Cancer and travel insurance: can you get coverage?

Every insurer has its own rules and limits when it comes to pre-existing medical conditions (that’s the industry term for illnesses and conditions that are already known when the customer takes out his or her policy). Cancer is one such pre-existing condition. Depending on your exact situation, one insurer might agree to cover you while another would not. Consequently, you should be prepared to shop around.

Am I insurable?

I am in remission or am a cancer survivor

You may be able to get coverage. The key thing an insurer is going to look at is whether you are in stable medical condition. If you have been in remission for five years, the insurer will probably consider that your condition is under control; i.e., you are not at increased risk of developing a health problem before or during your trip.

The required minimum stability period varies from one insurer to another, usually from 3 to 12 months, so don't hesitate to contact several providers.

I am receiving treatment

If you are receiving treatment, or completed treatment not long ago, most insurers will not cover you against cancer.

Specialized insurance policies exist, however: call a broker or contact the OmbudService for Life & Health Insurance to learn what your options are.

Can I still buy travel insurance even though I’m not covered against cancer?

Your insurer may agree to sell you a policy, but one that excludes cancer as an insured risk. It would then be up to you to decide if you want to go on vacation even if you aren’t completely covered. If you had to receive medical care related to your cancer condition while abroad, you would have pay for it yourself.

If you do decide to go on a trip, you should still buy travel insurance. It can be useful in plenty of situations that have nothing to do with your cancer: e.g., you would be reimbursed for medical expenses if, for example, you sprained your ankle or broke your wrist. Plus, trip cancellation and interruption coverage voyage may cover you if you have to delay your departure because of major water damage to your home, or if your travel companion has a health issue.

What happens if my cancer comes back?

Before my trip

If you took out travel insurance including trip cancellation coverage, and your insurer agreed that you would be covered against cancer, any expenses already incurred for your trip will be reimbursable if your doctor recommends that you not travel.

If you choose to go on your trip anyway, without saying anything to your insurer about the change in your health condition, and you receive medical care for cancer during the trip, your insurer will very likely not reimburse you. The reason is simple: your state of health changed between the time you bought the insurance and your departure.

During my trip

If your condition was stable before you left and your insurer agreed to cover you without excluding cancer, you will be covered. If you purchased emergency medical care coverage, you will be reimbursed for any such care received. If you have trip interruption coverage and a doctor as well as your insurer recommend that you return home, you will be able to claim a reimbursement for the vacation days lost.

Any other useful advice?

Shop around!

Every insurer has its own rules and scales. One may refuse to insure you, while another may agree to. You should also keep in mind that your premium may be higher because of your condition.

If you’d rather not have to make several calls or online requests for quotes, use an insurance broker. Lay out your expectations: ask for at least four quotes, and specify which insurers you are interested in, if need be. Above all, ask to see all of the insurers’ quotes, not just the one that the broker decides is the best deal. That way, you’ll be able to compare for yourself and, more important, you’ll be sure that the broker did indeed approach several insurers on your behalf.

Don’t hesitate to have forms filled out or have your questions answered.

Some insurers may ask you to have your physician complete one or more forms. This is of benefit to you: a company may agree to insure you based on the answers provided.

If you receive several of these forms from multiple insurers, make a single appointment with your doctor to fill them out all at once. Note, however, that he or she may ask you to pay for each form, and that these costs are generally not reimbursable by the insurers.

You now have a new option with CAA-Quebec Travel Insurance: optional coverage for a pre-existing condition. This coverage is for travellers with a medical condition that is usually not covered. Rather than having forms filled out by a physician, you can be covered for an additional premium.

See your doctor a few months before your planned departure date

To verify that your condition is stable, make an appointment to see your physician several months before you leave on your trip. If you don’t, and there’s a problem, your insurer may refuse to compensate you.

Book your trip after you’ve taken out insurance

Buying insurance can be a longer and more complicated process in your case, so you should do it before booking your trip. Why? Because if you aren’t able to get insurance, you won’t be able to cancel your trip and get a refund. Travel agencies, air carriers and other providers will not consider it a valid reason.

Conclusion

You can get insurance coverage even if you have cancer. But it will definitely be hard for you to travel on a whim and buy travel insurance at the last minute. Plan ahead, and take the time to shop around.