Travelling with or Post Cancer

 
Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re planning travel for yourself or others, we worked with Cancer Central to help you find the information and things to consider to plan and travel with confidence.

This is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. You are encouraged to confirm the material with other sources, and to review the information carefully with your healthcare provider. This is not intended to replace medical consultation or medical advice offered by a doctor or healthcare professional. If you require such services or advice, you should consult your healthcare provider. Some third party carriers, accommodation providers and insurance companies may have specific requirements or terms which differ from the information below. You are advised to check the terms independently before booking.

 

Before you go

Plan with confidence

  • How long after chemo can people travel?
    • A decision to travel can be partly based on how the individual feels. It may be better to travel short distances at first while regaining strength. Some chemotherapy affects the body’s immune system making you vulnerable to infections. If that is the case for your chemotherapy, it would be wise not to plan travel during the period the chemotherapy effects your blood counts.
  • Can cancer patients get a 'Fitness to Fly' Certificate from their doctor or oncologist and if so, how difficult is it?
    • If you have a stable condition, there may be no need to evidence that you are cleared for travel. If you are asked to provide information about your situation or conditions, a doctor should be able to provide you with a note, although your doctor may charge you for this.
  • Do I need a letter from my medical care team as evidence that I can fly?
    • If you have a stable condition, there may be no need to evidence that you are cleared for travel. If you are asked to provide information about your situation or conditions, a doctor should be able to provide you with a note, although your doctor may charge you for this.
  • What documentation do I need to take with me?
    • If you have a stable condition, there may be no need to evidence that you are cleared for travel. If you are asked to provide information about your situation or condition, a doctor should be able to provide you with a note, although they may charge for this.
  • Do people with cancer need a carer or helper to travel with them?
    • It depends on how far advanced the cancer is and whether/to what degree the individual is physically affected by the cancer and its treatment. If advanced and the individual is not at full strength, it may be advisable to have a travel companion. 
  • Can malaria tablets be taken along with cancer medications when travelling?
    • Medication for cancer treatment varies and will need to be checked with your doctor/Oncologist or pharmacist before malaria tablets are issued.
  • Can larger doses of medicine be issued if going away for a longer time?
    • In principle yes, but this is at the discretion of your doctor.
  • If you are travelling with medication or wound dressings, how do you check if it’s ok to travel with these drugs?
    • It’s advisable to take a copy of your prescription with you, to prove the medicine has been dispensed legally, should security pick up on boxes of medicine. You should also check that the medicine is allowed in the country which you are travelling to. 
  • Is my cancer medication approved for use in another country?
    • Countries have different regulation dependent on medication approval and licensing agreements. It’s advisable to check with your doctor before travelling particularly if you are travelling outside Europe. However, it would not usually be an issue for you to continue taking prior prescribed medication when you are away.
  • Are will we still be able to get travel insurance? Is there a special type?
    • We recommend checking with your travel insurance before booking a holiday.
  • How can we support employees travelling for work who are or have been affected by cancer? Are there any additional insurance considerations? Are there additional measures that employers can put in place to support employees?
    • We recommend checking your employer’s travel insurance to confirm the policy before booking.
    • Before an employee travels, it’s important that you check they are comfortable and fit enough to do so. It’s imperative to remember that patients with cancer or those who are undergoing chemo, may wish to contribute as much as possible but may not have the same stamina as before. Therefore, employers should be aware of the potential impact of travel and long days of work.
  • What medical assistance is provided for cancer patients on flights, in case of emergency?
    • If you are concerned about travelling it is advisable to let your in-flight crew know of your condition, should a situation arise while travelling. However, emergency medical assistance for anyone is limited on a flight and if your condition is unstable, flying may be unwise.


On your trip

Travel with confidence

  • How will cancer medication get past security?
    • It’s advisable to take a copy of your prescription with you and a letter from your treating doctor, to prove the medicine has been dispensed legally, should security pick up on boxes of medicine. 
  • How do I travel with medication?
    • It’s advisable to travel with medication in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor, should you experience an issue with your hold luggage.
  • Travel guidance and restrictions are constantly changing. How can I stay on top of things before I travel and whilst I'm away so I can get help if I need it?
    • Please refer to the foreign office for the latest travel advice - Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
    • Please access also the Expedia COVID restrictions checker tool here
    • Please refer to MoneyHelper to find out how to get the travel insurance cover you need if you have a medical condition, or you’ve ever had a serious illness
    • While away from home, we suggest having your insurance company's phone number easily to hand.
  • Will my prothesis trigger the security scanners?
    • It is highly probable your prosthesis will trigger security scanners and we understand how personal and, in some situations, embarrassing this can be. We recommend that you carry a letter from your doctor and you prepare yourself to share details with security either before the scan or after if called forward.
  • What is the best way to travel with more than 150ml of fluid with syringe drivers?
    • Please check the latest requirements here for UK departures, in case the restrictions change: https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/essential-medicines-and-medical-equipment
    • Airport staff might need to open containers to screen the fluids at security.
    • Medical equipment is screened separately.
  • For bulky dressings, is support available for extra luggage allowance? 
    • It’s advisable for you to contact the airline you are travelling with, however unfortunately this is not usually the case.
  • What is the recommendation when you are wearing a wig and clearly looking different from passport photos?
    • The majority of individuals change hair styles over a 10-year period therefore border control is used to focusing on facial recognition rather than hair colour or style.
  • Is there any preferential treatment given to cancer patients for long distance travel?
    • There is no known preferential treatment but if you are concerned, it's advisable to contact the airline you are travelling with.
  • What medical assistance is provided for cancer patients on flights, in case of emergency?
    • If you are concerned about travelling it is advisable to let your in-flight crew know of your condition, should a situation arise while travelling. However, emergency medical assistance for anyone is limited on a flight and if your condition is unstable, flying may be unwise.
  • Any advice on what to do when I’m abroad and feel unwell due to my cancer treatment?
    • Depending on the time zone and day, you might be able to call your doctor surgery at home for advice. If this is not possible, we recommend you find the nearest doctor or hospital. In an emergency, please call the local emergency services number first.
  • What happens if I run out of medicine when abroad, what help can I get?
    • It is highly unlikely you will be able to get hold of specialist cancer prescription medicine abroad. However, a local pharmacy may issue medicine if you have a prescription from a local doctor, whom you have seen and can share a copy of your prescription together with proof of ID. It is strongly recommended you check the dose of your medication and ensure you have enough for your trip plus any small extra in case of issues, before you leave.



Learn more

Cancer Central: an award winning social enterprise helping people affected by cancer find the support and information they need. Re-watch a live panel discussion on travelling with & post cancer, available below.