Travel insurance for over 80s

There are a range of policies out there that insure travellers with no upper age limit, including those that cover pre-existing medical conditions.

Here’s our guide to finding the right over 80s travel insurance for your needs so you can travel with confidence.

There are a range of policies out there that insure travellers with no upper age limit, including those that cover pre-existing medical conditions.

Here’s our guide to finding the right over 80s travel insurance for your needs so you can travel with confidence.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: please check the latest government travel advice that sets out what you need to do, if anything, before you travel abroad and before you return home. You should also check the latest travel advice and entry requirements for each country you visit or transit through. Travel rules can change at short notice, so check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for the latest information.

Josh Daniels

Travel Insurance expert

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Posted 12 NOVEMBER 2019 Last Updated 27 JUNE 2022

Can the over 80s get travel insurance?

Yes, although we’re not going to pretend it’s all plain sailing - some insurance providers impose age limits at around 75 for their standard travel insurance. But many other insurance providers happily insure those over 80, and we can help you find a quote.

Customers with more serious pre-existing medical conditions

If you have a serious health condition, the price you pay for travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. However, there are still many providers out there and you should be able to find affordable cover. Whatever happens, don’t be tempted to lie to an insurance provider, because if you do and then need to make a claim, it could be rejected.

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.

What does travel insurance for over 80s cover?

Your insurance policy can cover you for:

Emergency medical expenses if you have an accident or become ill. It can also include repatriation cover to get you home if necessary.
Cancellation if you unexpectedly need to cancel or cut short your trip due to illness or - depending on your policy - the serious illness or death of a close relative.
Loss or damage to luggage, medication, or medical aids.
Travel delays and disruptions – insurance can cover any costs you have to pay as a result.
Coronavirus - travel insurance policies can cover you against disruption and cancellation caused by coronavirus. To check what cover different policies offer, click the ‘more details’ button on your quotes when you compare with us.

Policies can also offer 24-hour assistance helplines with support and advice.

If you’re going on a cruise, you can add cover for missed port stops and more at an extra cost.

Can I get travel insurance with a pre-existing medical condition?

Yes. Some insurance providers offer over 80s travel insurance to people with medical conditions – just make sure you declare all pre-existing medical conditions when you apply, or you risk invalidating your policy if you need to make a related claim. 

When you search for travel insurance with Compare the Market, we’ll ask you some simple questions about your health. Our tool makes it easy to declare any pre-existing conditions – from angina to diabetes, and high blood pressure to heart conditions.

Find out more about travel insurance with medical conditions.

How much does travel insurance for over 80s cost?

Once you’re in your 80s, there’s no getting away from the fact that you’ll pay more for travel insurance than someone younger, regardless of your personal level of health and fitness. That’s because the older you get, the more likely you are to make a claim. Add to this the greater chance of having pre-existing medical conditions and your premium may increase further.

But while over-80s insurance is more expensive, it’s also a great investment that lets you travel with confidence. If you aren’t insured, you’ll have to pay for any unexpected medical bills out of your own pocket. And those can be eye-wateringly expensive.

Before buying a policy, read the details carefully so you know you’re getting the cover you need. If you’re unsure about the details, check with the insurance provider.

What doesn’t over-80s travel insurance cover?

A few typical exclusions are:

Undisclosed pre-existing medical conditions – if you don’t declare a pre-existing condition to your insurance provider and then claim for it, your policy may be invalid.
Some sports and activities – check your policy to see what you’re covered for.
Irresponsible behaviour – for example, if you leave your handbag unattended and it’s stolen, you’re unlikely to be covered.

Again, whatever other preparations you make for a trip away, make sure reading your policy carefully is one of them so you know exactly what your insurance covers.

Will I have to pass a medical test to get over-80s travel insurance?

Not necessarily. You don’t always have to pass a medical test to get cover. Insurance providers will usually use the information you give them to calculate your premium. Make sure you know the names of your medical conditions before you apply, as well as the kind of treatment and/or medication you’re currently using.

Where can I go with an over-80s insurance policy?

Different parts of the world have their own tailored travel insurance. You can find separate policies for:

Europe– this sometimes includes popular non-European destinations such as Egypt, Morocco, and Turkey, so check the policy to avoid paying unnecessarily for worldwide cover.
Worldwide – some policies exclude the USA, Mexico and the Caribbean, where medical costs are high. So if that’s where you’re going, be sure to choose a policy that covers these regions.

Do I still need travel insurance if I've got an EHIC or GHIC card?

Yes. You should always buy travel insurance, even if you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its replacement – a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). These give you access to state healthcare in EU countries and Switzerland.

But travel insurance covers a lot that your EHIC or GHIC won't, such as private medical healthcare, medical repatriation, lost or stolen belongings, and delays. Many travellers also don’t realise the GHIC/EHIC isn't valid on cruises, either. So if you want comprehensive cover, travel insurance is essential.

You can apply for a free GHIC on the NHS website.

When should I buy travel insurance for the over 80s?

We recommend taking out your insurance policy as soon as you book your holiday. That way you can be covered if you need to cancel the trip.

Can I get an annual travel insurance policy?

Yes. If you’re going away more than once in a 12-month period, an annual policy could save you money. If you’re travelling for an extended period, check how long your policy allows you to be away.  It’s also worth checking your home insurance policy as you may invalidate that cover if your property is empty for longer than the typical 30 day maximum. Inform your provider well in advance if you’ll be away for longer.

If you're not sure how often you’ll be away over the next year, a single-trip policy might be a better option.