Cancer charity calls for action over ‘sky-high’ travel insurance costs

A cancer charity has called for “urgent” government action to ensure people with cancer can access “fair” travel insurance.

 

Maggie’s said that people with cancer are “routinely refused cover or quoted unaffordable premiums”, even when they are in a stable condition, leaving many forced to travel without insurance or not travel at all.

 

“Not only does this mean that people with cancer are discouraged from taking an often much-needed holiday, but it also prevents individuals from visiting family and friends living abroad, or carrying out work-related travel,” said the charity.

 

Maggie’s is now urging the economic secretary to the Treasury, Emma Reynolds, to assemble a taskforce to tackle the travel insurance prices faced by people with a history of cancer.

 

It wants the Treasury to work with cancer charities, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), consumer groups, industry experts and insurers to create a “fairer deal” for people cancer in the travel insurance market.

 

The charity highlighted the cases of two travellers who faced hurdles.

 

Josh Cull from Lincolnshire was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma, a brain cancer rare in adults, in 2021 when he was 25.

 

Following many months of treatment, he decided to visit southeast Asia with his fiancée and brother – but could not find a travel insurance quote for less than £3,000.

 

He ended up travelling uninsured because he couldn’t afford the cover.

 

Millie Tharakan (72) from North London, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, and her cancer returned in 2020. She has since been receiving immunotherapy and undergoes regular CT scans to monitor her condition.

 

Despite her oncologist describing her as “steady” and declaring her fit to fly, she was quoted £1,300 for gold cover for a single trip to Spain, with the most basic level of cover coming in at £705.

 

With help from Maggie’s, she ended up paying £1,300 for a year’s insurance in Europe.

 

Maggie’s recently hosted an event in parliament to bring this issue to the attention of MPs.

 

Dame Laura Lee, chief executive of Maggie’s, said: “More and more frequently, we are hearing about the barriers people with cancer face when trying to obtain travel insurance, and the emotional distress this can cause.

 

“At Maggie’s, we know how stressful a cancer diagnosis can be, and 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.

 

“Travelling and taking holidays can be so important for someone’s wellbeing and recovery, and it is extremely unfair that people with cancer are being priced out of the opportunity to visit family and friends abroad or simply explore the world.

 

“We believe a taskforce could help understand why people with a history of cancer are routinely refused cover or quoted unaffordable prices and could develop clear recommendations to ensure people are treated more fairly by insurance companies.”

 

Dale Robinson, director at Just Travel Cover, said specialist providers and brokers can play a “vital role”.

 

“Agents can be instrumental in this process by guiding clients to the right places, such as partnering with a specialist or at the very least, signposting to MoneyHelper or BIBA Travel Insurance Directories, which lists FCA-regulated specialist providers like Just Travel Cover, who may be able to find more suitable and affordable options. It also provides travellers with the reassurance of dealing with experts who assess each case individually rather than applying blanket exclusions or prohibitive pricing,” he said.

 

“It’s about restoring confidence in travel for people who deserve the chance to make memories.”

 

A Treasury spokesperson said: “Everyone should have access to suitable insurance products at the right price. Under Financial Conduct Authority rules, travel insurers must offer products that provide a fair value and, when charging a significantly higher premium based on pre-existing medical conditions, signpost consumers to providers who may be better placed to provide cover.”

 

A spokesperson for insurance trade body The ABI said: “We appreciate how important being able to travel and go on holiday is for anyone who has or has had cancer, especially during such difficult times.

 

“We remain committed to supporting customers who have or have had cancer, as well as fostering an open dialogue with cancer charities, government and the regulator to address any barriers to accessing travel insurance.

 

“Unfortunately, people with pre-existing medical conditions may be more likely to need emergency medical treatment whilst abroad, which can come at a significant cost.

 

“This is something insurers will take into account, alongside other factors, when assessing whether they can offer you suitable cover.

 

“As part of a signposting agreement introduced by the FCA, if an insurer is unable to offer you cover because of a pre-existing medical condition, they will point you to specialist providers who can help you find an appropriate policy.”