Finding travel insurance to cover terminal illness

It can be difficult to find travel insurance if you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. If a condition cannot be treated, is incurable and therefore there is a shortened life expectancy most insurers are unable to cover in these circumstances.

Most policies will usually only cover pre-existing medical conditions that are stable where you have not been admitted to hospital.

What's Covered?

• Medical emergency help: AllClear's medical assistance helpline is with Mapfre Assistance providing 24 hour multi-lingual emergency service 365 days a year.

• Medical emergency expenses: Cover up to $15,000,000 for overeas medical expenses and repatriation in the event of your death.

• Medical inconvenience: Up to $1,000 benefit for when you are in hospital as an in-patient.

• Cancellation: Unlimited benefits should you need to cancel your trip due to injury, illness or death. There is no cover if you need to cancel due to you being on a waiting list for medical treatment.

• Personal belongings: Up to $7,000 for theft, loss or damage to your belongings.

Conditions of cover

Note: This cover is only available if a medical practitioner has declared you are fit to fly. If you choose to travel against medical advise, it would be unlikely that you would be insured on your trip.

Tips For Travelling With a terminal illness

Travelling with a compromised immune system means taking greater care and minimising your risks whilst on-the-go. The following tips will help keep you in good nick whilst you're away:

• Consider your destination carefully: This is an important trip, so make sure you're confident your holiday destination is viable for your condition. Having close access to medical facilities should the need arise should be a big consideration on where to go.

• Talk to your medical team: Chat to your medical team and debrief them on all your travel plans before you book your trip. Get your doctor to write a comprehensive letter detailing your condition, treatment and medication and keep it with you at all times.

• Get organised: Take any necessary medical contact phone numbers and a list of all the medications you are currently taking. Pack your medications in your carry-on luggage as they are less likely to go missing than in your stowed luggage.

• Make provisions: Need extra leg room on your flight or handicap facilities in your hotel? Call ahead to ensure all your travel requirements are set. A bit of pre-planning will minimise all the usual travelling inconveniences.

• Take it easy: Feeling fatigued? Accept that you will have good and bad days and give yourself ample amounts of down time in between activities.

• Stay safe: Good hygiene practice is essential when your immunity is low. Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer whenever appropriate. Avoid uncooked food and drink bottled water only.