Travelling with Breast Cancer: Insurance, Tips and Destination Advice
Breast cancer affects approximately 3,600 New Zealand women each year — making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Kiwi women. The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer go on to live full lives, and travel is very much part of that.
Whether you're planning a post-treatment celebratory trip, managing ongoing hormone therapy while travelling long-term, or simply wanting a holiday while managing your cancer, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Getting Travel Insurance with Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most commonly assessed cancers in NZ travel insurance — and outcomes are generally positive for women who are in remission or on stable maintenance therapy.
What insurers consider: - Stage and grade of original diagnosis - Type of treatment (surgery only vs chemotherapy vs radiotherapy vs hormone therapy) - Date of last treatment - Presence of recurrence - Lymph node involvement (relevant to lymphoedema risk) - Current medications
Realistic outcomes: - Stage 1, post-surgery only, 2+ years: High likelihood of cover with modest additional premium - Stage 2, completed chemotherapy and radiotherapy, 18 months post-treatment, now on tamoxifen: Likely covered with moderate additional premium - Stage 3, completed treatment 6 months ago: Assessable but higher premium; some insurers may defer - Metastatic (Stage 4), currently on targeted therapy with stable disease: Case-by-case; some insurers may exclude cancer cover but provide other benefits
Lymphoedema: The Travel Insurance Consideration
Lymphoedema — swelling in the arm caused by lymph node removal or damage — affects a significant proportion of women treated for breast cancer. For travel insurance purposes, lymphoedema is a separate pre-existing condition that must be declared alongside breast cancer.
Lymphoedema has direct implications for travel:
- Flights: Air travel, particularly long-haul, can trigger or worsen lymphoedema due to changes in cabin pressure and extended immobility. A properly fitted compression sleeve should be worn for all flights.
- Heat: Hot destinations can worsen lymphoedema. Limit direct sun exposure, wear loose clothing, and rest in air conditioning during peak heat.
- Activity: Physical activity (particularly if vigorous or involving the affected arm) can trigger flare-ups. Moderate, lymphoedema-aware exercise is better than inactivity.
- Injury prevention: Even minor cuts, insect bites, or burns on the affected arm carry higher infection risk for women with lymphoedema. Cover up and use insect repellent.
Chest Ports and Airport Security
If you have a chest port (Portacath, PICC line port, or similar) for ongoing chemotherapy infusions, declare this when completing your insurance assessment. Ports are metallic devices and will typically trigger airport metal detectors. Carry a medical card or letter confirming the presence and location of your port.
Most airport security staff are familiar with medical ports. Request a private screening if you prefer not to discuss your medical device in a public setting — this is your right.
Hormone Therapy and Travel
Many breast cancer patients take tamoxifen, anastrozole, letrozole, or exemestane for 5–10 years after treatment. These are daily oral medications that are generally easy to travel with. Key points:
- Pack sufficient supply for your trip plus an extra week
- Store at room temperature away from direct heat and sunlight
- Carry in original pharmacy packaging with prescription label
- Obtain a physician's letter for countries with strict medication import rules (particularly Middle East, Asia)
- Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors increase DVT risk — discuss compression stockings and movement on long-haul flights with your GP before travel
DVT Prevention
Breast cancer patients on hormone therapy have an elevated DVT (deep vein thrombosis) risk. For flights over 4 hours:
- Wear compression stockings (30–40 mmHg for high-risk travellers)
- Move every 1–2 hours: walk to the bathroom, do in-seat calf raises and ankle circles
- Stay well hydrated with water
- Avoid excess alcohol and caffeine (both dehydrating)
- Discuss with your GP whether low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) injections are advisable for long-haul flights
Best Destinations for Breast Cancer Patients
Australia: The most accessible destination. Short flight, excellent facilities, easy return if needed. The RHCA does not cover cancer treatment, but emergency care is available. Ideal for first post-treatment trips.
Europe: Strong oncology facilities, cooler climate suits many women on hormone therapy who experience hot flushes. Longer flight requires DVT planning.
Pacific Islands: Short flight, accessible. Medical facilities are limited — evacuation cover essential. Avoid very hot/humid destinations if lymphoedema is active.
USA: Excellent facilities but high cost. Ensure unlimited medical cover. Long flight requires DVT prevention.
Best Providers for Breast Cancer
Cover-More and AA Travel Insurance (same system) have streamlined processes for breast cancer assessment. 1Cover's transparent three-outcome model is helpful. All seven major NZ providers assess breast cancer — compare at least two before purchasing.
