travel insurance for seniors uk

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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.

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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]

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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 of 31 days duration for each individual trip. The limit can be extended to 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

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• Help and Support
• Travel Insurance

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.

Travel Insurance For Seniors

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We're here to ensure you enjoy future holidays, with the right cover for seniors!

Compare over 30 specialist medical travel providers all in one place to find the best travel insurance deals for over 50s. Compare and buy online now!

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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!

Check out our articles

Read the latest articles from our blog

Travelling with an elderly relative soon? Read this guide for top tips and guidance that will make the journey and travelling as smooth as possible.

Joe Wicks has a series of low impact workouts specifically designed for seniors to open up your joints, elevate your heart rate and strengthen your muscles - suitable for home or abroad.

Recently had a hip or knee replacement? Use this guide to help you to find out what you can expect to be back doing (and when).

Whether you're looking for a singles holiday or a trip with a friend or partner, there are plenty of health & fitness packages for over 50s on the market

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Best travel insurance companies and policies 2024

In this article

How do you find the best travel insurance?

Best travel insurance policies, best travel insurance: companies and policies compared.

• What's the best type of travel insurance?
• How can I save money on travel insurance?

How much travel insurance cover do I need?

How to compare travel insurance companies, why there are so few best buy policies.

The best travel insurance can't stop things going wrong on holiday, but it can prevent problems – medical issues, cancellations, delays or losses – from having a huge impact on your finances.

Our experts compared over 50 travel insurance companies, scrutinising hundreds of policies, each with more than 60 areas of cover. 

We've assessed information on medical expenses, Covid cover, flight cancellation, compulsory excesses and many other factors to bring you our Best Buy travel insurance policies.

Please note that the information in this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice. Please refer to the particular terms and conditions of an insurer before committing to any financial products.

Compare travel insurance deals

Check Which? insurance ratings and compare deals using the service provided by Confused.com

We looked at 56 travel insurers, comparing more than 160 policies. See our results in the table below.

We rated six policies as Best Buys – here are the three highest scoring:

NFU Mutual - Home and Lifestyle

• 81% policy score - 2nd out of 161 policies rated. 

We like: NFU Mutual was one of a minority of providers that will pay out if your holiday supplier or airline goes bankrupt. It is one of only two providers that applies its excess (£50) once per claim (rather than per person) – which could save hundreds if you're travelling as part of a group. 

We don't like:  NFU Mutual's travel insurance policies are only available to customers who also hold NFU Mutual home insurance . 

• Read our full NFU Mutual travel insurance review.

All Clear travel insurance - Platinum

• 79% policy score -  joint 7th out of 161 policies rated. 

We like: All Clear was the highest-scoring medical specialist insurer in our analysis. Its policy covers outbound, connecting and returning flights that you miss because of delays. Missed flights cover was available in more than 90% of policies we checked – but only half of policies covered the full round trip.

We don't like:  If your holiday company or airline goes bankrupt and you have to cancel the holiday, you won't be able to claim on the insurance for lost costs. 

• Read our full All Clear travel insurance review.  

Insure and Go - Black

• 77% policy score - joint 10th out of 161 policies rated.

We like:  If you're covering a very expensive trip, the Black policy has one of the highest cover limits for costs if you have to cancel – £10,000. You also don't pay excesses.

We don't like:  If you have a dental emergency while travelling, you can only claim up to £250. As with All Clear's policies, you can't claim if your travel company or airline goes bust.

• Read our full Insure and Go insurance review .

Here's the full details of our findings in the tables below – to access each table, use the 'Select a table' dropdown below.

• The 'Best Buys' table shows the policies that meet our exacting Best Buy criteria . When choosing these, we check for key features of cover as well as data on complaints and claims acceptance rates. 
• The other tables show the top-scoring policy from every provider we've rated. Of all policies reviewed, scores ranged from 83% to 29%.

We've also written comprehensive reviews of the best 16 insurers overall – just click on the links in the table to read them.

Best Buy policies

Table note:  All ratings are for policies available to new customers, and the details were gathered in a survey carried out in April 2023. The information should be considered correct to then. We will next update our policy scores in June 2024. See our full methodology .

For insurers outside our 'Best Buys' list, we've only included the provider's best scoring policy. However, they might offer other policies with fewer features, often at a lower price. We've still scored these policies: find the scores in our individual travel insurer reviews, which cover the biggest and best brands.

If a brand isn't listed in the table it means it didn't take part in our survey and hasn't been reviewed.

  What's the best type of travel insurance?

When picking travel insurance consider the number of foreign trips you'll make over the next 12 months, where you'll go and who with.

• Single-trip and multi-trip (annual cover) Single-trip insurance is aimed at people who are making a single, one-off journey. Multi-trip (annual) provides ongoing cover for 12 months. If you take 3 or more trips per year, multi-trip (annual) is likely to work out cheaper, and you don't have to tell the insurer when or where you're travelling.
• European, worldwide and USA cover European-only cover is usually the cheapest type and worldwide including USA (and often the Caribbean) is the most expensive due to high medical costs. If you've no intention of going to these destinations over the next 12 months, save money by buying worldwide cover that excludes them.
• Individual, couple or family cover You'll have the option to choose how many people to cover under a single policy, although if a member of your party needs specialist cover due to age or health, costs may change.
• Specialist insurance options If you have more specific requirements, for example due to age, or type of holiday, we've assessed the best options for you below. Best cruise insurance • Best travel insurance for over 60s • Best travel insurance for medical conditions • Best ski insurance
• Unexpected events cover Your policy  may include cover for unexpected events, like bankruptcy of the holiday supplier, strikes, civil unrest and more. We've listed which providers' policies have the best unexpected events cover providers.

  How can I save money on travel insurance?

What you'll pay for travel insurance varies hugely by where you're going and for how long.

Take these average quotes, collected for us by Confused.com , for a couple of 50-year-olds with a joint policy:

Source: Confused.com, based on average quotes from 1 January 2023 to 20 November 2023

These are averages, and so you're likely to pay:

• Less if just buying cover for yourself
• Less if you're younger than 50, or more if you're older than 50
• More if you have a pre-existing medical condition

Whatever your situation, chances are you can reduce costs by comparing travel insurance. An annual policy may work out cheaper if you travel multiple times a year.

When should you buy travel insurance?

You should buy travel insurance on the same day you book your holiday.

One of the best features of travel insurance is that it covers you if you're unexpectedly forced to cancel the trip and stand to lose money as a result.

If you leave buying your insurance until the last minute, you won't benefit from this protection, even if some providers might make it slightly cheaper.

With this in mind, you should buy your insurance as soon as you book your holiday – unless you already have annual cover in place.

Should you buy travel insurance from the tour operator or airline?

When you buy your holiday, whether that's through a traditional package provider or a budget airline, you're likely to be offered insurance at the same time.

But cover offered as an add-on to your trip is unlikely to be tailored to your needs and could be more expensive. Always check the wider market to see if you can get better cover for less.

If you do buy add-on insurance, make sure it covers any medical conditions that you have.

Do you already have insurance?

Some packaged bank accounts come with travel insurance as a sweetener, so if you have a packaged account, check whether cover is included.

If you do have travel insurance with your bank account, check its terms carefully and make sure it meets your needs. Does it cover you for trips outside Europe? Will it cover your medical conditions?

If it doesn't, call your bank to see if you can add the cover you need or look for a standalone policy that meets your needs.

You might also have some of your insurance needs met if you have personal possessions cover with your home contents insurance . These policies often protect things you carry on your person (such as gadgets or jewellery) around the world, from loss, damage or theft.

Do you need travel insurance if you have an Ehic or Ghic?

Yes, you still need travel insurance. A Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) – the replacement for the Ehic – is a medical card that can be used throughout the EU. It entitles you to treatment in state hospitals for the same price paid by the residents of the country you're visiting. If they get free treatment, so do you.

But it won't cover the costs of medical transportation (for example ambulance bills or being flown back to the UK where medically needed), alongside costs of cancelling your holiday or returning early, replacing lost and stolen possessions, and many other things - that's what travel insurance is for.

• Find out more:  The Ehic and Ghic explained  

While it can be tempting to get the cheapest cover you can find, this could prove a false economy. Everyone's specific cover needs will be different, but as a starting point, we recommend looking for policies with these minimum levels of cover:

• Medical expenses:  £5 million
• Cancellation cover:  £2,000 – or the full cost of your holiday (which may be higher or lower)
• Personal belongings: £1,500 – or the value of your possessions
• Personal liability cover: £1 million.

Many sports won't be covered as standard, such as skiing and snowboarding , so you'll need to get cover that includes this, or add it on for a fee.

Cruises requre a special type of cruise insurance. If you're considering working abroad, or spending a couple of months abroad, you may need 'backpacker insurance'.

1. Check our tables and reviews

Our experts have assigned each travel insurance policy a policy score, reflecting how comprehensive, overall, the cover is.

It's important to remember, however, that travel insurance is complex – so even providers with high policy scores won't necessarily cover everything you're looking for. For a more detailed look at some of the larger and higher-scoring providers, see our individual travel insurer reviews.

2. Get a travel insurance quote

While looking at our reviews, you can get a quote for travel insurance using the service provided by Confused.com.

You might be able to save by using multiple comparison sites. 

Some insurers don't sell through comparison sites, including NFU Mutual and Direct Line , and specialist medical insurers .

Both the government's MoneyHelper website and the British Insurance Brokers Association have directories of such insurers.

An insurance broker can find affordable cover for unusual scenarios that most insurers won't cover.

3. Check the T&Cs

Before you buy, check the policy wording to make sure you understand what your policy covers, and what it doesn't.

If there are specific reasons you've bought the cover, check these sections to make sure they meet your expectations. Also check the policy's general exclusions and conditions. If anything in the policy is unclear, contact the insurer.

Finally, check what protection your holiday provider offers, because if something goes wrong, you might need to seek compensation from it first before your insurer will accept your claim.

Check you're getting a great deal and search for a new travel insurance policy using the service provided by Confused.com. Get a quote now

Dean Sobers, Which? insurance expert says:

'In our tables, you'll see dozens of products brimming with features and high levels of cover – but just six Best Buys. 

'Unfortunately, it comes down to the difference between what a policy promises on paper, and the depressing reality that we see in the claims statistics. Roughly a quarter of claims made on single-trip and annual European policies were declined by travel insurers in 2022 (the latest stats available). With most kinds of insurance, payout rates are above 90%.

'Not all travel insurers are the same: some – including our Best Buys – were markedly better in this data than others. But a large number of candidates clearing all other hurdles in our analysis fell flat when we reviewed their claims acceptance rates and the numbers of their claimants who'd lodged complaints.

'We'd love to be able to recommend a much wider selection of policies, as we all have different requirements and budgets when shopping around for travel insurance. Hopefully, we'll see insurers do better in future. In the meantime, the best way to avoid disappointment is to be reasonably familiar with the policy's T&Cs when you buy it, as policy exclusions are the most common single reason claims get turned down .

'Each section of a policy wording document (for example, cancellation or delay cover) will include its own exclusions. You'll also need to check the policy's section that details 'general' exclusions and conditions that apply across the policy.'

Frequently asked travel insurance questions

How much in advance should i get my travel insurance.

The best time to get your travel insurance is the day you book your trip.

This ensures that you're covered from the get-go against any unexpected events that might arise before your departure, like having to cancel, even though the travel insurance doesn't start until the day you go abroad.

While it's possible to purchase insurance even up to the day of your travel, you'll miss out on this cancellation cover and won't necessarily save money.

Does travel insurance cover cancelled flights?

This depends on whether you can no longer make your flight or the airline has cancelled it.

If the airline cancels your flight, it is generally their responsibility to find an alternative flight or to give you a full refund.

If you can no longer make your flight, perhaps due to illness or accident, then it is not the airline's responsibility. If you have taken out a travel insurance policy and depending on the reason you can no longer fly, you may be able to claim some of the flight costs back. 

You should also check the airline's conditions of carriage if you are going to miss your flight last-minute to see whether you can be moved to an alternative flight.

Can I buy travel insurance after departure?

Yes you can - but you'll need to get a special type of policy called 'post-departure insurance'.

Unfortunately, you're likely to pay more and get less cover than if you had bought standard travel insurance.

Post-departure insurance won't cover incidents that have already happened, such as a delayed flight on the way out. It generally applies from the day after buying, not the same day.

Even though you'll need to cover fewer days, the specialised nature of post-departure insurance means it's likely to cost more per day and overall.

The best approach is to buy standard travel insurance on the same day you book your holiday. Although the insurance only needs to cover the dates of your holiday, from the moment of buying it you'll be covered if, for instance, you need to cancel your trip.

Can I get travel insurance if I'm pregnant?

You can get travel insurance if you're pregnant, especially if your trip is less than 28 weeks into your pregnancy.

Many insurers still offer cover for trips after that point, but check with them before buying, and bear in mind airlines may request extra details such as a letter from your doctor.

Pregnancy is not considered a pre-existing medical condition so you shouldn't have to tell your insurer or pay more.

Standard travel insurance will cover emergency medical care, but ask insurers if antenatal care after premature births will be covered, or cancellation due to pregnancy-related complications.

In general, travel insurance won't pay out if you cancel a trip simply because you're pregnant - it's worth asking airlines and accommodation providers if you can reschedule.

Do I need travel insurance for the UK?

Potentially, depending on the type of trip you've booked.

Many travel insurers will cover the UK; if you have an annual policy check if it includes UK travel.

The main advantage of travel insurance for the UK is cover if you need to cancel your trip (such as because of illness) or lose baggage.

In general, travel insurance only covers paid-for accommodation, sometimes with a minimum duration. So stays with friends and family wouldn't be covered.

Nor will you need travel insurance for medical cover, due to the NHS - though visitors to the Isle of Man and Channel Islands may need insurance for repatriation to the mainland.

Your home contents insurance may cover personal possessions outside the home, but you may have to pay high excesses.

Do I need travel insurance for Europe?

Yes, travel insurance is essential for European holidays. 

The European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) and Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) only entitle you to public medical care at the price locals pay.

That's only in the EU, Switzerland and a few other countries however, and won't cover associated - and very high - costs such as for rescue from ski slopes or repatriation to the UK.

Nor will the Ehic and Ghic cover cancellations or lost baggage, unlike the best travel insurance policies.

• Find out more: The Ehic and Ghic explained  

Does travel insurance cover cruises?

Some, but not all, policies will offer specialised cover for cruises.

In some cases cruise cover will be an optional add-on.

This includes scenarios such as being ill and confined to your cabin, missing your departure during an excursion, or the intinerary being changed. 

We've listed which policies cover cruises and how good they are in our guide to the best cruise insurance .

Does travel insurance cover skiing?

As with cruises, this depends on your policy.

Winter sports cover may be included as standard within your travel insurance, or as an optional add-on.

It should cover scenarios such as piste closure, avalanche delay and air ambulance rescue from the slopes.

We've listed which policies include or offer winters sports cover, and rate that cover, in our guide to the  best ski insurance .

How do I claim on my travel insurance?

For emergency medical claims, your travel insurer will have a 24/7 phone line. It's worth saving the number if your phone prior to travelling.

To make other claims, you may be able to claim by phone and/or online. Don't leave it more than a couple of weeks to claim, as there may be time limits.

• Find out more: How to claim on your travel insurance   

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

Any current or recent medical conditions that haven't been disclosed to your insurer will almost certainly be automatically excluded from your policy. 

When you declare a condition, you'll go through a medical screening process where you give the insurer information about your medical history. When you buy insurance by itself, this will usually form part of the application process. 

With some providers (for example where the cover is included with a holiday or a bank account), you may need to contact the insurer separately to have the conditions added. If you're uncertain about what needs to be declared, it's best to contact the insurer. 

• Find out more:  Best travel insurance if you have a medical condition  

How else can you protect your holiday?

Travel insurers only expect you to claim with them if you've been unable to recover your money through other channels.

Book with a Which? Recommended holiday provider

If a package holiday firm cancels your holiday, or airlines can't fulfil flights, you're entitled to a refund by law.

• Find out more:  Your legal rights with package holiday companies

Atol protection

If you buy a package holiday that includes flights from an Atol-protected firm, you'll get your money back if it goes bust. You'll also be repatriated if this happens while you're on holiday.

Your credit card provider

If you can, pay for your holiday with a credit card .

If you pay with a credit card for services costing more than £100 and less than £30,000 that aren't provided as advertised, you can claim the money back from your card supplier if the seller (ie the holiday company) won't refund you.

• Find out more:  Section 75

Banks have similar schemes to help you recover money for services that haven't been fulfilled as paid for. These are known as chargeback.

Chargeback can be used to recover debit and prepaid card payments, as well as credit card payments below £100.

Banks aren't legally bound to do this in the same way as credit card providers are under Section 75, so you should always pay for amounts over £100 with a credit card if possible.

How we analyse travel insurance

Our editorial independence means we are able to work on behalf of consumers, not insurers. That means our reviews are fair and there's no hidden agenda.

Policy score

The policy score rates how comprehensive the cover is in a policy – the higher the better.

We've looked at 161 policies, examining 67 elements of cover in each.

Policies are given points for each element of cover, reflecting how competitive their cover is compared with what other policies offer. The policy score shows how well the policy did overall. 

Based on our assessment of which elements are more or less important for customers choosing and using travel insurance, we adjust the impact that points earned in each area has on the overall policy score.

Among the highest-weighted elements are medical expenses cover, cancellation cover and the compulsory excesses on the policy.

How we pick Which? Best Buys

Our 'Best Buy' badge recognises the individual products that stood out as being the most comprehensive in our analysis. 

It doesn't reflect customer service. However, we do look at claims statistics published by the Financial Conduct Authority and complaints data from the Financial Ombudsman Service, where these are available. We won't give a Best Buy badge to providers shown to reject higher than average numbers of claims or that have a poor track record when it comes to complaints.

Policies named as Best Buys did well in our analysis of cover, with a policy score of at least 66%.

Additionally, Best Buy policies scored well consistently across different areas of cover. To make the cut, a policy needs to have scored at least three out of five points in two thirds of the features we compare (see 'Policy score' for more).

Lastly, all Best Buy policies must provide - either as standard or as an option - the following levels of cover as a minimum:

• £5m cover for medical expenses - with emergency medical repatriation and some cover for emergency dental treatment
• £2,000 cancellation and travel abandonment cover - including cancellation in the event that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to your destination country because of civil unrest, war, terrorism or natural disaster after you've insured your holiday
• Cancellation cover because of the illness, injury or death of a close family member or a person you were planning to stay with; cover for travel delays - including cover for missing your outgoing or returning flight due to delays
• £1,500 cover for baggage
• £2m personal liability cover

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More questions on travel insurance? Take a look at our guides:

• Best travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
• Best travel insurance for seniors
• Best cruise insurance
• Best ski insurance
• The Ehic and Ghic explained  
• Golf travel insurance explained  
• How to claim on your travel insurance

Compare travel insurance

Find the right policy for your holiday using the service provided by Confused.com

Travel insurance reviews

• All Clear travel insurance review
• Admiral travel insurance review
• Avanti travel insurance review
• Avion travel insurance review
• Aviva travel insurance review
• Barclays travel insurance review
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Travel Insurance For Over 70s

Relax and enjoy your holiday with cover including:

• No upper age limit
• All pre-existing medical conditions
• Medical emergencies

Our Over 70s Travel Insurance is designed to help you travel confidently. It can provide full medical cover for complete peace of mind.

This includes specialist cover for all pre-existing medical conditions and medical emergencies while abroad, as well as cover for trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other common travel mishaps.

What is Over 70s Travel Insurance – and do you need it?

Over 70s Travel Insurance is a type of policy that offers peace of mind and protection for older travellers during and leading up to your trip. 

With the risk of falls and injury increasing as we get older , there’s a higher chance of needing some medical help while travelling. With our specialised medical cover, you can travel in the knowledge you’re fully protected.

Our Over 70s Travel Insurance:

• Provides specialist medical cover: As a specialist Medical Travel Insurance provider, we offer tailored Travel Insurance policies to suit you and your needs, no matter your age or medical conditions
• Is tailored to you: Nearly 95% of adults over 60 are living with at least one chronic condition, which can make finding and buying Travel Insurance more difficult. We’ll help you find a policy tailored to your needs
• Offers peace of mind: Travelling can be stressful, particularly as you get older. Over 70s Travel Insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing that you’re protected if you have an accident or emergency. You will also have access to our 24/7 helpline should you have a medical emergency your trip

What does AllClear’s Over 70s Travel Insurance cover?

We specialise in cover for over 70s with pre-existing medical conditions , so you can travel with confidence.

What’s covered?

• Medical expenses – We can cover emergency medical treatment you need while travelling, including pre-existing medical conditions you’ve declared
• Medical aids – We will protect your essential medical equipment and accessories from loss or damage
• Medication – We’ll help you get a replacement for your vital prescription medication if you lose it during your trip.
• Repatriation – This covers the cost of emergency medical transport back to the UK
• Lost luggage – We will pay out if your baggage is stolen or damaged, so you can replace your important items.
• Cancellation and curtailment – Provides cover if you have to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency or reasons beyond your control
• Travel disruption – We will help you cover alternative transport or accommodation if your travel plans are disrupted

What’s not covered?

• Undeclared medical conditions – We need to know your full medical history to give you the best cover possible in a medical emergency
• High-risk activities – These are not covered by our standard policy, but you can add Optional Extras for some activities if you want to
• Accidents under the influence of drugs or alcohol – While we want you to have fun on your trip, safety is paramount. If you have an accident because of drugs or alcohol, your claim won’t be covered.
• Missed flights within your control – We understand that sometimes things go wrong, but we can’t cover missed flights that were under your control.
• Choosing not to travel – We know that plans change from time to time, but cancellation cover is provided only for specific reasons like illness, injury, or bereavement. Refer to your policy documents for complete cover details

AllClear’s Travel Insurance for Over 70s with pre-existing medical conditions

It is common to be travelling with pre-existing medical conditions in your 70s. 

In fact, a recent Which? study revealed that over a third (36%) of respondents living with pre-existing conditions struggled to find affordable insurance, with 7% opting to travel uninsured due to high premiums.

The risks of travelling without Over 70s Travel Insurance can be extremely costly. For example, without repatriation cover, you would have to pay air ambulance costs upfront. This can cost anywhere from £12,000 to £18,000 in Europe, to upwards of £50,000 from the USA , Caribbean and South America.

If you’re over 70 and living with a pre-existing medical condition, you must declare them so we can provide you with the most appropriate cover. 

Below are some of the most common medical conditions we cover for over 70s:

• Heart conditions – We cover all cardiovascular issues affecting heart function. This includes high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation .
• Chronic illnesses –  Nearly 95% of adults 60 and older are living with at least one chronic condition. We provide cover for cancer , Crohn’s disease , gallstones and other long-lasting chronic conditions.
• Respiratory problems – Respiratory conditions include asthma , and COPD , leading to airflow obstruction and breathing difficulties.
• Neurological conditions – These are disorders affecting the brain and nervous system. This includes strokes , epilepsy and multiple sclerosis .
• Diabetes – Disruptions in insulin production or usage affecting blood sugar levels, including diabetes .
• Musculoskeletal conditions – Conditions that affect your bones, muscles, and joints, including back problems and osteoporosis .
• Mental health – We provide cover for mental health too, including anxiety and depression.

Find the best over 70s Travel Insurance for your trip

AllClear offers many types of Travel Insurance so you can choose one that’s right for your trip. 

Examples include:

• Single Trip Travel Insurance offers full protection extending for up to 45 days, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey.
• Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance covers you if you’re planning on taking two or more holidays over 12 months. It may also be more cost-effective than buying Single Trip Travel Insurance for each holiday.
• Group Travel Insurance covers between two to ten travellers. This makes it a fantastic option if you’re travelling with friends and family.
• Cruise Travel Insurance provides essential cover for all aspects of your cruise. This includes onboard medical emergencies, cruise cancellations, cabin confinement and lost luggage. Around 30% of UK cruise customers are over 70 years old, with a further 33% between 60 and 69 years old, and it’s important to be covered for any unexpected issues you could face.
• Looking to enjoy some activities during your travels? Optional Sports and Activity cover is also available for pastimes like golfing . We’ll even cover your electronics with our gadget cover .

Countries covered by over 70s Travel Insurance

We provide Over 70s Travel Insurance for every destination. However, the region of cover you need will depend on where you’re heading.

Here’s what we cover:

• UK Travel Insurance provides cover for your UK trips for baggage and cancellation. However, we do not cover medical treatment in the UK
• European Travel Insurance will cover you on trips to European countries, as well as Egypt , Morocco and Tunisia.
• Worldwide Travel Insurance provides essential cover across the globe. You can also choose whether to exclude the USA , Canada and the Caribbean

How our Travel Insurance for Over 70s works: A simple 3 step quote process

You’ll first need to complete our quick and simple 3-step screening process.

Here’s how it works.

1. Get a quote online or by phone

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

Get your quote

2. Complete our simple medical screening process

Here, you need to declare any medical conditions you have. 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.

Our experts say…

“We believe that everyone should be able to travel, and the over 70’s are no exception. There’s an assumption that older people are either unwilling or unable to see the world. Our data shows that this is wrong, and that there are plenty of holidaymakers exploring well into their 70s, and beyond. However, more than any other group, senior travellers need to make sure they have comprehensive cover in place for their trip.”

Letitia Smith MSc, Travel Insurance expert

What our customers say

Our dedication to customer satisfaction has helped us understand our customers. 

With over 123,000 reviews on Trustpilot, it’s easy to see what our over 70s customers think about us.

What our Customers Say

Getting quotes for travel insurance… painless.

“Getting quotes for Travel Insurance when you are over 70 and with pre-existing medical conditions can be a painful experience. It, therefore, came as a ray of sunshine to be helped through the process by an incredibly helpful and lucid young woman. No jargon, hard sell or questions that I (doctor) didn’t understand. From start to getting the quote took a fraction of the time with other insurers and was also very competitive. Highly recommended.” – Dr Henderson

Frequently Asked Questions on Over 70s Travel Insurance

Why does travel insurance cost more when you turn 70.

Travel Insurance premiums are calculated based on several different factors. These include

• The destination you’re travelling to
• The length of your trip
• The type and severity of your medical conditions
• The level of benefits being offered to you

Does Travel Insurance have upper age limits?

AllClear Travel Insurance cover has no upper age limit. This means any traveller, regardless of their age, can buy a specialist policy.

Do you need to declare all your medical conditions for over 70s Travel Insurance?

Yes, you must declare all pre-existing medical conditions you have and that are fully within the medical warranty, even if you consider them minor or they are controlled with medication. Not declaring your medical conditions may lead to lack of cover during your trip. This could result in costly expenses if you have an accident while travelling.

For example, if you need an air ambulance from the USA back home, it could cost you between £80,000 – £100,000 without appropriate medical cover.

When should you buy over 70s Travel Insurance?

Financial expert Martin Lewis firmly believes that you should arrange Travel Insurance “ASAB” – “As Soon As you Book” to avoid being out of pocket if a medical condition forces them to cancel a trip.

You can buy your Over 70s Travel Insurance before or after you’ve booked your trip, but it must be before you travel.  Additionally, our Single Trip Travel Insurance policies can be bought 12 months before your holiday. As soon as you have secured your policy, the cover begins immediately if you have included the cancellation cover.

Alternatively, our Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance can be bought up to 31 days before your first trip.

Do you need Over 70s Travel Insurance if you have a GHIC card?

Yes, you will still need Over 70s Travel Insurance even if you have a GHIC (previously EHIC) card. 

While a GHIC card gives you access to healthcare throughout the EU for medically necessary treatment, it will not cover you for repatriation costs (which can be extortionate) or complications relating to a pre-existing medical condition. Additionally, GHIC will not cover you for lost luggage, passports, documents, travel delays or personal liability.

What factors will affect the cost of Over 70s Travel Insurance?

In addition to your age and medical history, trip duration, destination, planned activities, personal items, and optional extras impact may impact the cost of your Over 70s Travel Insurance.

Longer trips and distant destinations often result in higher costs, while specialised cover for activities like golfing may require extra fees. 

It’s important to consider these factors when selecting your policy to make sure you have the right cover in place for your trip.

Can someone else join your Travel Insurance policy if they're under 70?

Yes, you can add someone else to your Over 70s Travel Insurance policy, even if they are under 70. 

You can find out how to add someone to your policy through our Group Travel Insurance cover or by speaking to one of our friendly members of staff .

Get the most out of your trips with our helpful guides

Where are you visiting?

Explore our helpful guides for tips to ensure you remember everything you need when travelling to one of the below 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
• Golf Travel Insurance

Written by: Letitia Smith | Travel Insurance Expert Last Updated: 7 June 2024

† Based on Trustpilot reviews of all companies in the Travel Insurance Company category that have over 70,000 reviews as of January 2024. AllClear Gold Plus achieved a Which? Best Buy.

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For a lot of people, buying car insurance is like buying sliced bread. It’s not the most exciting purchase, and the options all seem similar. So thrifty shoppers might simply reach for the cheapest thing on the shelf. But like cheap bread, cheap car insurance may leave you wishing you spent a little more on quality.

“The cheapest is not always the best,” warns Jessica McNally, an agency owner with Goosehead Insurance in Dallas. That’s because there are lots of factors that make up a car insurance company. And while price is one of them, it’s best to look at the bigger picture.

Here’s what to look for when picking the best car insurance company.

1. Choose a financially stable company

The best car insurance companies have plenty of money on hand to pay for customers’ claims. It’s important to check an insurer’s financial stability before buying a policy, especially if it’s a smaller insurer you’ve never heard of.

There are several independent agencies that evaluate the financial strength of insurance companies. One example is A.M. Best. You can use its online search tool to find an insurer’s financial strength rating. Companies with a rating of A or higher are considered to have an excellent ability to pay out customer claims.

2. Check customer satisfaction ratings and reviews

Not every insurer is customer-first. That’s why it’s important to research the customer satisfaction of insurers you’re considering.

You can turn to surveys from companies like J.D. Power to find insurers with the best customer satisfaction scores [0] J.D. Power . Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources . Or, if you don’t mind doing a little detective work, you can compare customer complaints against insurers by using the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ website . But take other people’s emotionally charged comments about companies or agents you might read online with a grain of salt, McNally advises.

3. Look for convenience

A great auto insurer should offer multiple ways to manage a policy. For example, some insurers allow customers to use a mobile app to file and track claims. But it’s hard to tell how simple it’ll be to file a claim or perform other essential tasks, like paying your premium, before becoming a customer.

Some telltale signs that an insurer will be easy to work with are high mobile app ratings, flexible customer service hours and an easy-to-use website with helpful content. Consider asking a company representative to walk you through the claims process to learn what you’ll need to do if you have to file a claim. And pay attention to how the company communicates with you. "If they don't properly communicate, well, that's a warning sign," says Michael DeLong, a research and advocacy associate for the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America.

4. Pick an affordable company

Car insurance premiums are stretching to record-breaking heights [0] U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS . Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources , and almost half of U.S. consumers shopped for a new car insurance policy in the past year, according to an April 2024 report by J.D. Power [0] J.D. Power . Half of Auto Insurance Customers Currently Shopping for New Policies, J.D. Power Finds . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources . The best car insurance companies offer competitive rates and a variety of potential discounts.

It’s not hard to get car insurance quotes online from many companies. Make sure you compare the same coverage options throughout the quote-gathering process. And don’t forget to look for car insurance discounts, like breaks for being a good driver, paying your premium in full or driving a new car.

More tips to find the best car insurance

When shopping for the best car insurance, keep the following tips in mind.

Assess your needs. Before buying car insurance, take a moment to reflect on what’s important to you and your family. For example, maybe you prioritize affordability and a well-polished mobile app, but don’t need accident forgiveness .  

Consider small insurers. There are lots of small insurance companies you’ve probably never heard of. These regional insurers may provide lower rates and better customer service than the big companies you see advertised on TV.

Work with an independent agent. While it may be easy to get quotes yourself, independent car insurance agents and brokers can streamline the process. These experts vet companies and compile quotes from small and large insurers on your behalf. Independent agents and brokers can especially come in handy if you have a less-than-perfect driving record and can’t find insurance on your own.

Do your research. Search online for recent mentions of a company in the news before buying a policy, recommends DeLong. If you find a company has lots of recent lawsuits against it, you may want to think twice about signing on the dotted line. “And if they've had to pay out settlements, that's an even bigger red flag,” DeLong says.

Shop around once a year. Make a practice of shopping for car insurance every year — especially if price is important to you. Insurers adjust car insurance rates regularly, so what might have been the most affordable option last year may no longer be a bargain.

On a similar note...

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Election latest: Rishi Sunak heckled by GP at the end of 'torrid day'; Nigel Farage accused of 'bigotry' during debate

The latest updates from the general election campaign, as Rishi Sunak is heckled by a GP and Nigel Farage gets stuck in during a televised debate.

Saturday 8 June 2024 01:40, UK

• General Election 2024

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Election news

• New poll reveals what public think about PM leaving D-Day events early
• 'The country is not stupid': Sunak laughs as GP heckles him
• Farage accused of 'bigotry' in TV debate
• Sunak apologises for D-Day decision and admits it was a 'mistake'
• PM says 'it's important we don't politicise this'
• Starmer says PM will 'have to answer for his own actions'
• Unite did not endorse Labour's election manifesto
• Electoral Dysfunction: What could be in the party manifestos?
• Live reporting by Brad Young

Expert analysis

• Rob Powell: It beggars belief someone didn't sound the alarm about PM leaving D-Day events early
• Tamara Cohen: Labour can't believe their luck

Election essentials

• Battle For No 10: PM and Starmer taking part in Sky News special
• Have your say: Be in the audience for our election leaders event
• Campaign Heritage: Memorable moments from elections gone by
• Trackers: Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Follow Sky's politics podcasts: Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more: Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | How to register to vote | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency is changing | Your essential guide to election lingo | Sky's election night plans

Snap findings from a More in Common poll of more than 1,000 viewers of last night's BBC debate suggest Nigel Farage came out on top.

According to the poll results , the audience is most likely to think Reform UK's leader won, with 25% picking him.

Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner comes in second with 19%.

Just 7% thought Tory Penny Mordaunt won, but 32% believe she'd be a better prime minister than Rishi Sunak - with 12% picking him.

Full Results

• Nigel Farage - 25%
• Angela Rayner - 19%
• None of the above - 14%
• Carla Denyer - 11%
• Stephen Flynn - 10%
• Penny Mordaunt - 7%
• Daisy Cooper - 5%
• Rhun ap Iowerth - 2%
• Don’t know - 8%

Almost half (47%) of 2019 Tory voters watching the debate thought that Mr Farage won the debate, while Ms Rayner leads among 2019 Labour and Lib Dem voters who tuned in.

The poll also shows viewers are most likely to think the SNP's Stephen Flynn (net +31), the Green Party's Carla Denyer (net +31) and the Lib Dem's Daisy Cooper (+30) did well in the debate.

Reform's original candidate for Clacton will stand as an independent against Nigel Farage in the upcoming general election.

Anthony Mack quit Reform after he was replaced by Mr Farage earlier this week to vie for the seat in Essex.

But that hasn't stopped him from trying to win there.

Mr Mack is expected to hold a press conference later today.

Olympic athletes, top musicians and an ex-soap actor are among those standing to become members of parliament at the general election.

The deadline for candidates to submit their nominations passed earlier today.

Notable names on the list include:

• Blur drummer Dave Rowntree, Labour, Mid Sussex
• Double Olympic gold medal rower James Cracknell, Conservative, Colchester
• Rock star Tom Gray from the band Gomez, Labour, Brighton Pavilion
• Former Coronation Street actor Marc Anwar, independent, Bury North
• Gogglebox's Josh Tapper, Labour, Hertfordshire
• Olympian Marc Jenkins, Conservative, Gower

Count Binface has announced he will stand against Rishi Sunak in his Richmond and Northallerton constituency.

Speaking on his podcast, Trash Talk, Binface said it would be like "Fury vs Usyk times a billion" in the July 4 election.

"That's right, I am here right now in Richmond and Northallerton and I can announce that I will be taking on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in electoral combat on July 4.

"You shirked D-Day Rishi, you can't miss the B-Day.

"That's right. Binface vs Sunak is going to be Fury vs Usyk times a billion. Bring it on."

Binface recently came 11th in the London Mayoral Elections, where he earned 24,260 votes.

It was reported last weekend that allies of Penny Mordaunt claimed Downing Street was keeping her "in a box" during the election campaign because Rishi Sunak's team see her as a threat.

Well, after her barnstorming performance in a TV debate against politicians from six opposition parties, the Leader of the Commons is well and truly out of her box now. And she mustn't be put back in it.

Her opening words in this 90-minute showdown were explosive. The prime minister, she declared, had been "completely wrong" to leave the D-day ceremonies in Normandy early. No pulling of punches there.

She said the PM was wrong, not once, not twice, but three times. No wonder Number 10 see her as a threat. If this was an audition for a leadership bid after the election, her friends will claim she passed with flying colours.

But once she'd dug her black stilettos out of the PM's back with her opening remarks, after that she was relentlessly on message in hammering Labour on its policies on tax, immigration and crime.

She was at her most combative on the Tories' controversial allegation – first made by Rishi Sunak in his TV debate with Sir Keir Starmer on Tuesday – that Labour is planning a £2,000 tax grab if it wins the election.

This attack triggered the most heated clash of the whole debate, when Mordaunt traded blows with Labour's Angela Rayner on tax. It was a shouting match that went on long after presenter Mishal Husain attempted – but failed - to stop them.

It was all the more heated because the pair were standing next to each other at the end of the row of seven leading politicians, including Nigel Farage, the Lib Dems' Daisy Cooper and the SNP's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn.

For the rest of the debate, Rayner was slightly subdued, rather like Sir Keir had been against the PM on Tuesday. Rayner didn't even attack Sunak about D-day at the start. Nor did Daisy Cooper. Like Sir Keir, his deputy needs to raise her game.

Besides Mordaunt, on D-day Farage claimed Sunak had been unpatriotic and Flynn accused the PM of putting his own political career before public service and Normandy war veterans. Strong stuff.

Mordaunt also tore into Rayner over her previous voting record against renewing Trident. And the brightness of Rayner's red dress wasn't matched by a bright performance in the debate, although she improved as the debate went on. Mordaunt, incidentally, wore Thatcher blue. Remind you of anyone?

Throughout the debate, Farage was typically impish. His quips included claiming Starmer was "very dull" and "Blair without the flair". The PM, he joked, was "slippery Sunak". Yes, he's used those jibes before, but the audience enjoyed them.

Stephen Flynn had his good moments, most notably when he condemned Brexit, an attack on the Conservatives and Labour that the audience enjoyed.

But this debate was about Penny Mordaunt. It was her show, despite the large cast list. If she has been kept in a box by Number 10 up to now, the PM's allies will have been delighted on her attacks on Angela Rayner and Labour's policies.

But they won't have appreciated her blunt – and completely unprompted criticism – of the prime minister over the big story of the day, his D-day snub.

It was a story about a blunder of the PM's own making. It wasn't a gaffe, or an accident. It was sheer bad planning, terrible political judgment, embarrassing and highly damaging to Sunak and the Tory election campaign.

That, apparently was, Penny Mordaunt's view. And she said so. Number 10 won't be happy. A threat? You bet.

Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron has been the victim of a hoax video call and messages from someone claiming to be the former president of Ukraine.

The government said it was making the incident public to stave off any attempts to manipulate footage of Lord Cameron.

The Foreign Office said a "number of text messages were exchanged followed by a brief video call between the foreign secretary and someone purporting to be Petro Poroshenko, former president of Ukraine".

Mr Poroshenko served as Ukrainian president between 2014 and 2019, and has remained a prominent figure in the country since leaving office.

"Whilst the video call clearly appeared to be with Mr Poroshenko, following the conversation the foreign secretary became suspicious," the Foreign Office said, adding contact details for other people were requested by the caller.

"Whilst regretting his mistake, the foreign secretary thinks it important to call out this behaviour and increase efforts to counter the use of misinformation."

Politicians have received repeated warnings in recent months about the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation, especially as artificial intelligence technology improves.

The prime minister is not the only one whose feet are being held to the fire over D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations.

Northern Ireland's first minister has been criticised for not attending, with only the deputy going instead.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said it had been an opportunity for Michelle O'Neill to act as a first minister for all.

"With men from across the island being remembered, I am disappointed that the deputy first minister was alone in Normandy and the other half of the joint office was absent.

"When we consider how so many from this island have only been able to openly remember their grandparents' war efforts in recent years, this was a missed opportunity for leadership and reconciliation."

He continued: "The first minister should recognise it was a mistake."

Mr Robinson also accused Rishi Sunak of undermining "the authenticity of the speech" he made at the British Normandy Memorial by departing early.

A spokesperson for the Executive Office said: "The Executive Office [TEO] receives many invitations and endeavours to attend as many events as possible.

"TEO is represented by the first minister, deputy first minister and junior ministers.

"This week, TEO was represented at events including the D-Day commemorations; business awards and the Your Time to Shine female leaders celebration event."

Crime is the last theme of the BBC's debate, with one audience member raising the issue of knife crime.

The Green Party's Carla Denyer says not all crime can be tackled by being "tough", explaining a generation of young people have grown up with services like youth centres closing.

Nigel Farage says "stop and search" must be done "in a very tough way".

"We are seeing a societal decline of law and order in this country," he says.

The Liberal Democrats' Daisy Cooper says the model of policing must be changed, with more community policing engaging with families and faith groups.

She says stop and search can be useful, but "suspicion-less" deployment of it has been used to target people.

Penny Mordaunt, the Conservatives Commons leader, says knife crime in London is "top of the list", but the host points out the West Midlands has a higher rate.

"We need more police and we need police who are embedded in communities," she says.

Labour's Angela Rayner says education and reversing cuts to neighbourhood policing is needed.

Rhun ap Iorwerth, of Plaid Cymru, says decision-making should be made closer to communities, calling for more devolution.

Stephen Flynn, of the Scottish National Party, says tackling poverty as a driver of crime is required, and those in poverty have been failed by the government.

The final 30 second concluding statements are under way. Angela Rayner goes first. "If you want change, vote Labour," she says, though it's as though she's memorising a script rather than talking with passion.

Carla Denyer, of the Greens, says Labour are offering more of the same and Labour has changed into the Tories. She got better as the debate went on. Iorwerth is lively and will have done his party some good here.

Penny Mordaunt is polished. "For a more secure future, vote Conservative," she says. She's been class here and shows why for the Tories, she's an underused asset. Daisy Cooper mentions sewage in rivers for the first time this evening. Why so late?

The last word goes to Nigel Farage, who says that unlike the others he doesn't need an autocue. He's right about that. He's been impish throughout, clearly enjoying himself. We'll see a lot more of him in this campaign. That's why he became party leader, of course!

We're staying with the BBC's seven-way political debate between senior figures in the UK's political parties.

"What matters to you more: Economic growth or successful climate policy?" asks an audience member.

Mr Farage says climate policies like net zero are unrealistic and unaffordable. 

"Nigel is going to keep your fact-checkers busy for a little while. Farage has been misleading you... so much of what he said there is simply untrue," says the Greens' Carla Denyer.

She criticises Labour for dropping a £28bn green investment  pledge earlier this year.

Labour's Angela Rayner says there will be investment including insulating homes and creating green jobs, but oil and gas will be part of the future.

The SNP's Stephen Flynn says Westminster is betraying future generations and his party maintains its commitment to net zero.

"We are facing an ecological emergency", and economic growth can come with tackling it, says the Liberal Democrats, calling for a national insulation scheme.

"Nothing is more important than protecting the environment that you will be living in in future," says Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth.

The Conservatives' Penny Mordaunt says moving to green policies too quickly will "destroy supply chains".

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