Travel insurance for over 70s

There’s no doubt retirement is a fantastic opportunity to travel the world – but you’ll want to make sure you have the right protection in place before you go. Here’s what you need to know about over 70s travel insurance.

Written by

Kate Hughes

Insurance expert

Last Updated

15 JANUARY 2025

8 min read

What is travel insurance for the over 70s?

Travel insurance for the over 70s is tailored towards the typical needs of older travellers. It can offer greater medical coverage than a standard travel insurance policy.

Travel insurance can be more expensive as you get older, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition. But with many providers now offering dedicated cover for senior travellers, it’s easy to get the protection you need without breaking the bank.

What is the best travel insurance for over 70s with medical conditions?

Finding cheap over 70s travel insurance can be more of a challenge if you have a serious medical condition. This is because illnesses such as heart problems, cancer or diabetes increase the risk of you having to make a claim.

But while price is always a consideration, don’t just assume the cheapest policy is the best one for you. It’s better to find a provider who can tailor your policy to make sure you have the right level of medical cover for your condition.

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

MoneyHelper has launched a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone if you have more serious medical conditions. Find more information at MoneyHelper or by calling them on 0800 138 7777.

Can you get travel insurance for over 70s?

Yes, many providers offer dedicated over 70s travel insurance.

Travel insurance aimed at the over 70s sometimes offers more medical and health cover than standard travel insurance – for example, cover for post-hospital aftercare and damage to medical equipment.

Over 70s travel insurance is also more likely to cover pre-existing medical conditions, as long as you declare these in your application.

What does travel insurance for the over 70s cover?

As you might expect, travel insurance for over 70s has a greater focus on medical and health cover. You may be asked extra questions about your medical history but providing you answer accurately, you may be able to get cover for pre-existing conditions including diabetes and cancer.

And if you need a carer to travel with you, you might be able to add them to your policy.

As well as cover for emergency medical treatment and repatriation to meet the cost of getting you home if you become ill, travel insurance for the over 70s should offer the same cover as standard travel insurance, including:

Lost or stolen baggage – in case your luggage goes missing or is stolen while you’re on your travels.
Cancellation cover – if you have to cancel or cut short your trip for a reason covered by your policy.
Delays – your policy should offer you some cover for missing a flight or a connection.

What doesn’t over 70s travel insurance cover?

Each provider has different terms. Always read your policy carefully so you know what you are and aren’t covered for.

Common exclusions for over 70s travel insurance include:

Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions – your claim could be rejected if you haven’t told your provider about a medical condition.
Some sports activities – if you’re intending to take part in any sports or outdoor activities while you’re away, make sure they’re covered by your policy. If not, you may be able to add cover at an extra cost.
Being under the influence – if you overdo it on the sangria, then have an accident, you’re unlikely to be covered.
Terrorism – but you may be able to add cover for this as an extra.

How much does travel insurance for over 70s cost?

You should expect to pay more for over 70s travel insurance than you would for a standard policy. This is because providers consider you more at risk of needing medical treatment while you’re away.

Other things that impact on the cost of your premium include:

Destination – staying in Europe is usually cheaper than travelling further afield.
Trip length – the longer you go for, the more cover you’ll need, increasing the cost.
Activities – if you’re taking part in winter sports or activities considered high risk, you can expect to pay more for extra cover.
Level of cover – if you’re insuring yourself against higher medical expenses, your policy will cost more.

If you travel regularly, you might want to consider an over 70s annual travel insurance policy. This will cover you for as many trips as you like, each year, for one premium. If you only go away once or twice a year, a single trip policy might be the better option.

What optional extras come with holiday insurance for over 70s?

When you compare with us, you can add extras to your policy, including:

Cruise cover – for cabin confinement, missed port stops and more.
Gadget cover – for valuable tech like laptops and smartphones.

Did you know?

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), a claim for a passenger who suffered a stroke on a cruise ship, and was flown to the US for emergency surgery, cost a total of £118,000. Without travel insurance, that money would have come out of the passenger’s pocket.

Should I declare pre-existing medical conditions?

Absolutely. When applying for travel insurance with a medical condition, you must be as honest and accurate as possible. If you fail to mention any pre-existing or ongoing health issues and then try and claim for it, your policy will likely be invalidated.

Insurance providers will only ask questions about your health so they can determine what kind of cover you need.

Top tips for travelling with a medical condition:

Take extra supplies of medication – keep in both your hand baggage and hold luggage in case any of your bags get lost.
If you have a pacemaker, let airport staff know before going through security.
Take copies of your insurance documents and a letter from your doctor explaining your medical condition.
Check there are hospitals that can treat your condition nearby, in case you need treatment while away.

Where can I go with over 70s travel insurance?

Travel insurance is generally split into four categories: 

The UK
Europe
Worldwide excluding the USA, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico
Worldwide.

When comparing over 70s travel insurance, you’ll be asked where you’re going. This may seem straightforward, but double-check before you book – some insurance providers classify countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Turkey as Europe, whereas others don’t.

Do I need a GHIC card?

Having a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is essential if you’re travelling to Europe as it gives you access to state-provided healthcare in the EU in the event of a medical emergency.

But it’s not a substitute for travel insurance – it won’t cover your baggage, or cancellations and delays, for example. And it also won’t cover getting you back to the UK if you’re ill or injured.

You can apply for a GHIC for free on the NHS website. The GHIC has replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but if you already have an EHIC you can use it to cover certain medical expenses until it expires.

What else should I consider with over 70s travel insurance?

Looking for over-70s travel insurance? Here are some things to think about:

Upper age limits – always check for an upper age limit when comparing travel insurance as someone over 70.
Medical cover limits – keep an eye out for limits on how much medical cover you can claim for. This is especially important if you’re travelling to a country with high medical costs, like the USA or the Caribbean.
Medical equipment – make sure any medical equipment you take with you is insured against damage, loss or theft.
Exclusions – be sure you’re clear on what your policy doesn’t cover. For example, many travellers don’t realise that standard travel insurance might not cover them if they’re off on a cruise. This is because medical evacuation at sea can be far more expensive than normal. You’ll have the option of adding dedicated cruise travel insurance when you compare with us.

We work with 44 trusted travel insurance brands^[2], including:

^[2]Correct as of December 2024.

How can I compare travel insurance for over 70s?

Use our comparison service to search for the right travel insurance for you.

Simply enter your details – including any pre-existing medical conditions – and in just a few minutes you’ll have a selection of quotes to choose from.

Start a quote

Frequently asked questions

Is there an upper age limit on travel insurance?

Travel insurance for the over 70s shouldn’t have upper age limits, but always check to be sure.

Why is travel insurance more expensive for over 70s?

Basically, the older you are, the more your travel insurance is likely to be. This is because travel insurance providers consider older travellers more of a risk. There’s a higher probability of making a medical claim compared to younger holidaymakers.

Can I include travel companions on my policy?

Some insurance providers will let you include travel companions on your policy. This is useful if you need a carer. However, providers may add limits and exclusions to this extra cover. Check your policy for details if this applies to you.

Are medical belongings and equipment covered?

They may be. Many over 70s travel insurance policies will cover medical equipment as standard. Check your policy or ask your travel insurance provider to be sure.

When should I get travel insurance for over 70s?

It’s best to buy your over 70s travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. That way, you’re covered if anything happens and you need to cancel your holiday before you leave.