Travelling With A Terminal Diagnosis

It is becoming more common for people to travel. Low-cost airlines have made seeing the world far more accessible. This means that it is also more common for people with a terminal diagnosis to travel. Someone who is diagnosed with mesothelioma, or any other fatal illness may decide that they want to experience all they can with the time they have left, and for them, that means going abroad.

This can be a wonderful experience but is also not without its struggles. Unfortunately, the illness follows them wherever they are. There is always the possibility that someone could become ill while travelling and be unable to do what they had planned. Everyone’s situation is unique to them and this affects where they can go and what they can do. Doctors should always be informed about any plans and their advice should be considered. For some patients, even the flight alone could be too taxing. However, here is some general advice for someone who is travelling with a terminal diagnosis.

Plan ahead

For someone who is travelling with an illness, thorough planning is essential. That being said, you must also be prepared for plans to be cancelled if you or the person you are travelling with are not well enough.

Bring all the medication that you need and make sure you have documentation to prove that you need it. Some options such as cruises, or group tours, may take away some stress of planning activities.

You may also want to let the airline know about your situation in advance.

Get Insurance

Choosing the right travel insurance is crucial for peace of mind for those who have a terminal diagnosis, and there are plenty of insurance providers who will offer cover for cancer and other illnesses.

Although it may be difficult and expensive, travel insurance is a must as it will protect you if something goes wrong while you are away. It may also protect you if you need to cancel your trip if you or the person you are travelling with becomes too ill to travel.

You may need to get approval from your doctor that you are fit to travel to get travel insurance.

Get support

You will need support from doctors and family. Someone with a terminal diagnosis may need to consider not travelling alone. A companion who can assist them with any issues that they might have could be essential.

Consider speaking to people who are going through something similar and see if you can get advice from people who have done it.

You may also be able to get assistance from a local charity, do some research and see if there is anyone who can help.

Conclusion

A holiday can give someone time and space to come to terms with their illness. It can also be an opportunity for them to do something they have always wanted to do, or see something they have always wanted to see.

It is not always easy or even possible. However, with support, it has become a possibility for more people. And while nothing can take away from the pain following a terminal diagnosis, having the opportunity to travel in the final months or years of life can be a wonderful thing.

Would you consider travelling if you have a terminal diagnosis? 

*Disclosure: This is a paid collaboration. 

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