Flying abroad with Cancer

[Fintons]

I've been dithering about booking a holiday to Finland due to the flying. Oncologist says I should be fine to fly, however I'm worried about a number of things.

I have an open wound covered with a dressing, and am worried this will be picked up by airport scanners and I'll be whisked off to a side room. Anyone got any experience of this? Also, I have a PICC line. I've heard the scanners can also pick this up.

I'm probably being stupid, but I can't find any information on the legal status of the medication I'm on. I'm especially concerned about the Fentanyl and Diazepam.

Does anyone know if the GP would be able to issue a fit to fly certificate / letter or would this have to be the Oncologist?

@finton please check out MIA Insurance as they cover repatriation which EHIC does not. With a PICC Line you’re st higher risk of infection, going without insurance is downright stupid.

MIA are the only insurers who will touch me, they’re flat fee so if they cover you it’s the same cost whether you’ve got one condition or 31.

Please get insurance! Even if your current medical problems aren't likely to need it, if you fall over and break something you will.
My dad didn't take insurance (because he thought it was expensive due to medical condtions) ..broke his leg on the ferry before he even got there and spent a week in a french hospital... EHIC didn't cover all he needed and it COST!

Hi OP, my dad flew abroad with terminal cancer, he bought Swiss assist insurance for an air ambulance should he need to be bought back (dead or alive ) to the uk. He didn’t bother buying insurance as a)it would cost more than the trip b) he was only going for 5 days and c) it was covered by EHIC. He died 5 weeks later...

www.swissassistplus.com/en/coverage

As for the fentanyl and diazepam, just get a letter from your Gp and make sure everything is labelled correctly by the pharmacy x

My mum travelled with PiCC line and didn’t get insurance either.

She had no issues and the holiday did her and my dad the world of good.

If you become ill on the flight and don't have insurance would you be liable to pay for the flight being re-routed if necessary and to compensate the other passengers?

Hi try 'InsureWith' - they specialise in travel insurance for people with cancer

Try here for insurance

www.maggiescentres.org/cancerlinks/living-cancer/money-work-and-travel/insurance/

For some people, EHIC is a good option. It does cover you for pre-existing conditions and depending on your illness it can be a reasonable option.

BUT. You should do some reading up on the Finnish healthcare system. As far as I remember, you pay a set contribution for everything - to see the GP, be seen in hospital, tests, overnight stay charge. This could quickly mount up, but might still be less than insurance. Also, remember EHIC only works in state hospitals, not private ones. it won't pay for repatriation either so if you get ill while over there and miss your original flight, it could be expensive to get home.

I generally think it's much better to be insured, but as long as you're fully aware of the benefits and drawbacks of EHIC, it's your decision to make.

The thing about the EHIC card, which will presumably be invalid post brexit, but i digress....is that it provides reciprocal equivalent state health care. You must ensure that you are taken to a state institution should you fall ill, and produce your EHIC docs and make it clear you wish to be treated under the EHIC sheme.

Unlike the UK, there are many private clinics in other parts of Europe. They are particularly parasitic in big holiday resorts eg Spain because they act as a vehicle for ...ermm... charging insurance companies for treatment.

Healthcare in many Euro countries is of a higher quality than that available in the UK.

Not contradicting any of the advice given, but my wonderful friend in her 40s was terminal with breast cancer. She went on several holidays and felt insurance was a waste of money for obvious reasons, she made sure she had adequate pain relief. Not saying this is your situation but her attitude was life was for living.
Good luck and enjoy your holiday x

I have a picc line, and it wasnt picked up on the airport scanners. I am also having cancer treatment for stage 4 cancer. My last travel insurance was for a week in Spain for less than £30 from Insurance With for me and my son. So a very small part of the total cost of our trip and totally worth the peace of mind.

I also wanted to mention that Swiss Assist don't cover people with pre-existing acute conditions or who have had cancer treatment in the previous 2 months. The terms and conditions are on their website (but not made very explicit!)

Hi,

Make sure of the insurace. Perhaps call the airport authorities and talk. Cancer is not a disease, its a disorder. So, I believe you can say this if there is any hiccup.