Are you planning a holiday this year?

Around this time of year, you might be thinking of planning a summer holiday outside the UK. Having a lymphoma diagnosis can mean you have to take extra precautions before a holiday. When abroad, you might come into contact with new infections. As lymphoma can affect your immune system, there may be some additional things to consider when planning your trip.  

Travel insurance

Travel insurance helps to cover the costs of things that don’t go to plan while you’re travelling away from home – like cancelled flights, lost baggage and if you become unwell on the trip. 

Travel insurance is often more expensive for people with a health condition, including lymphoma. This is because insurers think there is a higher likelihood of someone with a health condition making a claim. 

Insurers will ask you questions to work out the cost of the cover (premium). It’s important that you answer the questions honestly – if you don’t tell your insurance company everything they need to know, you might not be covered if you need to make a claim.

Healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC)

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) allows you to get state-provided healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost, or sometimes, for free. The GHIC card has replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for most people. 

If you have a current UK EHIC, it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC. The GOV.UK website has more information about the GHIC card and how to apply for one.

Your EHIC or GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. It may not cover all health costs and never covers repatriation costs.

Both the UK GHIC and the UK EHIC are available free of charge. 

Medication

If you need to take prescribed medicine for your lymphoma abroad with you, talk to your GP or clinical nurse specialist at least 8 weeks before you travel. They can tell you if you need to make any special arrangements. 

Different countries have different rules and regulations about the types and quantities of medicine they allow to be taken into the country. Some medicines that are available over the counter in the UK might be controlled in other countries. Check the rules for the countries you will be visiting and travelling through – you can contact the embassy for the country you’re visiting to ask.

Always carry your medication in its original packaging, and check that the expiry dates of your medicines will be valid for your trip.

Carry your medication in your hand luggage. You might like to pack some extra medicine in your hold luggage in case you lose your hand luggage. You should also carry it with a copy of your prescription and a letter from your GP that includes:

• details of your medication, including its generic name (not just the brand name)
• the name of your health condition.

Keep in mind that your GP practice might charge for writing this letter.

Some medication needs to be stored at room temperature (below 25°C). If you’re travelling to a warm country, ask your pharmacist about storing your medicine.

Travel vaccinations

In addition to the COVID-19 vaccine, you should check whether there are any specific vaccinations you need to get at least 8 weeks before you travel. Ask your GP for advice about whether you need any, and which are suitable for you. For example, live vaccines are usually not be appropriate for people who have lymphoma.

Some vaccinations are available on the NHS at your GP surgery, but some are not available on the NHS.

COVID-19

Although there might be fewer COVID-19 restrictions in place in comparison to the previous few summers, it’s important to check any travel guidance for the country you’re visiting, as well as any countries you might be travelling through. Some countries might require you to prove that you’ve had your COVID-19 vaccine. Find out how to do this if you live in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

Having the vaccination against COVID-19 will give you the best protection against it. If you haven’t had your COVID-19 vaccine, we have information on our website which covers how you can book one in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We understand a spring booster is due to be available soon. Check our website for more information. 

You might feel more comfortable wearing a face covering in crowded places or on public transport. Medical masks can provide you with better protection than cloth masks. 

Published: 29 March 2023