Guest Blog | Medical Travel Compared – Travelling with Cancer: Top Tips

02 September 2025 — jessica-bailey

In this guest blog, the team at Medical Travel Compared — a comparison website specialising in travel insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions, including cancer — share practical hints and tips for anyone concerned about travelling during or after cancer treatment. Their service is free to use (they earn a commission from the insurer you choose to purchase a policy with) and they work with more than 30 specialist travel insurance providers.

“Travelling can be a chance to step away from daily routines, discover new places, and create meaningful memories. These moments of escape can help you relax, recharge, and focus on the here and now – benefiting both body and mind.

If you’re living with cancer, you may be wondering when it’s safe to take your next trip. A holiday can be incredibly rejuvenating, but it’s important to consider a few extra precautions to ensure your journey is safe and comfortable.

In this guide, we share practical tips and important precautions to help you plan with confidence – so you can enjoy your holiday to the fullest.

When Not to Travel with Cancer

First things first, there are times when travelling with cancer is not advisable. Whilst you may feel that you need a holiday, your health should always be your top priority.

Your medical team know best when it comes to your health, so you should always listen to their advice. Possible reasons to hold off on a holiday include:

Recent Surgery

Depending on the type of surgery you have had, you will need to wait until your body is much better. Your doctor will be able to advise as to when you can head away, and can provide you with a Fit-To-Fly Certificate too.

Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Transplant

If you have received either of these treatments, your risk of developing an infection is significantly higher for several months.

Suppressed Immune System

Chemotherapy can take its toll on your body, and in particular, your immune system. Your doctor will advise you not to travel until your immune system recovers.

Top Tips for Planning Your Holiday

Timing is everything when it comes to planning and booking your holiday. There might be a moment of respite between treatments, which could be the perfect opportunity to escape and recover. However, you should always check with your doctor before booking anything.

Once you have received the green light from your medical team, you can finally start looking forward to your holiday. Depending on what type of cancer or treatment you have received, there may be some destinations to avoid, such as:

Overly Humid Destinations: If you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, humid locations may worsen your symptoms and make breathing more challenging.

Sunny Destinations: Some radiotherapy or medications can make you more sensitive to the sun. Always check with your doctor to see if your chosen destination is suitable.

Countries that Require Vaccinations: If you have received a transplant or undergone chemotherapy in the last 6 months, you may not be able to receive live vaccinations (such as Yellow Fever) until you have fully recovered.

Medication Restrictions: If you are taking medications to manage pain or maintain your symptoms, make sure to check that your destination does not have restrictions in place for your medications. Rules for different countries can be checked with the foreign embassy in the UK.

Top Tips when Travelling with Medication

If you take regular medication to help with pain or manage your cancer symptoms, a little preparation can make your journey much smoother.

Split Your Medications: Keep some of your medication in your hand luggage and the rest in your checked bag. That way, if your luggage is delayed or lost, you’ll still have enough on hand until you can get replacements from a local pharmacy.

Get Your Documents: Some medicines require a doctor’s letter to travel with. If you’re unsure, check with your GP or pharmacist before you go. It’s also a good idea to request a repeat prescription – this will make it much easier to get emergency replacements if you need them.

Storing Correctly: Wherever possible, carry medication in its original packaging to help customs officials identify it. If your medicine needs to be kept cool, speak to your airline before you travel – they may allow you to bring ice packs or store it in an onboard fridge.

Pack more than you think you’ll need: Always bring enough for your whole trip plus a few extra days’ worth, just in case of travel delays.

Other Top Tips when Travelling with Cancer

To help make your holiday as comfortable as possible, there are a few more things you can do to help take further stress out of your holiday:

Airport Assistance: If you have difficulty walking, contact the airport and your airline before you travel. They can arrange mobility aids and provide help with boarding and exiting the plane.

Eating and Drinking: Take some time to look into the food and drink options at your destination. If you experience nausea or have trouble swallowing or digesting certain foods, ensure there are suitable choices available that won’t cause discomfort.

Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke: As with all holidays, make sure you keep yourself hydrated to avoid any complications from heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The sun is at its strongest from 10 am – 4 pm, so seek shade or head inside during these hours.

Long Haul Travel: Some cancers and cancer treatments can raise your risk of developing a Deep Vein Thrombosis. Make sure you speak with your doctor or medical team to see what precautions (like flight socks or in-flight exercises) you can take to help reduce your risk.

Plan Time to Relax: When planning your holiday, include some downtime between activities to recover and recharge. Be kind to yourself and avoid overpacking your schedule.

Travel Insurance for People Living with Cancer

When travelling with cancer, it’s essential to have the right travel insurance in place. Most insurers will ask if you have ever been diagnosed with cancer – even if you are now in remission.

How far back they look can vary between providers, so it’s worth shopping around. Declaring your medical history accurately is crucial, as failing to do so could result in your claim being declined.

A specialist insurer that understands pre-existing medical conditions will be able to offer cover tailored to your needs. Using a comparison service like Medical Travel Compared, which works with over 30 specialist providers, can make it easier to find the right policy at the right price.

What Does Cancer Travel Insurance Cover?

Different providers will include different types of travel insurance protections, but the main things generally include:

· Cancellation/Curtailment

· Medical expenses & repatriation

· Theft/loss of belongings

· Personal accident

Additionally, you can request to include additional protections that can be added to your main policy. This includes gadget cover, cruise cover and winter sports cover.

Don’t Forget to Have Fun!

Travelling with cancer may require extra planning and precautions, but it is possible to enjoy a fulfilling and stress-free holiday. By consulting with your medical team, choosing suitable destinations, and preparing thoroughly, you can create lasting memories while prioritising your health and well-being.

Remember, the key to a successful trip lies in preparation, so take the time to plan and embrace the joy of travel. Safe travels!”

If you’d like to explore cancer support services in your area, including insurers, holiday homes and retreats designed specifically for people affected by cancer, please search on Cancer Care Map’s homepage using your postcode.