Can You Fly With Cancer or During Chemotherapy?

Written by: Sarah Findlay Travel Insurance Expert

Reviewed by: Dr Ellen Welch NHS GP and resident medical expert

Read time: 12 minutes

Many people living with cancer can fly safely, including some who are receiving treatment. However, whether it is safe to travel depends on the type and stage of cancer, the treatment being given, blood counts, symptoms and general health. Anyone receiving active cancer treatment should discuss their plans with their oncology team before booking.

For many people, a holiday is something to look forward to during treatment, or a well-earned break once it's over. A cancer diagnosis doesn't have to mean the end of travel. With a little extra planning, and the right cancer travel insurance, you can travel with confidence.

At Total Travel Protection, we specialise in medical travel insurance for people with pre-existing conditions, including cancer, and we have no upper age limit. This guide explains when it's usually safe to fly, what can affect that decision and how to prepare.

Quick Reads [TLDR]

Most people can fly with cancer, but check with your cancer team first.
During chemotherapy, infection risk can be increased, particularly when your white blood cell count is low. Ask your cancer team when it's safest to travel.
After cancer surgery, the recommended waiting time before flying depends on the procedure and your recovery. Always check with your surgical team.
Cancer and long flights both raise the risk of blood clots, so keep moving and ask your healthcare team whether you need additional precautions.
Declare your cancer for travel insurance, even if you're in remission.

Can you fly with cancer?

Most people can. Having cancer doesn't stop you flying on its own, but some symptoms and side effects can make flying less comfortable or less safe.

That's because the air pressure in an aircraft cabin is lower than on the ground. There's less oxygen in each breath, and any gas trapped in the body expands slightly. Most people don't notice, but it can matter if your body is already under strain.

Your cancer doctor or specialist nurse may advise you not to fly, or to wait, if you have:

Breathlessness, particularly if you're short of breath after light exercise such as climbing stairs
Anaemia (a low haemoglobin level), particularly if it causes breathlessness, dizziness or significant fatigue. The Civil Aviation Authority advises that people with a haemoglobin above 8 g/dL can usually fly if they have no other significant heart or lung problems. Those with more severe anaemia may need further assessment, and sometimes supplementary oxygen, before flying.
Low platelets, which can increase the risk of bleeding
A brain tumour that could cause raised pressure in the brain
Recent surgery to your brain, chest, bowel or eyes
Ear or sinus problems, which can make pressure changes painful

If you need oxygen during the flight, speak to your airline well before you travel, as each airline has its own policy.

Can you fly during chemotherapy?

Many people do travel during chemotherapy, often for a short break between cycles. The key is timing your trip around your treatment, and getting the go-ahead from your cancer team first.

The main risks to plan for are:

Infection. Chemotherapy can reduce the number of white blood cells that fight infection. For many chemotherapy regimens, these levels are lowest around 7 to 14 days after treatment, although the timing varies. Infection can become serious very quickly when immunity is reduced. Your oncology team can advise when your risk is greatest and whether travelling between treatment cycles is appropriate.
Tiredness. Fatigue is very common, and airports and long journeys can be draining.
Bleeding. If your platelet count is low, you may bruise or bleed more easily.
Blood clots. Some cancers and treatments raise the risk of clots, especially on long flights (more on this below).

To plan a trip around chemotherapy:

Ask your team which point in your cycle is best for travel, and whether you need a blood test before you go.
Carry your chemotherapy alert card and your hospital's 24-hour oncology helpline number.
Know the warning signs of infection, including fever, shivering or feeling suddenly unwell. Serious infections can sometimes occur without a raised temperature. If you feel unwell or suspect an infection, do not travel and contact your oncology team urgently for advice.
Check before you book if your destination needs vaccinations. Some vaccines aren't suitable during cancer treatment, and others may not work as well.

Other cancer treatment: Other cancer treatments, including immunotherapy, targeted treatments and hormone therapy, can also cause side effects that may affect travel. These vary depending on the medication, so ask your cancer team whether you need to take any additional precautions before flying.

Can you fly after radiotherapy or cancer surgery?

Flying after radiotherapy

There's usually no set waiting time to fly after radiotherapy, but the side effects can make travel harder. Tiredness can build up during treatment and last for weeks afterwards, so plan a relaxed itinerary.

Treated skin can also be very sensitive to the sun for a long time. Keep it covered with loose clothing, use a high-factor sun cream and avoid the hottest part of the day. If you've received radiotherapy to your chest and develop a new cough or breathlessness, seek medical advice before flying

Flying after cancer surgery

Flying too soon after surgery can be unsafe, particularly after abdominal, chest, brain or certain eye operations. This is partly because trapped gas can expand as cabin pressure falls. The recommended waiting period depends on the procedure and recovery. For example, the Civil Aviation Authority advises avoiding flying for 10 days after abdominal surgery and approximately seven days after neurosurgery, but some patients will need considerably longer. Always obtain advice from your surgical team before booking a flight.

Our guide to flying after hip and knee replacements has more on planning a trip around surgery.

After a stem cell or bone marrow transplant

Following a stem cell or bone marrow transplant, recovery of the immune system can take many months. Patients are often advised to avoid international travel for at least six months, and sometimes longer. Even when blood counts have recovered, infection risk may remain increased. Always seek specific clearance from your transplant team before travelling.

Cancer, flying and blood clots

People with cancer have a higher risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that usually forms in the leg. Some treatments, including certain chemotherapy drugs and recent surgery, raise the risk further. Sitting still on a long flight adds to it, especially on journeys of more than 4 hours.

Although most people will not develop a blood clot while travelling, cancer and some cancer treatments can significantly increase the risk. If you have active cancer, particularly if you have recently had surgery or previously experienced a blood clot, ask your healthcare team about your individual risk before a long journey.

Book an aisle seat so you can get up and walk around regularly.
Do simple leg exercises in your seat, such as circling your ankles and pointing your toes.
Stay normally hydrated, and minimise prolonged periods of immobility.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Ask your team whether compression stockings or blood-thinning injections are right for you.

If you already take a blood thinner, read our guide to flying on blood thinners.

Red flags: Seek urgent medical assessment if you develop new pain or swelling in one leg. Sudden unexplained breathlessness, chest pain, coughing up blood or collapse may indicate a pulmonary embolism and require emergency medical attention.

Checklist: tips for flying with cancer

Pack enough medication for your whole trip, plus extra in case of delays. Keep it in its original packaging and in your hand luggage. Our guide to taking prescription medication abroad explains the rules.
Get a doctor's letter if you're carrying syringes, a medicine pump or liquid medicines over 100ml, as you may need approval from your airline and the airport.
Carry a list of your medicines with their generic names and doses, in case you need treatment abroad.
Prepare for airport security. Carry a card or letter explaining any port, PICC line, implant, prosthesis or stoma. You can ask for a private search if you'd prefer. Wigs rarely need extra checks, and you can ask for a hand scanner rather than removing yours.
Book special assistance at least 48 hours before you fly if you'd like help getting through the airport. You can also wear a sunflower lanyard to show you have a hidden disability. Find out what help is available on flights and at airports.
Choose your destination carefully. Check how far you'll be from a good hospital, and avoid places with disease outbreaks if your immunity is low.
Pace yourself. Build in rest days and keep your plans flexible.

Do you need a fit to fly letter?

Most people with stable cancer who are otherwise well do not need a fit-to-fly certificate. However, airlines may require medical clearance if you have recently undergone surgery, need oxygen, have significant symptoms or require specialist medical equipment. This may involve an airline-specific medical information form (MEDIF). Contact the airline well before travelling and discuss any medical documentation with your treating team.

These letters aren't given out by GPs as standard, and you may have to pay for one. If you think you might need one, ask your cancer team well before your trip, and check your airline's rules. Our guide explains when you need a fit to fly certificate and how to get one.

Travel insurance with cancer

If you have cancer, or have had it in the past, you'll need to declare it when you buy travel insurance. This applies if you're having treatment, waiting for tests or results, taking hormone therapy, or in remission. If you don't declare it, any claim linked to your cancer could be turned down. Our guide to what counts as a pre-existing condition explains why honesty matters.

Before you get a quote, have these details to hand:

When you were diagnosed, and the type and stage of your cancer
The dates of any surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, past or planned
A list of your current medication
Whether the cancer has spread, and any prognosis you've been given
Any other medical conditions you have

Don't rely on a GHIC alone. It can help with state healthcare costs in Europe, but it won't pay to fly you home if you become ill. Find out why a GHIC doesn't replace travel insurance.

At Total Travel Protection, our medical screening takes around five minutes, online or over the phone. We can look at cover at every stage, from active treatment to remission, and we have no upper age limit. If you're travelling with a partner, family or friends, you could all be covered on the same policy. Find out more about our cancer travel insurance.

FAQs: flying with cancer

There's no fixed rule, as it depends on your treatment and blood counts. Many people fly between cycles, avoiding the time when their immunity is lowest. Your cancer team can tell you the safest window for you.

You can usually fly with a PICC line or port. Carry a letter or card explaining it for airport security, and ask your team how to care for it while you're away, including who will flush it if needed. Ensure you recognise signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, pain and fever and know where you can seek help in your destination.

Many people do, often for a short break close to home. Plan the trip for when you're likely to feel your best, and keep your oncology helpline number with you at all times.

You can get travel insurance in remission, but you'll still need to declare your cancer. Insurers will usually ask when your treatment finished and whether you're having any follow-up checks.

A cancer diagnosis doesn't have to mean the end of your travels. Most people can still fly, as long as they check with their cancer team first, time their trip around treatment and take a few sensible precautions.

The other key step is declaring your cancer when you buy travel insurance, so you're covered if you need help while you're away. At Total Travel Protection, we make buying travel insurance with cancer quick and easy, with no upper age limit. You can get a quote online in minutes, or call our friendly team on 0330 053 3747.