Prostate Cancer

Travel Insurance for Prostate Cancer Patients

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Kiwi men. It is also one of the most frequently managed cancers — many men live with prostate cancer for years under active surveillance or on ongoing hormone therapy. This long-term management model means travel insurance needs to be considered carefully, particularly for extended trips.

Coverability: Generally Favourable

Prostate cancer is generally assessable by all major travel insurance providers. Men who are:

• On active surveillance with stable PSA levels
• Post-surgery (radical prostatectomy) with no evidence of recurrence
• Post-radiation with stable PSA
• On androgen deprivation therapy (ADT/hormone therapy) with no metastatic disease

…can typically obtain cover with an additional premium. The picture becomes more complex for men with metastatic (stage 4) prostate cancer or those on active chemotherapy.

The Medical Assessment

Insurers will ask detailed questions including:

• Date of original diagnosis
• Stage and Gleason score (or Grade Group)
• Type of treatment: surgery, radiation, brachytherapy, ADT, chemotherapy, immunotherapy
• Current PSA level and trend
• Whether you are under specialist care
• Any complications (incontinence, erectile dysfunction, bone metastases)

Be accurate and thorough. Having your most recent specialist letter or PSA result to hand when completing the assessment will help you answer confidently.

Hormone Therapy and Travel

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is used in many men with prostate cancer. Common drugs include leuprolide (Lucrin), goserelin (Zoladex), and bicalutamide. These are injectable or oral medications. If your ADT is delivered by injection, plan your travel around injection schedules — or confirm whether your oncologist can arrange an injection at a reputable overseas centre.

ADT side effects relevant to travel include hot flushes, fatigue, and reduced bone density. Bone density reduction can increase fracture risk — consider this when planning physical activities.

Radiation Sensors at Airports

Men who have received brachytherapy (radioactive seed implants) for prostate cancer should carry a medical documentation card. The low-level radiation emitted by seeds can trigger radiation sensors at airports and border crossings. The card, issued by your radiation oncology team, confirms the source of radiation and prevents delays.

This is not a safety issue — the seeds are entirely safe to fly with — but the documentation prevents unnecessary complications.

Bladder Management on Long Flights

Post-surgery or post-radiation urinary urgency and frequency is common. For long flights, book an aisle seat to allow easy bathroom access. Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake (both diuretics) before and during flights. Stay hydrated with water but avoid excessive intake in the hours before boarding.

Some men find managing urgency mid-flight stressful. Planning shorter initial trips post-treatment is a sensible way to rebuild travel confidence.

PSA Monitoring While Overseas

Most men on active surveillance or post-treatment monitoring have regular PSA blood tests. If your trip extends beyond your next scheduled test, discuss with your oncologist whether:

• Testing can be delayed until your return
• Testing can be arranged at an accredited overseas lab
• A baseline test before departure is advisable

Many reputable labs in Australia, the UK, USA, and Singapore can process a PSA test. Keep the result and reference range for comparison with your NZ specialist.

Best Providers for Prostate Cancer

Cover-More, 1Cover, and AA Travel Insurance (which uses Cover-More's system) have the most streamlined assessment processes for prostate cancer. SCTI is also well-regarded. If you are on ADT only (no active chemotherapy), most providers will offer cover.