Travel and cancer
You might have particular physical needs since your treatment. You may feel tired or have a higher risk of getting an infection. Or you might be more sensitive to the sun after having radiotherapy or certain cancer drugs.
There could also be practical issues to think about, such as:
whether you’ll have the facilities you need if you get tired easily
will you need wheelchair access
You also need to think about when to travel. There are times when you shouldn’t travel. For example, you shouldn’t fly too soon after surgery. It’s worth talking to your doctor or nurse so they can advise you.
It’s also very important to get travel insurance in case you need medical treatment while you are away. The insurance should cover the costs for you. A good policy will also pay for you to be flown home if you become ill.
Read about when not to travel and how to get travel insurance
Some cancers and the treatment can increase your risk of getting a blood clot. Sitting still for a long time can increase the risk, whether you are travelling by plane, car or bus.
So however you’re travelling, think about how long it will take and whether you can manage the journey comfortably.
Read more about cancer and the risk of blood clots
If you are travelling by plane and need oxygen, you need to arrange this with the airline in advance. Allow plenty of time to sort it out because it can take some time.
Most airlines will have advice on their website or a customer service department (specialist assistance) you can contact. Let them know about any disability you have and the equipment you might need.
They will be able to arrange any help you might need including:
early boarding and finding a suitable seat
wheelchairs
transfers to and from the airport
help organising oxygen
Your doctor might need to fill out a form explaining your medical condition and any treatment. Ask your doctor for this several weeks before you travel.
Most airlines have a passenger medical clearance unit (PMCU). They can assess your fitness to fly and advise if you'll be able to travel.
The UK has now left the European Union (EU). This means there are changes to the healthcare agreements between the UK and EU countries.
To be able to receive state provided healthcare when visiting an EU country. You should hold either a:
UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
These cards mean you can get necessary healthcare free or at a reduced cost in the EU country you are visiting. This is healthcare that cannot wait until you get home. It means you’ll have the same care as a citizen of the country you’re visiting. Remember, the cards might not cover everything you'd get in the NHS. This is because each healthcare system is different.
Ask where you are being referred to. Sometimes people are sent to a private practice or hospital. If this happens, you may not be covered for the costs of care unless you have travel medical insurance. If you have insurance, check the terms and conditions of the policy before agreeing to any treatment.
If you still hold a valid EHIC card you can use this until it expires. You will then need to apply for a UK GHIC. The EHIC will still be around but will only apply to some UK residents and is now replaced with the new UK EHIC card. To see if you should apply for a new UK EHIC card find out more on the NHS website.
Visit the NHS website for information about the new UK EHIC card
The UK government website has information about the different healthcare arrangements and systems in countries abroad.
Go to the UK government website
The UK EHIC and UK GHIC doesn't cover the cost of any medical treatment that you planned in advance, only for unexpected needs. But if you need continued treatment for an ongoing illness while you're abroad, such as regular injections, the UK EHIC or UK GHIC covers this.
The UK EHIC or UK GHIC doesn’t always cover the full cost of treatment. For instance, it won’t cover the cost of getting you home in an emergency. So it’s important to have the right travel insurance even when travelling in the EU.
You still need a UK EHIC or UK GHIC because your insurance company might not cover the cost of treatment that the card covers. If you try to claim in full, they might say you should have had the UK EHIC or UK GHIC.
Find out more about healthcare abroad on the NHS website
If you're a resident in the UK, you can get healthcare that cannot wait until you get home (necessary healthcare) from state healthcare services in Ireland during your visit. This includes medically necessary treatment for a pre-existing or chronic condition. Some treatments will need to be pre-arranged with the relevant healthcare provider in Ireland, for example chemotherapy. But you will still need travel insurance.
Guidance on how to get healthcare when visiting Ireland
The UK has an agreement with a number of non-EU countries so that people from the UK can receive urgent care. Usually, only immediate medical treatment is free of charge. Find out more on the UK government website.
Go to the UK government website to find out more
Medical care on cruise ships is quite expensive. You should have travel insurance to cover any medical care costs. If you require additional medical care that cannot be provided on board the ship, you will be transferred to medical facilities on land. What you are covered for depends on the country the cruise ship drops you in. So, it is not a good idea to rely on the UK EHIC or UK GHIC. You need medical care cover for anywhere that the ship could stop in. This includes unscheduled stops.
Before you travel to another country, it’s important to check whether you need any anti malaria medicine. There are different medicines available. You start some 1 to 2 days before you travel and others 2 to 3 weeks before you leave.
You must keep taking the medicines while you’re away and for 1 to 4 weeks afterwards, depending on the drug.
Your doctor can check which medicines are suitable for the country you’re going to. And they can tell you if it’s safe to take them with any other drugs you’re having.
Although these medicines work very well, they can’t give 100% protection. So you still need to take care to avoid mosquito bites while you are away. Use an effective insect repellent at all times.
Mosquitoes in some countries can also carry other diseases such as dengue fever, Zika and chikungunya. So using an effective insect repellent at all times can help to protect you against these diseases.
To avoid mosquito bites you should:
use insect repellent on your skin. You can also use some repellents or insecticides on clothing
reapply insect repellent regularly. Check the instructions on the repellent bottle for how often to reapply
sleep under a mosquito net that has been treated with insecticide, if your room doesn’t have air conditioning or screens on the doors and windows
keep covered up with long sleeved tops and trousers, especially if you’re going out at night. You can apply DEET based insect repellents to cotton clothing and natural fibres
The most common symptoms of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases are:
a high temperature (fever)
sweats and chills
headache
muscle aches and pains
cough
diarrhoea
The symptoms of malaria usually develop within 4 weeks of infection. But in some cases, it can take up to a year.
The following websites provide further information based on which part of the UK you live in.
England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Think about any medicines you’re taking. You’ll need to plan how much you need to take with you and get those prescriptions before you go.
It’s a good idea to take supplies for a few extra days, in case you’re delayed getting back from your trip.
You might need to make special arrangements if you’re taking any controlled drugs, such as morphine based painkillers.
Last reviewed: 06 Jun 2025
Next review due: 06 Jun 2028
Travel insurance is very important for people who have or have had cancer. It’s important to know how to get travel insurance and what’s involved.
To visit some countries, you’ll need vaccinations before you leave. It’s a good idea to get advice about this at least 8 weeks before you travel.
Plan a safe and pleasant journey with these travel tips for people who have cancer, are having treatment, or are recovering from treatment.
Get information on coping with practical matters such as money and travel, as well as treatment for overseas visitors.
Travelling when you have cancer or are having treatment might need some extra planning. Find out how cancer can affect travelling in the UK and abroad and get tips to make it easier.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Connect with other people affected by cancer and share your experiences.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
