🇬🇧 2025 UK Senior Travel Insurance Guide: Can Cancer Survivors Still Travel Safely?
Medical Travel Insurance | Cancer History | 60+ Travellers | Insurance Comparison
In the UK, more and more retirees are embracing travel later in life. But for those with a past cancer diagnosis, is travel insurance still within reach? The answer is yes—and now more accessible than ever.
🔍 Fact: Among UK travellers aged 70+, one in two has a chronic medical condition—and the number of cancer survivors continues to rise.
This is why several insurers now offer cancer-friendly policies tailored for older adults.
Why Cancer History Requires Special Travel Insurance
While the NHS provides strong domestic healthcare, overseas medical emergencies—especially cancer-related complications—can be financially overwhelming. Medical travel insurance ensures coverage for:
- ✅ Emergency treatment and hospitalisation abroad
- ✅ Air ambulance and repatriation to the UK (up to £50,000)
- ✅ Cancer-related relapses or complications
- ✅ Trip cancellation, delays, lost baggage, and more
Top Cancer-Friendly Insurance Providers (2025 Comparison)
Based on a sample 14-day Europe trip, here are estimated quotes for senior travellers with a history of cancer:
| Provider | Age 65–69 | Age 70–74 | Age 75+ | Cancer-Specific Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AllClear | £95 | £120 | £155 | Covers most types of cancer; no extra paperwork |
| Staysure | £85 | £110 | £145 | Accepts cancer survivors with no age cap |
| Avanti | £88 | £115 | £150 | Covers early-stage cancers with standard quotes |
| Saga | £90 | £118 | £155 | Designed for over 60s; fast cancer risk approval |
🎯 How to Get the Right Policy for Cancer Survivors
- Prepare your medical history: Include diagnosis dates, treatments, and recovery status
- Use comparison tools: Try MoneySuperMarket or MoneyHelper
- Contact insurers by phone: Brands like AllClear and Staysure provide personalised quotes
- Check for "cancer clause": Ensure relapses and cancellations are covered in writing
- Add optional cover: For cruises, winter sports, or extra baggage if needed
✅ Best Insurance Type by Age Group
| Age Range | Recommended Cover Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| 55–64 | Single-trip or annual cover | Active lifestyle and multiple travel opportunities |
| 65–74 | Annual cover with medical add-ons | Cost-effective if travelling more than twice yearly |
| 75+ | Single-trip with higher coverage | Keeps costs manageable with tailored protection |
📖 Real Case: George's Trip to Spain
Age: 73
History: Prostate cancer (remission for 3 years)
Insurer: Staysure
Quote: £130 (with £5,000,000 medical limit)
During his Lisbon holiday, George developed a high fever and sought emergency care:
- Ambulance: £350
- Hospital treatment: £2,700
- Medication: £300
- Emergency return flight: £450
✅ Total payout: £3,450
✅ Out-of-pocket cost: £100 excess only
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need to declare cancer history if I'm in remission?
A: Yes. All past cancer diagnoses must be declared to avoid rejected claims.
Q: Is a GHIC card enough?
A: No. GHIC only covers public healthcare in the EU and won’t cover private hospitals, repatriation, or trip cancellations.
Q: Can I get cover if I had cancer years ago?
A: Yes, most insurers will accept long-term remission cases with full disclosure.
Q: Are there policies that skip cancer screening?
A: Some offer simplified underwriting, but usually at lower coverage limits.
Conclusion: Cancer Doesn't Mean You Can't Travel
With proper planning and the right insurance, UK seniors who’ve had cancer can still explore the world confidently. Just be transparent, compare wisely, and choose plans that provide full medical coverage—including cancer-related risks.