A holiday can give you the chance to take a break from your usual routine, spend time with family and friends, or simply enjoy some time away. If you are travelling with lung cancer, however, you may have a few more things to think about before you book your trip.
From choosing a destination that suits you to making sure you have enough medication and the right travel insurance, a little preparation can make your journey easier to manage.
Having lung cancer does not necessarily mean you have to put your travel plans on hold. However, everyone’s circumstances are different, particularly if you are having treatment or recovering from surgery. It is important to speak to your doctor or lung cancer specialist before making travel arrangements and follow any medical advice you are given.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to raise awareness, share reliable information and encourage conversations about lung cancer.
According to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, over 49,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK each year, which is around 130 people every day.
For more lung cancer facts and information, read our Lung Cancer Awareness: Breaking the Stigma and Moving Away From Labels infographic here.
With this in mind, we are sharing some practical things to consider if you are thinking about travelling with lung cancer.
Consider things such as:
You may find that a slower-paced holiday, a destination with good transport links or accommodation close to the places you want to visit suits you better.
There is no single type of holiday that is right for everyone. Consider what works for you and your health.
Weather and temperature can be another important consideration when travelling with lung cancer.
Some cancer treatments can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. If you are planning a sunny holiday, speak to your doctor or lung cancer nurse about how best to protect your skin.
You may also want to think about how comfortable you are likely to feel in very hot or cold weather and whether your planned activities will be manageable in those conditions.
Checking the usual weather for your destination before you travel can also help you decide what to pack.
Before booking your holiday, speak to your doctor, consultant or lung cancer nurse specialist about your travel plans.
They can advise you on whether your planned trip is suitable based on your health, treatment and recovery. This is particularly important if you are currently having treatment, have recently had surgery or have other health conditions.
If you are planning to travel by air, ask whether there are any additional considerations for you. Some people with lung cancer may need an assessment before flying, while others may need additional oxygen during a flight.
If you do need oxygen or medical equipment while travelling, contact your airline well before your departure date to find out what arrangements need to be made. Requirements can vary between airlines.
If you take regular medication, make sure you have enough to last for your whole trip. It can also be sensible to take extra in case your journey home is delayed.
Keep your medication in your hand luggage rather than packing it in your checked baggage. Keeping medicines in their original packaging can also make it easier to identify them if you need to show them to airport or customs staff.
It is worth taking a list of your medicines with you, including their names and doses. You may also need a letter from your doctor or other documentation, particularly if you are travelling with controlled medication.
Different countries have their own rules about medicines, so check the requirements for your destination before you travel. If you are taking controlled drugs out of the UK, GOV.UK advises checking the rules for the country you are visiting and carrying evidence that the medication has been prescribed to you.
If you are flying with liquid medication over 100ml, check the latest airport requirements before you travel, as you may need proof that the medication has been prescribed to you.
Flying is not the only way to enjoy a holiday. Depending on your destination and circumstances, travelling by train, coach, car or ferry may be another option.
Think about how long the journey will take and whether you will have opportunities to take breaks and move around.
If you are travelling by air, speak to your healthcare team about whether flying is suitable for you. The lower cabin pressure at altitude can affect oxygen levels, which may be particularly important for some people with lung conditions.
If you require oxygen during a flight, make arrangements with the airline in advance. Do not assume that oxygen will automatically be available on board.
Travelling can be tiring, so try not to make your itinerary too demanding.
Rather than filling every day with activities, leave some time to rest between outings. If you are visiting a city, consider staying somewhere with easy access to public transport or close to the places you want to visit.
If you are travelling with family or friends, let them know what you are comfortable doing before you leave. You can still enjoy sightseeing, meals out and days away without feeling that you have to keep up with everyone else.
Plan your holiday around what feels manageable for you.
Finding suitable travel insurance can sometimes be one of the more difficult parts of planning a holiday with a pre-existing medical condition.
When you have lung cancer, it is particularly important to make sure your medical condition and relevant treatment history are fully disclosed when applying for cover.
This helps an insurer understand your individual circumstances and assess the level of cover that may be available to you.
At Insurancewith, our medical screening process asks questions about your condition, including details that can help us understand your individual circumstances. We can consider cover for people with lung cancer, including those who may be receiving or have received treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy or surgery.
Being open and accurate when answering medical screening questions is important. If you do not disclose relevant medical information and later need to make a claim relating to that condition, your cover could be affected.
Always check your policy carefully before travelling so you understand what is and is not covered, including any exclusions, conditions and limits that apply.
When arranging travel insurance, you may be asked questions about your lung cancer and treatment.
This could include information such as:
Having this information to hand can make the screening process easier.
At Insurancewith, we understand that discussing your medical history can feel personal. Our medical screening team is there to help you through the process and ask questions relevant to your circumstances.
Once your holiday is booked, a simple checklist can help you feel more organised.
Before you leave, consider checking that you have:
If you are travelling abroad, check the latest travel and healthcare information for your destination before you leave.
At Insurancewith, we understand that finding suitable travel insurance after a cancer diagnosis can be challenging. Our specialist medical screening process is designed to look at your individual circumstances rather than simply your diagnosis.
Find out more about our lung cancer travel insurance and get a free quote today.
For more information and support about living with lung cancer, including guidance on travelling with lung cancer, you can also visit the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
The information in this article has been informed by guidance from the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation website and GOV.UK website. This article is intended as general information and is not a substitute for medical advice from your doctor, consultant or lung cancer specialist.
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation – Travelling with Lung Cancer
GOV.UK – Taking medicine in or out of the UK
