Travel and cancer

Travelling in the UK when you have cancer might mean you need to plan before you go. 

Travelling abroad when you have cancer might not affect where or how you travel. It's important to have travel insurance. 

To visit some countries, you’ll need vaccinations before you leave. It’s a good idea to get advice about this at least 8 weeks before you travel.

Travel insurance is very important for people who have or have had cancer. It’s important to know how to get travel insurance and what’s involved.

Most people who have cancer can travel without problems. In some circumstances you might need to wait before flying. Or make special arrangements with the airline. 

If you need to take medicines abroad, it’s worth planning ahead. Some drugs are restricted. You might need a doctor’s letter or export licence.

When you have cancer, you may have a higher risk of blood clots, infection, lymphoedema (swelling) or sun sensitivity. You might need to take extra care when you are travelling. 

Plan a safe and pleasant journey with these travel tips for people who have cancer, are having treatment, or are recovering from treatment.

If you are waiting a long time for treatment in the UK, talk to your doctor. The Planned Treatment Scheme might let you have treatment in an EU country or Switzerland. 

When you need extra help with travelling, you can get useful information from airports and airlines, train companies and several charities.