[shaznics]

Traveling experiences or advice

by shaznics on Fri Jan 16, 2015 6:17 pm

Would really appreciate any advice or experiences when it comes to traveling with myeloma. My husband has been on thalidomide maintenance therapy for 13 months now post first stem cell transplant. He is not in remission, but all his numbers look good, with very little change month on month.

We would like to travel to the US from Australia in July to drop our son off at university. He was fortunate to be offered a sports scholarship. We are, however, very worried about traveling without travel insurance that will cover any health issues for him. It would, however, be devastating if my husband cannot be there to see his son move in and get to see his new home away from home.

We would obviously seek my husband's oncologist's guidance, but really wanted to hear other experiences and advice.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[coop223]

Re: Traveling experiences or advice

by coop223 on Sat Jan 17, 2015 11:18 am

I traveled during treatment. Only precautionary measure I took was to wear a mask on the aircraft. I did fine.

[Dano]

Re: Traveling experiences or advice

by Dano on Sat Jan 17, 2015 12:32 pm

I would suggest you purchase a good travel insurance policy to cover your trip. Most policies will cover emergency services and, more importantly, air transport home. It will give you the protection you need and, more importantly, peace of mind.

I would ask the oncologist to provide a prescription for a broad spectrum antibiotic, like Cipro or Zithromax, to take with you on your trip "just in case". Have the prescription filled locally before your trip to avoid problems.

Using a mask on the airplane and in the terminals is good advice

[shaznics]

Re: Traveling experiences or advice

by shaznics on Sat Jan 17, 2015 4:13 pm

Thanks for the feedback. I should have added that it appears very difficult, if not impossible, to get travel insurance in Australia to cover a pre-existing condition. Hence our concerns.

[Ian]

Re: Traveling experiences or advice

by Ian on Sun Jan 18, 2015 4:28 am

Hi Sharon,

I think you need to discuss with different travel insurance companies what exactly they will define as pre-existing conditions in the case of your husband. It's no surprise that the companies won't cover, for example, treatment of your husband's multiple myeloma while you and he are traveling. But will they cover x-rays and other care your husband might need if he accidentally falls and may have a fracture, or if he comes down with a serious infection? I wouldn't just assume that those are considered pre-existing conditions without making sure the companies see it that way.

When you speak with the companies, you just need to make it clear that you're not looking for them to, for example, pay for Revlimid or Velcade treatment all of a sudden when you're traveling in the States. But you are interested in coverage for other types of care that might be needed.

Also, instead of assuming that this type of insurance needs to be purchased in Australia, you may want to see if you can purchase it online from an insurance company in the States.

Good luck, and please let us know what you find out.

[Merle4]

Re: Traveling experiences or advice

by Merle4 on Sun Jan 18, 2015 10:37 pm

Hi,

We are travelling overseas soon and have insurance for multiple myeloma. We were having trouble like you, but the post office offers insurance. Although you can't take out the cheaper version from them, they were able to put us on to the appropriate cover.

Yes, it does cost more, but to us is well worth the cost. As an example, it is costing me an extra $180. They asked lots of questions about the health of the multiple myeloma person and then gave us a quote using that information. I also believe that you can take out any insurance, but, if it is regarded as multiple myeloma related, then they won't cover it. All claims will go to your doctor who then has to make that decision.

Hope this helps you.

[shaznics]

Re: Traveling experiences or advice

by shaznics on Mon Jan 19, 2015 2:26 am

Thanks Merle4.

Is it the Australian post office? Did they agree to cover the pre-existing condition if you got like flu or caught a virus? We are happy with paying extra and have budgeted to pay high insurance. Just haven't found a company yet that will do it.

Do you mind me asking what questions they asked you?

Thanks so much for the feedback.

[shaznics]

Re: Traveling experiences or advice

by shaznics on Mon Jan 19, 2015 2:28 am

Thanks so much everyone! So kind to take the time to give some advice!

I didn't think that we might be able to get insurance from another country - will do some hunting.

[Merle4]

Re: Traveling experiences or advice

by Merle4 on Mon Jan 19, 2015 4:32 am

Yes, Australia Post Office. You can look at their policy on the website auspost.com.au . Look under travel and ID and then compare our plan. They have the questions they asked me if you follow it, you need to add a name but it accepts anything, we put in DOB. Best to ring them as we did to make sure it is what you want!

The cover for USA will be more expensive! It doesn't cover avian influenza, including the H5N1 strain or derivatives of it. This isn't because of multiple myeloma, just the policy.

Hope this helps you.

[DebitCPA]

Re: Traveling experiences or advice

by DebitCPA on Tue Jan 20, 2015 4:13 pm

I use Insure My Trip. Use Google to find their site and speak with a representative. They have excellent policies which cover pre-existing and have higher coverage limits for less cost than what's typically offered by airlines and cruise companies.