Brain Tumour travel insurance
With the right advice and a quality travel insurance policy to match, travelling the world with peace of mind is entirely possible - even with a potentially complex condition such as a brain tumour.
Can you fly with a benign brain tumour?
Though benign brain tumours aren't as serious as cancerous brain tumours, there are still some risks involved when flying with a benign brain tumour - risks that you will need to consider and consult with your doctor about.
Benign brain tumours are a mass of cells that grow relatively slowly in the brain, usually occurring in the tissue that supports nerve cells, and around the base of the brain, among other places. When flying there can be increased risk of cranial swelling in people with brain tumours, and this can lead to unpleasant symptoms and complications.
Cranial swelling
Air pressure and oxygen levels naturally change as the plane reaches higher altitudes, and this can trigger cranial swelling in passengers with brain tumours, leading to headaches, nausea and decreased consciousness.
Increased risk of seizures
The sleep deprivation and oxygen desaturation that is common to long haul flights can end up lowering the seizure threshold. If seizures are a symptom of your brain tumour, then it is worth consulting with your doctor before booking any air travel. An airplane cabin is the worst place to have a seizure, as space is limited.
Tips for travelling with a Brain tumour
Medication - If you need to take medication into the cabin that exceeds the usual volume restriction, you will need to obtain a note from your doctor. Be sure to bring enough medication with you to last the entire trip and possibly longer, in case you are delayed while returning home.
Alcohol - In most cases, it should be perfectly safe for you to drink alcohol in moderation, though you should be mindful of the nature of your personal condition. In many cases, brain tumour sufferers will find that even a small amount of alcohol will leave them with a disproportionately painful hangover. It is worth noting that all insurers (not just us, we promise!) can refuse to pay out on claims if you have a drunken accident, as excessive drinking voids the claim.
Activities - If you have recently been treated for a tumour, it's recommended to avoid all forms of contact sport so bear this in mind when you're planning your holiday activities.
Looking for information regarding a different condition?
Be sure to have a read up on our pre-existing conditions travel insurance.
Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Holiday Extras Cover Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under registration number 828848.
Holiday Extras™ is a Trading Name of Holiday Extras Cover Limited
Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is provided by Taurus Insurance Services, an insurance intermediary licenced and authorised in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission under Permission Number 5566 and authorised to passport general insurance intermediary services into the UK and registered with the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK under registration number 444830.
The insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 13436330 and whose registered office address is 10 Fenchurch Avenue, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 5BN. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number 955859. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting; register.fca.org.uk or by contacting the Financial Conduct Authority on 0800 111 6768.