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Stage 4 folks and travel insurance?
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Stage 4 folks and travel insurance?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Stage 4 folks and travel insurance?

  • Post
    • February 10, 2015 at 3:23 pm
    yazziemac
    Participant

      Hi everyone

      I am wondering what Stage 4 people's experience has been in qualifying for travel insurance?  My husband, Pete, has been inquiring with our insurance carrier but it has been hard for him to get straight answers.  How do others cope with this situation?  The idea of never being able to fly out of the county together again is very hard for both of us to accept.  Especially because we live in Canada, which is very cold in the winter!  Any advice would be most helpful.

      Thanks in advance,

      Yasmin

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        • February 10, 2015 at 11:23 pm
        joelcairo
        Participant

          I assume you would be covered for unrelated issues but not pre-existing conditions. Of course that needs to be clarified by whatever health insurance provider you use. Whether you choose to travel depends on how likely it is that urgent and unexpected complications could arise. A place like Mexico or Cuba would be a better choice than the US, because even if medical care or hospitalization is required, it's less likely to be a bankrupting expense.

            • February 11, 2015 at 4:17 am
            Jubes
            Participant

              I have the same problem. I am assuming that nothing to do with the melanoma or side effects of treatment is covered, but I am afraid that the insurance co would try to blame any other condition on the melanoma or treatment of it. 

              • February 11, 2015 at 1:59 pm
              yazziemac
              Participant

                Thanks for your responses.  I struggle with knowing how to balance this risk.  For example, if my husband gets clean scans, is it safe to take a trip right after?  But what if he has a stroke and they say it's related to melanoma?  (since he had a previous brain tumour that was melanoma).  I know that no one can answer these "what ifs" but I feel so stuck about what is the responsible thing to do.  The idea of never being able to take a holiday together outside of Canada is really  discouraging.  Canada is a very beautiful country and there's lot to see, but going somewhere warm in the winter in something we've always enjoyed and looked forward to.  I hope I don't sound petty;  tropical holidays aren't essential things and I realize that 🙂

                • February 11, 2015 at 1:59 pm
                yazziemac
                Participant

                  Thanks for your responses.  I struggle with knowing how to balance this risk.  For example, if my husband gets clean scans, is it safe to take a trip right after?  But what if he has a stroke and they say it's related to melanoma?  (since he had a previous brain tumour that was melanoma).  I know that no one can answer these "what ifs" but I feel so stuck about what is the responsible thing to do.  The idea of never being able to take a holiday together outside of Canada is really  discouraging.  Canada is a very beautiful country and there's lot to see, but going somewhere warm in the winter in something we've always enjoyed and looked forward to.  I hope I don't sound petty;  tropical holidays aren't essential things and I realize that 🙂

                  • February 11, 2015 at 1:59 pm
                  yazziemac
                  Participant

                    Thanks for your responses.  I struggle with knowing how to balance this risk.  For example, if my husband gets clean scans, is it safe to take a trip right after?  But what if he has a stroke and they say it's related to melanoma?  (since he had a previous brain tumour that was melanoma).  I know that no one can answer these "what ifs" but I feel so stuck about what is the responsible thing to do.  The idea of never being able to take a holiday together outside of Canada is really  discouraging.  Canada is a very beautiful country and there's lot to see, but going somewhere warm in the winter in something we've always enjoyed and looked forward to.  I hope I don't sound petty;  tropical holidays aren't essential things and I realize that 🙂

                    • February 11, 2015 at 4:17 am
                    Jubes
                    Participant

                      I have the same problem. I am assuming that nothing to do with the melanoma or side effects of treatment is covered, but I am afraid that the insurance co would try to blame any other condition on the melanoma or treatment of it. 

                      • February 11, 2015 at 4:17 am
                      Jubes
                      Participant

                        I have the same problem. I am assuming that nothing to do with the melanoma or side effects of treatment is covered, but I am afraid that the insurance co would try to blame any other condition on the melanoma or treatment of it. 

                      • February 10, 2015 at 11:23 pm
                      joelcairo
                      Participant

                        I assume you would be covered for unrelated issues but not pre-existing conditions. Of course that needs to be clarified by whatever health insurance provider you use. Whether you choose to travel depends on how likely it is that urgent and unexpected complications could arise. A place like Mexico or Cuba would be a better choice than the US, because even if medical care or hospitalization is required, it's less likely to be a bankrupting expense.

                        • February 10, 2015 at 11:23 pm
                        joelcairo
                        Participant

                          I assume you would be covered for unrelated issues but not pre-existing conditions. Of course that needs to be clarified by whatever health insurance provider you use. Whether you choose to travel depends on how likely it is that urgent and unexpected complications could arise. A place like Mexico or Cuba would be a better choice than the US, because even if medical care or hospitalization is required, it's less likely to be a bankrupting expense.

                      Viewing 2 reply threads
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