Breast Cancer

Travel Insurance for Breast Cancer Patients

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Kiwi women, with around 3,600 new cases each year. The good news for travellers is that breast cancer — whether in remission, under ongoing hormone therapy, or even during some active treatments — is generally assessable by most travel insurance providers.

Can You Get Travel Insurance With Breast Cancer?

Yes — in the majority of cases. All the major travel insurance providers will assess breast cancer cases individually. The outcome depends on several factors:

• Stage and grade of the original diagnosis
• Current treatment status — hormone therapy (tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors) is treated differently from active chemotherapy
• Time since diagnosis and/or treatment completion
• Whether cancer has recurred or spread

If you are in remission or being managed with hormone therapy only, most insurers will offer cover with an additional premium. If you are actively receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy, the assessment becomes more complex, though cover is not impossible.

The Medical Assessment Process

All the insurers require you to complete an online medical questionnaire before adding breast cancer to your policy. Expect questions about:

• Your original diagnosis date and stage
• Type of treatment received (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy)
• Date of last treatment
• Whether you have had any recurrence
• Current medications
• Whether you are currently under specialist care

Be honest and thorough. Inaccurate declarations can void your entire policy — not just the cancer-related sections.

Lymphoedema and Travel

Lymphoedema is a particular concern for breast cancer patients who have had lymph node removal. Long-haul flights, warm destinations, and physical activity can all trigger flare-ups. Insurers may ask whether you have lymphoedema as part of the medical assessment, as it is an ongoing condition requiring its own disclosure.

Key tips: always wear a correctly fitted compression sleeve during flights, inform cabin crew if you have lymphoedema, and carry your sleeve in your carry-on (never in checked luggage).

Port and Implant Considerations

If you have a chest port (for chemotherapy infusions) or tissue expanders/implants following reconstruction, carry a medical alert card. Ports contain metal and will typically trigger airport security scanners. Staff are experienced with this, but a letter from your surgeon confirming the presence of a port or implant will make airport security stress-free.

DVT Risk on Flights

Breast cancer patients — particularly those on hormone therapy — have an elevated risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on long flights. Discuss this with your GP or oncologist before flying. They may recommend low molecular weight heparin injections, compression stockings, or specific movement routines.

Medications and Customs

Hormone therapy drugs such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole) are prescription medications. Carry them in their original pharmacy packaging with the prescription label attached. For travel to certain countries, ask your GP for a letter confirming the medication and dosage. Some countries (particularly in the Middle East and Asia) have strict rules about certain medications.

Best Providers for Breast Cancer

Cover-More and 1Cover have the most established processes for breast cancer assessment. AA Travel Insurance (which uses Cover-More's system) offers an additional 10% discount for AA members, which can meaningfully reduce the higher premium that typically applies.

Key Takeaway

Breast cancer does not stop you from travelling. Declare honestly, complete the medical assessment, pay the additional premium, and get your written confirmation of cover. Then travel with confidence.