Compare travel insurance quotes for over-60s: a simple guide

Why do I need over-60s travel insurance?

If you’re in your early 60s, you may find that all your needs are met at a reasonable price by a standard travel insurance policy. But if you’re in your mid or late 60s, you could benefit from travel insurance that’s specifically designed for the over 60s.

Travel insurance can become more expensive once you reach the age of 65. That’s because insurance providers consider you more likely to make a claim the older you get, particularly for medical expenses. Older people are also more likely to travel to destinations where the cost of medical treatment is expensive.

Plus, the risk of injury is deemed to be higher when you get older, especially if you’re going to be taking part in adventure activities or sports on your travels.

It’s not all doom and gloom though. Just because you’re 60 or older, it doesn’t mean you can’t get insurance, or that you should stop travelling. Arguably this is the best time to go as you probably have a little more time and money to enjoy some lovely long holidays.

The important thing is to compare cover and prices, to find the right policy for you.

What will over-60s travel insurance cover?

There are certain requirements you need to look for in any travel policy. However, if you’re aged 60 or over, you’ll need to pay more attention to what’s included as there is a higher risk you might need to claim.

Travel insurance should cover you for:

• Medical expenses to cover any necessary treatment you need while you’re away.

• Repatriation – to bring you back to the UK in a medical emergency.

• Holiday cancellation – to cover what you’ve paid for flights and accommodation if you need to cancel your trip for an unforeseen reason like injury, illness, and in some cases, bereavement.

• Travel disruption and delays – in case, for example, you miss a flight due to something out of your control like adverse weather or public transport issues.

• Lost baggage – compensation if your baggage is lost or stolen.

Travel policies vary, so it’s important to read the terms carefully to see exactly what’s covered.

What won’t over-60s travel insurance cover?

Over 60s holiday insurance typically won’t cover you for:

• Injuries or theft while you’re under the influence of drink or drugs.

• Any pre-existing medical conditions you haven’t declared.

• Claims resulting from circumstances where you broke the law.

• Some sports and activities - check that any activities you want to do are covered by your policy. You may need to add cover for risky activities such as water sports or winter sports for an extra cost.

• Travelling against Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice.

• Missed flights if you were at fault, for example because you didn’t leave in enough time to get to the airport.

• Cancelled holidays if you simply change your mind and decide you don’t want to go.

This list isn’t definitive and all providers set their own rules about what is and what isn’t covered so always check what your policy says before you set off.

How much will over 60s travel insurance cost?

Insurance for a week-long trip for over 60s travelers could cost less than £21.89^[1].

But how much you’ll pay depends on a mix of things including where you’re travelling, your age, your medical history and the kind of cover you want.

^{[1] Based on Compare the Market data for a single trip travel policy for a traveler over 60 years old, with no pre-existing medical conditions on a seven-day trip. Prices correct as of September 2024.}

Will I be covered by travel insurance for over 60s with pre-existing medical conditions?

Yes, it’s possible to get travel insurance with medical conditions over 60. Pre-existing medical conditions are more common in older people, so if you have one, it’s important to know you’re covered.

Whether or not an insurance provider decides to cover you depends on:

• The nature of your condition

• The individual provider.

Travel insurance may cost more if you have a medical condition because you’re considered more likely to make a claim. But when you weigh up the costs of medical care abroad, it’s certainly worth the extra money.

For example, treatment in hospital for an infection in the USA, plus flights home, could set you back £100,000 if you don’t have the right travel insurance.

It’s important to be honest and upfront about any medical conditions you suffer from, otherwise any claim you make could be rejected.

Should I declare pre-existing medical conditions?

It’s vital that you declare any pre-existing medical conditions and give insurance providers all the information they need. If you don’t, your policy may be invalid if you need to make a claim and you could be faced with a very large medical bill.

When you compare travel insurance for over 60s with us, make sure you declare any medical conditions. We’ll then only show you quotes from providers who will cover those conditions.

There’s no getting away from the fact that prices might be higher if you have a health condition. But they’re likely to be a lot less than paying out for medical care while you’re abroad.

What factors can affect the cost of my travel insurance policy?

A variety of factors go into calculating the cost of over-60s travel insurance, and they tend to vary between providers. However, the main ones are:

• Pre-existing medical conditions – if you suffer from a chronic illness or medical condition, you’re considered more likely to claim for medical treatment while you’re on holiday.

• Your destination – over-60s travel insurance is usually cheaper for Europe than long-haul destinations, such as the USA and Caribbean, as medical care is typically more expensive in those locations.

• How long you’re going for – from an insurance provider’s point of view, the longer you’re away, the higher the chance of something going wrong.

• The type of policy you choose – if you’re planning to go away more than once in a year, an annual travel insurance policy can work out cheaper than separate single trip policies, but this isn’t always the case, so do the sums. The price of group policies is based on the oldest traveller, so an individual policy might work out cheaper.

It’s worth remembering that while price is important, cheap travel insurance for over 60s may not provide the level of cover that you need. The priority is getting a travel insurance policy with the right cover.

Where can I find the best travel insurance for over 60s?

Shopping around is one of the best ways to find the right cover for you at the right price. We make comparing and finding holiday insurance for the over 60s quick and easy. Just give us your details and we’ll show you a range of policies to compare so you can choose the one that most suits your needs.

Customers with pre-existing medical conditions

If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. Whatever happens, tell your insurance provider the truth. If you give false information or miss something out, your claim could be rejected.

When you declare any medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers that will cover them with no exclusions.

If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone. You can call them on 0800 138 7777.