Melanoma

Travel Insurance for Melanoma Patients

We have one of the highest rates of melanoma per capita in the world. With our outdoor lifestyle and high UV index, melanoma affects tens of thousands of Kiwis — and many want to continue travelling after their diagnosis. The good news is that melanoma, in many cases, is assessable for travel insurance cover.

The Critical Distinction: Melanoma vs Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

This is the most important fact for melanoma patients to understand:

Cover-More's automatic skin cancer cover applies ONLY to non-melanoma skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma) — NOT to melanoma.

Melanoma is biologically and clinically different from non-melanoma skin cancers. It has a higher risk of spreading (metastasising) and requires a full medical declaration with all insurers — including Cover-More.

Coverability by Stage

Stage 1 (thin primary, wide local excision, no lymph node involvement): Generally the most assessable group. If you have been in remission for 1–2+ years post wide local excision, most insurers will offer cover with an additional premium.

Stage 2 (thicker primary, possible ulceration, lymph nodes negative): Assessable with additional premium for many providers, particularly if 2+ years post-surgery.

Stage 3 (regional lymph node involvement): More complex assessment. May require additional information. Some insurers will offer cover; others may exclude melanoma from the policy.

Stage 4 (distant metastatic melanoma): Most difficult to cover. Adjuvant immunotherapy is now standard. Cover may not be available for melanoma-specific complications, though general travel cover may still be possible.

Immunotherapy and Checkpoint Inhibitors

Immunotherapy has revolutionised melanoma treatment. Pembrolizumab (Keytruda), nivolumab (Opdivo), and ipilimumab (Yervoy) are now widely used here. These are generally tolerated well, but they can cause immune-related adverse events — including colitis, hepatitis, pneumonitis, and endocrinopathies.

If you are on checkpoint inhibitors:

• Carry a medical letter listing your medication, dose, and schedule
• Be aware of the symptoms of immune-related side effects
• Ensure your insurer knows you are on immunotherapy — the risk profile is different from chemotherapy
• Plan your travel around infusion schedules

Sun Protection: Non-Negotiable

If you have had melanoma, further primary melanomas (subsequent new melanomas) are a real risk. Sun protection is not optional:

• SPF 50+ sunscreen applied every 2 hours
• UPF 50+ protective clothing
• Broad-brimmed hat
• Avoid the highest UV periods (10am–4pm)
• Be particularly careful in tropical destinations, at altitude, and near reflective surfaces (snow, white sand, water)

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

If you have had a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), this is relevant to your insurer's assessment. Disclose it. A negative SLNB (no cancer in sentinel nodes) is a positive prognostic sign. A positive SLNB (cancer in sentinel nodes — Stage 3 disease) requires more detailed assessment.

Key Takeaway

Melanoma does not prevent you from travelling or getting travel insurance. Declare fully, provide your stage and pathology details, and shop around — different insurers may offer different outcomes. Always carry sun protection as a non-negotiable.