INSURANCE GUIDE Travel Insurance for Over 65s UK - finding cover as an older traveller |
TL;DR
- Travel insurance premiums increase significantly with age, particularly from 65 onwards, primarily due to higher medical risk and the greater probability of pre-existing conditions.
- Some standard travel insurance policies have upper age limits (typically 70 to 75) - specialist over-65s providers remove these restrictions.
- Pre-existing medical conditions are the most significant factor in over-65s travel insurance costs and must be fully declared.
- The FCA Medical Conditions Directory signposts to insurers who will cover travellers with specific conditions, including those over 65.
- Specialist providers including Saga, AllClear, Free Spirit, and Medical Travel Compared focus on older travellers with medical conditions.
Last reviewed: June 2026
KEY FACTS | |
| Why premiums increase with age | Higher medical risk, greater probability of pre-existing conditions, and higher likelihood of cancellation due to health |
| Age limits on standard policies | Many standard policies limit cover to age 70 or 75; specialist over-65s providers have no upper age limit |
| Key factor in over-65s cost | Pre-existing medical conditions - the number, severity, and stability of conditions significantly affects premium |
| FCA Medical Conditions Directory | FCA resource signposting to insurers covering travellers with specific medical conditions |
| Specialist providers | Saga, AllClear, Free Spirit, Medical Travel Compared, and Staysure specialise in older travellers and medical conditions |
| Annual premium range (over 65, standard health) | GBP 80 to GBP 200 European; GBP 150 to GBP 400 worldwide; significantly more with complex medical conditions |
Why Travel Insurance Is More Expensive Over 65
Travel insurance premiums increase with age for actuarial reasons: older travellers are statistically more likely to make claims, particularly medical claims. The average cost of medical treatment and repatriation for a traveller over 65 is significantly higher than for younger travellers. Pre-existing medical conditions are more common, and the probability of a medical emergency being serious enough to require hospitalisation or repatriation increases with age.
Despite higher premiums, travel insurance for older travellers is essential. An uninsured medical emergency abroad can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds for an older traveller with a serious health event - a figure that would financially devastate most retirees.
KEY FACTS
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Finding Travel Insurance Over 65 With Pre-Existing Conditions
The combination of age over 65 and pre-existing medical conditions is the most challenging scenario in the travel insurance market. Standard comparison sites may return no results or very high premiums. Specialist approaches include:
- Using comparison tools specifically designed for medical conditions, such as Medical Travel Compared or AllClear
- Using the FCA Medical Conditions Directory at fca.org.uk which signposts to insurers covering specific conditions
- Using a specialist broker experienced in travel insurance for medical conditions
- Contacting specialist providers directly: Saga, Free Spirit, AllClear, Staysure
When applying, declare all conditions fully and accurately. The information provided forms the basis of the medical cover - non-disclosure invalidates the policy at the most critical moment.
Related Guides |
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Kael Tripton Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the FCA. Always verify details with an FCA-authorised insurer or broker before purchasing. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a maximum age for travel insurance in the UK?
Standard travel insurance policies often have upper age limits of 70 to 80. Specialist providers including Saga, AllClear, Free Spirit, and Staysure offer travel insurance without a maximum age limit. The premium increases significantly with age but cover is available for most travellers regardless of age, provided medical conditions are disclosed and accepted by the insurer.
Does the GHIC help older travellers?
Yes. The GHIC is free for all UK residents and provides access to state healthcare in EU countries on the same basis as local residents. For over-65s, this means access to the equivalent of the local state pension-age healthcare provision. It does not cover emergency repatriation, private treatment, cancellation, or travel outside the EU. It works alongside travel insurance and both should be carried.
How do I find travel insurance if I have been refused elsewhere?
If standard insurers or comparison sites have declined to quote, try specialist providers (AllClear, Free Spirit, Medical Travel Compared, Saga) or the FCA Medical Conditions Directory which lists insurers willing to cover specific conditions. The Financial Ombudsman Service can assist if you believe a refusal was unfair. As a last resort, some specialist Lloyd of London markets provide cover for unusual risk profiles.
What if a new medical condition develops while I am abroad?
If you develop a new medical condition while travelling, the emergency medical section of your travel insurance covers treatment for acute conditions regardless of when they arise. The pre-existing condition declarations refer to conditions known at the time of purchasing the policy. A new illness or injury occurring during the trip is covered as a standard medical claim.
Does travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions for over 65s?
Pre-existing conditions can be covered by specialist travel insurance for over-65s, subject to disclosure and underwriting. Some conditions will be covered at standard rates, others with a premium loading, and a small number may be excluded. The FCA Medical Conditions Directory and specialist comparison tools can identify which insurers will cover your specific conditions.
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