[mattkboParticipant]

Hi,

Can anyone give me advice on buying Travel Insurance? I am planning to go to North America next year and would appreciate any information, experiences or knowledge on this subject. I’m 43, had SCT last December, currently in remission with 5 collapsed vertebrae but mobile. Having spoken to a couple of ‘specialist’ companies there seems to be a very differing response to insuring me.

Thanks in advance of any help.

Matt

[jmsmythParticipant]

Hi Matt

My husband has been in remission for over 2 years. We love cruising and we got the best deal from All Clear – a yearly policy. When we asked about cruising in the Caribbean – I can’t remember what it cost but I know it was astronomical – so we stay with in Europe. Hope someone comes along and can give you more info

Best wishes
Jean

[mattkboParticipant]

Hi Jean,

Thank you for replying. I’m glad that your husband has been in remission for 2 years, isn’t that great. Thank you also for letting me know about All Clear, I will definitely give them a call. Yes North America is not ideal but it is a postponed holiday booked prior to diagnosis. Can I ask if your husband’s current state of health affects your premium when taking out insurance? Ie the longer in remission or if there have been no complications in the previous few months?

Regards

Matt

[jmsmythParticipant]

Hi Matt

When Frank applied for policy, he had to answer loads of questions. One they kept harping about was “are you on very strong pain killers”. He asked what they called strong. They never had an answer for that and as Frank was only taking paracetamol – they accepted that. He got the yearly policy and when they sent the renewal policy it had been reduced by 25%. Frank went over the policy with a fine tooth comb and it suited him. You are obliged to inform them of any changes. When we go away Frank gets in touch with his consultant and she marks on his notes – the dates and states that he is able to travel. Frank is a lot older than you so you should get a good policy. I’m sure there will be someone come along with further info. I know David says ” you ust tell them if you have a pimple on your bum”. But then Gill said you are not going to wake up one morning with a severe case of Myeloma !!!!

[mattkboParticipant]

Hi Jean,

Thank you for some useful information, food for thought. Gill’s point is spot on isn’t it. I do expect to fill out a lot of paperwork unfortunately.

Best wishes,

Matt

[jonoParticipant]

Hi matt I am 47 having my SCT at the moment . I am sure there is an insurance company connected with this site. If not McMillan will be able to point you in the right direction.

Jono

[mattkboParticipant]

Hi Jono,

Thanks for replying, especially if you’re having your SCT at the moment. I really hope it is going well for you. I will follow up on your two pieces of advice, thanks again.

Good luck!!

Matt

[andrewrParticipant]

If you bank with First Direct I would recommend their First Directory bolt on package which includes travel insurance via Aviva. Costs about £16 per month and involves all the standard questions but covers you and your partner, worldwide. Also gives phone cover and car breakdown.

[DormouseParticipant]

I too am looking for travel insurance (though I have no right to be on this forum as I’m not 50 anymore!). Newly in remission I hope to go on a mediterranean cruise with my sister, who is over 70. I will check out all clear, thanks Jean. There is a booklet by MacMillan “Getting Travel Insurance” which lists a number of companies who have covered cancer patients in the past but it’s overall tone is not optimistic! Anyone had any other experiences with other companies?

• This reply was modified 9 years, 10 months ago by  Dormouse.

[PatGParticipant]

As your sister is over 70 have you tries Age UK? I took out a policy with them to cover a cruise in June and have just had to cancel as my kidneys decided they have had enough and I had to start dialysis on Christmas Eve. The claims lady has been terrific and the cover offered is comprehensive. Worth a try?

[DormouseParticipant]

It certainly is. Thanks Patricia.

[mattkboParticipant]

Hi All,

I have now booked my travel insurance, it was an education. The hardest part I think for me was answering the same list of questions over and over again, speaking to strangers about my illness and seeing how they ( or their company really) reacted to my answers. Having said this however, if this is the first time you are booking travel insurance since diagnosis then I would really recommend you put yourself through this because you learn a lot about insurers attitude to risk and Myeloma. Here are few notes I made on some of the companies I called,  reminder, I am under 50 and my Myeloma is currently in remission.

Bupa: Do not insure Myeloma.

Freedom Travel: Do not insure Myeloma.

All Clear: Would insure me, highest quote I received, if I got sick they said they would treat in me in USA, also some discussion as to whether I was on powerful painkillers.

Insure Cancer: Would not insure me as my Myeloma is not active, really helpful man.

Avanti: I decided to go with them as if I became ill, they would repatriate me if needed and not treat in USA, were more competitive and I felt they actually listened to me rather than just put me through a process.

I am not recommending any one company but would recommend spending some time phoning around and speaking to as many as you can manage. Good luck!

Regards,

Matt

[Anonymous]

we have used avanti on each trip abroad and found them very helpful.

[DormouseParticipant]

Thanks everyone. I got a good quote from Avanti (the insurer is a sister company called Good To Go) so I’m all booked and off in May!!

[mattkboParticipant]

Hi Judith,

Have a wonderful trip.

Matt

[Author]

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