Travel with metastatic breast cancer

Domestic travel 

If you are planning to travel within Australia, your doctors may be able to suggest options for medical support that make it easier for you to continue with your regular treatment, or simply provide some peace of mind.

If you are booking airfares that must be pre-paid, try to book a fare that is flexible in case you have to make last minute changes or delay your trip.

You may also want to check the cancellation policy of the accommodation that you are booking to make sure you can have as much leeway as possible should your travel plans need to change around your health. 

International travel and travel insurance 

International travel is more complicated because you’re not covered by Medicare once you leave the country, and it is unlikely that your private health insurance will help with any medical costs.

Reciprocal health care

Australia has reciprocal health care agreements (RHCAs) with New Zealand, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Belgium, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Slovenia, and Malta.

When you’re travelling in these countries any medical care you need will be covered by the local public health system, to varying degrees. For more information about reciprocal health care agreements, see Services Australia. 

Most international travellers take out travel insurance to cover things like lost luggage, accidents and medical cover. There are some travel insurance policies that will cover you for these incidentals but unfortunately you are unlikely to be able to obtain cover for medical costs related to your cancer. This is because it is viewed as a ‘pre-existing condition’.

Sometimes people decide to travel without insurance to countries that don’t have a reciprocal agreement. This is a personal decision, and for many people, it is a matter of weighing up the risk of needing medical attention against the possible cost.

Some travel insurance companies may be more flexible about covering people with breast cancer. You may need to consult a travel agent or specialist travel insurance consultant to find out what is available. 

International travel tips 

If you are planning an overseas trip, talk with your medical oncologist before you make any payments. It may be better to hold off making payments on a trip until as late as you can.

When travelling overseas, make sure you take a letter from your oncologist detailing any medications you are carrying and the reasons you have them and keep your medications in their original packaging. It is also important to ensure you have enough of your prescription medication to cover you for the entire time you are away.

Ask your oncologist to also provide you with a brief summary of your breast cancer history, and treatments you have had in the past. Store this information somewhere safe when you travel and leave a copy with family or friends back home.

Check in with your oncologist or GP just before you travel and make sure you act on any symptoms that are suddenly new, before you head away.

Travelling overseas can be complicated but with some forward planning you can reduce your risks of having an experience that leads to trouble when you are away.