How to Find the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors in the UK: A Complete Guide

If you're over 65 and planning a holiday, travel insurance becomes more than just a tick-box exercise. While it’s easy to assume that age makes it harder or more expensive to get covered, the reality is that many UK insurers offer tailored policies for senior travellers — you just need to know what to look for.

Whether you're heading abroad or staying within the UK, this guide explains how to find the best travel insurance for over-65s, over-70s, and beyond. We’ll cover what’s included, how to declare medical conditions, ways to reduce costs, and which providers cater best to older travellers.

Why Seniors Need the Right Travel Insurance

As we age, our risk of needing medical treatment while travelling increases. Many older travellers also pre-pay for cruises, tours, or longer holidays — which makes cancellation cover even more important.

A good senior travel insurance policy should:

• Cover medical emergencies abroad

• Provide cancellation protection if you fall ill before departure

• Include baggage and personal items protection

• Allow cover for pre-existing medical conditions

Skipping insurance or choosing a policy that doesn’t suit your needs could lead to rejected claims or unexpected bills.

Read our guide on: What Travel Insurance Covers

What Does Travel Insurance for Seniors Cover?

While the core elements are similar to standard policies, travel insurance for older adults often includes higher levels of medical cover and support services.

Typically included:

• Emergency medical treatment abroad

• Repatriation to the UK

• Cancellation or curtailment of your trip

• Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage

• Personal liability cover

• Missed departure and travel delay

• 24/7 emergency assistance helpline

Cover for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

One of the biggest concerns for older travellers is finding cover that includes medical conditions such as:

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Heart conditions

• Cancer (in remission or with ongoing treatment)

• Asthma or COPD

Many insurers offer cover as long as you declare your conditions up front and pass their screening process. You may need to answer questions about:

• Diagnosis and treatment history

• Medications you take

• Whether you’ve had recent surgeries or hospital stays

Important: Do not withhold medical information. If you fall ill due to an undeclared condition, your claim could be denied.

Read our guide on: How to Find the Best Health Insurance in the UK

What Affects the Cost of Senior Travel Insurance?

As you get older, premiums do rise — but they’re based on more than just age. Factors include:

• Age bracket (e.g. 65–69, 70–74, 75+)

• Destination (USA and Caribbean cost more than Europe)

• Length of trip

• Type of cover (single-trip vs multi-trip)

• Pre-existing conditions

• Excess level and optional extras

How to reduce costs:

• Choose a European-only policy if you’re not travelling worldwide

• Increase your policy excess (but be sure you can afford it)

• Consider pay-as-you-go policies if you travel infrequently

• Exclude cover for activities you won’t use (e.g. winter sports)

Types of Travel Insurance Suitable for Seniors

1. Single-Trip Travel Insurance

Best for occasional travellers. Covers one trip, usually up to 90 days in duration.

2. Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Ideal if you travel multiple times a year. Covers all trips in a 12-month period (some policies cap trip lengths to 31 or 60 days).

3. UK-Only Travel Insurance

Good for domestic holidays. Covers cancellation, lost items, and travel disruption (not NHS treatment, which is already covered).

4. Cruise Travel Insurance

If you’re taking a cruise, you’ll likely need a policy that specifically includes cruise cover:

• Missed port stops

• Cabin confinement

• Onboard medical treatment

Read our guide on: Travel Insurance Policy Types Explained

Specialist Providers for Older Travellers

Some travel insurers in the UK cater specifically to seniors or offer higher age limits with full medical screening.

Top senior-friendly travel insurers:

• Staysure – Covers most pre-existing conditions; no upper age limit on single-trip policies.

• Avanti – Tailored for over-65s and includes a medical screening tool.

• Saga – Specialises in cover for over-50s and includes extras like UK departure lounge access.

• AllClear – Covers serious or multiple medical conditions; no upper age limit.

• InsureandGo – Offers basic and premium cover tiers; pre-existing condition screening included.

Use comparison sites to explore multiple quotes:

• MoneySuperMarket

• Compare the Market

• GoCompare

• ActiveQuote

What to Look for in a Policy

Before you buy, make sure the policy offers the following:

• Medical expenses limit of at least £5 million

• Cancellation cover equal to the cost of your trip

• Baggage cover (minimum £1,000 is typical)

• Covid-related disruption (many policies now include this)

• 24/7 emergency helpline – especially important if travelling solo

• Repatriation cover – crucial for long-haul or cruise trips

• Flexible trip duration – especially on annual multi-trip policies

Overlooked Tip: Some senior policies also include carer repatriation — covering the cost of bringing a companion or relative out to assist you, or escorting you home after medical treatment abroad.

What’s Not Usually Covered

Make sure you understand common exclusions before buying:

• Undeclared medical conditions

• Medical issues arising from alcohol or drugs

• Travel to countries against FCDO advice (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice)

• Participation in high-risk sports or excursions unless declared and covered

• Losses due to leaving items unattended

FAQs: Travel Insurance for Seniors

Can I get travel insurance if I'm over 75?

Yes. Several UK providers (like Staysure, AllClear, and Avanti) have no upper age limit on single-trip policies and offer annual cover up to age 85 or higher.

Will it cover my pre-existing medical conditions?

Yes — if you declare them and the insurer accepts them. You may pay more, but it’s worth it for peace of mind and valid claims.

Is annual cover cheaper than single-trip?

It depends. If you’re planning two or more trips in a year, annual cover is usually more cost-effective. But if you’re only going away once, a single-trip policy may be better value.

What happens if I need medical help abroad?

Call your insurer’s 24/7 helpline immediately. They can arrange direct billing with hospitals and advise where to go. Always keep policy numbers with you.

Can I still get travel insurance if I have cancer or a heart condition?

Yes — many specialist insurers offer cover for people with serious conditions. You may need to complete a more detailed screening, but cover is available.

Final Thoughts

Travel insurance for older travellers doesn’t have to be expensive — but it does need to be the right fit. Age shouldn’t be a barrier to exploring the world or enjoying holidays in the UK, and there are plenty of senior-focused policies that offer full cover and peace of mind.

Be honest during the application, compare multiple providers, and choose a policy tailored to your trip type and health needs. Whether it’s a relaxing beach break or a luxury cruise, the right insurance lets you travel with confidence — knowing you’re protected if things don’t go to plan.

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