Travel insurance for over 65s

• Depending on how often you travel, you might want to consider a multi-trip ‘annual’ travel policy as these policies could work out cheaper in the long run.
• If you’re taking a cruise, a cruise policy might work out cheaper than a single trip policy – and can have higher age limits than standard insurance.
• If you’re having trouble finding a policy, you might get cover if you have a packaged bank account that offers free travel insurance. Check the age limit and if you have a medical condition, and check that it’s not excluded. Also, make sure the value of the account benefits don’t exceed the cost of the account to you.
• As many travel insurers don’t show up on comparison sites, it’s best do some thorough research online.

If, after searching on our Travel Insurance Directory, you’re still having trouble finding a policy, an insurance broker might be able to help.

Find a specialist broker on the British Insurance Brokers’ Association website

See insurance recommendations for travel in Europe or worldwide;

• on the Which? websiteOpens in a new window (Be aware that recommendations are behind a paywall).
• on the MoneySavingExpert website (Recommendations aren’t behind a paywall).

Our Travel Insurance Directory has contact details of providers who specialise in providing travel insurance for people with serious medical conditions.

‘Serious conditions’ are one that carry a high risk of needing some form of medical treatment while you are on your trip. Or ones that might flair up before you travel, meaning you have to cancel.

Have you had problems getting travel insurance in the past at an affordable price? Then you might need to consult a specialist.

However, different companies have different views on which conditions are ‘high-risk’, and it’s worth trying more than one.

Example of conditions where you might need a specialist travel insurer are:

• cancer (particularly if you’re still having treatment)
• a stroke or serious heart condition
• respiratory conditions
• conditions that have been diagnosed as terminal.

Less serious conditions or conditions well-controlled by medication (for example, mild asthma) usually should still be declared. But they shouldn’t affect your ability to get insurance.

However, even if you feel your medical condition isn’t serious, it’s still worth trying a provider on our Travel Insurance Directory as well as a mainstream company to compare prices.

At 80, the cost of travel insurance tends to jump again. Many holiday companies won’t let you travel if you don’t have travel insurance.

In our Travel Insurance Directory you can enter your age at the time you intend to travel. This will give you a list of providers that will quote if you’re over 80.

Even if you’re not travelling abroad, it’s still a good idea to have travel insurance.

Most policies include cover for:

• lost or stolen bags
• emergency medical expenses
• the costs of cancelling, delaying or cutting your trip short (some policies will cover if it’s coronavirus-related)
• personal liability, in case you’re sued for damaging property or causing injury.

The current pandemic has changed travel insurance policies, and what will and won’t be covered.

Most travel insurance policies being issued now will have some sort of coronavirus cover included. But it’s important to read the terms of the policy carefully.

For example, if coronavirus cancellation cover is included in the policy this will usually only apply if the policyholder tests positive for the virus. If you’ve to cancel because you have to self-isolate or are in quarantine, most policies currently won’t pay out.

If you already have travel insurance policy, check the terms carefully to see whether: you’re covered:

• if you test positive for coronavirus before you travel, or
• while you’re on your trip.