Ensuring you have the best senior travel insurance before embarking on your trip is important to avoid any costly expenses, whether you're travelling to Europe or require worldwide cover. Seniors need to have comprehensive insurance to cover any health requirements while traveling. We aim to help you decide which insurance company could be right for you and provide some tips on how to choose the best travel insurance.
What is travel insurance for the over 70s?
Travel insurance for the over 70s caters to seniors by providing additional medical protection. It is generally more expensive, due to the increased risk of illness or injury and the likelihood of making a claim compared with younger travellers.
Can you get travel insurance if you're over 70?
You can get travel insurance if you’re over 70, however, some insurers may have an upper age limit.
Several travel insurers have age limits for certain policies, while others offer policies with no age restrictions. Providers, including Admiral and Post Office UK, have age limits for annual travel insurance policies but not for single-trip policies. Other insurers, such as Saga, Staysure, and InsureandGo, offer policies with no age limits.
Travel insurance for over 70s with pre-existing medical conditions
Over 70s travel insurance caters to seniors by providing additional medical protection taking into consideration pre-existing medical conditions. Travel insurance for the over 70s is more expensive due to the increased risk of illness or injury and likelihood of making a claim. When choosing travel insurance, you need to consider potential medical costs, emergency treatment abroad, medical equipment/aids, and prescription medicine you need coverage for.
Some providers specialise in covering medical conditions, offering tailored policies with comprehensive protection. Others may require medical screening to determine the severity of your condition and the level of cover required.
Being transparent regarding all medical conditions helps insurance providers assess the risk accurately and offer a policy covering your specific needs.
Medical conditions covered can include:
Respiratory problems
You must disclose any respiratory issues, such as asthma, to ensure any medication or treatment is covered.
Neurological conditions
These may include Parkinson's, strokes, dementia, and motor neurone disease.
Joint and bone inflammation
Your insurer must be informed about joint or bone conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, which can affect mobility.
High blood pressure
This can increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks, so it's crucial to have coverage for this.
Heart conditions
You must disclose whether you've had a heart attack, heart condition, or have been fitted with a device such as a pacemaker.
Cancer
If you're in remission or have cancer, you must disclose this to be covered for any medical support whilst abroad.
Diabetes
If you choose a policy covering Diabetes, you'll be covered for medical treatment or medication such as insulin if required.
Types of over-70s travel insurance cover
When it comes to travel insurance for seniors, there are several types of policies to choose from, each catering to different travel needs.
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Single-trip travel insurance |
Annual Multi-trip |
Cruise travel insurance |
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What does over-70s travel insurance cover?
Over 70s travel insurance offers protection for pre-existing conditions and medical emergencies.
Medical & hospital cover
Treatment for illness or injury, which includes emergency medical treatment and repatriation. If you fall ill or suffer an injury, your treatment costs, including hospital stays and doctor visits, are covered.
Cancellation cover
Protects you if you cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or injury.
Pre-existing medical conditions
Many over-70s policies offer cover for pre-existing conditions, ensuring you’re protected even if your condition requires treatment while abroad.
Medical aids if lost or damaged.
Prescription medication
This is another vital benefit, covering the cost of replacing lost or stolen medication.
Personal liability / legal fees
If you're liable to pay damages due to accidentally injuring someone or damaging/losing someone's property.
Losing your passport
Lost or stolen personal possessions
Provided they haven’t been left unattended.
Dental emergencies
Death overseas and repatriation
What isn't covered?
Over 70s senior travel insurance doesn’t tend to cover:
Undeclared medical conditions
You must ensure you declare all pre-existing medical conditions; not declaring these can invalidate your policy.
Certain activities or sports
Depending on your circumstances and eligibility, you may not be covered for some activities. Some may be deemed too risky.
Accidents whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you have an accident or injury as a result of being under the influence, you won’t be covered.
Leaving items unattended, which can be lost or stolen
If you leave your belongings unattended and they get stolen, then you won’t be covered by your travel insurance.
Traveling to unsafe places as advised by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Missed flights that are within your control.
and cancelling a trip.
If a destination requires a visa that is denied, you won’t be reimbursed for your trip.
Stolen cash
If civil unrest makes your destination unsafe but the government in this destination hasn’t called for an evacuation, you won't be covered.
Factors affecting the cost of travel insurance
The cost of travel insurance for the over-70s is more expensive as there is a greater chance of making a claim. The median price for single-trip insurance for someone between 61-70 with medical conditions was £32, compared to £21 for those in the same age group, but without medical conditions. Travellers aged 71-80 paid almost twice as much, with a median cost of £63 if they had medical conditions (Go Compare).
The average claim for those aged 36 to 40 was £518. For travellers aged 71 to 75, that figure rose to £1,830 (Association of British Insurers).
Age
This is a significant factor, with premiums increasing as one ages due to the higher risk of medical issues and injuries. You'll likely experience more severe injuries if you trip and fall, or become unwell on holiday.
Medical history
Plays a crucial role; existing medical conditions can lead to higher premiums as they increase the likelihood of needing treatment abroad.
Destination
Traveling to countries with higher medical costs, such as the USA or Canada, will typically result in higher premiums. The length of your trip is another consideration; longer trips often come with higher insurance costs.
Policy type
The type of policy you choose, whether a single trip or annual multi-trip policy, can also affect the cost. Single trip policies are generally cheaper for one-off trips, while annual multi-trip policies offer better value if you travel frequently. Some travel insurance providers may also offer discounts for couples or groups.
Add-ons
Some policies offer extra cover for specific activities like winter sports, cruise travel, or golf trips, providing additional protection tailored to your travel plans.
Excess
The level of cover you choose, including the excess amount and policy limits, can impact the premium cost. Higher levels of cover and lower excess amounts usually result in higher premiums.
What is the best travel insurance for over 70s with medical conditions?
AllClear
Covers most existing medical conditions, including:
Heart conditions
Chronic illnesses
Respiratory problems
Musculoskeletal conditions
24/7 helpline if you have a medical emergency.
Cover for essential medical equipment from loss or damage
AllClear ‘Gold’
Emergency medical expenses & repatriation - up to £10m
Cancellation* and Curtailment - up to £2k
Travel Delay - up to £300
Personal Belongings - up to £2k
Personal liability - up to £2m
Legal protection cover - up to £50k
Visit AllClear Travel Insurance
Saga
Covers many pre-existing medical conditions, including:
Cancer
Heart conditions
Circulatory & Respiratory Conditions.
Bone or joint conditions (arthritis or osteoporosis).
Unlimited access to online and telephone GP appointments.
24-hour medical assistance helpline.
Saga 'Standard'
Medical and repatriation expenses - £5m
Cancellation cover - £3,000 per person
Lost, stolen or damaged baggage - £3,000
Delayed departure - £35 for each 12 hour period.
Enforced stay - £100 for each 24 hour period.
Missed departure - £500
Age Co
1,300 pre-existing medical conditions covered, including:
Heart conditions
Cancer
Diabetes
Mobility issues
24/7 medical assistance as standard
Cruise cover with Platinum and Gold Plus
Age Co ‘Gold Plus'
Medical emergency expenses & Repatriation costs - up to £15m
Cancellation - up to £15k
Travel Delay - up to £1,500
Personal Belongings - up to £2.5k
Personal liability - up to £2m
Mobility aids - up to £2,500
Staysure
Covers a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions, including:
Cancer
Chronic illnesses
High blood pressure and high cholesterol
Heart or circulation conditions
Single Trip or Annual policy with no age limit.
24/7 support from specialist medical advisors worldwide.
Staysure 'Comprehensive'
£99 excess
£2,500 baggage
£5,000 cancellation
Unlimited medical and repatriation expenses
£2m personal liability
£25,000 legal costs (£50,000 policy limit)
Why is it crucial for over 70 travelers to take out travel insurance?
Senior travellers are more likely to experience health emergencies abroad.
They are more likely to experience more severe injuries from slips and falls.
They are at higher risk of pre-existing medical conditions, making it more likely they'll need treatment abroad.
Trip cancellations are more likely due to illness or injury.
Covering for lost luggage, containing medical equipment or prescription medicine.
Emergency prescription medication is crucial if it's lost or stolen while traveling.
What optional extras come with holiday insurance for over 70s?
Depending on the provider you choose, optional extras you can add to your policy may include:
Cruise cover – includes missed port departures, cabin quarantine, unused excursions, and disrupted cruise itineraries.
Golf cover – includes the cost of lost, stolen, or damaged golf equipment, non-refundable green fees if you can't play due to an accident or illness, and equipment hire if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Gadget cover – to cover valuable gadgets such as phones, laptops, and cameras.
Excess waiver – to ensure the insurer covers 100% of the claim with no excess.
Winter sports – lost winter sports equipment, avalanche delay, piste closure, inability to take part due to injury or illness.
Tips for travelling as a senior
Take out your policy as soon as you’ve booked your trip, so you're covered for any cancellations due to illness or injury before travelling.
Organise airport assistance if required at least 48 hours before you travel. Most airports offer free airport travel assistance.
Take extra supplies of medication – keep in both your hand baggage and hold luggage in case any of your bags get lost.
Book a GP appointment to check you're fit to travel.
If you have a pacemaker, inform airport staff before going through security.
Take copies of your travel insurance documents. Consider a letter from your doctor explaining your medical condition.
Check the location of hospitals that can treat your medical condition nearby, in case you need emergency treatment while away.
Fit to Fly Certificates might be necessary for travellers with a wide range of conditions – contact your airline as far in advance as possible.
Always check the age limit of your policy to ensure you’re covered.
Check you’re covered for the country you’re visiting.
Check medical cover limits on your policy, particularly when visiting the USA, the Caribbean, Mexico, or Canada.
Make sure you check the small print.
FAQS
Should I declare pre-existing medical conditions?
Yes, you must declare all existing medical conditions. Your policy will be void if you don't, and you need to claim if you haven’t divulged this to your travel insurer.
Do seniors in the UK need to pay for travel insurance?
Yes, as mentioned, you will need to take out travel insurance if you’re a senior in the UK. The level of cover and the cost you pay will depend on existing medical conditions and the level of cover you choose.
Do I need travel insurance as well as a GHIC card?
Yes, you will still need to take out travel insurance even if you have a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC card will give you access to state-provided healthcare in certain countries, but it will not cover you for private treatment, repatriation, lost or stolen belongings, cancellations, and other emergencies.
Does John Lewis have over 70s travel insurance?
John Lewis offers single-trip travel insurance with no age limit, and annual multi-trip travel insurance is only available to people under 74 years old. Depending on the level of cover taken, they can include a variety of preexisting medical conditions as long as you declare them.
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