By Hannah Wilcox For Daily Mail Australia
07:11 08 Jun 2024, updated 08:26 08 Jun 2024
One woman is sharing the ingenuity behind her plan to afford a trip to Europe – and it’s all because of the points she’s racking up on her cancer-related costs.
When Jane* discovered a blind pimple on her body, the last thing she expected was to be diagnosed with genetic melanoma.
The 35-year-old was quickly inundated with expensive specialist appointments, surgeries, supplements and remedies that, despite private health insurance and Medicare support, added up quickly.
She now plans to use those expenses to fund a business class flight to Europe in 2025.
Originally from New South Wales, Jane’s diagnosis meant she was unable to attend two weddings overseas.
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She was scrolling on Instagram feeling sorry for herself when she came across someone who had paid for a free ‘babymoon’ by putting all their pregnancy-related costs on a points-earning credit card.
‘I had the idea to see how many points I could get using my credit card to pay for everything cancer-related,’ Jane told Yahoo News.
‘I pay for things .. including everyday essentials … on my credit card and then immediately transfer [the] money.’
‘My short and mid-term savings have taken a massive hit in terms of paying the cancer-related expenses.’
Jane’s diagnosis means she has to see a dermatologist every three months for immunotherapy, who strongly recommended her to freeze her eggs.
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This was the biggest hit to her savings, leaving a dent of $4,000 in her pocket.
‘There are lots of little things,’ Jane continued.
‘Vitamins, supplements and over-the-counter medication to ensure that I stay comfortable and healthy enough to continue on the immunotherapy schedule.
‘There’s also the management of side effects, such as remedial massage to help manage the muscle and joint aches and pains, prescription ointments for rashes, and inhalers when I’m short of breath,’ she said.
Other costs, such as petrol, have also increased because of her need to drive more.
Her plan to travel to Europe will be funded by Qantas Frequent Flyer points – with Jane’s Visa and Amex cards both linked to her account.
Accruing points wherever possible, her goal is to exceed 100,000 points.
A business-class flight to London next May could cost in excess of $11,000. But with points, she’d be able to fly for around $600 with 300,000 points.
She could fly economy for around 66,000, plus a $166 payment or premium economy for 152,400 points and a contribution of $341.
‘I’m halfway through the immunotherapy schedule and have just under 50,000 points [so] I’m pretty confident in reaching the 100,000 points,’ Jane added, with only six months of immunotherapy and two facial surgeries to go.
‘I wouldn’t recommend what I’m doing to people who don’t have a good relationship with credit cards.’
‘I can see how the appeal of points for something bigger could see people end up in debt if they don’t have the funds to be able to stay on top of the debt.’
*name changed for privacy