Unfair healthcare insurance costs force cancer patients to forego holidays or travel without coverage, according to a charitable organization.
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Heads up, cancer warriors! The cost of travel insurance is sending some of you straight into a tailspin. Cancer patients might find themselves priced out of trips due to burdensome insurance premiums, according to Maggie's, a charity supporting those battling the disease.
It's a grim reality for individuals diagnosed with cancer who are "frequently" turned away or quoted exorbitant premiums, leading some to travel uninsured or skip trips altogether. A heavy financial burden forces them to postpone visits with loved ones abroad and abandon business travel altogether.
Take the unfortunate story of Josh Cull, a 28-year-old from Bournemouth, who overcame brain cancer only to be hit with a £3,000 insurance quote for a much-needed vacation. Despite being cancer-free for two and a half years, he was unable to secure an affordable policy, leaving him no choice but to travel uninsured.
"Having a cancer diagnosis in my past meant the insurance was extremely expensive," lamented Josh. "It felt so unfair. I ended up traveling uninsured because I just couldn't afford the cover."
Millie Tharakan, a 72-year-old Londoner, also faces the same hurdles. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, she had to fork over £1,300 for annual travel insurance in Europe – a bill she found "incredibly stressful."
"Most insurance companies I spoke to wouldn't even consider covering me," Tharakan said, expressing her frustration with the expensive premiums.
It's a heartbreaking situation that Maggie's, led by Dame Laura Lee, is working tirelessly to rectify. The charity reports growing concerns from cancer patients about the difficulties in obtaining travel insurance, as well as the emotional strain this can inflict. Lee eloquently states, "The last thing people should have to think about is inflated insurance costs when they should be focused on recovering from treatment and living well with cancer."
But there's a glimmer of hope. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) assures that it is dedicated to aiding those affected by cancer. However, patients with pre-existing medical conditions may be subject to higher risks, leading to pricier premiums.
Ultimately, insurers will consider this and other factors when offering suitable coverage. The charity has taken its concerns to Treasury minister Emma Reynolds, requesting an investigation and pushing for cooperation between travel insurance companies, the Financial Conduct Authority, and cancer patients to secure a fairer deal.
Related Topics:
- Cancer
In the fight against cancer, affordable travel insurance shouldn't be a barrier to taking a well-deserved break. Here are some strategies to help obtain more affordable travel insurance:
- Work with specialist insurers
- Advocate for change
- Consult industry experts
- Explore comparison tools
- Consider travel to low-risk destinations
- Seek government support.
By staying informed and employing these strategies, cancer patients can navigate the travel insurance market more effectively, ensuring a worry-free trip.
Sources:* Maggie's Cancer Support* Association of British Insurers (ABI)
- The challenging cost of travel insurance for cancer patients can exacerbate their medical-conditions, leading some to forego lifestyle improvements such as health-and-wellness retreats or trips for relaxation.
- Science and technology advancements in cancer treatments have significantly improved survival rates, yet patients often face discrimination in obtaining affordable travel insurance, hindering their travel for both leisure and business purposes.
- In the fight against cancer, it is essential to advocate not only for improved medical care but also for fair insurance premiums that accommodate individuals' health-and-wellness needs and lifestyle, including travel for personal growth and connecting with family across the globe.
