**Cancer Patients ‘Priced Out’ of Holidays by Soaring Insurance Premiums, Say Charities**
A growing number of cancer patients and survivors in the UK are finding themselves unable to travel abroad, not because of their health, but due to prohibitively expensive travel insurance premiums and restrictive policies. The cancer support charity Maggie’s has issued a call for urgent action, urging the Government to reform the system that it says denies many people the chance to enjoy holidays or visit loved ones overseas.
According to Maggie’s, a significant proportion of people either living with cancer or in remission are being refused cover outright, or are being offered insurance at extortionate rates that put it beyond their reach. This is not only dashing holiday plans, but also making it difficult for some to see friends and family abroad, or to undertake necessary business travel.
The charity is calling for Treasury minister Emma Reynolds to address this pressing issue, suggesting collaborative efforts between ministers, the Financial Conduct Authority, travel insurers and cancer patients themselves to establish fairer access to travel insurance. By doing so, they hope to ensure that people living with or recovering from cancer are not unfairly excluded from the experiences and opportunities that travel can provide.
Real-life stories underline the emotional and practical challenges such individuals face. Josh Cull, 28, from Bournemouth, was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumour at just 25. After undergoing gruelling treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and major surgery which affected his mobility and vision, Josh emerged healthy and keen to enjoy life again. He planned a trip to South Asia with his brother and fiancée, but was staggered to find that the most affordable travel insurance he could secure cost over £3,000. Despite no longer needing treatment and being declared fit to travel, Josh felt compelled to travel uninsured. “It felt so unfair,” he expressed, describing his frustration that simply having a history of cancer rendered insurance unaffordable.
Similarly, Millie Tharakan, a 72-year-old grandmother from North London, was confronted with steep premiums that threatened her family holiday plans. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and then again in 2020, Millie has been receiving immunotherapy and remains under regular monitoring. Despite her oncologist deeming her fit to fly, she struggled to find an insurer prepared to offer reasonable terms. Eventually, she paid £1,300 for annual European cover, an expense she described as deeply unfair and stressful. “Most insurance companies I spoke to wouldn’t even consider covering me,” Millie said, underscoring the sense of exclusion many feel.
Dame Laura Lee, Chief Executive of Maggie’s, voiced concern over the growing number of cases highlighted by the charity. “The last thing people should have to worry about is whether they can afford insurance, or if they’ll even be considered for cover,” she said. Dame Laura emphasised how vital travel and time away can be for wellbeing and rehabilitation, suggesting the current situation is adding needless distress to those already coping with major life challenges.
The insurance industry, meanwhile, has acknowledged the problem. A spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers (ABI) explained that while supporting cancer patients is a priority, insurers must factor in the increased risk of emergency medical treatment abroad, which can be expensive. The spokesperson indicated that if mainstream insurers are unable to provide cover, customers should be directed to specialist providers, as outlined in a signposting agreement with the Financial Conduct Authority.
While this system aims to ensure that those with complex medical histories are not left without options, campaigners argue that more needs to be done to bring costs within the reach of ordinary people and reduce the burden placed on those recovering from serious illnesses.
The Treasury has reportedly been contacted for comment, as campaigners wait to see if ministers will intervene to address the concerns raised by charities and individuals. For now, many in the cancer community remain restricted to staycations, missing out on the joys and connections that travel can bring.
The issue serves as a reminder of the intersection between healthcare and financial exclusion, bringing into focus the additional barriers faced by those living with, or recovering from, life-changing illnesses in the UK.