Travel and cancer
It can take some time to arrange everything you might need when travelling, so it is important to plan ahead.
Ask your doctor what travel vaccinations you may need for the destination you are going to.
Check your passport is valid for when you travel, as you may need to renew it. You need at least 6 months left on your passport for most countries you travel to.
You can research the country you are visiting on the Travel Health Pro website.
If you live in Scotland, NHS Inform has information and advice about different countries.
Book your travel insurance.
Let the airline, accommodation and transport you book with know of any equipment you need. Or if you have oxygen with you.
If you make special assistance arrangements when you book, print out a copy to take with you.
Check any restrictions on the drugs you can take in or out of the country you’re visiting.
Make sure you have a Global Health Insurance card (GHIC) or a new UK issued EHIC card (if you qualify for one)
Book any travel vaccinations you may need.
Sort out any equipment (such as oxygen), if you didn't do this when you booked your trip
Sort out any travel needs. For example, book help getting on and off trains, or request early boarding on flights.
Check whether you need a licence to take strong painkillers abroad.
Make sure you have enough of your medicines to last the holiday, plus a few days extra.
Get a doctor’s letter with details of your cancer, your treatment and a list of your medicines. Include the dose and how often you take them.
Smartphones have a setting where you can store health and medical details. You can also store information like your travel insurance policy number and phone numbers you may need when abroad.
You can find out how to access and change this information on ABTA's travel insurance page. You need to scroll down to the heading 'Keep Health & Medical ID section in your smartphones up-to-date'.
Go to ABTA's travel insurance page
Make sure you have your:
passport and any other proof of identity that you need
travel insurance policy, European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if travelling in Europe
emergency telephone numbers written down or saved
special travel arrangements that you agreed printed out
doctor’s letter and prescriptions to hand
controlled medicines such as opiate painkillers in your hand luggage
insect repellent and a basic first aid kit
Don’t forget sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 stars. And clothing such as hats to protect you from the sun.
Last reviewed: 16 Jun 2025
Next review due: 06 Jun 2028
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.
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.
Information on travelling with oxygen and taking oxygen on holiday.
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.
Travelling when you have cancer or are having treatment might need some extra planning. Find out how cancer can affect travelling in the UK and abroad and get tips to make it easier.
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