Hi ladies
we are hoping to go away for a few days in early may to eurodisney for my little boys 2nd birthday. I am currently on chemo (carboplatin) + am tolerating It really well, bloods have been fine no real side effects etc. I have secondaries in chest wall + superclav nodes. Basically I’m wondering whether anyone will insure me?!? Have any of you been successful in getting insurance for europe during chemo? I don’t forsee any problems as I feel great all things considered but I wouldn’t risk traveling without cover. We will be driving + getting the ferry so if I need to get home, we won’t be tied into flights etc. We will be travelling in the few days before my chemo so a fortnight after an infusion.
Thanks in advance
tina x
Hi gingerbud,
try insurepink they ask a series of questions about the treatment you are on and may insure you as long as you declare what and when you have been on treatment. I got their name from the macmillan site.
Goodluck Daisy.
Hi gingerbud,
there is a ‘Sticky Thread’ re all things travel insurance related:
breastcancercare.org.uk/forum/employment,-travel-and-financial-issues-f33.html
I hope you have a wonderful time!
xx
Hi Tina
My experience with insure pink was - I was declined because I had secondaries in more than 3 places, if yours are in less places you might be in luck. I rang all the numbers on the original list posted by Dianne and the only company giving me a quote for under £100 was MIA. I had to have seen a Dr within 4 weeks of travel and he had to record in my notes that I had been given permission to travel. Other companies charge more and insist on the doctors filling out lengthy forms that they then charge you for completing.
Good luck I hope that you get insurance sorted, it isn’t an easy job, as I am sure you would all benefit from a great holiday.
Nicola xx
Hi Tina
I am not on any chemo at the moment but do have secondaries and regularly visit France as my daughter is currently studying in Paris. For the short trips I take I do not take out additional health insurance as your EHIC will cover you for treatment for secondary BC in a French state hospital, I understand the only things it won’t cover is re-patriation or a helicopter airlift to hospital. It depends on whether you would be comfortable without the additional security of a specific policy that covers all aspects of your secondary BC. My bone mets are stable at the moment so I do know that an emergency specifically related to them is very unlikely which is why I don’t take out an additional policy for these short trips. BTW I do have an annual policy (that comes with my bank account) that covers all other health issues and all the usual travel related issues that can’t be linked to my BC. For longer trips in Europe including ones I don’t want to lose my deposit or total fare on I have used MIA and Insurepink.
Whatever you decide to do have a fantastic trip - your little boy will love it 
Nicky xx
Hi
I have read about an EHICplus insurance that just covers the parts that the EHIC does not cover eg. travel back home if needed etc so it’s not too expensive. Worth looking at?
Fran
Hi Tina,
Have a look on the MacMillan website. They have list of insurers. I tried to get insurance with ‘InsurePink’., They wouldn’t insure me whilst on chemo, they said I needed to have 4 clear weeks after last infusion.
Your EH1C card will cover you for NHS equivalent treatment. Without insurance, you will not be covered for re patriation. I was considering going to Portugal for a few days between chemo’s and would have gone with just the EH1C cover but have been poorly with low WBC so have decided not to risk it. It sounds like you’re doing really well with your chemo and like you say it’s not like you’re tied in to flights. I’d say ‘Go For It’ and have alovely time, it’s a magical place for kids of all ages!
Best Wishes,
Lisa
Hello lovely ladies thanks for the advice
I found insure pink the best when seeking insurance to Canada at Xmas but I remember them saying I had to be 4wks clear of chemo so I think I’ll struggle. Getting my docs to fill in forms shouldn’t be a problem if necessary but I’m tempted to go with ehic woteva that is?? Us it like the old e111 form that provides euro cover (I remember having to get e111 for a school trip to France!). As I said, I’ve felt well on this chemo 95% normal except for the 1st few days of general yukiness! Great news is that my ct scan a few wks back has shown a great response- nodes have shrunk by around 70% after just 3 cycles. :))))
I think I’d be happy to chance basic cover as my bloods fine I feel well + were not tied into flights so could decide to drive home at any time. Plus we only plan to go for 3nights.
Any more info on the ehic would be great- do I get it at post office etc? Is it free? We have annual worldwide cover with hsbc for my hubby + son but they won’t cover my bc.
Thanks again
tina x
Hi Tina,
Yes, the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) has replaced the old E111. You can apply online here ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do - don’t go to one of the sites that charges you to do it for you as it’s very easy and you just need your full name, date of birth and NHS or NI number.
It’s like a credit card with your details on and I think it lasts for five years. You need one for each member of your family.
There’s more info here about what it covers nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Pages/Introduction.aspx
It doesn’t replace insurance though - you really should have that as well.
My husband said last night he’ll have to take me away somewhere to be pampered when my treatment has ended - I wonder where we should go…
Jane xxx
Alto, you know where you should go!! My place in Turkey!!
Wandyx
I know Wandy - already thought of that and have even priced up flights! However I wondered if it might be a bit too hot post rads and also my husband has decided that self catering wouldn’t be relaxing enough! As far as I’m concerned just going away somewhere - anywhere - would be relaxing at this stage.
Jane xxx
Hi,
You could try Insurancewith I know they will cover secondary’s, insurancewith.com.
Good luck.
Tess x