This is always a key step. For over 70s, the cost of travel cover can vary wildly between providers so always get several quotes. Keep an eye out for providers that specialise in cover for older people and compare the best deals.
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Compare our best travel insurance for people over 70
Getting the right travel insurance should be a priority if you’re over 70
Look at various policies to help make your next trip as stress-free as possible
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What is travel insurance for people over 70?
This type of travel insurance is no different to standard travel insurance, but some insurers will adjust the cover you get based on your age.
This could mean they reduce the maximum length of time you can take a trip for, limit the number of countries you can travel to (while excluding some altogether), or reduce your personal accident benefit.
Check the policy documents carefully before applying to make sure you have the cover you need."
Do I need travel insurance if I'm over 70?
It’s never a good idea to venture overseas without proper travel cover in place. It’s even more important if you’re an older traveller or have a history of health problems.
Healthcare can be very expensive abroad. In popular destinations like the USA, you could end up with a massive bill for even minor treatments.
For more serious issues, the cost of treatment and emergency travel back to the UK can run into the hundreds of thousands of pounds.
For example, falling ill with a stomach bug while on holiday in California might not sound too serious. But if you need hospital treatment and plane tickets home, you could face a bill of £100,000. The right over-70s travel insurance policy should cover this.
Remember: Travel insurance can potentially cover trip cancellations, missed connections, as well as lost or stolen possessions. It pays to have insurance in place should the worst happen.
How to choose the best travel insurance for over 70s
To get the best travel insurance for seniors over 70 you need to have the following to hand:
Your travel destination
If you’re travelling outside of Europe you usually need worldwide cover.
How long you plan to be away
Standard policies usually cover you for individual trips up to 31 days long. But there are plenty of specialist insurers who will cover much longer-term trips.
Your personal details
These include your medical history and any pre-existing illnesses.
Compare policies
You can then compare policy options from each insurer and get quotes to find the cheapest price among those policies that meet your needs.
What is covered by travel insurance for over 70s?
Most over-70s travel insurance policies automatically include medical cover, but you need to decide exactly what other protection you need.
You may also want to add extra cover for some activities, including:
Golf
Winter sports
Cruise cover
These added extras may make your policy more expensive, but could offer valuable protection if you’re planning to include such activities in your itinerary.
Annual or single-trip cover?
You should also decide if you want a single-trip policy for one holiday or annual cover, which lasts for 12 months and covers multiple stays overseas.
If you tend to go abroad two or three times a year, it could be worth comparing what it would cost to buy single-trip policies with what you’d pay for annual insurance.
Get help choosing whether single-trip or annual cover is right for you.
How can I get cheaper travel insurance?
Shopping around
This is always a key step. For over 70s, the cost of travel cover can vary wildly between providers so always get several quotes. Keep an eye out for providers that specialise in cover for older people and compare the best deals.
Annual cover
This can save you a lot of money if you travel abroad more than two or three times a year. It’s likely to cost you less to take out one annual policy than several single-trip policies. Compare annual and single-trip deals to find the best option for you.
Cutting your cover
This means making sure you only have what you need, so you only pay for what’s important to you. Most travel insurance policies drop your price if you remove some cover, like lost or stolen baggage protection. Don’t chop too much though, as having too-limited levels of cover could cost you thousands if things go wrong.
How can I get cheaper travel insurance?
Shopping around
Annual cover
This can save you a lot of money if you travel abroad more than two or three times a year. It’s likely to cost you less to take out one annual policy than several single-trip policies. Compare annual and single-trip deals to find the best option for you.
Cutting your cover
This means making sure you only have what you need, so you only pay for what’s important to you. Most travel insurance policies drop your price if you remove some cover, like lost or stolen baggage protection. Don’t chop too much though, as having too-limited levels of cover could cost you thousands if things go wrong.
Can I cover pre-existing conditions with travel insurance?
The simple answer is yes. But it’s important to remember that every insurer has different policies.
Some might not offer you cover at all, while others will cover you but charge more than the cost of a standard policy. That’s because your condition means you’re more likely to make a claim. Most providers will insist that you declare certain health issues. If you don’t tell your insurer about your medical conditions, it could invalidate your policy, leaving you with no cover at all.
If you find it hard to get cover for your pre-existing conditions, contact the British Insurance Brokers’ Association for help and advice.
You must be open and honest with your insurer, as you’ll only be covered for your condition if you declare it when applying for your policy."
Is there a maximum age for travel insurance cover?
Many insurers limit their cover to customers below a certain age, such as 85 for single trips and 75 for annual trip policies. Different insurers will impose different age limits, so make sure you check each policy carefully to make sure it’s right for you. If you find you’re over policy age limits, you still have options for cover as some insurers specialise in cover for travellers aged over 90.
Even if you fall within the more common upper age limits, it’s likely the cost of insurance will go up and the level of cover down as you get older. Many travel insurers start charging notably higher premiums once a person reaches their mid-60s.
FAQs
Why does over-70s travel cost more?
Over-70s travel costs more because older travellers are statistically more likely to need to claim for things like medical bills.
Can I get cover if I have medical conditions?
It depends on the condition. Some insurers specialise in cover for travellers with medical conditions. Here's how to get cover with a pre-existing condition.
Will I have to pay an excess if I need to make a claim?
Yes. How much you’ll have to pay depends on the insurer you choose and what you are making a claim for.
Do I have to declare medical conditions?
Yes, because if you don't it may invalidate your policy, which would leave you without cover.
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