Hello everyone,
I have been planning a spring 2024 trip to London. I have purchased travel health insurance from Blue Cross in the past however a 2020 metastatic cancer diagnosis makes me now ineligible. I wonder if any Canadians have advice on companies that insure travelers in such a situation. I'm not worried about a cancer coverage, but accident or unforeseen illness.
I have followed this forum since 2020, and am always amazed at the thoughtful responses given by strangers to strangers. Kindness lives here!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17563 posts
This may require an answer from a fellow Canadian, as insurance standards are different from the US. Here we can buy a standard travel insurance policy that includes both cancellation coverage and medical insurance, and there is no medical exam or questionnaire involved.
However, for a “pre-existing” condition to be covered for cancellation reasons, one must buy the policy within a short time (2-3 weeks) after the initial deposit on the trip. As you are still in the planning stage this may still be possible, assuming you have not already booked your flights more than 2-3 weeks ago. Or, if you are not currently receiving treatment for this cancer, the “pre-existing condition” thing may not apply—-most policies have a so-called “look-back” period of 6 months, meaning if you have not consulted your doctor for treatment during that time, they can’t use it to deny a claim.
I wish you continued good health (so far as possible) and safe travels.
Posted by
Chattanooga, TN USA
590 posts
Have you tried looking for policy options on squaremouth.com? I did a quick look and it shows Canada as a place of residence option.
My husband also has metastatic cancer, so I understand the additional complexity this adds. I wish you the best and hope you have many more years of travel.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC
718 posts
Peter, you may want to check your province’s CAA. Our BCAA offers an ‘unstable’ pre-existing condition option that has a maximum coverage amount of $200,000-$300,000. It wouldn’t be enough coverage for a trip to the US (apologies American forum members but Canadians need a lot of coverage when travelling to the US) but it would be quite fine for European and UK travel where the costs are similar to ours. Prior to retiring, I worked with dialysis and transplant patients who travelled and this was the option some of them considered. Double check that you would get ‘full’ coverage for an unrelated accident etc if that matters to you.
Posted by
OP
Nova Scotia
2 posts
Hi Lola
Thanks for the reply and information.
Katheryne, I have to say Square Mouth is a new one on me! Thank you and I'll
check it out. And all the best to your husband!
Claire, I don't know why I didn't think of CCA because I was once a member. I received good service from them and will call them for sure. Thank you!