Travel and cancer
Most airport websites can give you information about special assistance when travelling. This includes parking for blue badge holders and help with getting around the terminal building.
They also have information to help people with medical conditions, such as advice on taking medicines on board and using oxygen during a flight.
The Civil Aviation Authority has useful advice on travelling and special assistance.
Go to the Civil Aviation Authority website
Or instead you can look up the airport or airline you’re using on the internet.
The Civil Aviation Authority has useful information on their website for passengers. The Aviation Health Unit (AHU) gives information to health professionals, air crew and passengers on certain health aspects of air travel.
Visit the Aviation Health Unit website
Living Made Easy is part of the Shaw Trust. It provides information and advice on equipment and aids to help with daily living.
Email: lme-enquires@shaw-trust.org.uk
Go to the Living Made Easy website
Macmillan Cancer Support is a charity that gives practical and medical support to people with cancer in the UK. Its helpline offers support with clinical, emotional, general and welfare benefits needs. They also publish booklets about cancer and treatments. Information is available in other languages.
Freephone: 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm) Contact email form
Visit the Macmillan Cancer Support website
The National Rail Enquiries website has details of all the train companies, and who to contact to arrange help if you need it.
Most companies say to contact them at least 24 hours before you travel.
Phone: 0800 022 37 20
Visit the National Rail Enquiries website
British Red Cross services vary in different parts of the country. They provide medical equipment, transport and hospital escort services, home emergency personal care and home respite care. There are branches throughout the UK.
For general enquiries, telephone: 0344 871 11 11 (from overseas: +44 207 138 7900)
Tourism For All can give you information about accessible accommodation to people with disabilities and older people. It also has information about respite care.
Visit the Tourism For All website
St John Ambulance Wales provides transport for people in Wales who have difficulty using public services.
Visit the St John Ambulance Wales website
It can be hard to get travel insurance when you have cancer. But there are insurance companies with special policies. Find out more about finding travel insurance companies and what to look out for from our website.
This is a self help organisation that runs a network of groups throughout the country. They can arrange for someone who has had a urostomy to visit you before and after your surgery.
They also provide booklets about what is a urostomy, guidance on diet and exercise, travel and sex life after a urostomy.
Tel: 01223 910854
We have a list of other organisations and resources in the UK and abroad. Some of these organisations can offer practical help and support.
Last reviewed: 18 Jun 2025
Next review due: 18 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.
Plan a safe and pleasant journey with these travel tips for people who have cancer, are having treatment, or are recovering from treatment.
Get information on coping with practical matters such as money and travel, as well as treatment for overseas visitors.
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.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Connect with other people affected by cancer and share your experiences.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
