Lung 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

Air travel if you need oxygen If your normal blood oxygen levels are so low that air travel may be a problem for you (as advised by a medical professional), you may still be able to travel by air, if oxygen is provided for you. Most Airlines can organise additional oxygen, but most will charge and different airlines have different charges; check with each one before you arrange your 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.