Cruise Advice for Those with Cancer

There are 385,000 new cancer cases each year here in the UK* and while being diagnosed with cancer can mean a complete change of lifestyle for some, this doesn’t mean those important holidays and a chance to make memories with friends and loved ones should be overlooked.

Many people who have cancer are still able to go on holiday, whether that be here in the UK or abroad, but they may find it requires more planning and considerations – particularly when it comes to going on a cruise.

Here at Travel Insurance Explained, we have combined just about everything you need to know about cruising when you have a cancer diagnosis to help you navigate your new normal.

Can I Get Travel Insurance for a Cruise if I have Cancer?

 One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to booking a cruise is that most cruise operators will not let you board the ship without having valid travel insurance that includes cover for all medical conditions. Finding a travel insurance policy that will cover cancer can be tricky, so it is best to check that you are insurable before booking the cruise. Depending on where you are with your diagnosis and subsequent treatment, you may need to wait a period of time before you are able to get travel insurance.

Generally, when looking for travel insurance that covers cancer, it is best to look for a specialist medical provider as opposed to using comparison sites. This is because they usually have a more in-depth medical screening system and are able to assess you based on your individual circumstances. You may find a medical excess is added to the policy. This means in the event of a claim related to your medical condition/s you will need to pay the medical excess. If the claim is not related, you will only need to pay the policy excess if there is one.

It is important to mention that most travel insurance policies will not offer to cover a cruise as standard so you may need to pay an additional premium to add this onto the policy.

While we are discussing travel insurance, it is worth noting that you will need to ensure you have cover for anywhere the ship may stop, including unscheduled stops. If we take a European cruise as an example. Most travel insurance policies will offer cover for Europe under two sections: Europe excluding Spain and Europe including Spain. Although your cruise may not include Spain in the itinerary, it is best to include cover just in case the ship is required to make an unscheduled stop or you are taken ill and Spain is the closest destination for you to get the medical attention you need.

Lastly, you will need to let your travel insurer know if there are any changes in your health between when you buy your travel insurance and your departure date. We cover this in more detail here.

Can I Use My GHIC On a Cruise?

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), formally the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), entitles you to either free or discounted medical treatment when travelling within the European Union.

The GHIC, however, is not valid for medical treatment aboard a cruise ship. This includes if the ship has docked.

If you do require medical treatment aboard the cruise ship, it is likely you will need to pay for the treatment at the time and then claim the costs back from your travel insurance. Check how this works with your travel insurance company as the terms and conditions for paying for medical treatment will differ between insurers.

Tips for Booking a Cruise When You Have Cancer

 Discussing your cruise with your treating doctor is vital. Some people may experience nausea and/or fatigue during chemotherapy or other treatments so it may be best not to travel while actively receiving this type of cancer treatment.

Following on from this, always ensure your trip and treatment dates do not clash. Occasionally treatment dates can change or you may be delayed abroad so take this into consideration before booking your cruise. Although we like to put it behind us, COVID-19 was responsible for several cruise ships not being allowed to dock as scheduled and having to quarantine. Events like this are often unforeseen, so plan for the unexpected.

Just like at airports, you can arrange additional assistance for boarding the cruise as well as while you are aboard. You will need to contact the cruise line, tour operator or travel agent in advance of your departure date. Assistance can include; help getting on and off the ship, specialist accommodation, special seating throughout the ship and arrangements to bring any of your equipment aboard.

It is always best to book additional support early as it may be limited to first come first served. Smaller cruise ships may not be able to accommodate larger medical equipment such as mobility scooters or oxygen tanks.

If you are required to travel with a carer, some cruise lines will allow carers to travel for free so check this before booking. Also, there are charities that will offer grants to help with holiday costs if you have cancer, so this may be something to look into to see if you are eligible.

Lastly it is important to consider not only the countries you are travelling to, but the countries you will be passing. If you are taken ill while on a cruise, it is likely you will be taken to the nearest medical facilities which may be a country that is not on your itinerary. Medical facilities can differ greatly between countries; they may not have the care and treatment you would expect in the UK, the medication may be harder to get hold of, or due to religious beliefs, some blood products may be difficult to source. The likelihood of you becoming ill on board a cruise ship and requiring repatriation to the nearest medical facility is generally low but it is best to ensure you are prepared.

Infections and Vaccinations When Going on a Cruise

 Illnesses such as norovirus can spread rapidly on a cruise ship due to everyone being in close proximity. If you are undergoing cancer treatment, having a break from treatment or have recently finished treatment your immune system may be weaker than normal meaning you are more susceptible to illness. Your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics if you are at a higher risk of infection.

Depending on where you are travelling to, you may be required to have vaccinations. You should always check with your treating doctor before booking your trip if vaccinations are involved as they will be able to advise you whether you can have them alongside your treatment. You can check the Travel Health Pro Website for the latest vaccination information and health advice for the countries you are planning to travel to.

Taking Your Medications on a Cruise

When it comes to medication, one of the most important things to do is check whether your medication/s is legal in the countries you are travelling to.

You will also need to ensure you have a copy of your prescription which outlines the name of the medication, the dosage and the condition it’s prescribed for and a letter from your treating doctor or GP confirming that you are fit to travel and fit to fly. Although you are going on a cruise, if you are required to be repatriated off the ship for medical treatment, this will usually take place via air travel.

Ensure you pack extra medication to allow for delays or if you happen to misplace them. If you do require replacement medication while you are abroad, it is best to always use the generic names as brand names may vary from country to country.

In addition to this, consider either giving the cruise line your personal ‘medical guide’ or have it on your person. For example, if you have medication that is required if you have a seizure, you should detail what it is called and the dosage required. You should also include who to call and what they should do next i.e. would you need to go to hospital. Translating this document into the language of the countries you are travelling to would be preferred.

Finally, you should take into consideration the time differences and adapt your medication accordingly. Your treating doctor or GP will be able to help you with this.

Other Consideration When Cruising After a Cancer Diagnosis

 The cruise deck doesn’t tend to have a lot of shaded areas. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and some cancer medications can make you more sensitive to the sun so ensure you are keeping yourself covered up and cool – particularly during peak times when the UV rays are at their strongest.

Consider taking copies of your recent scans with you so if anything was to happen while you are away the treating doctor will be able to compare your new scan with your previous one.

When you board the cruise ship, be sure to take a tour and get to know where everything is. This will minimise distress and make planning your days a little easier. You can note down the best shady spots, the quieter areas, accessible areas and the best route to get to the dining facilities.

Most cancer patients will already be taking medication that helps with nausea, but if you are concerned about sea sickness it is best to speak to your treating doctor.

*Figure from Cancer Research UK

If you have any travel insurance questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch at hello@travelinsuranceexplained.co.uk and a member of the team will gladly help.