If you have been diagnosed with, treated for, or are in remission from breast cancer then you might find it harder to find appropriate or cheap travel insurance. Indeed research by Macmillan Cancer Support found that nearly 40% of people affected by cancer were quoted more for their travel insurance – and some refused cover for the disease. However securing breast cancer travel insurance is not impossible thanks to specialists like AllClear who offer insurance for pre-existing medical conditions.

Cancer is caused by abnormal reproduction of the body’s cells. Instead of reproducing to replace cells in the normal fashion, cells grow and reproduce at an abnormal, uncontrollable rate, creating tumours. A tumour in the breast will attack breast tissue and, in cases of invasive breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body. Invasive breast cancer is by far the most common form, accounting for around 80% of all the 50,000 cases diagnosed in the UK annually. Whilst a lump in the breast is an indicator of cancer, most breast lumps are benign although any change you notice in your breast should be checked by a doctor. Whilst women account for the vast majority of breast cancer cases, the disease can also affect men.

Yes. If you do not declare you have any pre existing health condition you are putting yourself at risk when travelling as should you need make a claim on your travel insurance your insurer may refuse it. This would mean you would need any bills for emergency medical treatment and associated costs such medical repatriation to the UK, accommodation and so on.

It shouldn’t prevent you getting travel insurance, but it can make it harder and more expensive. A long term (chronic) medical condition is treated in law as a disability and so insurers cannot refuse you service. However they can impose restrictions – such as excluding cover for any conditions for which you’ve been diagnosed – or charge you a higher premium. Because AllClear is a disability insurance specialist, they are able to source effective and highly competitive pre-existing medical conditions insurance.

Cancer Research UK publishes extensive information on breast cancer, its stages, including symptoms, risk factors, prevention, diagnosis treatments and practical advice on living with the disease. For NHS information and advice click here.