Travel insurance when you’re older can be expensive. But by spending a little extra time on research, you can usually find a policy that offers good cover at a good price.
What’s in this guide
How to get the best deal on travel insurance for over 65s
Have a medical condition?
Or have had a serious illness? Then read our guide on finding travel insurance if you have a medical condition.
Here’s our tips for finding a good deal:
- Check out our Travel insurance directory. It has details of providers that specialise in providing insurance to people with serious medical conditions – but they can also offer good deals to older people who have no health issues.
- Depending on how often you travel, you might want to consider a multi-trip ‘annual’ travel policy, as these policies could work out cheaper in the long run.
- If you’re taking a cruise, a cruise policy might work out cheaper than a single trip policy – and can have higher age limits than standard insurance.
- If you’re having trouble finding a policy, you might get cover if you have a packaged bank account that offers free travel insurance. Check the age limit and if you have a medical condition, check that it’s not excluded. It’s important to take some time to make sure the value of the account benefits don’t exceed the cost of the account to you.
- As many travel insurers don’t show up on comparison sites, it’s best do some thorough research online.
Where to get travel insurance if you’re over 65
If, after searching on our Travel insurance directory, you’re still having trouble finding a policy, an insurance broker might be able to help.
Find a specialist broker on the British Insurance Brokers’ AssociationOpens in a new window website.
See insurance recommendations for travel in Europe or worldwide;
- on Which?Opens in a new window (Be aware that recommendations are behind a paywall).
- on MoneySavingExpert (Recommendations aren’t behind a paywall).
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Travel insurance if you’re over 65 and have a pre-existing medical condition
Our Travel insurance directory has contact details of providers who specialise in providing travel insurance for people with serious medical conditions.
What is a ‘serious condition’ for travel insurance?
‘Serious conditions’ are ones that carry a high risk of needing some form of medical treatment while you are on your trip. Or ones that might flair up before you travel, meaning you have to cancel.
Have you had problems getting travel insurance in the past at an affordable price? Then you might need to consult a specialist.
However, different companies have different views on which conditions are ‘high-risk’, and it’s worth trying more than one.
Example of conditions where you might need a specialist travel insurer are:
- cancer (particularly if you’re still having treatment)
- a stroke or serious heart condition
- respiratory conditions
- conditions that have been diagnosed as terminal.
What is a ‘less serious condition’ for travel insurance?
Less serious conditions or conditions well-controlled by medication (for example, mild asthma) usually should still be declared. But they shouldn’t affect your ability to get insurance.
However, even if you feel your medical condition isn’t serious, it’s still worth trying a provider on our Travel insurance directory as well as a mainstream company to compare prices.
Need more information on pensions?
Call us free on 0800 011 3797 or use our webchatOpens in a new window. One of our pension specialists will be happy to answer your questions.
Our help is impartial and free to use, whether that’s online or over the phone.
Opening times: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Closed on bank holidays.
Travel insurance if you’re over 80
At 80, the cost of travel insurance tends to jump again. Many holiday companies won’t let you travel if you don’t have travel insurance.
In our Travel insurance directory you can enter your age at the time you intend to travel. This will give you a list of providers that will quote if you’re over 80.
Travel insurance if you’re travelling in the UK
Even if you’re not travelling abroad, it’s still a good idea to have travel insurance.
Most policies include cover for:
- lost or stolen bags
- emergency medical expenses
- the costs of cancelling, delaying or cutting your trip short (some policies will cover if it’s coronavirus-related)
- personal liability, in case you’re sued for damaging property or causing injury.
Find out more in our guide on Travel insurance – what does a good policy look like?
Most travel insurance policies being issued now will have some sort of coronavirus cover included. But it’s important to read the terms of the policy carefully.
For example, if coronavirus cancellation cover is included in the policy, this will usually only apply if the policyholder tests positive for the virus. If you have to cancel because you need to self-isolate or are in quarantine, most policies currently won’t pay out.
If you already have a travel insurance policy, check the terms carefully to see whether: you’re covered:
- if you test positive for coronavirus before you travel, or
- while you’re on your trip.
