While Saga has perhaps traditionally been the first choice of many for over 50s travel insurance, companies like Staysure are becoming increasingly prominent. The company, based in Northampton, has served more than 8 million customers since its inception in 2005 and continues to go from strength to strength. Making inroads into the dominance of Saga, Staysure offers a range of travel insurance policies, with multiple cover options, taking in an array of different medical conditions.
Whether you're looking for a new policy or to renew an existing arrangement, it's a smart move for your travel plans to start with Staysure. As a multiple winner of the British Travel Awards, the company's actions speak louder than words.
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.
Do I qualify for Staysure travel insurance?
As mentioned above, Staysure travel insurance offers comprehensive cover, with no upper age limit and a particular emphasis on over 50s. To qualify for Staysure single trip travel insurance or annual travel insurance, you must fulfil the following eligibility conditions:
- Have been a resident of the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man for at least six months of the last 12-month period.
- Be registered with a medical practitioner in either the UK, Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man.
- Be travelling from either the UK, Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man.
- Not already be travelling at the time of purchase.
- Be travelling for a minimum of two consecutive nights in pre-booked accommodation.
Medical cover is only applicable for overseas trips with no cover for medical expenses in the UK, Jersey or the Isle of Man. If you travel to countries against the advice of the FCDO, traditional insurance cover will be invalid.
Different types of Staysure travel insurance
As is the norm with the vast majority of holiday insurance services, there are two main types of Staysure travel cover:
- Single trip travel insurance.
- Annual multi-trip travel insurance.
While there is no travel insurance age limit, you will notice some restrictions if you're over 70.
Staysure single trip travel insurance
When searching for travel insurance, you will find that Staysure has an excellent reputation on sites such as Defaqto and Trustpilot. A single trip policy covers up to 50 days for those aged up to 70, reduced to 35 days for those over 70.
Often referred to as "basic" Staysure travel insurance, this type of essential travel cover includes:
| Element of Cover | Maximum Cover |
| Medical emergencies and repatriations | £5 million |
| Cancellation | £500 |
| Cutting your holiday short | £500 |
| Baggage claims | £300 |
| Cash lost/stolen | £250 |
| Excess | £85-£100 |
While additional extras are available, there is a degree of curtailment compared to the comprehensive annual travel insurance policies. They include:
- Travel disruption cover.
- Connecting flight cover.
As with most travel insurance, it is possible to mix and match various elements of cover to reflect your requirements. While some additions may incorporate an extra cost, this ensures you have peace of mind when travelling.
Staysure annual multi-trip travel insurance
The Staysure annual multi-trip policy is a comprehensive travel insurance policy that will cover you for any trips of no more than 50 days in a 12-month period. This figure drops to 35 days if you are over 71. The cover afforded to comprehensive policies includes:
| Element of Cover | Maximum Cover |
| Medical emergencies and repatriations | Unlimited |
| Cancellation | £5000 |
| Cutting your holiday short | £5000 |
| Baggage claims | £2500 |
| Cash lost/stolen | £500 |
| Personal liability | £2 million |
| Legal protection cover | £25,000 |
| End supplier failure | £3000 |
| Excess | £65 |
The range of optional extras to add-on is also significantly extended and includes:
- Extension from 50-day trip duration to 100 days for any one trip, limited to those under 71.
- Cruise plus cover.
- Gadget cover.
- Single item cover.
- Travel disruption cover.
- Connecting flight cover.
- Excess waiver.
- Golf cover.
- Terrorism cancellation cover.
- Winter sports.
Medical conditions
While relevant for customers of any age, the coverage of pre-existing medical conditions is a significant concern as we age. With Staysure you will be pleased to know there is no formal medical screening, and all pre-existing medical conditions are considered when calculating premiums for travel insurance.
If you do not disclose a pre-existing medical condition or are awaiting test results, you may find that the medical element of your travel insurance is invalidated. This can lead to substantial medical bills if you require medical assistance overseas. To put this into perspective, the average cost of medical treatment in 2018 was a staggering £9,941. So, make sure you are covered!
Am I covered for Covid-19 with Staysure travel insurance?
The simple answer is yes. Staysure claims to be one of the first insurers in the UK to include Covid-19 travel insurance as part of single and annual travel insurance policies. As well as receiving a 10% discount code to help with the cost of coronavirus test packages, the specific cover includes:
Cancellation cover
You will be offered protection if:
- You contract Covid-19 within 14 days of travelling.
- You are advised to isolate by the UK government's Test & Trace system.
- You are unable to complete your vaccination course due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or an allergic reaction.
- A family member, members of your household or travelling companions are diagnosed with Covid-19 within 14 days of travel.
- You are denied boarding rights to your plane as a consequence of Covid-19.
- A member of your household or a close relative is hospitalised or dies as a consequence of Covid-19.
This will include prepaid services, such as accommodation, and those to which you have financial commitments. If in doubt, check with Staysure.
Cover during your holiday
With Staysure travel insurance, in the event of contracting Covid-19 overseas, you will be covered for:
- Overseas emergency medical expenses.
- Repatriations costs.
- Additional daily benefits, if required to self-isolate in your holiday accommodation.
Additional insurance also cover includes:
- Reimbursement when forced to cut short your trip as a consequence of hospitalisation/death of a member of your household/family member as a consequence of Covid-19.
- Funds for additional accommodation/transport if deemed necessary by Staysure medical advisers.
People are still genuinely concerned about travelling overseas during the pandemic. However, many people would like to enjoy rest and recuperation overseas but are unsure of the level of cover offered. The additional focused Covid-19 cover should help.
Worldwide and regional travel insurance cover
When considering Staysure travel insurance, you will note that cover is split into specific regions instead of countries. The areas are as follows:
- Worldwide - All countries.
- Europewide - European countries.
- UK and Europe - Excluding Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Malta, Morocco, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey.
- Worldwide - Excluding Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, China, Hong Kong, Mexico, Thailand and the USA.
To ensure that you get the best value for money with your Staysure travel insurance policy, you must align this with the countries you are visiting.
Underwriters
Staysure insurance policies are underwritten by ERV, part of the Ergo Group of companies which is part of the vast Munich Re insurance company. As one of the largest insurers in Europe, this offers certainty, continuity and a competitive edge for Staysure clients. To give you an idea of the company’s size, Ergo Group:
- Operates in more than 26 countries.
- Receives €19.2 billion of premium income.
- Holds €140.7 billion of investments.
- Has over 37,000 employees/sales partners.
- Specialises in travel, health and life insurance.
- Incorporates the latest digital technology.
These key statistics speak for themselves concerning the size and reach of the Ergo Group. The ongoing relationship between Staysure and Ergo Group offers firm foundations for the future and a degree of certainty for customers.
It is important to note that, due to the Covid pandemic, the last couple of years have been challenging for the industry. Consequently, some of our subscribers have been in touch with negative feedback regarding Staysure insurance claims. While Staysure is still one of the best-performing travel insurance companies in the UK, underwriting decisions are, to a certain extent, taken out of the company's hands.
While most claims are paid out in full, sometimes, decisions taken by the underwriter can reflect on Staysure. Some claims will be rejected even under "normal" conditions, although the uncertainty surrounding Covid has probably exacerbated this issue.
Claiming on your Staysure travel insurance policy
It is all well and good to have cover for various aspects of your travel, but it is also essential to appreciate the claims process. Thankfully, you can submit a claim over the telephone or online via your My Staysure account. Before making a claim, you will require the following documentation:
- A copy of your validation certificate, which has your policy number (part of your policy documents).
- Receipts/documentation regarding your claim.
- If Covid-19 related, you will need evidence of a positive test.
While the international travel insurance industry is starting to return to normal, you may experience delays while the pandemic continues.
As mentioned above, we have received some negative feedback from subscribers recently. While all feedback is valuable, it is vital to consider the size and number of claims settled by Staysure.
Data from TrustPilot shows the company is still one of the best travel insurance providers per customer feedback. However, this impression can be diluted to a certain extent, with complainants often a little more vocal than those with a positive experience.
Does Staysure travel insurance offer value for money?
Even though Saga may still be the more recognised name in the over 50s travel insurance sector, Staysure has undoubtedly made its mark. Mixing and matching the numerous policy variables to shape cover around your specific requirements is essential. This ensures that you have relevant cover in place and maximises value for money.
Staysure travel insurance has impressive ratings on both Trustpilot and Defaqto, reflecting the quality of services offered. While much of the process can be carried out online, there is still a telephone service for those who prefer talking to an adviser.
