After treatment and remission

Travelling again

For many people, a trip after treatment is a symbol of getting back to life. This topic explains when and how to plan travel safely, along with vaccines, medicines, insurance and food safety.

Last updated: 14 October 2026~3 min read

A packed suitcase by a window. — **Figure 1.**Travelling again — Travelling again

01Short answer

Whether and when you can travel depends on your treatment, blood counts, the state of your immune system and where you are going. In the first months after a stem cell transplant special care is needed; long-distance trips are usually put off until immunity recovers. So talk with your doctor before booking. Vaccines: some countries require vaccinations, but live vaccines are not allowed when immunity is weak; your doctor and a travel clinic should decide together (topic “What is a late effect”). Medicines: take enough, with a few days extra, keep them in your hand luggage in their original packaging, and bring a list of your medicines and a doctor’s letter (diagnosis, treatment, contact details). Insurance: choose travel insurance that covers your pre-existing condition. Find out where the nearest hospital is at your destination. On long flights, get up often and drink water because of the risk of blood clots. Food and water: if your immunity is weak, follow food safety rules (section 5, topic “Nutrition in remission”) — boiled or bottled water, well-cooked food and fruit you peel yourself; avoid raw seafood and street food. Protect yourself from the sun — some medicines make the skin more sensitive. Starting with a calm trip close to home is a good idea.

02Simple explanation

Decide when to travel with your doctor.

When immunity is weak, live vaccines are not allowed.

Medicines go in hand luggage, with extra.

Insurance should cover your condition.

Food and water: safety rules.

03Scientific explanation

Planning: the CDC advises travellers with weakened immunity to see their doctor and a travel health specialist at least a month before travel.

Vaccines: according to the CDC, live vaccines are contraindicated in people with severely weakened immunity.

Practicalities: Macmillan advises carrying medicines in hand luggage, having a doctor’s letter and suitable insurance.

Healthy travel: the WHO stresses safe food and water and protection from insect bites and the sun.

04What happens in the body?

When can I travel?

It depends on your treatment, blood counts and immunity. After a transplant, long-distance trips are often postponed.

A globe with a shield of light. — **Figure 3.**Planning safe travel.

Vaccines

Discuss the vaccines you need with your doctor and a travel clinic. Live vaccines are not allowed when immunity is weak.

Medicines and documents

A few days’ extra supply, original packaging, hand luggage, a list of medicines and a doctor’s letter.

A travel pouch with glowing boxes. — **Figure 2.**Medicines and documents.

Insurance and medical help

A policy that covers your condition. Find out where the nearest hospital is.

On the way

Safe food and water, hand hygiene, protection from the sun and insects, and moving about on long flights.

When to call your doctor

Worrying signs — fever, bleeding, new pain, breathlessness — should be reported to your doctor between visits too. Getting in touch early is always better than waiting.

05Safe travel

Steps.

1AskAsk your doctor.

2VaccinesCheck vaccines.

3PackMedicines in hand luggage.

4InsuranceTravel insurance.

PlanA planned trip.

ProtectionLower risk.

EnjoymentEnjoying the trip.

06A travel preparation checklist (simplified)

What	Note
Talk with your doctor	Before booking
Vaccines	4–6 weeks before
Medicines	Extra supply, in hand luggage
Doctor’s letter	Diagnosis and contacts
Insurance	Covering your condition

* Your doctor decides what you need.

07Key terms

Live vaccine: A vaccine containing a weakened germ.
Travel clinic: Specialists in travel health.
Doctor’s letter: A document about diagnosis and treatment.
Travel insurance: Cover for medical costs on a trip.
Immunity: The body’s defence against infection.
Blood clot: A blockage that forms in a blood vessel.

08Key points

Talk with your doctor before booking.
Discuss vaccines early.
Put medicines in your hand luggage.
Choose suitable insurance.
Follow food safety rules.
Start with a trip close to home.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I fly?

Often yes; ask your doctor about your blood counts.

Can I go to the seaside?

Protect yourself from the sun; if you have a catheter, ask about swimming.

I got a fever while travelling.

Seek local medical help straight away.

Which countries should I avoid?

Discuss the risks with your doctor and a travel clinic.

Does this information replace medical advice?

No. This is general education; only your treating doctor can assess your situation.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

Can I fly?
Can I go to the seaside?
I got a fever while travelling.
Which countries should I avoid?
Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Travelers’ Health
World Health Organization. Travel and health
Macmillan Cancer Support. Travel and cancer
National Cancer Institute. Follow-up Medical Care
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Altered Immunocompetence — General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization
National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Long-Term and Late Effects of Treatment
National Cancer Institute. Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment

Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

Last updated: 14 October 2026← Back to the list

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