Compare our best travel insurance for people over 70

What is covered by over-70s travel insurance?

Most over-70 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:

These added extras may make your policy more expensive but could offer valuable protection if you’re planning to do any of these activities on your trip.

Annual or single-trip cover?

You should also decide if you want a single-trip policy that covers you for one trip away, or annual cover, which lasts for 12 months and covers multiple trips overseas.

Get help choosing whether single-trip or annual cover is right for you.

Can I cover pre-existing conditions with travel insurance?

The simple answer is yes.

However, it’s important to remember that every insurer has slightly 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 statistically more likely to make a claim.

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. Most providers will insist that you declare certain health issues, so if you don’t tell your insurer about your medical conditions it could invalidate your policy leaving you with no cover at all.

Is there a maximum age for travel insurance cover?

Most insurers limit their cover to customers below a certain age, such as 85 for single trips and 80 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’re over these limits, you still have options for cover as some insurers specialise in policies for older travellers, which may be offered with no age limit.

Even if you fall within the limits, it’s likely the cost of insurance will go up and the level of cover will go down as you get older. Many travel insurers start charging higher premiums once a person reaches 65 years old; some even increase premiums for travellers in their early 30s.

Why does my age make travel insurance more expensive?

Most insurance policy prices are based on how likely you are to make a claim.

If you’re an older traveller, insurance companies will see you as relatively more likely to require some form of medical treatment while you’re away. In certain countries, such as the USA, this could lead to a significant payout.

Last updated: 25 May, 2022