Survey: Many cancer survivors charged more for travel insurance

According to a survey by Macmillan Cancer Support, many individuals who have had cancer and recovered are still either refused travel insurance or must pay more for it. Six percent of the 1,137 people, all of whom were either in remission from their cancer or had recovered completely, said that they had been flatly refused coverage, while 8 percent had chosen not to pay the higher premiums and go on holiday without insurance coverage. Forty percent of those surveyed had been quoted higher premiums than they would have been if they had not had a medical history that included a cancer diagnosis.

As a result of the study Macmillan, which provides free care and support to those affected by cancer, has begun an effort to persuade the travel insurance industry to take another look at the risks post by recovered or recovering cancer patients, as well as to make sure that these individuals are treated with respect when they apply for travel insurance. One widespread complaint among those surveyed was that they were asked insensitive questions as part of the application process, such as whether they or a family member were “going to die”.

Insurers defend their premiums structure by saying that costs have to reflect their risks. A spokesman for the Association of British Insurers said that there is always a risk that cancer could recur in those who have been previously diagnosed and that insurers assess that risk “using the best available medical evidence.” However, the head of campaigns and public affairs at Macmillan reminds that many people “live long and active lives after cancer”, which is why it believes the travel insurance industry should review its guidelines for insuring those who have had cancer.

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