best uk travel insurance for seniors

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Best travel insurance UK 2024 guide

We all deserve a break now and then. And the last thing you want to think of when booking your holiday is something going wrong. But it’s better to be prepared than caught off guard. That’s why you should always consider travel insurance when going on a trip.

But how can you find the best travel insurance policy for your needs? Read our guide below to find out more.

Why do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance protects you financially if your trip away doesn’t go as planned and you incur unexpected expenses for delays, losses or medical treatment.

All travellers can benefit from travel insurance. But travel insurance is particularly important if you are going on an independent trip without a tour operator, because if something goes wrong, you will have no other help.

There are three main types of travel insurance:

• Single-trip cover: this is the most typical form of travel insurance, covering you for a one-off trip or holiday. There will be a time limit on the cover that can range anywhere between one month and 365 days
• Annual multi-trip cover: this allows you to make multiple trips, or have multiple holidays, in a 12-month period, all under the same travel insurance policy. There may be a cap on how long each individual trip can be
• Long stay, or backpacker, cover: this is normally used for around the world trips, gap years, and longer cruises, and can last for up to 18 months

To find the best UK travel insurance, compare policies before you go to ensure you get the right coverage for you and the specific trip you’re planning.

How to find the best travel insurance policy

When comparing policies to find the best travel insurance for your trip, you should consider: 

• Type of cover you need
• Excess (how much you’ll be expected to pay out yourself before the policy will cover you)
• Amount of medical coverage, and why pre-existing conditions aren’t included
• Limit on baggage claims
• Coverage for specific sports and activities
• Any potential rewards and discounts
• Add-ons, such as gadget insurance

Best travel insurance deals and discounts

Looking for the best travel insurance deals from the best travel insurance companies? In most cases, the easiest way to find the best travel insurance deals is to use a comparison website. Travel insurance comparison websites let you compare costs and coverage side by side to find the best UK travel insurance.

The four main comparison websites – Moneysupermarket, Comparethemarket, Confused.com and GoCompare – also often have certain deals and discounts when you buy travel insurance from them, offering some of the best travel insurance deals on the market.

Moneysupermarket : Find the same deal for less, and it will price match and give you a choice of a £20 gift card. Only on annual travel insurance.

Comparethemarket : Two for one cinema tickets with Meerkat Movies and savings at restaurants when you dine out or order pizza in with Meerkat Meals, as well as 25 per cent off coffee and pastries at Caffè Nero every day of the week through the Meerkat app.

(In November 2023, Confused.com and GoCompare had no deals or discounts for travel insurance).

Price is obviously a big consideration when you are looking for the best travel insurance – you’ve probably already spent a lot on your holiday. But you may be able to get much better coverage for just a few pounds extra, so it’s worth scrolling down the comparison site’s list of providers before buying.

Medical costs abroad will undoubtedly be the biggest expense you face if you fall ill abroad, so don’t scrimp on those.

Then think about your next biggest expense (probably cancellation/interruption of your trip) and make sure that you have high-value coverage for that.

If you find you can get much higher coverage (the maximum amount you can claim per type of claim, such as medical or baggage) for not very much more money, go for the slightly more expensive option.

Going direct

Comparison sites won’t always find you the cheapest deals, however. For example, Direct Line offers some of the best travel insurance with Covid cover and is not on comparison websites.

Some of the best travel insurance companies also offer discounts for buying directly from them, as follows:

Bundled coverage options

When looking for the best travel insurance for your holiday, it can make sense to buy a bundle of coverage under one policy.

Comparison websites will often offer add-on gadget cover, winter sports cover or cruise cover all under the one policy. If you need that extra cover, it is typically cheaper to buy your travel insurance this way rather than as separate policies.

What is covered by travel insurance?

The best travel insurance companies will offer you comprehensive coverage across all types of claims. It’s easy to compare the best travel insurance deals using a comparison website.

Medical coverage

This covers you for medical expenses you incur if you become ill or have an accident while away. The best UK travel insurance will have a high level of medical coverage.

For example, medical coverage will pay for any necessary treatment if you come down with severe food poisoning or you fall through a window and have to be taken to hospital in an ambulance.

• Avoid hefty bills or debt for medical assistance outside the UK
• Access better treatment – for example, at private vs public hospitals
• Often, as long as you declare existing conditions or pending treatment or tests, you are covered if you fall ill during your trip (check policy exclusions)
• Even the best travel insurance companies will likely charge you more if you have a pre-existing medical condition
• You might have to pay part or all your medical expenses first, then claim on the policy afterwards
• Even the best travel insurance companies do not cover events that happen after you have consumed alcohol excessively or taken recreational drugs or other substances

Trip cancellation/interruption

This insurance pays out the cost of your missed trip if you have to cancel or cut your holiday short due to unforeseen circumstances.

For example, cancellation insurance would normally pay out if you broke your leg just before you were due to travel and had to cancel your trip.

Interruption insurance would cover you if you had to come home early for certain reasons beyond your control – for example, if the area you were staying in was engulfed in wildfires.

• Money you would have lost on pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses is paid to you under the policy
• It can be especially valuable if the trip you are planning is very expensive, as this is money you would lose if you couldn’t go
• You’ll usually only be covered if your trip is cancelled or cut short for specific reasons listed in your policy
• You usually won’t be covered if you miss your flight because you are held by customs or cancel because of a work issue or a pre-existing medical condition that is not covered

Baggage cover

This insurance covers the cost of replacing your luggage if it is lost or stolen.

For example, if an airline loses your luggage in transit or your suitcase is stolen from your hostel while you’re away, you can make a claim for the cost of replacing its contents.

You may also be able to claim for costs related to baggage delay if the airline temporarily misplaced your baggage.

• You can claim for the actual cash value of your belongings or the cost of replacing them (whichever is less)
• High-value items, such as jewellery or sports equipment, can be very expensive to replace without travel insurance
• Standard policies usually place per item and total limits on claims.
• If you are taking very expensive items away, check your policy carefully to ensure that you’re covered (and potentially get a separate policy)
• Some items could be covered by your home insurance policy, so check your policy carefully to see what is any isn’t. It’s also important to note that, should a lost item be covered by both policies, you can only claim once; an attempt to claim twice would be considered fraud

Personal liability

This insurance covers you if you are held responsible for harming another person or damaging their property.

For example, it covers you in situations where you cause serious damage to your holiday accommodation or accidentally stumble into someone else, causing them to need medical treatment.

• The cost of defending yourself in a legal case or repairing/replacing damage could be extremely costly without travel insurance
• Your travel insurance company will take over dealing with a foreign legal system
• You’re covered for the cost of any compensation (up to certain limits)

Limits: 

• Not all travel insurance provides personal liability as standard
• Policies may exclude personal liability while you partake in adventure activities
• Claims related to you committing a crime or damage by wilful negligence won’t be covered
• You likely will not be covered if you admit liability or make an offer to pay before talking to your insurer

Finding the best travel insurance with Covid cover

Looking for the best travel insurance with Covid cover? Many travel insurance policies now include cancellation cover for reasons related to Covid. This often applies within two weeks of being due to travel, according to the Association of British Insurers, but individual policies can vary.

To make a claim, insurers often require proof in the form of a medically approved positive Covid test. A lateral flow test or self-diagnosis is usually not accepted.

What Covid-related cover to look for

The best travel insurance with Covid cover should include the following:

• Cover if you can’t start your trip because you tested positive for Covid before travelling
• Cover if you or family members cannot return home because you/they test positive for Covid during the holiday
• Cover for additional costs, such as alternative flights, accommodation and Covid tests
• Cover if you cannot reach your final destination during transit due to Covid-19

Travel insurance providers with comprehensive Covid cover

Looking for the best travel insurance providers with Covid cover? Most travel insurance policies now offer some kind of Covid cover, but Churchill, Direct Line, M&S and Aviva have some of the most comprehensive offerings, with cover for cancellations and expenses related to Covid.

• Covid covered as standard on travel insurance policies
• Cover for trip cancellations if you, a close relative or a travelling companion is diagnosed with Covid-19 or another pandemic disease
• Cover if you or a person you’re planning to stay with must quarantine (abroad or in the UK)
• Cover if you can’t use pre-booked and pre-paid accommodation affected by Covid-19
• Cover for quarantine or where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel within 28 days of departure
• Cover for emergency medical expenses abroad due to Covid-19

Direct Line

• Cover for travel to a destination where the FCDO is advising against all but essential travel 
• Cover for medical expenses if you catch Covid-19 while you’re away 
• Cover for additional accommodation and transport if you have to quarantine due to Covid
• Cover for cancellation costs if you or a close relative get Covid-19 before you go
• Cover for quarantine or if the FCDO changes its advice after you book your trip
• Cover if you have to cut your trip short if the FCDO changes its country advice unexpectedly

• Cover for emergency medical expenses if you catch Covid-19 during your trip
• Cover for unrecoverable costs up to £6,000 if you must cancel your trip or return early, including if you have to self-isolate or quarantine before you travel due to Covid-19
• Cover for if you need to cancel your trip due to a positive Covid-19 test or if the FCDO advise against travel to your destination in the 31 days leading up to your trip
• Providing you haven’t travelled against FCDO advice, you’ll also be covered if you catch Covid-19 while abroad

• Coverage of up to £5,000 per person if you must cancel your trip due to getting Covid (you’ll need to provide confirmation and evidence of a positive test result)
• Cover for Covid-related emergency medical treatment and expenses while away
• Cover if you unexpectedly need to quarantine, including extra travel and accommodation costs to get home (provided a return trip was booked) 
• Cover for costs for any accommodation and excursions unused due to getting Covid where the costs can’t be recovered elsewhere
• No cover you if you travel against FCDO advice*
• No cover if you can’t travel because you don’t meet the entry requirements of a country (such as having had Covid vaccinations)*

* It’s worth noting that these clauses are not unusual and the majority of providers will have something similar

Tips for selecting the best UK travel insurance packages

Need some help picking the best UK travel insurance packages to make sure that you get the best travel insurance deals? Here are some tips for picking the best policy features for you.

Coverage limits

When looking for the best travel insurance companies to go with, check coverage limits. These are the maximum amounts your travel insurer will pay if you need to claim. You’ll see when you compare travel insurance policies that coverage limits vary for each type of claim and between policies.

The government-backed MoneyHelper website recommends that the best UK travel insurance should have the following minimum coverage for each type of claim:

• Medical: £1m or more for travel to Europe and £2m or more for the US
• Cancellation/interruption: £2,000 or more
• Missed departure: £500 or more
• Delay: £200 or more
• Baggage cover: £1,500 or more
• Personal liability cover: £2 million or more

Deductibles/excess

Deductibles, also known as the excess, is the amount you have to pay out of your own pocket before your travel insurance will start paying for your claim.

You have to make a trade-off when it comes to choosing the excess and the best travel insurance policy for you.

The lower the excess on a travel insurance policy, the better for you if you have to claim because you will have less to pay from your own pocket (or, more often, deducted from your claim).

But lower excess travel insurance policies are more expensive because the insurer knows it has more to pay out if you claim. Higher excess policies are cheaper, but you’ll have more deducted from your claim.

An exclusion on a travel insurance policy is an event the policy will not cover you for.

Common exclusions on a standard travel insurance policy may not be obvious. According to the ABTA – The Travel Association, these include:

• Incidents that occur after drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs
• Theft of unattended possessions
• Sports, extreme sports and activities such as skiing, white water rafting and bungee jumping
• Medical treatment resulting from existing medical conditions you have not declared or conditions preventable by vaccine or advisable medication, such as antimalarials
• Medical costs if you stay abroad after your doctor says you are fit to return to the UK
• Strikes and industrial action if it was known when you booked your trip
• Rescheduled flights where the airline has cancelled and then rescheduled your flight
• Travel to destinations where the FCDO advises against all but essential travel

To get the best travel insurance deals, one way around some of these exclusions is to buy add-ons for adventure activities. In addition, make sure to declare all pre-existing conditions and keep an eye out for any travel disruptions before you book.

Pre-existing conditions

Pre-existing conditions are illnesses or medical conditions you have and are aware of before you travel.

Travel insurance companies will ask you to disclose any pre-existing conditions. If you use a comparison website, it will be among the first questions you’re asked before it shows you quotes. It’s important to be honest.

Some travel insurance companies, but not all, will offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions, while others will offer cover but exclude any claims arising from that medical condition. This will depend on the person being covered and the medical condition.

Most price comparison websites include an option to show insurers who do offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, so that would be a good place to start.

The following are likely to be considered pre-existing conditions you should disclose, according to the government-backed MoneyHelper website:

• A condition where you are on a list for an operation
• A condition where you are waiting for test results
• Anything you have been to the doctor about in the last year, including minor things
• Any serious conditions you’ve ever had – for example, cancer, heart trouble, respiratory problems or a mental health breakdown

A good tip for everyone, but especially if you have a pre-existing condition, is to buy your travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday. If your condition gets worse and forces you to cancel your plans, you’ll be covered from the day the policy starts.

On family group policies, the cost will be determined based on the riskiest traveller (according to insurers), which could be someone with a pre-existing condition or an older individual. In this case, it is often cheaper for the group for that person to get a separate policy.

Add-on options

Add-ons are extras you can purchase in addition to a standard travel insurance policy. They cost a bit more, but you may find you’re not covered without them. 

Gadget insurance

This covers things that a standard policy may not, such as your mobile phone or laptop. If these items are covered, you may find the claim limits are far less than the cost of replacing them.

Before you add this option to your travel insurance, check your home insurance policy, because you may already be covered.

Winter sports/adventure activities

Riskier activities, such as skiing or white water rafting, often require extra holiday insurance because insurers think that you are more likely to need to make a claim doing these things.

Winter sports/adventure activities cover is worth getting, or you may find you are not covered for medical expenses if something goes wrong.

Standard travel insurance is generally meant for land-based holidays so you’ll need to opt for a specialist cruise policy if your holiday is a cruise.

European FCDO travel advice extension

Most standard travel insurance policies are invalid if you travel when the FCDO advises against “all but essential travel”.

This add-on allows you to travel to Europe with a valid travel insurance policy, even if the FCDO has advised against it.

This can be an expensive add-on, but if you really must travel to a risky area, you will need this extension in order to make sure you have cover.

Best holiday insurance summary

Choosing the right travel insurance is an essential part of enjoying peace of mind while you are on holiday.

When looking for the best travel insurance deals, don’t just pick the cheapest policy. Instead, look for the cover limits that match your requirements. For example, baggage cover of £5,000 isn’t worth having if your baggage is worth £1,000; cancellation cover up to £10,000 isn’t worth having if your holiday cost you £2,000.

The easiest way to compare the best travel insurance is usually by using a travel insurance comparison website.

Think about the sort of activities you’ll be doing while you’re away. You may need extra holiday insurance for things such as winter sports or scuba diving or if you are going on a cruise.

Be honest about any pre-existing conditions when buying your travel insurance, or you won’t be covered if you have to claim.

The best travel insurance is a safety net for you and your family to enjoy your trip away stress-free, knowing that you’re covered for everything from medical expenses to cancellations if things go wrong.

Frequently asked questions about the best travel insurance UK packages

Is travel insurance necessary for domestic travel within the uk.

Even where medical costs in the UK are covered by the NHS, a sudden illness could lead to other expenses, forcing you to cancel your trip, the costs of which travel insurance would cover.

Lost or stolen luggage and broken gadgets or other claims for damage can just as easily occur in the UK as abroad.

What is annual travel insurance, and is it a good option for frequent travellers?

Annual travel insurance is a policy that covers you for multiple trips away within any 12-month period. It is often cheaper than buying a separate policy for each trip if you are planning to go away multiple times in one year.

Annual travel insurance is also useful if you are planning a long trip visiting several countries, as often insurers require you to buy travel insurance before you leave the UK rather than abroad mid-trip.

Are there any travel insurance companies that specialise in certain types of trips or travellers?

Specialist travel insurers cater to specific groups of people. It can make sense to seek out travel insurers that cover your needs.

Adventures Insurance, Sports Cover Direct and Snowcard tailor their travel insurance to those who enjoy activity holidays and extreme sports, for example.

Senior travellers are the focus of policies from All Clear, Avanti, Co-op Insurance Services, Free Spirit Flex, Good 2 Go Extra, Goodtogo Insurance, Saga, Staysure and Total Travel Protection.

Insurers offering business trip cover include Allianz, Direct Line, Coverwise and Insure & Go.

How do I make a claim with my travel insurance company?

To claim on your travel insurance while you are away, make sure that you take your policy number with you and the emergency number for your insurer. If you are travelling abroad, take any international numbers too.

Call your insurer as soon as you realise you need to make a claim. Keep all receipts and medical expense forms. If you are travelling with other people, make them aware of your policy details and the insurer’s phone number in case they need to call on your behalf.

To make a claim when you return home, check the following:

• You haven’t left it too late to make a claim
• What you’re claiming for is covered
• The excess is not more than the value of your claim (if so, it’s not worth claiming)

Notify your insurer as soon as possible for a claim form, send it back fast and keep a copy of it. You should also include copies of paperwork to support your claim, such as receipts or medical certificates (keep copies of the originals in case your claim is queried or refused).

Laura Miller

Laura Miller is a freelance journalist, editor, and producer. She has a wealth of consumer finance experience, having written about money matters and business for over 15 years.

During her tenure as a freelance writer, she has worked for ITN, Wired, and The Sunday Times, as well as financial institutions such as Aegon, the Chartered Insurance Institute, and Pension Bee, where she’s presenter of the Pension Confident Podcast.

Laura has previously held roles at The Times, where she was the Acting Editor of Times Money Mentor, The Telegraph as a senior finance reporter and was the co-host of the It’s Your Money Podcast, which was renowned for making complex finance issues accessible, and The Financial Times, where she worked as a News Editor. Laura has also worked at CNN, Politics.co.uk, and as a producer at Radio 5 Live.

Connor Campbell

Connor Campbell is an experienced personal and business finance writer who has been producing online content for almost a decade. 

Connor is the personal finance expert for Independent Advisor, guiding readers through everything they need to know about car insurance and home insurance. From how much it costs to the best insurance providers in the UK, he’s here to help you find the right policy for your needs. 

In his capacity as writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet , Connor explored a number of topics close to his heart, such as the impact of our increasingly cashless society, and the hardships and heroics of British entrepreneurs. His commentary was featured in sites such as The Mirror , the Daily Express and Business Insider . 

At financial trading firm Spreadex, meanwhile, his market commentary was featured in outlets such as The Guardian , BBC , Reuters and the Evening Standard . 

Connor is a voracious reader with an MA in English, and is dedicated to making life’s financial decisions a little bit easier by doing away with jargon and needless complexity.

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Best Travel Insurance for Seniors in April 2024

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As an older adult, you may look forward to traveling the world when you retire. Whether taking a single trip or traveling extensively, health concerns and sickness can derail even the best plans.

One way to address those risks is to purchase one of the best travel insurance policies for older adults . We cover multiple insurance carriers and provide policy premiums and benefits examples to help you find the best travel insurance to meet your needs.

This is the shortlist of the best travel insurance for older adults:

HTH Travel Insurance .

John Hancock .

TravelSafe .

Seven Corners .

World Nomads .

Factors we considered when picking a travel insurance policy

Choosing the right travel insurance policy is an important decision. Yet, the best travel insurance company depends on your needs and budget. Here are the factors we focused on when making this list.

Available policy types . The best travel insurance companies offer multiple policy types to meet the needs of various travelers.

Policy coverage limits . How much will the policy cover if you need to make a claim?

Exclusions . Do you have pre-existing conditions that may affect your ability to travel, increase the potential for medical treatments during your trip or cut your trip short? What would cause the insurance company to deny a claim?

Cost . How much does the insurance company charge for a basic policy? Is this price affected by your age, length of the trip or overall health condition?

Website usability . We value insurance companies that make it simple for travelers to compare options, get a quote and purchase a policy online.

Customization . Are the insurance company's policies customizable to meet a traveler's needs or must they choose from a rigid set of options?

What matters most to you also impacts which travel insurance is best for you. Whether it's medical evacuation, pre-existing conditions or the repatriation of remains, each policy's coverages and limits differ.

Additionally, policy premiums can vary widely based on the length of coverage and your age. If you frequently travel, buying an annual policy instead of policies for each trip may make more sense. Additionally, your premiums may be much different as a new retiree at 65 compared with someone in their 70s or 80s.

You may be able to save money on your travel insurance policy by taking advantage of credit card benefits. For example, many travel cards include trip cancellation, delay and interruption benefits, luggage protection and rental car coverage at no additional charge when using the card to book flights and rent cars.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

An overview of the best travel insurance for older adults

We requested quotes from multiple travel insurance companies for a 10-day trip to Madrid in July 2023. Our hypothetical traveler is a 65-year-old man from California who is spending $8,000 for the trip. His trip cost includes airfare plus prepaid hotels and excursions.

On average, the price of a policy offered by the listed companies was about $514, with a median price of $609.

* Cost refers to the basic coverage cost if multiple options are available.

There are various coverage options and price points when comparing travel insurance policies for older adults. While the lowest-priced options in the chart are the most affordable, their policies offer different coverage. For example, policies from HTH Travel Insurance only provide medical coverage but not trip interruption, delay or cancellation protection.

Comparing coverage limits and exclusions when selecting a policy is important so you are satisfied when making a claim.

» Learn more: Is Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance worth it?

Top travel insurance options for older adults

Let's look at our six travel insurance policy recommendations for older adults.

HTH Travel Insurance

What makes HTH Travel Insurance great:

Medical benefits of up to $1 million with deductibles as low as $0.

Access to English-speaking doctors in more than 180 countries.

Insurance covers hospital care, surgery and prescription drugs.

Here's a snippet from our HTH Travel Insurance review:

"HTH has a few travel insurance policies. These include medical plans and trip protection plans, so you'll want to decide what type of coverage you require."

Since Medicare doesn't cover healthcare needs when traveling outside the United States, some travelers purchase healthcare-only policies such as this one from HTH Travel Insurance. For our test trip, their healthcare-only coverage cost is just $90. However, keep in mind that this plan only provides medical coverage — if you want insurance for things like trip cancellation , trip interruption or baggage delay, you'll need to purchase a different plan.

John Hancock

What makes John Hancock great:

Emergency medical evacuation coverage starts at $250,000 per person.

Trip interruption coverage of 125% of trip cost.

Trip delay benefits start at six hours.

Here's a snippet from our John Hancock review:

"John Hancock offers three different plans for travelers depending on their needs: Gold, Silver and Bronze. As you'd expect, the Gold level comes with the most coverage and the highest price, while the Bronze level costs the least."

John Hancock's basic coverage cost for our test trip is $616, which is slightly above average. This policy is ideal for travelers worried about health problems requiring an emergency medical evacuation during their trip.

What makes TravelSafe great:

Coverage for pre-existing conditions is available if the policy is purchased within 21 days of booking travel.

Includes a $500 benefit for missed connections or trip delays.

Trip cancellation protection of up to $10,000.

Here's a snippet from our TravelSafe review:

"TravelSafe insurance offers two different plan types: Basic and Classic. Both of them only cover single trips; the company doesn't sell multi-trip or year-long plans. The TravelSafe Basic plan offers a lower level of protection than the company's more expensive option, TravelSafe Classic."

TravelSafe's basic coverage cost for our test trip is $855. While this policy has a higher price, it offers coverage for pre-existing conditions if you buy it within 21 days of booking your trip.

Seven Corners

What makes Seven Corners great:

Lost baggage benefits of $500 per person (per item limit of $250).

Delayed bags are reimbursed up to $100 per day ($500 max).

Trip delay of up to $200 per day per person after six hours ($600 maximum).

Here's a snippet from our Seven Corners review:

"The RoundTrip Basic plan is a good comprehensive travel insurance option and offers 100% trip cancellation (for trips up to $30,000), 100% trip interruption, $100,000 for emergency medical expenses (secondary coverage), $250,000 for medical evacuation/repatriation, lost luggage, baggage delay and other benefits."

Seven Corners' basic coverage cost for our test trip is $602, which is slightly above average. It offers superior protection against lost or delayed luggage, which can really put a damper on your travel plans.

What makes Tin Leg great:

Trip cancellation and interruption for COVID included at no extra charge.

Coverage extended up to seven days for medical quarantine .

Sports equipment is covered under baggage loss coverage.

Here's a snippet from our Tin Leg review:

"Tin Leg offers nine different travel insurance coverage policies. Prices vary for each depending on your itinerary and trip costs. The Basic plan is exactly what it sounds like: a policy for low-risk trips. It includes coverage for trip cancellation, delay and interruption, plus missed connections, emergency medical and evacuation, and lost and delayed luggage coverage."

Tin Leg's basic coverage cost for our test trip is $844. COVID's impact on retirees can be severe, so having a policy with generous benefits regarding coronavirus is critical. One of the best features includes up to one week of additional coverage at no charge if you're medically quarantined.

World Nomads

What makes World Nomads great:

Covers more than 200 adventure activities.

Ability to extend coverage while traveling.

Emergency medical coverage of $100,000 for all policies.

Here's a snippet from our World Nomads review:

"World Nomads offers the Standard and Explorer travel insurance plans and excels in sports/activity-related travel insurance coverage while offering solid trip delay, baggage delay and lost luggage protections. The provider offers insurance plans for travel to nearly any country and is available to residents of most countries."

World Nomads' basic coverage cost for our test trip is $74. However, take note of the coverage limits on its policies, which can be much lower than the cost of your trip. Its Basic policy coverage caps trip cancellation or interruption at $2,500, which could leave a large gap in comparison to our traveler's $8,000 trip cost.

Best travel insurance for older adults recapped 

The types of insurance plans for older adults — and how much they cost — vary significantly. There are options for those who only want to cover medical costs and plans for those who want coverage for any travel mishap that might befall them.

Other things to consider are pre-existing medical conditions, what types of activities you're doing and how long you'll be traveling.

Your chosen policy will depend on your travel needs and your comfort with risk. The upfront cost may be well worth it if you need to make a claim on an expensive injury, a canceled flight or a medical evacuation. 

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

• Best overall
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for annual plans

How we reviewed travel insurance for seniors

Best travel insurance for seniors of april 2024.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Reaching your golden years doesn't mean your adventures have to end. In fact, in this stage of life, you'll hopefully have more time and resources to travel. But as a senior citizen, you'll want to ensure you have travel insurance that covers any health-related issues arise while you travel.

Our top picks for the best senior travel insurance

Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance

Best for expensive trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads Travel Insurance

Best for annual plans: Travel Guard

Best overall: allianz.

Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the most widely recognized names in travel insurance, and it stands out as one of the top travel insurance providers for seniors. It offers a wide range of policies covering medical treatments overseas and emergency medical transport.

Allianz also provides options for varying trip lengths. Its annual multi-trip policies , for example, cover any trip you make during your policy period, even if they aren't yet planned, making it an excellent option for seniors who vacation multiple times per year.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for expensive trips: John Hancock

John Hancock Travel Insurance plans for seniors offer some of the best coverage available. It provides generous maximum benefit amounts while still offering affordable prices.

Each plan includes coverages like trip cancellation, emergency accident, and emergency medical, with the option to add benefits like CFAR (cancel for any reason). Plus, getting a free online quote is a quick and straightforward process.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

World Nomads Travel Insurance is a great choice for active senior citizens under 70 who want comprehensive travel insurance. The key difference between World Nomads and many other providers is that it covers 200+ adventurous activities like scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing, skiing, and even bungee jumping. In addition, World Nomads' trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage includes COVID-19-related issues. Many other insurers are excluding that type of coverage now.

For adventurous senior citizens over the age of 70 years, World Nomads suggests working with its partner, TripAssure .

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Travel Guard  offers comprehensive insurance plans for shorter and longer trips. One of its more unique offerings is its Travel Guard Annual Plan.

This annual travel insurance comes with standard coverage benefits (trip delay, baggage loss, etc.) and substantial coverage amounts, which is important for seniors who travel multiple times per year. Travel Guard also offers a preexisting medical condition waiver, meaning those with certain medical issues can still gain coverage.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review here.

Understanding travel insurance for seniors

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what travel insurance is and why it's particularly important for senior travelers. The best travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events affecting your trip, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Types of coverage

• Medical Coverage: Ensures your medical expenses are covered in case of illness or injury.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Provides reimbursement if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Coverage: Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal items during your trip.

Benefits of travel insurance for seniors

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered in case of emergencies can make your travel stress-free.
• Financial Protection: Shields you from potentially overwhelming medical costs and trip cancellations fees.
• Assistance Services: Many plans offer 24/7 assistance services, providing help whenever and wherever you need it.

Making the most of your plan

After choosing a plan, it's crucial to understand your policy fully and know what services are available to you in case of an emergency.

Understanding your policy

• Read the fine print and understand the claims process to avoid surprises.

Emergency assistance services

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency assistance services offered by your plan and keep all necessary contact information handy.

How to pick senior travel insurance

It's wise to compare several different travel insurance policies for the best coverage and pricing, as premiums vary widely between insurers and depend on factors like your age and travel destination.

That said, some of the more essential coverages to look for if you're a senior citizen include:

• Travel medical coverage - This coverage will pay for your medical bills outside the US.
• Medical evacuation coverage - If you're injured or become sick while traveling, this coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if your condition necessitates it.
• Preexisting conditions - Coverage for known health conditions. You'll need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time period from when you book your trip to qualify for a preexisting condition waiver .
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) - The name says it all! It'll cost extra and you'll need to purchase insurance early, but it's the most comprehensive trip cancellation coverage you can get. Note that CFAR insurance usually only covers up to 75% of your trip fees.
• Trip cancellation insurance - This coverage provides reimbursement for your prepaid and nonrefundable costs if you cannot make your trip due to an unforeseen event.
• Baggage delay insurance - This coverage will reimburse you for essentials like toiletries and clothes if your bags are delayed.
• Lost luggage insurance - This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount if your bags get lost en route.

Of these, the most critical to note are whether or not your policy covers preexisting conditions and the limits for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.

Some insurance companies offer a waiver that will cover preexisting conditions. You'll have to follow the requirements for adding a waiver to your policy, like insuring the entire cost of your trip. Or purchase the policy within a specific time after making your first trip deposit payments.

You'll also want to find a policy with high maximum limits for travel medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage. These types of expenses can be substantial, so you want to have appropriate coverage.

When comparing senior travel insurance options, we looked at the following factors to evaluate each travel insurance provider:

• Coverage limits: We looked at each travel insurance company's coverage amounts for benefits like medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
• Flexibility: We looked at how customizable a policy is, so you can choose what your travel insurance policy covers .
• Coverage for preexisting conditions: Preexisting conditions are one of the more critical factors for travel insurance for senior citizens, so we looked at travel insurance companies that offer the best coverage for preexisting conditions.
• Price: We compared travel insurance providers offering reasonable basic and comprehensive coverage rates.
• Benefits geared towards seniors: We compared travel insurance companies that offer solid coverage for senior citizens, like medical evacuation, COVID-19 coverage, and trip cancellation.

You can read more about our insurance rating methodology here.

Seniors should look for travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive medical coverage, including for preexisting conditions and emergency medical evacuation. They should also consider policies with higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection. Additionally, seniors should seek travel insurance plans that provide 24/7 assistance services, as well as coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage protection.

The cost of senior travel insurance coverage can vary depending on your age, overall health, state of residence, travel destination, and length of your trip. However, assuming all other factors are the same, you'll pay more for travel insurance at 70 than at 30.

When it comes to saving money on senior travel insurance, you should only be covering the services that you need. For example, if your plane tickets are refundable, there's no need to insure those.

Allianz is the best travel insurance for seniors due to its wide array of medical coverages and emergency medical transport. Allianz also offers multi-trip insurance policies, which could make sense for seniors who travel frequently.

Most travel insurance policies will cover travelers up to age 80, and some even offer coverage up to age 99 or 100. The older you are, the more you should expect to pay for travel insurance.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Travel Insurance for seniors

A little older, a little wiser.

Travelling in your 60s and beyond is a great way to enjoy your retirement

If you’re one of the growing number of adventurers choosing to spend your retirement globetrotting, the right travel insurance policy will give you peace of mind and protection while you’re seeking new experiences.

Covid-19 - what our travel insurance covers

Our travel insurance now covers you for certain events related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), provided you have proof of a positive Covid-19 test and your cover is active at the time of the event.

What we cover

We provide cover for some costs related to Covid-19: please see Section 1 'emergency medical costs and repatriation' and Section 2 'cancelling or cutting short your trip' in your policy book for full details on what's covered.

We'll cover you if:

• you were diagnosed with Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• a close relative died or became seriously ill as a result of Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• you weren't allowed to board your pre-booked outbound travel due to symptoms of Covid-19
• an insured person or a close relative died during the trip because of Covid-19
• you couldn't take part in an excursion due to you self-isolating after getting Covid-19

What we don’t cover

You won't be covered if:

• you had reason to believe your trip may be cancelled, postponed or cut short when you booked it, purchased your policy or started your trip
• any government or public authority imposes travel restrictions or quarantine on a community, location, or vessel because of Covid-19 (this includes, but is not limited to, local lockdowns, entry requirements, being denied entry and airspace closures)
• you have to quarantine after arriving in the UK or abroad
• the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) change their advice to avoid ‘all travel’ or ‘all but essential travel’ to your destination because of Covid-19

For more information about how Coronavirus (COVID-19) affects your travel cover, see our FAQ page . And remember to check the policy booklet carefully before you buy to make sure our cover meets your needs.

Travel insurance for over 60s

As travel insurance isn’t compulsory, it can seem like an unnecessary expense – especially as we never think things will go wrong when we’re on holiday.

But it provides cover for a wide range of scenarios, including:

• Your belongings being lost, damaged or stolen
• Needing legal assistance while you’re away
• Travel delay

Choose from three levels of cover

Most significantly, travel insurance covers you if you need medical treatment on your trip. This includes cover for:

• Loss of medication
• To bring you home following emergency medical treatment

It's always best to buy cover well in advance of your trip in case your travel plans have to be cancelled. Our policy summary booklet sets out in detail what is and isn’t covered.

Travel insurance for over 60s with pre existing conditions

You don’t need specialist over 60 travel insurance with medical conditions, as long as you’re honest about any conditions when you’re buying your cover.

A pre-existing condition is a short or long term illness or injury you have or have had before you buy travel insurance, whether that’s having symptoms, tests, diagnosis or medical treatment.

Pre-existing conditions  include:

• Heart disease

You can declare your pre-existing conditions during the quote process to see if we can offer cover. If you’re unsure what needs to be declared or if you're unable to find your condition on the medical conditions list, please contact us on 0333 234 9913 .

Your pre-existing conditions won’t be covered unless you’ve:

• Declared them all on your policy
• Received written confirmation that we’ll cover your medical condition
• Paid any additional premium in full

Policy terms and conditions apply. Please note, if you’ve had a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 and been prescribed medication, received treatment, or had a consultation with a doctor or hospital specialist for any medical condition in the past two years, this needs to be declared on your policy.

If you don’t tell us about your pre-existing conditions or give us incorrect information, your policy may be invalid, and we may refuse all or part of any claim you submit.

For a quote with us, click the green button above.

The MoneyHelper directory

If you require cover for more serious medical conditions, MoneyHelper may be able to help you find specialist travel insurance through their medical directory.

If you wish to get in touch with them you can call them on 0800 138 7777 or find them online . (Monday to Friday 8:00-18:00, closed on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.)

Registering for free treatment

If you’re travelling in the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you should apply for a  GHIC  (Global Health Insurance Card) before you go. This gives you access to medical care in member countries. Not all treatment is free, however, and you may have to contribute towards medical expenses.

Some countries, such as New Zealand, Australia and the Falkland Islands, also have  reciprocal health care agreements  with the UK but, again, these don't cover all medical services. For example, if you need to be transported back to the UK following illness or injury, you’ll need a travel insurance policy in place to cover the costs.

To find out the true costs of getting ill abroad, check out our interactive globe where you can  explore the cost of medical treatment  in the most popular travel destinations for UK holidaymakers.

Cruise travel insurance for over 65s

A cruise is a great way to combine the luxury of a top hotel with the excitement of experiencing a different country every few days. If you’re going on a cruise, you must add Cruise cover to your policy.

Adding the  Cruise upgrade  means your travel insurance is valid while you're on board the cruise ship. You won’t be covered for any part of a cruise holiday without the add-on.

As well as standard travel cover, this kind of policy includes cruise-specific cover such as missed port departure (for reasons set out in the policy guide only) or cabin confinement, where you’ve been asked to stay in your cabin for medical reasons by the ship's medical officer.

Cover for sports and leisure activities

It’s true that sports have no age limit – but when it comes to travel insurance for over 65s, you may not be able to get cover for certain sports.

These might include general sporting activities, or those that pose more risk such as winter sports, where the average age cut off is around 65 years for cover.

If you’re planning any sporting activities on your trip, you may have to pay an extra premium. Always check your  policy book  or  contact us  to clarify what you will and won’t be covered for.

Your questions answered

Is travel insurance more expensive for older people.

Not necessarily. The cost of policies is dependent on a range of factors including the location, duration and nature of your trip.

Most travellers in their 60s find there's little to no difference in the cost of cover, but there may be restrictions as to what's included in the cover.

However, travel insurance for over 70s can cost a bit more. This is because a person over 70 requires more advanced medical cover due to the increased probability of health issues while travelling.

Is there a maximum age for Admiral Travel Insurance?

The maximum age limit for Admiral Travel Insurance is up to 75 years for annual multi trip policies – and up to 85 years for single trip policies.

However, the age limit and level of cover we can offer will depend on your personal information and details of your holiday.

Please get a quote or contact us to find out more.

Do you cover travellers over the age of 70 for Single Trip policies?

Yes, we can provide worldwide cover for customers up to the age of 75 years for annual multi trip policies – and up to 85 years for single trip policies.

Can you get winter sports insurance for over 70s?

Our winter sports insurance covers people up to and including the age of 75 if you’re travelling in Europe.

We don’t cover anyone over the age of 70 for winter sports if you’re travelling outside Europe.

Do you cover travellers over the age of 70 for Annual Multi-Trip policies?

Getting the most out of your trip, going anywhere nice.

Off to one of the destinations below? Take a look at our guides for some hints and tips on what you need to remember.

Travel insurance that suits you

Whether you're travelling solo, with your family, or with a little one on the way, read our guides to make sure our cover is right for you.

Family Travel Insurance

Student travel insurance, travelling while pregnant, travel insurance over 65, travelling with medical conditions, travel insurance upgrades.

Whether you want the adrenaline rush of a skiing holiday, or fancy taking to the seas on a cruise, you'll need to add extra cover to your policy.

Cruise Travel Insurance

Ski travel insurance, gadget travel insurance, adventurous sports insurance, single trip insurance, annual trip insurance.

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Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

The Best Travel Insurance Options for Seniors [Ages 65, 70, and Over 80]

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

305 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 98 U.S. States Visited: 45

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3109 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

Why Purchase Travel Insurance

The cost of travel insurance, preexisting conditions, travel insurance and medicare, covid-19 and travel insurance, world nomads — best for active seniors, allianz — best for annual multi-trip policies, best for covering covid-19 cancellations, best for preexisting conditions, best travel insurance options — age 80 and above, credit card travel insurance, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Our senior years can be some of the most exciting years of our lives. If we’re fortunate, we’ll now have the time, and hopefully, the resources, to make our travel dreams come true.

As we age, however, traveling may pose some additional risks. We may be more likely to have health-related issues and therefore the need to seek medical attention during our journey. We may also have occasions where we need to cancel our plans due to health issues or the health of those around us.

Now, more than ever, we need to think seriously about purchasing travel insurance. The good news is that comprehensive travel insurance, regardless of your age, is widely available and relatively affordable. With that being said, chances are you could use a little help getting started with the process of finding and purchasing the right plan.

If you’re 65 years of age or older and thinking about purchasing travel insurance, don’t pull the trigger without reviewing the information in today’s article on travel insurance options for seniors.

Travel insurance can protect you from financial loss due to unforeseen events that can cause you to cancel your trip or disrupt your trip once it’s in progress. As we age and our health declines, we may be more likely to experience such an event.

Travel insurance can cover the following situations:

• You, a family member, or travel companion becomes seriously ill and you must cancel your trip
• You slip and fall while traveling abroad, require medical care, and are forced to stay in a foreign city until you can travel again
• You are on safari and break your ankle, requiring emergency evacuation to the nearest hospital

The types of coverage you can expect to find on travel insurance policies include the following:

• Emergency medical coverage
• Emergency evacuation
• Trip cancellation, trip interruption , and trip delay
• Baggage insurance and personal effects coverage
• Travel accident and accidental life insurance

You may also elect to add coverage such as cancel for any reason insurance (CFAR) , a waiver for preexisting conditions, or car rental insurance.

What You Need to Know About Age and Travel Insurance

It’s possible to purchase travel insurance at just about any age. If you’re healthy enough to travel, you’ll generally be able to find coverage. You’ll normally be paying more to purchase coverage as you get older, however, and most policies may have preexisting health stipulations.

As age increases, so does the cost of purchasing travel insurance . The good news, however, is that premiums tend to vary widely between companies who offer policies for older travelers, so it pays to compare.

The easiest way to compare policies is via insurance comparison sites such as SquareMouth , InsureMyTrip , or TravelInsurance.com . Travel comparison sites make it easy to compare travel insurance policy pricing and coverage options for all ages.

We’ve used these sites to find most of the comparison quotes provided in this article.

As we age, we’re more likely to have preexisting health conditions, which can be excluded from most travel insurance policies. Once again, the good news is that preexisting condition exclusions are generally limited to a specified timeframe previous to the effective date of your policy.

If you have shown symptoms or been treated within a specified time period before your trip, usually 90 to 120 days, your condition may not be covered for certain coverages such as trip interruption, cancellation, or emergency medical. Each company’s requirements may differ.

Also, on a positive note is that many insurers allow you to purchase a preexisting condition waiver when you purchase your policy.

Health insurance may or may not cover medical costs abroad. And even if there is coverage, evacuation costs may not be included. The same scenario exists with Medicare.

Medicare will not cover medical expenses incurred abroad . There are very limited situations where Medicare may grant coverage, such as if you reside in the U.S. and a foreign hospital (such as a Canadian hospital) is closer to your residence than the U.S. hospital, or you’re traveling through Canada to reach another U.S. state or territory. Also, several terms and conditions apply.

There are Medicare supplement policies you can purchase that can cover you while traveling abroad. You’ll pay a standard $250 deductible, have coverage for 80% of eligible expenses beyond that amount, and have a lifetime cap of $50,000 in coverage.

So even if you have Medicare, a Medicare supplement, or other health insurance policy, there can still be plenty of gaps in coverage when you’re traveling abroad.

For this reason, and the need for additional coverage such as trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage coverage, and more, it’s prudent to purchase travel insurance.

Bottom Line: Medicare will generally not cover medical expenses when you’re traveling outside of the U.S. and its territories and Medicare supplement and Advantage policies provide limited coverage. Travel insurance is a wise choice for covering medical expenses and for other travel-related events that could cause you to cancel your trip or disrupt your journey in progress. 

As we advance in age, the chance we will need to cancel a trip due to health-related issues increases. Fortunately, most travel insurance policies cover trip cancellations due to illness. However, travel insurance policies do not cover voluntary cancellations such as canceling your trip due to the fear of getting sick.

Cancel for any reason insurance (CFAR), when added to a travel insurance policy, will allow you to cancel your trip for any reason you deem necessary. It will even cover you if you simply decide not to go.

While CFAR insurance allows you to cancel your trip for any reason, including COVID-19-related issues, the coverage will not reimburse 100% of your costs. The coverage can only be purchased when you purchase your travel insurance or for a short window following the purchase. CFAR insurance can also be expensive.

Our article on COVID-19-related trip cancellations goes into a lot more detail.

Best Travel Insurance Options — Ages 65 to 69

Priorities change as we change and as a result, we may have different insurance needs at age 65 than we do at age 80. Here are some examples of travel insurance plans that might be a fit for travelers age 65-69.

If you’re under age 70, you’ll find comprehensive travel insurance coverage with World Nomads . What sets World Nomads apart from other insurance providers is that they’re experts at insuring active travelers who participate in adventurous activities.

While World Nomads does not offer CFAR insurance, COVID-19 is not excluded as an illness for trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage.

World Nomads only insures those travelers under age 70 and refers older travelers to its partner TripAssure .

For a traveler 68 years of age, traveling to the Netherlands for 8 days, with a total trip cost of $3,000, here are some sample costs.

The main differences in these plans are that the Explorer Plan covers an expanded collection of over 200 covered adventurous activities, has higher limits for trip interruption/cancellation/delay and emergency evacuation, and includes rental car insurance.

Secure your own quote from World Nomads .

Allianz simplifies purchasing travel insurance with its offerings of travel insurance package policies. You can select from single trip policies with several levels of coverage options or annual multi-trip policies that cover every trip you make during the policy period, even ones you haven’t yet planned.

If you travel frequently, or even a few times each year, purchasing an annual, multi-trip plan could be a cost-effective way to protect all your trips.

To learn more about Allianz and its policy offerings , you’ll want to check out our review for details.

Hot Tip: Be sure to compare the price of an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy to a single-trip plan, even if you are only currently planning 1 trip. You may find a better value in the annual multi-trip policy and not have to purchase additional coverage if you should decide to travel again during the policy period. 

Many policies will cover trip cancellation due to getting the virus, but none will cover cancellation due to the fear of getting the virus. To cover cancellations based on the fear of COVID-19, you’ll need a policy that allows you to add CFAR insurance .

The following are just a sampling of companies that offer this option on their policies.

• John Hancock
• Seven Corners

Please note that not every policy these companies offer allows you to add CFAR coverage.

For more information on travel insurance covering COVID-19 , we’ve put together an informative article.

Best Travel Insurance Options — Ages 70 to 79

There are a lot of reasons to embrace the wanderlust and travel in your 70s. By then, many have retired and perhaps have more money to spend on travel. There can also be a sense of urgency to travel while we’re still healthy.

As we’ve mentioned, however, as we age we are more apt to have health issues. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean we’ll be unable to purchase travel insurance. Even into our 70s, we’ll have plenty of travel insurance options, and coverage can still be affordable.

Since travel insurance is meant to protect you from unforeseen events, having a preexisting health condition may rule out any chance of coverage for that issue. However, several companies allow you to purchase a waiver so that preexisting health conditions can be covered.

Here are just a few companies that offer this waiver:

• Travel Guard
• Travel Insured

Each company has its own requirements for adding a preexisting condition waiver to your policy. You must purchase the policy within a specific time period, such as within 14 to 30 days after making your first trip deposit payment. You may also be required to insure the entire cost of your trip and your health must be medically stable when purchasing the coverage.

As a senior, it becomes more and more likely that we will actually have to use our travel insurance coverage as we age. However, even at age 80 or beyond, you’ll still find travel insurance widely available and relatively affordable. Some companies are willing to insure older travelers but charge higher premiums , so it’s wise to compare the pricing of several providers.

Above you’ll find a sampling of 4 SquareMouth quotes for single-trip travel insurance policies that include CFAR insurance for a traveler 80 years of age. The trip’s total cost was stated at $3,000 and was 8 days in length. Quotes ranged from $382 (Seven Corners) to well over $1,000 to insure the trip (not all quotes are shown). Coverage limits can also vary greatly, so it can be beneficial to compare policy limits.

If you’re looking to purchase travel insurance and you’re 80 years of age or older, it’s imperative to compare policies for the best pricing and coverage.

Hot Tip: Seniors ages 65 to 99 who are not interested in CFAR (cancel for any reason) insurance, may consider an annual multi-trip travel insurance plan. Allianz is a company that charges the same premium, regardless of age, for its annual plans for travelers ages 65 to 99 . 

There is 1 type of travel insurance that will cover you, regardless of age . U.S.-issued credit cards come with various types of travel insurance coverages that apply to all primary cardholders.

Typical travel insurance coverage found on credit cards includes the following:

• Lost, stolen, or damaged luggage insurance
• Car rental insurance
• Roadside assistance
• Travel accident insurance
• Travel assistance hotline

Premium credit cards such as The Platinum Card ® from American Express and Chase Sapphire Reserve ® card also come with valuable emergency evacuation coverage. Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card  is known for its comprehensive travel insurance benefits, including primary car rental insurance .

To learn more about which credit cards come with travel coverage, check out our article on the best credit cards for travel insurance benefits.

Bottom Line: The travel insurance benefits that come with U.S.-issued credit cards do not generally have age limits for coverage. However, many credit card travel benefits may be secondary to other insurance you might have. This means that you might first have to file a claim with your own insurance before the credit card insurance is valid. 

As seniors, purchasing travel insurance should be a priority for protecting your investment and preventing losses you might incur due to unexpected medical expenses during your travels.

With wide availability, regardless of age, it’s not only a prudent economic move, but it’s also a move that delivers peace of mind before and during your trip.

Finally, always make sure to compare policies as coverages and prices vary widely between travel insurance providers.

You can learn more about the best travel insurance companies for travelers  and the basics of travel insurance in our informative articles.

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best travel insurance for seniors over 65.

Since travel insurance is widely available, even for seniors over 65, the best policy can be found by comparing companies and policies.

Using a travel insurance comparison site such as SquareMouth, InsureMyTrip, or TravelInsurance.com can assist you in comparing coverages and costs between only highly-rated financially stable travel insurance companies.

If you travel more than once per year, consider an annual, multi-trip, policy that covers any trip you take during the policy period.

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Travel insurance is meant to cover unforeseen events. Once COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, it became a known event and is not covered as a reason for canceling your trip plans.

However, there are situations where COVID-19-related claims can be covered. If you become ill with the virus before or during your trip, you may be covered for trip cancellation, trip interruption, or emergency medical.

Does travel insurance cover preexisting medical conditions?

A standard travel insurance policy does not cover ongoing preexisting health conditions. However, many companies will insure you if you have a condition that is stabilized with medicine and no recent treatment has been sought. Requirements vary by travel insurance provider.

Also, many companies allow you to purchase a waiver that will then cover you for preexisting conditions.

Does credit card travel insurance cover flight cancellations?

The trip cancellation, interruption, or delay coverage that comes with your credit card does not cover voluntary flight cancellations.

The coverage does cover some flight cancellations due to unforeseen events such as becoming ill prior to, or during your trip. Coverage varies by credit card issuer but you will find a list of specific covered events in your card’s guide to benefits.

You can also call the number on the back of your card and speak with the claim administer.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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Travel Insurance For Seniors

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Whether you’re planning a holiday of a lifetime or a trip to visit family and friends, we can help you find the right over 90s travel insurance for you.

A Guide to Senior Travel Insurance

Have you discovered that travel insurance premiums have increased now that you’re a senior? Or that the insurance provider you’ve been with for years is now declining to renew your policy because you’ve reached a certain age?

Frustrating isn’t it! But we’re here to tell you that age doesn’t need to be a barrier to enjoying future holidays abroad, and better still, we can help you find a suitable senior travel insurance provider who will be able to cover all of your needs.

Do I need senior travel insurance

Travel insurance is a necessary precaution to protect you if things don’t go to plan – and therefore should be high up on the list of priorities when arranging any trip abroad.

Travel insurance for senior citizens can cover a range of eventualities, from cancellation, personal accidents, emergency medical expenses, repatriation back home, personal belongings, travel delay and more. Most insurers will also provide a 24-hour emergency helpline, so help is only a phone call away no matter where you are!

Comparing travel insurance for seniors with pre-existing conditions

Such is life that as we age, we’re more than prone to age-related illness such as arthritis , blood pressure , type 2 diabetes to name but a few, and in many instances older people are prescribed precautionary medication to keep such conditions at bay.

It’s important to declare all of your pre-existing medical conditions , and the medical reasons why you take preventative medication – even if they have little impact on you daily living. This allows insurance providers to offer a senior citizen travel policy that will meet your individual needs and give you protection in the event your existing medical conditions cause you any complications during your trip (terms and conditions vary).

If you’re declaring medical conditions on behalf of a family member or an elderly friend, do make sure you’re aware of their medical history, and the reasons why medication is prescribed. In particular, ask if they have EVER been diagnosed with any heart, respiratory, circulatory, stroke or cancerous conditions, as most insurance providers require applicants to declare these as part of their medical history.

It’s always worth considering the medical benefits included within the policy over the cost of the policy itself. It should never simply be a case of getting the cheapest possible cover out there.

You want to ensure that your covered for every possible eventuality, however likely or unlikely – in order to give you the peace of mind to enjoy your holidays as you should.

What does senior travel insurance cover?

You can reasonably expect a senior travel insurance policy to include the following standard benefits:

• Cancellation
• Curtailment
• Lost, stolen or damaged personal belongings
• Personal Accident
• Emergency Medical Expenses and Repatriation
• Personal Liability
• Legal Expenses
• Travel Delay

However, as the likelihood of claiming arguably increases as you get older, you’ll often find that these benefits are extended to provide you with even more cover.

Obviously, insurance cover can change based on what pre-existing medical conditions you declare too. Depending on what type of holiday you’ve booked, you can also find specialist  senior ski travel insurance  and  senior cruise travel insurance  in some cases as well. You can read more about what type of cover you’ll receive on their respective pages.

UK travel insurance for senior citizens

If you’re planning a staycation and booking two or more nights away in the UK, you may want to consider getting travel insurance to protect the money you have paid out for accommodation, travel and excursions.

When getting UK senior travel insurance quotes – make sure you check the excess.

There’s little point buying UK cover if the excess on the policy is higher or the same as the cost of the holiday, because there will be little or no money to actually claim back in the event of cancellation.

International travel insurance for seniors

The same principle applies to international travel insurance for seniors – only in this case, you’ll be covered for different things, such as lost luggage or flight delay or cancellation.

International travel insurance will take into account the country/countries you’re visiting to provide the best possible cover based on the cost of medical expenses there, as well as the cost of repatriation if you need to fly home for whatever reason.

Don’t forget your travelling companions

Lastly, we urge you to add your travelling companions to your policy. Being insured on the same policy protects your companions should you or your medical conditions cause any trip complications and vice versa.  When insured separately you run the risk of falling out of pocket should you need to cancel the holiday (terms and conditions vary).

Finding the best travel insurance for senior citizens

With Medical Travel Compared, you can access a range of different specialist medical travel insurance options for seniors. Believe it or not, but when you reach the age of 50 – your travel insurance premium can shoot up. Although this is unfortunate – we would always advise that it’s more than worth the extra expense in the long-run – especially if you’re considering taking out an annual policy.

Our free, independent online comparison service has been set up to help seniors find the best value travel insurance easily and quickly. Simply use our quoting facility by clicking the ‘Get a Quote’ button located at the top of this page.

Then, enter your holiday details and, if necessary, answer some medical questions to compare senior travel insurance quotes from our panel of insurers that are specifically targeted at OAPs and senior citizens.

Having reviewed the search results, you can then select a policy that meets your needs and proceed to pay securely online. Your documents will then be sent to you direct from the insurer. It couldn’t be easier!

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As people enter their golden years, travelling becomes not just a luxury, but often a cherished opportunity to explore new destinations, visit family and friends, or simply enjoy a well-deserved vacation. However, with age comes a higher likelihood of medical issues and other unforeseen circumstances that could potentially disrupt travel plans. This is where senior citizen travel insurance plays a crucial role. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the what, why, and how of senior citizen travel insurance, exploring its benefits, coverage options, costs, and more, to help seniors make informed decisions before embarking on their next adventure.

Senior citizen travel insurance, also known as ‘travel insurance for seniors’ or ‘elderly travel insurance’, is specifically designed to provide coverage tailored to the needs of older travellers. While standard travel insurance policies may offer coverage for various scenarios, including trip cancellations ,and medical emergencies, and baggage loss, senior citizen travel insurance takes into account the unique health considerations and travel requirements of individuals aged 65 and older. These policies typically offer enhanced medical coverage, higher coverage limits, and additional benefits to address the specific needs of seniors during their travels.

Travelling as a senior can present certain challenges and risks that may not be as prevalent for younger travellers. Age-related health conditions, pre-existing medical issues, and the need for specialised medical care are all factors that seniors need to consider when planning their trips. Senior citizen travel insurance provides essential coverage for these potential risks, offering peace of mind and financial protection in case of emergencies. Whether it is assistance with medical expenses, emergency evacuation, or trip cancellations due to health reasons, having the right travel insurance can make all the difference for seniors looking to explore the world with confidence.

Senior citizen travel insurance is essential for individuals aged 65 and older who plan to travel domestically or internationally. As people age, they may be more susceptible to medical issues and other unforeseen events while travelling. Senior citizen travel insurance provides coverage for various travel related risks, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and travel delays. This type of insurance ensures that elderly travellers have access to necessary medical care and assistance in case of emergencies while away from home.

Additionally, senior citizen travel insurance may offer specialised benefits tailored to the needs of older travellers, such as coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and emergency medical evacuation. Overall, senior citizen travel insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection for elderly travellers, allowing them to explore the world with confidence.

Senior citizen travel insurance offers a range of benefits tailored to the needs of older travellers. One of the primary benefits is enhanced medical coverage, which may include coverage for pre-existing conditions, emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and prescription medications. Additionally, senior-specific policies often provide coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, ensuring that seniors can receive necessary medical care even in remote locations or foreign countries. Other benefits may include coverage for trip cancellations and trip interruptions, baggage loss or delay, and 24/7 emergency assistance services, offering comprehensive protection for seniors throughout their travels.

Senior citizen travel insurance policies typically offer a range of coverage options to suit different travel needs and preferences. Medical coverage is a fundamental component, providing reimbursement for medical expenses incurred during the trip including doctor visits, hospitalisation, surgery, and prescription medications. Emergency medical evacuation coverage ensures that seniors can be transported to the nearest suitable medical facility or back to their home country for treatment if needed.

Trip cancellation and interruption coverage protect seniors financially in case they need to cancel or cut short their trip due to covered reasons such as illness, injury, or unforeseen emergencies. Baggage loss or delay coverage reimburses seniors for the value of their belongings in case of lost, stolen, or delayed baggage during the trip. Additionally, some policies may offer optional add-ons or upgrades for increased coverage limits or additional benefits, allowing seniors to customise their insurance plans based on their specific needs and preferences.

The cost of senior citizen travel insurance can vary depending on factors such as the traveller’s age, trip duration, destination, coverage limits, and the level of coverage selected. Generally, senior travellers can expect to pay higher premiums compared to younger travellers, reflecting the increased risk associated with age-related health issues and potential medical emergencies.

However, the peace of mind and financial protection offered by travel insurance often outweigh the costs, especially when considering the potential expenses of medical emergencies or trip cancellations abroad. Shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance providers can help seniors find affordable coverage options that meet their needs and budget.

When selecting senior citizen travel insurance, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the right coverage for your needs. Firstly, assess your health status and any pre-existing medical conditions to determine the level of medical coverage you require. Look for policies that offer coverage for pre-existing conditions and provide adequate limits for emergency medical expenses and evacuation. Consider the destinations you plan to visit and ensure that the policy provides coverage for medical treatment and emergency services in those locations.

Additionally, review the policy exclusions, limitations, and terms and conditions carefully to understand what is covered and what is not. Finally, compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best value for your money, taking into account both the cost of the policy and the coverage provided.

Senior citizen travel insurance is a valuable investment for older travellers, offering essential protection and peace of mind during their journeys. With comprehensive coverage options for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage loss, and more, senior travellers can explore the world with confidence, knowing that they are financially protected against unforeseen events. By understanding the benefits, coverage options, costs, and tips for choosing the right insurance plan, seniors can make informed decisions and enjoy their travels to the fullest, creating memorable experiences wherever their adventures may take them.

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• Travel insurance for seniors

As you get older, being able to go where you want when you want is all part of the joy. And changes in your medical needs shouldn’t stand in the way of your desire to travel.

Does it feel like getting travel insurance is holding you back? This guide looks at how to get the cover you need, including for pre-existing medical conditions, and what to look out for when you do.

Posted: 26/1/2022 | By Darren Williams

Getting travel insurance in later life

Finding the right travel insurance for seniors of any age may seem difficult at times, but it needn’t be. A handful of insurers cater specifically to pensioners and seniors, and others can give people aged over 60 the same benefits under their normal travel insurance cover.

That’s how we do it here at Post Office. You simply request a quote the same way adults of all ages do. We’ll ask you about the type of holiday you’re taking, the activities you’ll be doing and the level of cover you need. And we’ll consider all medical conditions, with a simple online screening. Then, if you're eligible for cover, we'll quote you a price.

Post Office Travel Insurance can help cover medical costs, protect against delays or cancellations, lost luggage and documents, and personal liability. There’s no upper age limit on our single-trip policies. Or, if you’re travelling more in a 12-month period, we can provide annual multi-trip cover up to 75 years of age.

Why is travel insurance important?

Most holidays pass without any problems but there’s always a a worry about what might go wrong so it’s always safer to go prepared. Travelling without insurance just isn’t worth it – fall ill in some countries and you could be liable for huge medical bills as well as the cost of getting you home.

Travel insurance is important whatever age you are when you travel. And it’s a must-have for seniors especially – whether you’re 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 or above, or anywhere in between. Getting cover in place will let you relax and enjoy your trip without worrying about how you might pay for unexpected medical treatment, lost or damaged possessions, or cancellations.

It’s important to know that, insurers tend to see older age groups as a higher risk, the cover they quote for might be more expensive, or they may not cover all things you need. It's important to do your research and make sure the price and the policy are both right for you. Read the policy documents carefully and make sure you declare all medical conditions on the medical questionnaire. We’ll look at why this is so important in the next section.

Need insurance that covers your travels in later life?

Medical cover and the ghic or ehic.

The most important thing about travel insurance for seniors and the elderly is that your health cover gives you the protection you need, such as in medical emergencies.

If you’re visiting a country in the EU, a valid UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) or still-in-date European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) will let you access state provided medical healthcare for free or the same as it costs locals.

Getting travel insurance is still important, though, as it covers costs the cards don’t, such as repatriation to the UK if you need to be transported home. And, of course, it also protects you in the event of delays or cancellations, lost luggage and documents and personal liability.

T ravel insurance and pre-existing medical conditions

It’s important to make sure you have the right cover in place in case something related to your condition happens while you’re away.

To get travel insurance you’ll need to accurately declare all pre-existing medical conditions when you apply. Insurers will make a decision based on the details you give them. There are different levels of risk they’re prepared to accept, so getting declined by one insurer doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be declined by them all.

Conditions such as cancer, heart problems and diabetes will affect the policy and its price because they increase the chance of a claim. One way of managing this cost is to go with an insurer who offers specialised policies for your age group, and may be able to tailor cover to your needs.

You could also look at travel insurance for the elderly that is manually underwritten, meaning each policy considers the unique situation of the policy holder. This type of insurance is, predictably, more expensive in general than standard terms travel insurance.

At Post Office, we consider all medical conditions when you ask for a quote. This means, if you’re living with a long-term illness, you may be covered for any issues it could cause while you’re away, such as having to seek medical care or being rushed home for treatment.

If you’re in doubt or have a condition that’s particularly rare, it might be worth talking to a representative. If you have a serious condition that you’re struggling to find cover for, check the Money and Pensions Scheme (MaPS) directory of companies that may be able to help or call 0800 138 7777 .

Find out more about:

Travel insurance for people with cancer

Travel insurance for diabetics

Travel insurance and high blood pressure

Choosing the right cover

Most travel insurance for seniors will follow a standard format: do you want insurance for a single trip, for multiple trips or for a specialist trip such as a cruise or a ski break?

Cover for single or multiple trips

One of the first things to think about when choosing a policy is how often you’re likely to travel in a 12-month period. Different policy types may suit depending on the answer:

• Single trip travel insurance is designed for people who want to take one trip within any given year. If it’s likely you’ll only travel once in that time, it may be the most cost-effective option
• Annual multi-trip travel insurance  tends to suit people who travel two or more times within a year. It can be better value for those who go away frequently

Do you need a more specialist type of cover?

For some holidays, such as cruises or skiing trips, you may need to buy a policy add-on or specialist policy that will cover the specific activities or risks involved:

• Cruise cover  costs a little extra but offers extra protection at sea, like emergency rescue and cabin confinement; cruising without it may invalidate your travel insurance policy
• Sports and higher-risk activities: while lots of activities may be covered by regular policies some, such as golf and extreme sports , may need extra protection for you, other people and the equipment used.

Always check what activities your policy does and doesn’t cover. If your travel insurance and any add-ons you’ve bought with it don’t cover it you might want to think twice about getting involved and risking an accident

• Winter sports travel insurance : if activities such as skiing are still your thing, they’ll of course need some extra cover for the higher risk of injury involved, and the safeguard equipment and property in the event of accidental damage

Some providers also offer cover for unexpected events like local unrest and natural catastrophes such as volcanic eruptions or tsunamis. Check the risks in your destination on the UK government’s foreign travel advice page. Or, if you’re going to a country that you know well, you may decide this cover is unnecessary.

Check policies for any age limits

Whichever policy type you choose, check carefully to see how long you are covered for each trip. Since older people tend to go on longer holidays, it’s important to know if there are any trip limits.

Travel insurers can set upper age limits depending on the kind of activity you want to do while away. For instance, you’re less likely to find ski cover if you’re in your 70s and 80s. That’s not to say it doesn’t exist; you just might need to find a specialist provider.

The older you get, the more restrictions there may be on how long you can travel and stay covered. For instance, while younger people may be able to get covered for up to a year, people in their 70s might be limited to 90 days, and those in their 80s to fewer days still.

This will differ between insurers, so it’s worth knowing what you can get covered for before making a purchase.

As an example, Post Office Travel Insurance has the following age limits:

• Single-trip policies : if you’re up to and including 70, you can qualify for the longest possible trip of 365 days. If you’re between 71 and 75, the maximum length of your trip drops to 90 days. And if you are 76 or above, the longest trip you'd be covered for is 31 days
• Multi-trip policies : the maximum age for our Economy, Standard and Premier level multi-trip policies is 75. Although you can take as many trips as you like within the policy year, there’s a maximum duration for each individual trip. The limit varies depending on the cover level chosen. It’s 17 days for Economy and Standard cover, and 31 days for Premier. On some policies the limit can be extended to 31, 45 or 60 days for an additional premium.

Policy details to look out for

When you compare travel insurance for senior travellers from different providers, check to see if you have cover for things such as:

• Medical emergencies
• Repatriation (getting you back home)
• Lost, stolen or damaged luggage
• Lost or stolen cash
• Medical transfers
• Cancellation or curtailment (cutting your trip short)
• Personal liability
• Legal protection

Not every policy will include all of these. Comprehensive travel insurance should cover most of them, but always double check, and be aware of how much you’re covered for in each case.

Does your policy cover the cost of your holiday if you need to cancel it? For older travellers, there’s an increased chance you might fall ill or be unable to make your trip. Ask before you buy what would happen if you had to cancel, and what you could claim back.

Interested in travel insurance?

Common questions, what should senior travel insurance cover.

Travel insurance for seniors should include medical cover that suits the needs of older travellers, so you can call on it in emergencies such as injury or if you fall ill while you’re away.

Other things commonly covered by a travel insurance policy include cancellation and curtailment, and loss of belongings. If you buy travel insurance at the time you book your holiday, then you’re covered from that point onward. This means that if you have to cancel your holiday before leaving due to bad traffic, unexpected illness or a family bereavement, you could make a claim.

Some providers offer travel insurance tailored specifically to travellers in senior age groups. However, normal travel insurance policies are often available to customers well into their 80s. This might be better value and will still offer emergency medical cover. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if you need specialist cover or if what is provided on a standard policy is right for you.

What is travel insurance for over 65s, over 70s and over 75s?

As we get older insurers see us as higher risk on our travels because we’re more likely to suffer health problems while we’re away, which usually increases the cost of insurance. But there’s another reason why travel insurance for seniors is usually pricier: older people tend to be more adventurous and often choose to travel to more far-flung, exotic places.

Visiting Thai temples or African game parks is always a wonderful experience, but the medical costs should anything happen to you will usually be higher than if you were travelling in Europe. If you’re in an age group that’s over 65, 70, 75 or 80, these costs are likely to become higher still, as specialist care and travel arrangements may be more complex the older you get.

Can I get travel insurance if I’m over 80 years old?

The simple answer is yes, you can. There are lots of policies on the market that cater to older travellers, either as part of their regular travel insurance product or with specialist products tailored to older age groups.

The reason that people over 80 might need a special policy when they travel is they have a different set of risks. While nobody expects you to be engaging in too many extreme sports in your 80s, there are other risks that need to be accounted for, like illnesses or pre-existing medical conditions.

At Post Office, while we don’t offer a specialist travel insurance policy for over 80s there’s no upper age limit on our single-trip policies. You can get a quote and we’ll consider all medical conditions.

Can I travel with someone else on a travel insurance policy?

If you’ll be travelling with a companion such as a friend, partner or family member, it’s important to check if they’ll be covered too. Many seniors travel insurance policies are just for individuals and a companion may need to take out their own cover. You may also need separate policies for younger passengers if you plan to travel with your grandchildren .

When should I buy travel insurance?

It’s a good idea to buy your travel insurance as soon as your holiday is booked.

It will cover you for cancellation or anything that might prevent you from travelling, like redundancy, unexpected illness, injury or even bereavement before you make your trip.

The right time to get covered may differ depending on the kind of break you book. Read our guide to when to buy travel insurance to find out more.

Any travel advice for seniors going on holiday?

Before you go

• Ideally before you book, check you’re traveling with a reputable firm. This is a good way to avoid being in a situation where you will be put at risk in the first place. Check the  Association of British Travel Agents  (ABTA) to make sure that your trip is safe and well-managed by a trusted firm
• Take a copy of your medical notes, including your emergency numbers
• Check with your doctor or on the NHS travel pages  to see if you need any travel vaccinations or medication before you go
• Make sure there’s no Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice against travel to your destination. If there is, travelling against it could invalidate your travel insurance
• If you’re travelling to Europe, apply for a  UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic)  to get free or discounted medical care
• Make sure your  passport is still valid and  apply for a new passport  if you need to. Some countries like you to have at least six months left on your passport to allow you entry
• Inform your bank about your travel plans so you can use your cards abroad – some banks will stop your cards when they’re used abroad in an anti-fraud measure
• When packing medicines, it’s important to check what you can take on a plane as there are limits on liquids which can include medication. Bring extra prescription medication with you in case of delays, and keep spares of any glasses or hearing aids in a separate bag in case you lose your normal set

Read our pre-travel and packing checklists to make sure you don’t forget anything important. And find out how to pack a suitcase with everything you need and nothing you don’t.

During your trip

• Keep your hand luggage light and check your bags in at the airport to make getting around much easier
• On your flight, drink plenty of water and keep moving as often as you can
• Try and book outside of the peak seasons. This will also help you find cheaper deals
• Check your hotel for accessibility if you have difficulty getting around. Check the AgeUK advice on accessible holidays  for more details
• Make sure you know the address of a local doctor and pharmacy near to where you’re staying

Other travel products

Order foreign currency online or in selected branches. Pick up in any branch or get it delivered to your home.

One prepaid Mastercard™ that stores up to 22 currencies.

Get your passport application right the first time. We can even complete and submit it for you digitally.

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Travel Insurance for Seniors

• Specialist Travel Insurance for senior travellers.
• All conditions. All ages. All destinations.

Travellers over a certain age have particular cover needs for their holiday. This type of cover protects against unexpected medical expenses while you’re away and cancellation costs before you go.

What is Seniors Travel Insurance – and do you need it?

Seniors Travel Insurance is a type of travel insurance built around the needs of those who are later in life. This means if anything happens while you’re away, like an emergency trip to the doctor, a slip or fall,, you’ll be covered and there’s no need to dip into your retirement fund.

Travelling can become more complicated as we get older, but it doesn’t have to. However, it’s important to be covered with the right kind of protection before you head off.

• It is common to have multiple or more complex health conditions as we get older. Age UK estimates that 40% of people aged over 65 have a pre-existing medical condition . 
• Despite how common it is for older travellers to have a medical condition, it can be challenging to find comprehensive Travel Insurance to cover you.
• In the UK, an estimated 4 million people aged over 50 live with serious conditions , according to research from the International Longevity Centre.
• At AllClear, we believe that age shouldn’t limit your travel opportunities. No one likes to think of something going wrong on their holiday. However, if the worst happens while you’re away, with AllClear’s Senior Citizen Travel Insurance, you’ll have our support.

What does AllClear’s Seniors Travel Insurance cover?

What’s covered?

• Emergency medical expenses – This includes the costs of tests, medications and procedures needed to treat an illness or injury. You’ll also be covered for repatriation to bring you safely back to the UK.
• Cancellation and curtailment – Cover for your flight and accommodation costs if you unexpectedly have to cancel before you go, or need to return home early following an emergency.
• Your baggage – Protection against the cost of stolen, damaged or lost luggage and personal possessions. You can also choose to add extra cover for gadgets to your policy.
• Travel delays and missed departure – If your flight is delayed, we’ll compensate you for the time. You’ll also be covered for accommodation and transport costs if you miss your flight.
• Personal liability – Cover for your legal expenses and any liability due if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while you’re away on holiday.
• All ages – We think holiday insurance should be available to as many people as possible, that’s why our Seniors Travel Insurance policies have no upper age limit .

What’s not covered?

• Other regions – Your Seniors Travel Insurance won’t cover you if you travel outside your chosen region, although you can contact us to upgrade your policy at any time. 
• Undeclared medical conditions – We only provide medical cover for medical emergencies where you’ve declared your pre-existing conditions and paid any additional premium needed to cover them.
• Claims below the value of excess – You’re not covered for claims that fall below the value of the excess stated in your policy
• Winter sports for over 65s – While most of our policy options cover all ages, we do not cover anyone over the age of 65 for winter sports like skiing or snowboarding.

We tailor all our travel policies to your specific requirements, which is why we have three different levels of policy available: gold, gold plus, and platinum.

SWIPE TO COMPARE POLICIES

* If you buy a policy which includes cancellation cover. / All these figures are per person and per trip.

AllClear’s Travel Insurance for older people with pre-existing medical conditions

As a specialist medical Travel Insurance provider , we can cover over 1,300 different conditions. This means we can help you find a policy tailored to your specific needs, even if you have a pre-existing health condition. 

When choosing your policy, you just need to declare your medical conditions via our medical screening process . This can be done online or over the phone.

Here are a few examples of pre-existing medical conditions we cover.

• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Atrial Fibrillation

Why is it so important to declare all pre-existing conditions? Failure to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions may affect the validity of your policy if you need to make a claim. 

 Find the best Seniors Travel Insurance for your trip

Your age shouldn’t stop you from travelling how you want to, and neither should your Travel Insurance policy. That’s why we tailor all our policies around specific holiday types. So what will you be doing on your trip?

• Taking a couple of trips this year? Our Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance has you covered, no matter how many trips you do this year. 
• Hopping on a cruise? We’ve got you covered, with Cruise Insurance that protects you against things like cabin confinement, missed departures and even unused excursions. 
• Big family holiday? Our Family Travel Insurance is what you’re looking for. One policy for the entire family means less hassle and less paperwork. 
• Planning a staycation? Our UK Travel Insurance means you’re still covered for things like missed departures or cancelled accommodation.
• Heading off for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway? Our Worldwide Travel Insurance covers you no matter where you end up.

How our Travel Insurance for Seniors works: A simple 3 step quote process

Securing Travel Insurance For Seniors is made easy with AllClear. Simply complete our quick 3-step screening process to receive your quote.

Here’s how it works.

1. Get a quote online or by phone

Once you are ready to start the quote process, the first step is to provide your personal details and information about your travel plans. This can be completed over the phone with one of our team members or online.

2. Complete our simple medical screening process

Here, you need to declare any medical conditions you have and any medications you or your travel companions are taking. Be sure to answer all our medical questions and tell us everything we need to know about your current health. 

This way, we can provide the cover that best suits your needs.

3. Get  your quote

You’ll then get your quote(s) and can either proceed to buy or save your quote at this stage.

“Your age shouldn’t be a barrier to travelling, which is why our policies have no upper age limit and they can be tailored to your specific holiday, whether that’s cruising, hiking, or simply laying by the pool.”

Letitia Smith – Travel Insurance expert

What our customers say

Wonderful service….

“Wonderful service from Rees, who helped through each stage with full explanations of the conditions of the policy. I would unreservedly recommend All clear to any senior travellers with complex health issues.” –  Margaret .

If you’re booking with us, you’re in good hands. Here’s what our other customers had to say.

What our Customers Say

Frequently asked questions on seniors travel insurance, what makes allclear the best travel insurance for seniors.

There are a few reasons that our Travel Insurance For Seniors policies are the best. Seniors are more likely to have pre-existing medical conditions, with 54% of people aged over 65 having two or more conditions according to NIHR. Luckily, we’re a specialist medical provider, and we cover more than 1300 conditions, from heart conditions to strokes to diabetes . 

Unlike other Travel Insurance providers, our policies have no upper age limit, because we believe that anyone, of any age, should be able to go on holiday. So whether you’re 50 or 90 , we’ve got a Travel Insurance policy that’s right for you. 

Lastly, we like to take care of our customers, with our round-the-clock customer support that’s rated as ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot. We also include Superior-rated 1 Covid cover as standard.

How much does Travel Insurance cost for UK seniors?

There is no standard cost for Travel Insurance For Seniors, as this is dependent on several different factors. For example, it will be affected by your age, whether you have any pre-existing conditions, where you’re going, and whether or not you need any additional extras, such as cruise cover. All of this means a different cost for each policy.

Why is Travel Insurance more expensive for Senior Citizens?

Unfortunately, Travel Insurance becomes more expensive as we get older because there is an increased risk of claims when older people travel . Travel insurance providers consider senior citizens more at risk of needing medical treatment while they’re away. This is normal with all travel insurance policies.

What if you have Life Insurance? Do you still need Travel Insurance for Seniors?

Yes. Life Insurance is quite different from Travel Insurance. You will need Travel Insurance to cover you for medical emergencies abroad or any cancellation costs. 

Life Insurance will not cover you in the event of a delayed flight or lost luggage, so having the relevant Travel Insurance is incredibly important for any trips that you take.

Does Senior Travel Insurance cover Covid?

Yes, our Senior Travel Insurance includes Superior-rated 1 Covid cover as standard to help you travel safely anywhere in the world. 

This means that you’re covered if:

• You’re diagnosed with Covid within 14 days of your planned departure date and have a positive test result to show. 
• You need to end your trip early and return home due to hospitalisation or death of an immediate relative, as a result of them having contracted Coronavirus.
• You’ve contracted Coronavirus and you need medical treatment.
• You have to extend your trip due to either contracting Coronavirus or being quarantined.

Please note, AllClear policies will only provide cover if you are up to date with Coronavirus vaccinations as recommended by the UK NHS (if in doubt please check with your medical practitioner), or you were medically unable to have the vaccinations as evidenced by your medical records. For any other Covid-related scenario-based questions, visit our Covid FAQs .

Do you still need travel insurance if you have a GHIC card?

Yes, you still need to get travel insurance even if you have a GHIC card. Although the GHIC will cover your medical expenses in the event of an emergency, it will not cover things like transport to or from the hospital. The GHIC also doesn’t cover any other holiday mishaps, such as lost luggage, delays or cancellations. The UK Government recommends that you always get travel insurance with medical cover , no matter what country you are visiting.

You want to travel with your family, friends or support. Can they join the same policy as you?

Yes. We offer the option to quote for a ‘Family’ or ‘Group’ during the quote process. You can even add them after buying your policy by contacting our Customer Care Team on 01708 339029.

Should you get a Single Trip or Annual Multi-trip policy?

It depends on your needs and whether or not you’ll be travelling abroad more than once a year. If you are, then Annual Multi-Trip Policies will typically work out cheaper, and they’ll be less hassle too. There’s less paperwork to worry about, and you only need to get one insurance quote at the start of the year.

Is your medication covered if it is lost or stolen?

Yes, our Travel Insurance For Seniors will cover your medication if it’s lost or stolen. That way, you’ll never be without the medication you need, even if you’re abroad. 

If you’re going to a country where English isn’t widely spoken, it is a good idea to write down the name of your medication in both English and the predominant language, in case of an emergency. It may be known under a different name in some countries, or the same brand name may be used for a different drug.

Are there any age limits on getting cover?

We do not have upper age limits on our travel insurance policies. The only exception is that we do not cover anyone over the age of 65 for winter sports.

Are you covered for cancellation if someone else in your group has to go home early?

Yes, you are covered for the cancellation of any other travelling member listed on your Travel Insurance policy. For this to be valid, the person who needs to go home early has to be named on your Travel Insurance policy.

Get the most out of your trips with our helpful guides

Where are you visiting?

Prepare yourself for your best trip yet with our helpful travel guides for the following destinations:

Which activities do you have planned?

Whether you’re teeing off on a golf trip or setting sail on a cruise, remember to add extra cover to your policy for a worry-free trip

• United Kingdom
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Winter Sports Insurance
• Golf Travel Insurance

1 Covid cover rated Superior by a leading independent UK Consumer Champion.

Written by: Letitia Smith | Travel Insurance Expert Last Updated: 8 April 2024

3 - Based on Trustpilot reviews of all companies in the Travel Insurance Company category that have over 40,000 reviews as of September 2023.

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Travel Insurance for Seniors & Retirees: 5 Top Picks

Allianz Travel Insurance »

Trawick International »

GeoBlue »

IMG Travel Insurance »

WorldTrips »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors and Retirees.

Table of Contents

• Rating Details
• Allianz Travel Insurance
• Trawick International

While anyone planning a trip overseas can benefit from having a travel insurance plan in place, older travelers need to prioritize this coverage more than others. The fact is, senior travelers and retirees have unique worries and risks to think about any time they travel far from home. These risks increase their need for travel health insurance and emergency medical coverage, as well as coverage for emergency medical evacuation that applies anywhere in the world.

Which travel insurance options work best for seniors? There are many travel insurance plans that were created with retirees in mind, although you'll want to compare them side by side. For example, you may want to look at coverage limits for medical expenses and coverage for preexisting conditions above all else.

U.S. News editors compared more than 20 of the top travel insurance companies to find the best plans for seniors. This list does the heavy lifting for you as you search for the best senior travel insurance of 2023, so read on to learn about the top picks.

• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Annual Coverage
• Trawick International: Best Premium Travel Insurance for Seniors
• GeoBlue: Best Travel Medical Coverage for Expats
• IMG Travel Insurance: Best for Short-Term Travel Medical Coverage
• WorldTrips: Best for Flexibility

Best Travel Insurance for Seniors and Retirees in Detail

Available to senior travelers of all ages

Coverage for preexisting conditions is offered

Relatively low limits for emergency medical expenses

• Coverage for COVID-19
• Trip cancellation coverage up to $3,000
• Trip interruption coverage up to $3,000
• Emergency medical coverage up to $20,000
• Emergency medical evacuation coverage up to $100,000
• Baggage loss coverage up to $1,000
• Baggage delay insurance up to $200
• Travel delay coverage up to $600 ($200 daily limit)
• Rental car damage and theft coverage up to $45,000
• Travel accident coverage up to $25,000
• 24-hour hotline for assistance
• Concierge service
• Preexisting condition coverage (must be added to plan within 14 days of first trip deposit or payment)

Customize plan with optional CFAR coverage

Incredibly high limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation

Coverage is for trips up to 30 days if you're age 80 and older

• Up to $15,000 in trip cancellation insurance
• Up to $22,500 in trip interruption coverage
• Up to $1,000 for trip delays ($200 daily limit for delays of 12-plus hours)
• Up to $1,000 for missed connections
• Up to $150,000 for emergency medical expenses
• Up to $1 million in emergency medical evacuation coverage
• $750 in emergency dental coverage
• $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects
• $400 in baggage delay coverage
• 24/7 noninsurance assistance services

Get comprehensive health insurance that applies overseas

Preventive and routine care included

Age limits apply for new applicants and renewals

• Preventive and routine care
• Professional services like surgery
• Inpatient medical care
• Ambulatory and therapeutic services
• Rehabilitation and therapy

Get overseas medical coverage for single trips or multiple trips

Plans were created with seniors and retirees in mind

Lower maximum coverage limits for travelers ages 80 and older

Limited nonmedical travel insurance benefits

• Inpatient and outpatient medical coverage such as for physician visits, hospitalization and surgery
• Emergency and nonemergency medical evacuation coverage
• Coverage for emergency reunions
• Return of mortal remains
• Trip interruption coverage worth up to $5,000
• Lost luggage coverage worth up to $250 (up to $50 per item)
• Coverage for terrorism worth up to $50,000
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage worth up to $25,000

Customize your deductible and premiums

Generous medical limits for travelers ages 65 to 79

Limited medical coverage for travelers older than 80

• Up to $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage
• Medical benefits like hospital room and board, chiropractic care, and more
• Coverage for repatriation of remains
• Up to $25,000 in personal liability coverage
• Up to $10,000 in trip interruption insurance
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost checked luggage
• Up to $100 per day in coverage for travel delays of 12-plus hours
• Up to $1,500 in coverage for bedside visits
• Up to $100,000 in coverage for emergency reunions

Frequently Asked Questions

You can purchase some travel insurance plans (but not all) if you're older than 80 years old. However, your premiums may be higher and you'll typically qualify for lower coverage limits overall. Make sure you compare the best travel insurance plans for seniors to find the right fit for your needs.

Since seniors and retirees are more likely to face a medical emergency during a trip, most travel insurance plans for seniors include coverage for emergency medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation. Coverages vary among plans, as do limits, so make sure to compare options before you book a trip overseas.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered international travel and travel insurance for more than a decade. Johnson has researched and compared all the top travel insurance options for her own family for trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and she has successfully filed claims during that time. Johnson lives in Indiana with her two children and her husband, Greg, a travel agent who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states.

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Best Travel Insurance for Seniors in the UK 2024

Written by, Marija Petkova

Updated February, 7, 2024

1. Staysure

• Flexible cover options
• 24/7 medical helpline
• Excess waiver available

2. AllClear

• Covers 1300+ medical conditions
• Over 90s insurance available
• Up to £15M emergency medical cover

3. CoverWise

• 5 cover levels
• Enhanced cover for COVID
• Winter sports insurance

4. Globelink

• 17-day free winter sports cover
• 20% off on COVID testing
• Free COVID coverage

5. Post Office

• Multiple add-ons available
• Quick and easy medical screening process
• Trip cancellation and curtailment cover included

6. CoverForYou

• Zero excess policies
• Loyalty discount scheme
• Free coverage for more than 100 sports and activities

7. Goodtogoinsurance.com

• Covered by the Financial Services Compensation scheme
• No admin charges for policy changes
• Personal property cover available

8. World First

• Free cover for up to 75 sporting activities
• Online screening service
• 14 days money-back guarantee

9. Free Spirit

• Medical aids cover
• Aftercare at Home
• Convalescence benefits

10. OK to Travel

• Customisable policies
• All medical conditions considered
• 14 days cooling-off period

11. Southdowns

• Covers travel again FCDO advice
• Coverage for 110 sports and activities
• Comperhensive policies

Travel insurance can be particularly valuable to seniors, who generally face more health issues than younger travellers. 

Incidentally, that’s one of the very reasons why it can be a bit challenging to find the right travel insurance.

To help you find the best deal out there, we’ve rounded up the best travel insurance for seniors available on the UK market and broken down everything you’ll need to know before making a purchase.

Let’s dive in.

Detailed Reviews

1 . staysure.

• Rating:10/10
• Coverage duration: 183 days in a year (annual)
• Locations covered: Worldwide
• Age limit: No upper limit
• COVID coverage: Yes

Staysure is one of the most popular insurance providers in the UK that specialises in providing tailored travel insurance for the elderly .

Staysure travel insurance for seniors has two main plans: single trip and multi-trip (annual).

Its insurance packages have no upper age limit , cover people with pre-existing medical conditions, and boast a comprehensive COVID cover, which is included in all plans.

The annual plan is a great choice for frequent travellers, with up to 183 days covered in a year, making it one of the best multi-trip travel insurance providers for seniors. However, you’ll still have to keep your trips to under 50 days (or 35 days if you’re over 71).

The best part about this insurance product is that customers can customise their insurance package and choose from a wide range of optional extras such as Gadget covers , Winter sports , and even Cruise Plus coverage.

• Unlimited cover available
• Legal protection cover option
• Worldwide support for medical emergencies
• Excess limited at £65

2 . AllClear

• Rating: 9.9/10
• Coverage duration: Up to 92 days
• Age limit: No limit

AllClear is the perfect choice for senior citizens who struggle to find travel insurance due to their pre-existing conditions.

The company offers coverage for over 1300 medical conditions , including cancer and diabetes, and reimburses customers for End Supplier Failure. (Here’s everything that AllClear covers in its policies )

The amount of cover depends on the plan you choose (Gold, Gold Plus, and Platinum) but they all include recuperation stay and COVID cover. 

AllClear also offers a wide range of optional extras such as Gadget Cover, Golf Cover, and Cruise travel insurance, as well as Winter sports cover for those under 65.

When it comes to pricing, All Clear premiums may be slightly more expensive compared to their competitors, but that’s mostly because it works with people who have serious pre-existing conditions.

• 24/7 helpline
• No age r estrictions
• Free extended cover
• Winter sports cover limit at 65

3 . Coverwise

• Rating: 8.5/10
• Coverage duration: Up to 31 days
• Age limit: 65-75

Coverwise has several travel insurance policies that are underwritten by AXA, one of the leading UK travel insurers. 

It has both single and annual trip policies that stretch over 5 levels of cover (Standard, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum) and cover emergency medical expenses of up to £20,000,000 , lost or stolen baggage, personal money and cash, liability, and accidents. 

The company provides travel insurance for pensioners with pre-existing medical conditions, including those who are currently receiving medical treatment, but only for those that are no older than 75 (and only to people under 65 for their annual plans). 

Although they do have policies that are aimed at people with different pre-existing conditions, screening is mandatory and you’ll have to meet certain eligibility requirements to get a quote. 

On the plus side, all Coverwise policies include COVID coverage and you can add cover for winter sports for an extra cost .

• Enhanced COVID -19 cover
• 5 insurance policy cover levels
• Not available to people over the age of 75

4 . Globelink

• Rating: 9/10
• Coverage duration: 60 days (single); 31 days (annual)
• Age limit: 89 years

Globelink is an award-winning insurance company that offers a wide range of insurance products, including travel insurance for older travellers , but only for those under the age of 89.

Their policies cover over 50 pre-existing medical conditions for free , meaning you won’t need to pay extra if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. Globelink customers also get free COVID coverage and a 20% discount on COVID testing.

What’s more, Globelink’s standard policies include coverage for more than 100 activities, cruise trips, as well as 17 days free winter sports coverage on 45+ day trips, making this insurer one of th e best overseas travel insurance providers f or active seniors. 

You can also pay extra to add more cover to your policy for a return home option, excess waiver, and event cancellation, among other things. 

• Baggage cover
• Adventure activities covered in all policies
• Limited cancellation policy

5 . Post Office

• Rating: 8.9/10
• Coverage duration: 365 days (single trip); 60 days (annual trip)
• Age limit: Up to 75 for multi-trip policies

Post Office is one of the UK’s largest financial service providers that offers a host of financial products, including pensioner travel insurance .

Their Single trip cover has no upper age limit, while the annual multi-trip cover is available for those under 75. The policies include coverage for emergency medical expenses and repatriation, cancellation , and lost baggage. Post Office also considers all medical conditions and provides COVID coverage on all policies for free.

Furthermore, you can customise your policy by adding one (or more) extras such as cruise, gadget, winter sports and golf cover, as well as cover in case of terrorism and natural catastrophes . There’s also an option to add excess waiver.

• No age limit o n Single trip plans
• 5 different levels of cover
• Numerous add-ons
• Annual trip plans are limited to those under 75

6 . CoverForYou

• Rating: 8.7/10
• Coverage duration: 356 days (single); 62 days per trip (annual)
• Age limit: Up to 76

CoverForYou is an online insurance specialist that offers car hire excess and gadget insurance, as well as senior travel insurance in the UK for people up to 76.

Their policies provide coverage for most pre-existing medical conditions, as well as COVID-19 coverage. 

The single trip policy is available for people under the age of 75 covers up to 365 days, while the annual plan i s limited to people under 70 and covers a maximum of 62 days per single trip.

In addition to covering more than 100 sports and activities as standard, CoverForYou offers plenty of extras , such as coverage for winter sports, golf and cruise cover.

CoverForYou even has a unique loyalty club scheme , where they offer exclusive member benefits for policy holders, such as discounts and awards.

• Zero excess on all policies
• Over 100 sports and activitie s covered
• The age limit i s 76

7 . Goodtogoinsurance.com

• Rating: 9.8/10
• Coverage duration: 94 days (single); 31 days per trip (annual)

Covering all sorts of medical conditions from asthma and epilepsy to mental health conditions and even a terminal prognosis, Goodtogoinsurance is one of the best travel insurance companies for seniors with pre-existing conditions . 

The company offers three levels of cover (Silver, Gold, and Platinum)  all of which include COVID, insolvency cover, and cruise holidays, making it the best cruise travel insurance for seniors. 

Their single trip and annual travel insurance policies have no upper age limit and come with 24 hour emergency medical support, loss of medication cover, and mobility aids cover. 

The best part about Goodtogoinsurance.com policies is that it allows customers to add their travel companion to the policy , regardless of whether they have an existing medical condition or not. This means that they will also be covered if the trip is cancelled due to a medical emergency.

• 24/7 access to virtual doctor
• Travel dispute cover available
• Medical expenses up to £10 million
• Slow at processing claims

8 . World First

• Rating: 9.7/10
• Coverage duration: 60 days (single); 31 days per trip (annual)
• Age limit: 100 years

World First is an award-winning insurance provider that specialises in providing low-cost travel insurance for a range of customers including elderly with medical conditions.

The company provides cover for thousands of medical conditions, including cancer, angina, and deep vein thrombosis, and was one of the first to introduce coverage for HIV patients.

One of its greatest perks is its add-ons– you can opt for emergency medical expenses cover of up to £10 million or coverage for technology and sporting equipment. 

Another reason why the company’s travel insurance policy for pensioners  is affordability– World First has one of the most competitive prices on the market . 

Finally, World First covers more than 75 s ports and activities for free, so they’re also a popular choice for those who want to remain active on their vacation. 

• Competitive prices
• Free coverage for over 75 sports
• Online medical screening
• No coverage for war or terrorism

9 . Free Spirit

• Rating: 9.5/10
• Coverage duration: 94 days (single); up to 42 days (annual)
• Locations covered: Worldwide, excluding Afghanistan, Liberia and Sudan
• Age limit: No age limit

Being one of the first companies to offer travel insurance for the elderly with medical conditions, Free Spirit is a top choice for many senior travellers.  

They specialise in providing travel medical insurance for seniors and cover most pre-existing medical conditions, disabilities and even terminal diagnoses. 

Travellers can choose between two levels of coverage : Super and Super Duper, both of which are customisable, with some optional extras, such as an additional cover for winter sports or gadget cover. 

One thing that sets Free Spirit apart is that they are specifically dedicated to people with mental health conditions who may have difficulties in finding cover elsewhere. 

Like World First customers, those that buy senior travel insurance from Free Spirit also get free cover for sports activities , but for more than 100 sports.

• Aftercare at home covered
• Cover for cruise included
• Extended journey disruption cover
• Partial refund if you end up not going to the trip

10 . OK to Travel

• Rating: 9.4/10
• Coverage duration: 184 days (single trip)
• Plans available: Standard, Premier and Premier Plus
• Age limit: No age limit on (up to 3 months)

OK to Travel is a specialist holiday insurance provider that offers the cheapest travel insurance providers for pensioners that covers a long list of disabilities . 

The benefits that come with its standard travel insurance for senior citizens include cover for cancellation, medical expenses, and personal accidents.

OK to Travel offers two other plans that are more comprehensive, which additionally feature lost medication, mobility aids, end supplier financial failure cover , as well as after-care cover for post-hospitalisation. 

There’s also an option to tailor your policy with winter sports and gold cover and buy protection against hazardous activities at an extra cost. 

Finally, the company will give you a full refund in case you need to cancel your trips (within 14 days) and can add a companion to your policy.

• Competitive rates
• Post-surgery cover
• No age limit on trips up to 3 months
• Doesn’t cover severe medical conditions

11 . Southdowns

• Rating: 8.3/10
• Coverage duration: 31 days (annual); 90 days (single)
• Age limit: Up to 75

Southdowns is a popular insurer that has great policies for travel in Europe, all of which are underwritten by AXA.

They offer both annual multi-trip and single-trip policies for people up to the age of 65 and 75 respectively, with varying levels of cover to suit your needs and budget. 

All policies include emergency medical expenses, curtailment, trip cancellation, baggage, and personal money cover as standard , and you can increase your cover by spending a little more. 

Every Southdowns customer also gets full coverage for COVID-related emergencies, such as falling ill abroad or having to cancel a trip due to the virus. 

The best part about this insurer is that the cover extends to travel against the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), but the claims can’t be COVID-related.

• Coverage for most pre-existing medical conditions
• Emergency medical expenses up to £20 million
• Trip cancellation cover
• Age limit on single and annual policies

Travel Insurance Guide

Here’s what to focus on when looking for a good travel insurance policy :

The cost of the insurance depends on the perks that come with it. Most insurance companies that provide insurance policies to seniors offer the same standard cover with varying levels. If you’re looking for insurance that covers more serious medical conditions, you will likely have to pay more.

Planned activities and add-ons

Some insurance policies include cover for certain activities, like winter sports, but most offer them as add-ons. 

Benefits covered

The main benefits you should look for when shopping for a travel insurance policy for older people are cancellation coverage , medical expenses, emergency evacuation benefits, as well as personal belongings cover.

Destinations covered

Not all insurance companies offer worldwide coverage. It’s important to check whether the insurer can cover you in your target destination before signing an agreement.

Plans available

Frequent travellers can save time and money by opting for an annual plan instead of a single-trip travel insurance policy.  What’s more, most insurers offer annual plans that have no upper age limit.

If you can, and if your insurer allows it, you might want to consider paying an excess on your insurance. This is a contribution you pay on top of your insurance premiums toward the cost of the claim. This way, in case you need to make a claim, you will pay less. On the other hand, there are insurance providers that have zero excess policies.

Customer Support and Customer Satisfaction

For seniors, finding an insurance company that has a good rating and a customer support team that is 24/7 available can be crucial– it means you will be able to call them whenever you need.

You may be interested in: Travel insurance for people over the age of 80.

Tips for Travelling as a Senior

Even if you get the best travel insurance policies for senior citizens , there are some things you need to take care of when travelling abroad.

• Don’t forget your medication : Always bring medication for several extra days. This way, you’ll be covered in case your trip is delayed or prolonged.
• Get to the airport early: If you arrive at the airport early, you’ll have enough time to find the right terminal and gate and avoid heavy crowds.
• Make copies of your travel documents : You should always keep copies of all your travel documents in case some get lost.
• Drink plenty of water : Travel dehydration is a real thing. When travelling (especially if you’re flying) make sure to drink plenty of water. 
• Avoid heavy luggage : Travelling light minimises the risk of your belongings getting stolen. You also won’t have to worry about carrying heavy luggage around or picking it up from the baggage carousel. 
• Bring healthy snacks : Having a few healthy snacks on hand is always a good idea in case you get hungry during your trip.
• Stretch often : Stretching prevents cramping and fatigue and is highly recommended during travel, especially on long flights. 
• Ask attendants for help: You shouldn’t hesitate to ask the crew members to lift your bag or get you a cup of water– most of them would be happy to help!

Did you know? The UK records around 120 million domestic trips every year.

Bottom Line

Travelling can be much easier when you have the right type of travel insurance in case anything goes wrong. Although finding good travel insurance for senior travellers can be challenging, you can still find an affordable policy by turning to one of the insurers that specialise in offering policies to older travellers.

Can a 75-year-old get travel insurance?

There are many insurance companies that specialise in providing travel insurance for the elderly with medical conditions .

Is it worth it to get travel insurance?

Travel insurance is often worth the investment as it can help you save hundreds of dollars on unexpected travel-related expenses.

What medical conditions do you have to declare for travel insurance?

You’ll need to declare any and all pre-existing medical conditions you’ve been diagnosed with within the past several years, as well as surgeries, mental health issues, and terminal diseases. Failing to do so can invalidate your policy.

Does travel insurance increase after age 70?

Travel insurance costs tend to go up as you get older because you’re statistically more likely to make a claim if you’re older. 

Will travel insurance cover flight cancellation due to COVID?

The best travel insurance for seniors comes with COVID cancellation cover. 

• Single Trip
• Annual Multi-Trip
• Winter Sports & Ski
• Collision Damage Waiver
• Sport & Leisure
• Medical Conditions
• Travel Insurance for Non-UK Residents

Group Travel Insurance

• Travel Insurance for Couples
• Covid-19 travel insurance
• About Our Travel Insurance
• Holiday Cancellation Insurance
• Emergency Medical Assistance Cover
• Emergency Medical Cover for Travel Insurance
• Repatriation Insurance
• Baggage Cover
• Travel Insurance for Under 18s
• Comprehensive
• What's Covered
• Excluded Vehicles
• Range Rover
• Car Hire Excess Insurance
• Policy Information
• File a Claim
• Insurance Glossary
• Coronavirus - Annual Multi-trip Policy

Travel Insurance for Seniors

Why do I need Seniors Travel Insurance?

What does our seniors travel insurance cover .

Our Single Trip and Annual travel insurance policies both offer different levels of cover, so you can choose the policy that’s best suited to you.

It is important to note that you will not be covered for pre-existing medical conditions at the present time. We have paused this offering from the 5th May 2021, while we make some improvements to our online booking process. However, please browse our offerings in the future, as we will be reintroducing cover for pre-existing medical conditions once the updates are complete.

When you choose our Bronze level of cover as part of our Single Trip or Annual insurance policies, you’re insured for: 

• Cancelling or cutting short your trip, including pre-paid travel and accommodation expenses.
• Emergency medical expenses such as hospital fees, repatriation (returning you home), inpatient benefit, funeral costs and dental costs if taken ill or injured during your trip.
• Delayed personal possessions, including the cost to replace essential items temporarily lost by the transport provider on your outward trip.
• Personal accident cover to compensate you, if you have a more severe accident during your trip.
• Missed departures, including extra transport and accommodation costs to continue your trip if you miss your outward or return transport.
• Delayed departures, including a benefit after a major delay to the outward or the return transport at the departure point, or the costs to abandon your trip before you leave the outward departure point.
• Personal liability cover for damages or injuries you cause to a person or their property.
• Legal expenses such as legal costs and representation to claim compensation from a third party responsible for your death, injuries or illness.
• Loss of passport, including the costs to get temporary documents on your trip and a refund of the value of the period remaining on the lost passport.
• Personal possessions cover for if your items are lost, stolen or damaged.
• Personal money, including cash, traveller’s cheques and travel tickets that have been lost, stolen or damaged.

In addition, if you buy our Gold cover, you’ll have some further enhanced benefit levels, as well as insurance for the financial failure of the end-supplier of your travel arrangements.

Each policy has a different benefit limit, so please read your insurance documentation thoroughly. There are exclusions that apply to our policies overall, and specific exclusions that apply to certain sections of our policies, therefore it’s important that you understand these and know exactly what you’re covered for. You should also remember that your policy will have an excess amount you’ll need to pay if you make a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, our Single Trip travel insurance policies are only available to those aged 80 and under and our  Annual travel insurance policies to those aged 65 and under. Our Backpacker policy is only available to people aged 50 and under, so sadly it doesn’t cover senior citizens.

If you’re over these maximum ages then there’s no need to panic. You may still find a specialist insurer who can handle your seniors travel insurance policy. Visit our FAQs page for helpful advice on getting travel insurance if you’re older than our maximum age limit. 

Whether you take out a Single Trip or Annual travel insurance policy with Allianz Assistance, you can get telephone or video  consultations with a UK GP , wherever you are and whatever the time.

If you’re travelling within  Europe , then you can get a private prescription for your medication while you’re away. Your prescription can be authorised electronically, and the medication can be sent to you. Please note that you will have to pay for the cost of the medication and the cost of the delivery. The policy also excludes the cost of any medication that you were prescribed before you travelled.

From 5th May 2021, while we can still cover you under the standard sections or our travel insurance policies while on a cruise holiday, will not be able to offer the additional cover previously provided by the Cruise travel optional extra section. This is only a temporary measure while we make improvements to the booking engine of our website. Please keep an eye on the Allianz Assistance website in the future so you are aware when we are able to offer this additional cover again. Policies purchased before 5th May 2021 aren't affected and your cover won't change.

Cruising the world is a lifelong ambition for many of us, and retirement is the perfect time to set sail. Whether you’re looking to cruise around the Mediterranean, hop around the Caribbean islands or explore the Far East, very shortly you'll be able to do so with our add-on Cruise cover . With our cruise insurance for the over 65s, you can relax and watch the world go by, knowing you’ve got that extra covered. 

Terms and conditions apply.

How to ensure you have the right cover

Does your bank or credit card company provide cover.

Many bank accounts and credit cards come with some level of travel insurance cover. While some may be comprehensive, they may not cover you for everything you have planned whilst you’re away, particularly if you have adventurous plans or unusual excursions booked. 

Make sure you look into the travel insurance policy that you have before every trip, to make sure it’s suitable for you and your plans.

Purchasing a holiday using a credit card means you are often protected by Consumer Protection cover. In most cases, it allows you to get your money returned to you if your provider defaults and you cannot travel.

Are you covered by ABTA or ATOL?

If you have booked a holiday through a tour operator or travel agent, it may be worth checking if you are covered by ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) or ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s License). This type of cover means that your package holiday is protected if, for example, the travel company providing your holiday arrangements or the travel agent themselves fail financially or close down.

Your travel agents will be able to tell you if your holiday is ABTA or ATOL protected. Alternatively, use the links provided to check your cover at home.

What is an EHIC or GHIC and what can it offer you?

Choose the cover that’s right for you with allianz assistance.

Single Trip Travel Insurance

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Sports and Leisure Travel Insurance

Golf Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance for Medical Conditions

Cruise Travel Insurance

Need help? Call us on: 0371 200 0428

Make a claim, policy documents.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition that we are unable cover under our own policies, you may be able to obtain an alternative travel insurance policy through one of the providers  featured in the MoneyHelper  directory  of specialist travel insurance providers for people with serious medical conditions. Do take time to study and compare the terms and conditions to ensure you have the cover you need. To contact the Money Advice Service for further details of the directory

Call: 0800 138 7777 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) or Email: [email protected]