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Happy Holidays
Happy Holidays
Important travel advice for patients
Everyone needs a holiday every now and then - a chance to get away, relax and recuperate,
visit family and friends and explore interesting places. Having cancer means that going on
holiday may require additional planning, but if you’re feeling well enough to go, you should!
Our guide explains everything you need to consider for your trip.
The Good,The Bad, and the … Travel Insurance!
Travel insurance is an essential part of going on holiday.
It covers you for things like:
• cancelled flights
• lost tickets or passports
• stolen possessions
• lost luggage
Your travel insurance also has to cover risks linked to your health. Some
companies can be risk averse when it comes to ill health, especially cancer, and
travel insurance policies can vary a lot so it’s worth shopping around. Your
health and circumstances are unique to you, so your insurance should be too.
Typical cover for health would need to include:
• emergency treatment
• medicines
• hospital fees
• getting you back home (repatriation)
Get advice from other patients who have had a good experience with
their travel insurance provider by registering on our lung cancer forum at
healthunlocked.com/lungcancer
European Health Insurance Card EU
If you are travelling within the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland,
you should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). An EHIC
enables you to access state-provided healthcare and emergency treatment
in EEA countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost, or sometimes for free.
The card is free and will cover your treatment until you return to the UK.
It’s important to have both an EHIC and a valid private travel insurance policy.
Each country’s healthcare system varies, so your EHIC may not cover all costs
or you may be expected to pay for your treatment and then claim a refund.
Apply for your EHIC card at www.ehic.org.uk
8 Inspire 2016