisation in an unfamiliar country.You can obtain a free Lung cancer travel insurance quote online or by telephone 0845 2 307 159, and ensure you have all your medical details, diagnosis/treatment dates with details of recent chemotherapy, radiotherapy as well as any recent surgery such as, Lobectomy or Pneumonectomy. You will also need to hand all your medications such as what steroids, antibiotics or breathing apparatus that you use for your Lung Cancer.
