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Senior travel insurance

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Travel insurance for pensioners

The older you get, the more expensive your travel insurance will be.

This is mainly because those in older age groups are more likely to have a pre-existing medical condition or are more likely to claim for expensive medical treatment.

Some travel insurance policies also have upper age limits that you might not be eligible for.

The good news is policies for older travellers tend to provider higher levels of cover for things like medical treatment, so you can still get good value for money.

Senior gentleman leaning back in a wicker chair on a cruise

In April 2023, the average premium price for a single-trip policy for a 26 to 34-year-old with medical conditions costs £10.20. The same cover for a 61 to 70-year-old with medical conditions cost more than double that, at £24.67.[2]

What does senior travel insurance cover?

Here are a few things you’ll be covered for:

  1. Loss, theft or damage to your medication or medical equipment

  2. Mobility aid cover

  3. 24-hour medical emergency treatment

  4. Loss, theft of or damage to your luggage and personal belongings

  5. Repatriation

  6. Trip cancellation, curtailment or delays

Why is it important to disclose pre-existing medical conditions?

Not telling your insurer about pre-existing medical conditions means they could refuse to pay out if you become ill due to an existing condition and try to make a claim.

You should let your insurer know about any existing medical conditions you have. That includes chronic conditions like:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart conditions
  • Cancer
  • Dementia
  • Stroke

Every insurer has their own definition of a pre-existing condition. If you’re not sure just call the insurer and ask. It’s better to be honest and know what you’re covered for.

Cover for serious medical conditions

Although you can compare quotes through us for cover that includes medical conditions, it can be harder to find cover for more serious health issues. If you struggle to find cover for your condition, Money Helper has a directory of insurance providers that may be able to help.

Things to consider for senior travellers

The length of your holiday

For short trips (less than 30 days), annual multi-trip cover or single-trip travel insurance will suit your needs.

Longer trips will require long-stay travel insurance - it’s often called backpackers' cover or extended trip insurance. This will cover you for a trip lasting up to 18 months.

How often you travel

If you’re planning on two or more holidays a year, annual multi-trip cover sometimes works out cheaper than taking out a single-trip policy for each holiday.

Compare your travel insurance options to find out if you could save.

Group or family policies

You can get travel insurance for groups or families, so you can have your travelling companions insured on one policy.

If you, or anyone on the policy, have pre-existing medical conditions, this will push up the price of the cover. In which case, it might be cheaper to take out a separate policy.

More about group holidays

Cruise cover

Off on a cruise? You can get cruise travel insurance for seniors that covers cruises, you just need to mention that you need cover for it.

More about cruise travel cover

Business cover

You need to mention if you’re travelling for work because not all insurers will cover business trips.

More about business travel cover

Winter sports or adventurous activities

Travel insurance often includes a list of adventurous activities as standard, like cycling or hot air ballooning.

For more extreme activities, you’ll probably have to pay a little extra to have them covered by your senior travel insurance.

The same applies to winter sports, like skiing or mountain trekking. Look out for upper age limit restrictions - some insurers have them.

More about winter sports insurance

UK holidays

You won’t need medical cover as the NHS will look after you, but travel insurance is still useful for trips to the UK.

More about UK holiday insurance

Travel insurance guides and tools

[1]Gocompare.com introduces customers to theidol.com which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Gocompare.com's relationship with theidol.com is limited to that of a business partnership, no common ownership or control rights exist between us. Please note, we cannot be held responsible for the content of external websites and by using the links stated to access these separate websites you will be subject to the terms of use applying to those sites

[2]Average median price purchased data recorded by theidol.com for single-trip travel insurance for those with medical conditions, split by age group, in April 2023.