OBJECTIVE To explore how patients experienced the changed follow-up care for gynaecological cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic and their perspectives on aftercare to identify key elements of follow-up care. DESIGN Qualitative study using thematic analysis. SETTING Focus group discussions and individual interviews conducted in the Netherlands. POPULATION Patients diagnosed with ovarian, cervical, endometrial, or vulvar cancer who received follow-up care during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Transcripts underwent thematic analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Evaluate experiences of patients with follow-up during the pandemic and to explore and better understand patient preferences and needs. RESULTS Five themes were generated: 1) continuity of care, 2) absence of family members and carers, 3) meeting my needs, 4) managing my needs, 5) the cancer survivor narrative. The main changes experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic were the introduction to remote healthcare and the absence of family members. An interconnection between themes was found, highlighting that providing a designated, always accessible contact person, can be a catalyst for improving information provision and healthcare guidance. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, this study highlights the need for personalised and patient-centred follow-up that promotes patient-empowerment, and how this can be provided by a designated contact person. Findings emphasise the importance of tailored support, involvement of family members, addressing information gaps, and overcoming barriers to self-management. Lastly, the findings provide direction on how to approach follow-up care during future periods of scarcity.