Travel Insurance

Find travel insurance for older people

A relaxing holiday starts with the right travel insurance. But as you age, you might find it harder to find affordable holiday insurance because many insurers impose upper age limits and increase premiums for older people. So does that mean a fortnight on a Mediterranean beach is out of the question?

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Find travel insurance for older people

Travel insurance for older people: FAQs

  • Can I get travel insurance if I'm over 80?

    Yes, you can find travel insurance if you're over 80 and should look for specialist policies for people your age. These provide you with more comprehensive cover, including things like travel companions and mobility equipment.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    Travel insurance isn't required by law - you won't be stopped at the border if you don't have insurance! In some circumstances, you might need a visa to travel to a specific country, and the visa conditions may require you to have travel insurance. But these are often situations where you'd need to spend a long time in that country. You can see specific visa conditions when you need to apply for one. Travel insurance still makes a lot of sense. The cost of receiving medical attention abroad can cost thousands. Your travel insurance will protect you financially, and it is highly recommended.

  • Why does travel insurance for older people cost more?

    Insurers calculate the cost of travel insurance based on the likelihood of claims and their cost. As you age, you tend to have more pre-existing medical conditions. The chances of experiencing a medical emergency can also increase, which is why travel insurance premiums go up as you age.

  • Is there specialist travel insurance for older people?

    Specialist travel insurance is available for older people. This can be a good idea if you have retired, as finding affordable travel insurance gets harder as you age. These insurance policies tend to have comprehensive medical coverage, and they often include things like medical aid. You might even find travel insurance that allows you to include a companion in your policy.

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If your calendar starts looking emptier as you get older, you might hear the world calling out for you. Travelling is a great way to enjoy your newfound freedom. It opens your eyes and lets you enjoy new experiences. But higher travel insurance premiums could put you off travelling.

If you don’t have time to read our comprehensive guide, here’s a summary of six of the leading travel insurance providers available in the UK, and what they offer.

*Table arranged at random. Age Group, in this case, https://www.pensiontimes.co.uk, does not endorse any brand or product. We review products objectively to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. We do not provide advice.

Whether you're looking for single-trip, multi-trip, or specialist cover, or need assurance about pre-existing medical conditions, our panel of travel insurance providers has you covered. Click on your chosen provider below to get started.

Staysure

Since inception in 2005, Staysure has given more than 8 million customers peace of mind when travelling around the globe. Popular with senior travellers, Staysure travel insurance covers pre-existing medical conditions, offering single trip and annual travel insurance. While there is no upper age limit, there are some restrictions on the length of trips for those over 70. However, the ability to mix-and-match cover limits, adding extras such as gadget cover, excess waiver and even golf cover demonstrate why Staysure insurance is so popular.

Avanti

Since being founded in 2009, Avanti travel insurance has become popular with senior travellers. While not focused on senior travellers, there is no age limit on single trip and annual multi-trip cover. In addition, there are three different levels of travel insurance, all of which include medical cover for pre-existing conditions and Covid related issues. The ability to personalise travel and medical insurance has undoubtedly helped attract new business.

Allianz Travel Insurance

Since inception in 2014, Allianz Partners has grown into a leading provider of insurance services including travel insurance, health insurance, automotive insurance and life insurance. While travel insurance cover for pre-existing medical conditions was suspended in May 2021, it has now been reinstated. The company offers both single trip insurance, up to 180 days cover, and annual travel insurance, limited to 31 days cover per excursion. However, it may be possible to request an insurance quote moulded around your requirements.

Globelink

While many travel insurance companies tend to focus on those based in the UK, Globelink travel insurance is also available to EU citizens. The company has a 20-year track record, with approaching 70% of customers returning time and time again. There are some age limitations on single trip and annual trip policies, although this is offset to a certain extent by the competitive treatment of pre-existing medical conditions. The specific service to senior travellers has proven popular with both online and offline customers.

AllClear Travel Insurance

Since its inception in 2000, AllClear Travel Insurance has experienced significant growth and now incorporates travel, life, private health, pet and car insurance cover. For many over 50s looking for travel insurance, the company’s original focus on specialist medical travel insurance has not gone unnoticed.

AllClear Travel Insurance is especially accommodating for age groups over 50 with an array of different policies. Single trip travel insurance covers you for up to 94 days, and annual cover up to 45 days per trip with the option of extending to 55 days. Alternatively, AllClear Travel Insurance provides a flexible long-stay travel insurance policy which you can shape around your specific requirements.

Medical Travel Compared

Since Medical Travel Compared began trading back in 2013, the company has seen significant growth. While most travel insurance companies are affiliated with one or a small number of insurers/underwriters, Medical Travel Compared compares and contrasts offers from an extended range of specialist medical travel insurance companies.

While many people assume that pre-existing medical conditions will severely restrict their travel plans, this is not necessarily the case. Simply enter your details once on the Medical Travel Compared website and the company does the rest, removing the repetition of applying individually to separate travel insurance companies.

Free Spirit Travel Insurance

Free Spirit Travel Insurance is part of the P J Hayman & Co specialist travel insurance group, which was founded in 1990. Free Spirit was the first travel insurance company created specifically to cater for those refused cover elsewhere on the grounds of health, disability or age. There is no upper age limit on single-trip or annual multi-trip travel insurance cover. The company will also consider any medical condition/disability, and there is the option to add a travel companion. While initially founded to provide cover for those excluded by traditional travel insurance companies, the size and range of products available has grown significantly over the years.

Read on for our full guide to travel insurance for older people!

Should you get travel insurance as an older person?

You're not legally obliged to have travel insurance. Still, having it makes a lot of sense, as uninsured travel could lead to financial disaster. Although travelling is relaxing and fun, injury and illness can occur in Manchester, Milan, or Mexico City. As you get older, you can be especially vulnerable, as different health issues become more prevalent.

The cost of seeking medical treatment abroad can quickly add up, especially if you need emergency medical treatment. For example, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the cost of private medical treatment followed by an air ambulance back to the UK from the Canary Islands could cost you over £67,000. So having travel insurance makes financial sense, and you should get it whenever you go on holiday. It'll ensure you can enjoy your holiday without worries.

Why is travel insurance for senior citizens more expensive?

Searching for travel insurance online will show you that premiums go up as you age. Most travel insurance guides will tell you that standard travel insurance usually covers those aged 18 to 64. If you are over 65, you might have to start paying more or seek specialist cover. Prices continue to increase once you hit 70. From then onwards, travel insurance can increase in price annually or every five years as you hit a new age band.

What is the reason behind the increase? Travel insurance tends to be more expensive as you age because of the risks. Us pensioners are more likely to suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or sudden health events and emergencies. The additional risk and need for more comprehensive medical cover lead to higher premiums. Pre-existing conditions aside, insurers consider the risk of illness or injury higher for older people. The ABI's research shows that claim frequency tends to increase as you age, too. Older people are more likely to claim, so travel insurance providers offset this with higher premiums.

What affects the cost of travel insurance?

Travel insurance for older people costs more, although premium prices can still vary between insurers. There are also specific factors that may affect the cost of your travel insurance. Insurers look at the following factors when determining the cost of your premiums:

  • Pre-existing medical conditions - Any pre-existing medical condition will increase your premium price. Many insurers will outright exclude pre-existing conditions from standard travel insurance.
  • Travel destination - Certain destinations can increase the cost of travel insurance. For example, long-haul destinations are pricier than European destinations. Why? Repatriation from faraway countries costs more, and medical expenses can be more expensive outside Europe.
  • Activities - You may have to get extra cover if you're planning to participate in activities like water or winter sports.
  • Length of travel - The longer your trip, the pricier your policy might be.

Because of the different factors that determine your premium, it's always worth shopping around and comparing travel insurance offers to find the best deal for you.

Keep in mind that you might also benefit from joint travel insurance if you travel with your spouse or partner.

What does senior travel insurance cover?

What your travel insurance covers depends on the insurer, but a typical policy will cover:

  • Loss, theft or damage to your luggage or personal belongings.
  • Medical emergency treatment.
  • Repatriation.
  • Loss, theft or damage to your medication or medical equipment.
  • Mobility aid cover.

Make sure you keep an eye out for exclusions in your travel insurance policy. For example, many policies exclude pre-existing conditions. You'll often have to pay more or find a specialist policy to cover those. Make sure you understand the policy before you purchase it.

Over 65? Get a travel insurance quote now

What if your trip is cancelled?

Travel insurance typically includes cover for cancellation, curtailment, or delays. However, the level of cover can vary between insurers, so you should check the terms and conditions.

Cancellation cover lets you claim for the cost of your holiday up to a certain amount if you must cancel your plans. Note that travel insurers don't usually cover airlines cancelling your flights; you can get compensation for this straight from the airline. Insurers also have different policies around how they deal with travel delays.

Covid-19 and travel insurance

Coronavirus continues to disrupt travel. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) warned consumers to not rely on past-pandemic knowledge when it comes to buying senior citizen travel insurance. Your travel insurance policy typically isn't valid if you travel against the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). You also have to follow any local entry requirements in place, including testing or isolation guidelines. You can find more information about Covid-19 and travel insurance here.

How to find cheap travel insurance

Travel insurance for older people can be more expensive, but it is necessary. You can find specialist insurers and travel insurance plans for older travellers to make it easier. Here are four tips to help you find the best travel insurance:

1. Shop around

Compare different travel insurance policies to find the best deal for you. Keep in mind that the best policy won't necessarily be the cheapest. When you are comparing, remember to compare actual quotes. Different factors affect the cost, and you need to be specific about your travel conditions to get an accurate estimate. This helps you see which policy would be the most affordable for you.

To get a quote, you need to answer basic questions about yourself and your trip. These include things like:

  • Your age.
  • When you're travelling and for how long.
  • Where you're going.
  • Your pre-existing conditions.
  • Optional extras you might want.

Look out for policy features that are useful for you. Don't include anything that has no use, and ensure you only pay for the cover you need.

Find your travel insurance policy using a comparison site. Remember to check quotes from insurers that aren't on comparison sites, too.

2. Consider an annual policy

If you are thinking about travelling more than twice a year, you should consider getting annual travel insurance. An annual multi-trip policy can save you money. However, some insurers have upper age limits on annual policies.

3. Tailor according to your needs

You can tailor most travel insurance policies to your needs, and most insurers offer additional extras. However, sometimes insurers also include an add-on you might not need. Removing these unwanted things from your travel insurance can save you money. For example, you might not need coverage for lost or stolen luggage. Understand what your coverage is and only opt for coverage you need.

You can also tweak your personal liability cover. Your travel insurance quote could be cheaper if you increase this. 

While you want to avoid paying for unnecessary policy cover, remember that not all add-ons are bad. For example, specialist policies like cruise cover can provide the right cover for such a trip.

4. Check if you're already covered

It's also a good idea to make sure you need travel insurance in the first place. Many credit card companies provide comprehensive travel insurance as part of their premium products. For example, an American Express Platinum Card comes with travel insurance. The British Airways Premium Plus Card also provides coverage. However, be careful with the terms and conditions. For example, American Express's Platinum Card cancellation policy only covers you if you purchased the holiday using the credit card. 

Other financial products, such as your home and private health insurance, may include travel insurance cover. The cover might be more basic, and it could only cover travel within England, for example. But it allows you to then supplement your policies with any additional coverage you might need.

Travel insurance for over 50s

You shouldn't have trouble finding affordable travel insurance if you're in your 50s. You usually won't notice a hike in premiums until you hit 65. If you are in your 50s, you can look for regular travel insurance. You'll have plenty of options to compare different insurers and insurance policies. According to Nimble Fins, the average cost of single trip travel insurance for over 50s is:

  • £13 in Europe.
  • £35.81 worldwide.

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, you'll need to be a bit more careful. You must let the insurer know about those conditions, or your travel insurance might be invalid. Some insurers or insurance policies might outright exclude pre-existing medical conditions, but you can find specialist insurance designed for people with pre-existing conditions. Most travel insurance won't require medical screening; you simply need to list your pre-existing medical conditions when requesting a quote.

Travel insurance for over 60s

Finding travel insurance when you're over 60 gets a little trickier. Many standard travel policies have a maximum age limit of 64. Your premiums won't be noticeably higher until you reach 65. Nimble Fins data suggests the average cost of a single trip policy for over 60s is:

  • £14.98 in Europe.
  • £46.17 worldwide.

You will have to mention any pre-existing conditions you have. This might mean you need to look for specialist insurance. Whether or not specialist over 60s insurance is cheaper than a traditional policy depends on your specific circumstances. It's worth comparing both options before buying travel insurance.

Travel insurance for over 70s

Travel insurance prices for over 70s can vary. Many insurers increase premiums again at this age limit, and many standard insurers don't tend to cover people in their 70s. Nimble Fins data shows the average cost of single trip cover for the age group is:

  • £30.28 in Europe.
  • £99.30 worldwide.

It is a good idea to look for specialist travel insurance if you're over 70. You'll end up paying a lot less and have peace of mind that the policy will work for you. In addition, specialist travel insurance for over 70s has more comprehensive cover for medical needs. These tailored policies often cover pre-existing conditions and any healthcare needs you might have. For example, they can cover the cost of medicine if you forget your prescription or run out of pills.

Travel insurance for over 80s

Travel insurance for over 80s can be tricky to find. Your choices are more limited at this age, but you can still find good options. According to Nimble Fins, the average cost of single trip travel insurance for over 80s is:

  • £86.61 in Europe.
  • £338.80 worldwide.

However, your travel insurance will offer more comprehensive cover to meet your medical needs. The premiums tend to be higher, but you can find affordable options if you search for a specialist policy. In addition, specialist insurance will make it easier to cover things like mobility gadgets or serious medical conditions.

Your specialist travel insurance could also include travel companions. You could include family or friends as travel companions if certain conditions are met. For example, if you need to travel with a carer, this can help keep your travel costs down.

Remember, you might find it harder to find annual travel policies at this age. Insurers might also limit how long you can travel. So be sure to always read your policy documents and check the level of cover you're getting before you buy. If you're unsure about the policy cover, contact the insurer's helpline.

The content on pensiontimes.co.uk is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial advice. Should you need such advice, consult a licensed financial advisor. Any references to products, offers, rates and services from third parties advertised are served by those third parties and are subject to change. We may have financial relationships with some of the companies mentioned on this website. We strive to write accurate and genuine reviews and articles, and all views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors
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