How an Aussie woman is using her shock melanoma diagnosis to help pay for a European holiday

One woman shares the ingenuity behind her plan to fund a trip to Europe — all thanks to the points she collects toward her cancer-related expenses.

When Jane* discovered a blind pimple on her body, the last thing she expected was a diagnosis of genetic melanoma.

The 35-year-old was soon inundated with expensive specialist appointments, surgeries, supplements and remedies that, despite private health insurance and Medicare support, quickly added up.

She now plans to use those expenses to fund a business class flight to Europe in 2025.

When 35-year-old Jane discovered a blind pimple on her body, the last thing she expected was a diagnosis of genetic melanoma.

Originally from New South Wales, Jane’s diagnosis meant she was unable to attend two overseas weddings.

She was scrolling through Instagram and feeling sorry for herself when she came across someone who had paid for a free “babymoon” by putting all their pregnancy-related expenses on a points-earning credit card.

“I had the idea to see how many points I could get if I used my credit card to pay for anything related to cancer,” Jane said Yahoo News.

‘I pay for things… including daily necessities… with my credit card and then transfer it immediately [the] money.’

‘My short- and medium-term savings have taken a huge hit when it comes to paying for cancer-related costs.’

Jane’s diagnosis means she must visit a dermatologist every three months for immunotherapy, who strongly recommends freezing her eggs.

Jane had the idea to see how many points she could earn on her credit card to pay for anything related to cancer

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

This was the biggest blow to her savings, leaving a $4,000 dent in her pocket.

“There’s a lot of little things,” Jane continued.

‘Vitamins, supplements and over-the-counter medications to ensure I stay comfortable and healthy enough to continue the immunotherapy regimen.

“There’s also treatment for side effects, such as therapeutic massage to help manage the muscle and joint pain, prescription ointments for rashes and inhalers if I’m short of breath,” she said.

Other costs, such as gasoline, have also increased because she has 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.

Accumulating points wherever possible, her goal is to get above 100,000 points.

She warns others who want to take advantage of the points system to be careful not to end up in debt

A business class flight to London in May next year could cost more than $11,000. But with points, she could fly for about $600 with 300,000 points.

She could fly economy for about 66,000, plus a $166 payment or premium economy for 152,400 points and a $341 contribution.

‘I am halfway through the immunotherapy regimen and have just under 50,000 points [so] I am confident I will reach 100,000 points,” Jane added, with just six months of immunotherapy and two facial surgeries to go.

“I wouldn’t recommend what I do to people who don’t have a good relationship with credit cards.”

“I understand that the lure of points for something bigger can lead to people falling into debt if they don’t have the money to keep the debt under control.”

*name changed for privacy