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Practical matters:

money, driving and travel

Practical information to
help with life beyond your cancer care

Living with neuroendocrine cancer can also affect some of the practical aspects of everyday life. You may have questions about work and finances, insurance, driving or travelling, particularly if your health, treatment or income changes.

Knowing what support is available and planning ahead can make some of these issues easier to manage. There are organisations and services that can provide information and advice, as well as practical and financial support.

This page provides information about finances, benefits and work, insurance and mortgages, driving and parking, the Blue Badge scheme, and travelling with neuroendocrine cancer. It also signposts sources of specialist advice and support.

Use the links in the box to find the information that is most relevant to you.

Financial concerns (including insurance)

A cancer diagnosis can affect your finances in many ways. You may need to reduce your working hours or stop work for a time, while also facing extra costs such as travel to appointments, higher energy bills, or additional childcare and support.

Many people find this creates added stress at a time when they want to focus on their health. It is important to know that financial help and advice are available.

Common concerns you may be worried about:

  • Loss of income or reduced working hours
  • Increased household costs (such as heating, travel, childcare)
  • Managing bills, debt or mortgage payments
  • Understanding what financial support you are entitled to
  • The impact of cancer on insurance policies
  • Returning to work and financial stability

Benefits and grants

You may be entitled to financial support, including:

  • Government benefits: such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
  • Help with health costs: including prescriptions or travel to hospital.
  • Charitable grants: organisations such as Turn2us can help you find grants for everyday living costs.

Even if you have never claimed benefits before, it is worth checking what you are eligible for.

Maggie’s Centres: Many hospitals feature Maggie’s Centres, which offer walk-in access to professional benefits and money advisors.

Citizens Advice: Your local branch can provide free, confidential welfare benefits advice to ensure you maximise your income.

Charitable grants: You may be eligible for one-off financial grants to help with immediate costs like travel to hospital, heating bills or extra clothing. Search for available grants via the Turn2us Grants Search.

Neuroendocrine Cancer UK provides a one-off grant to assist with travel costs if you have to travel to access a specialist scan or treatment – you can ask a member of your care team to complete the application form available here. Please note we cannot accept self-completed applications.

Macmillan Cancer Support: Call the Macmillan Support Line at 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) or visit them online.

Managing money and debt

  • Talk to your bank or mortgage provider early: many offer support, such as payment breaks or adjusted repayment plans.
  • Seek free debt advice: services like StepChange provide confidential support.

Getting advice early can help reduce stress and give you more control.

Cancer Research UK provides a list of useful contacts for benefits advice and information that can help people with cancer and their carers.

MoneyHelper is an organisation set up by the government to give clear, unbiased money advice. Helpline: 0800 011 3797 (9am–5pm Monday to Friday).

If you are missing mortgage, rent or energy payments, reach out to your provider immediately and talk to them about your situation – many will want to help. Charities like StepChange offer free, expert debt advice and can help you create a manageable repayment plan.

There are also organisations that support people who serve, or have served, in the armed forces, and people who make their living at sea. CRUK provides a list.

Continuing or returning to work

For many people, returning to work – when ready – can help:

  • Restore routine and a sense of normality
  • Improve financial stability
  • Support emotional wellbeing

You may feel unsure about returning, especially if you are still managing side effects. Talking to your employer about support and adjustments can help make this easier.

Insurance and cancer

A cancer diagnosis may affect some types of insurance, but not all.

Life insurance and critical illness cover:

  • If you already have a policy: your cover usually remains valid, and a cancer diagnosis may allow a payout if critical illness cover is included.
  • If applying after diagnosis: you may face higher premiums, exclusions or a delay in getting cover.

Mortgages

A cancer diagnosis does not usually affect your ability to get or keep a mortgage directly, but it can have an indirect impact on your finances.

Key points:

  • Your health is not usually part of mortgage approval: lenders base decisions on income, credit history and outgoings – not your medical condition.
  • You do not have to disclose a cancer diagnosis: there is no legal requirement to share this information with your mortgage lender.
  • Reduced income can affect affordability: if your income changes due to illness or treatment, this may affect your ability to secure a new mortgage or remortgage.

However, while your health is not relevant for the mortgage itself, you may be asked about your health when applying for:

  • Life insurance
  • Critical illness cover

After a cancer diagnosis, these policies may:

  • Become more expensive
  • Include exclusions
  • Be more difficult to obtain

These policies are sometimes linked to mortgages, so it is important to understand how they may be affected.

Possible challenges

  • Difficulty meeting repayments if your income drops
  • Struggling to remortgage to a better rate later
  • Credit score changes if payments are missed during treatment

If you are worried about any of these, early support can make a significant difference.

What can help

Contact your lender early

Mortgage lenders are expected to treat customers fairly and sympathetically. They may be able to offer:

  • Temporary reduced payments
  • Switching to interest-only payments
  • Payment holidays
Check your existing insurance

Review any policies you already have, such as:

  • Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance (MPPI)
  • Income protection insurance
  • You may be able to make a claim if illness affects your ability to work
Get independent advice

Speaking to an adviser can help you understand your options and make informed decisions.

Remember:
  • A cancer diagnosis does not directly affect your mortgage approval
  • Changes in income may impact affordability and future remortgaging
  • Support is available – contact your lender and seek advice early
  • Check any existing insurance policies, as you may be able to claim

Finding additional support

  • Occupational health or employer support may help you stay in or return to work
  • The Access to Work scheme can provide practical and financial help for working
  • Independent financial advice from financial advisers or insurance brokers can guide you through complex decisions
Remember:
  • A cancer diagnosis does not directly affect your mortgage approval
  • Changes in income may impact affordability and future remortgaging
  • Support is available – contact your lender and seek advice early
  • Check any existing insurance policies, as you may be able to claim

Driving, car insurance, parking and the Blue Badge Scheme

A cancer diagnosis does not automatically mean you have to stop driving. However, depending on your condition or treatment, there may be legal and safety considerations to be aware of.

Common concerns you may wonder about:

  • Whether it is safe for you to drive
  • If you need to inform the DVLA
  • How cancer affects car insurance
  • Parking at hospital appointments
  • Whether you qualify for a Blue Badge

Do I need to tell the DVLA?

Most people with cancer do not need to inform the DVLA. You should only tell the DVLA if:

  • Your doctor advises you to stop driving for 3 months or more
  • Your cancer affects your brain or nervous system
  • You have side effects (such as severe fatigue, seizures or drowsiness) that could affect safe driving

Why this matters:

  • Driving when unfit can put you and others at risk
  • You could face a fine (up to £1,000) if you do not report a condition that affects your driving

If you are unsure, ask your healthcare team for advice.

Car insurance

Most insurers require you to tell them about changes to your health that may affect your driving.

This includes cancer if it affects your ability to drive or is a notifiable condition.

Important points:

  • Not informing your insurer may invalidate your policy
  • Not informing your insurer may lead to a claim being refused
Costs and cover

Insurers cannot automatically increase your premiums just because of a cancer diagnosis. However, they may adjust costs if there is evidence of increased risk (for example, due to certain side effects).

Note: After surgery you may have been advised not to drive for several weeks. While you do not need to notify the DVLA (unless your medical team advise you to) – driving before your surgical / clinical team say it is OK to do could invalidate your car insurance – so check with your team before getting behind the wheel.

Practical tips:

  • Check your insurance policy or speak directly to your insurer
  • Ask whether you need to inform them immediately or at renewal

Hospital parking

  • Wales and Scotland: Hospital parking is almost entirely free for patients, visitors and staff. (Very minor exceptions may apply for a handful of sites still tied to old, pre-existing private contracts).
  • Northern Ireland: Parking charges have been officially removed, and remaining sites are in the process of transitioning to free parking.
  • England: You almost always have to pay. Charges, payment methods and rules are set independently by individual NHS trusts. However, some NHS (England) hospitals offer free parking for people receiving cancer treatment (such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy). You may need to get your parking ticket validated at reception or your clinic or speak with your hospital’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for local guidance.

Blue Badge Scheme

A Blue Badge helps with parking closer to your destination if you have mobility difficulties.

Who qualifies?

You may automatically qualify if you:

  • Receive certain mobility benefits (such as higher-rate PIP or DLA)
  • Have a DS1500 or Special Rules form

You may also qualify based on how cancer affects you, including:

  • Difficulty walking
  • Severe fatigue or breathlessness
  • Pain or treatment side effects
  • Significant psychological distress when walking or travelling

How to apply

  • Apply through your local council or the GOV.UK Blue Badge Scheme
  • You may need supporting evidence from your healthcare team

Note:

  • A Blue Badge costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland. It’s free in Wales.
  • They usually last up to 3 years.
  • You must reapply for a Blue Badge before your current one expires.
  • There’s a different way to apply if you’re in Northern Ireland.

Travel and neuroendocrine cancer

Travelling with neuroendocrine cancer is often possible and can be an important part of maintaining quality of life. However, it requires careful planning, preparation, and support.

Common concerns you may wonder about:

  • Whether it is safe to travel
  • Accessing travel insurance
  • Managing medication and symptoms
  • Fatigue, mobility and toilet access
  • Getting help during journeys

Planning your trip: Speak to your healthcare team

  • Check with your doctor or clinical nurse specialist before booking
  • Ask if you need a ‘fit to travel’ letter
  • Discuss timing around treatment

Travel insurance

  • Arrange specialist travel insurance and declare your condition

We cannot guarantee or formally endorse companies, but some have been recommended by people living with neuroendocrine cancer:

Helpful tips:

  • Get more than one quote
  • Ask to speak to a senior adviser
  • Mention if you have a public service or union benefit scheme

Medication and documents

Carry medication in your hand luggage, take extra supplies, and keep medicines in original packaging.

And include:

  • Doctor’s letter (‘fit to travel’ and/or latest clinic summary letter)
  • Prescription list
  • Copies of important documents

Travelling with medication: Airport security

  • You can carry injections, needles and liquids over 100 ml with a doctor’s letter
  • Keep items easy to access for screening

Keeping medication cool

  • Use cool bags or insulated carriers with ice packs
  • Keep medication in your carry-on luggage

Options include:

  • Frio wallets
  • Insulated cooler bags
  • Medical transport bags

Tips:

  • Avoid freezing medication – e.g. do not put somatostatin analogues in the hold
  • Arrange fridge access at your accommodation
  • Check storage instructions for your medication

Staying well while travelling: General health

  • Stay hydrated
  • Move regularly to reduce blood clot (DVT) risk
  • Be aware of infection risk if your immunity is low

NET-specific symptoms

Plan for:

  • Flushing
  • Diarrhoea
  • Fatigue
  • Avoid known triggers
  • Carry ‘rescue’ medication
  • Build in rest time

Accessible travel and support: Assistance when travelling

  • Book special assistance (e.g. wheelchair or airport help) at least 48 hours in advance
  • Use the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Scheme to access discreet support in airports and stations

Transport support (UK): Disabled Persons Railcard

  • Offers reduced rail fares for eligible individuals and a companion
  • Can support more affordable and flexible travel

Toilet access

Toilet finder apps can help you quickly locate nearby accessible or public toilets when travelling:

These can be particularly helpful if you experience urgency, diarrhoea or other bowel-related symptoms.

Patient support organisations abroad

If travelling internationally, you may find support through:

  • INCA (International Neuroendocrine Cancer Alliance) – global directory of patient organisations

These organisations may offer local advice and support while you are away.

Practical travel tips

  • Keep essentials – including medications – in hand luggage
  • Split medication across bags if travelling with someone
  • Inform airlines about medical needs
  • Plan a flexible itinerary
  • Carry emergency contact details

Further Information

  • NCUK Patient Handbook (Section 8 – Travel)
  • Macmillan and Cancer Research UK travel resources

Key messages:

  • Travel with neuroendocrine cancer is often possible with good preparation
  • Speak to your healthcare team before travelling
  • Arrange specialist insurance and declare your condition
  • Plan ahead for medication, symptoms and accessibility needs
  • Use available support (railcards, assistance services, toilet access tools) to make travel easier

A gentle reminder

Living with neuroendocrine cancer may be short or long-term and unpredictable. You are not expected to manage everything at once. Emotional and practical support is available.

  • Living with neuroendocrine cancer may be short or long-term and unpredictable
  • You are not expected to manage everything at once
  • Emotional and practical support is available

We are here to support you every step of the way.

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