Updated April 2026 · Kael Tripton · Travel Insurance

Important: Always declare all pre-existing medical conditions when buying travel insurance. Failure to declare may invalidate your policy. This guide is for information only and does not constitute financial advice.

Can You Get Travel Insurance Over 70 in the UK?

Yes — and the market for over-70s travel insurance in the UK is larger and more competitive than many older travellers realise. According to Defaqto, 68% of single-trip travel insurance policies have a maximum age of 80 or higher. Specialist providers including Saga, AllClear, Staysure, and Medical Travel Compared offer policies with no upper age limit at all, covering travellers well into their 80s and 90s.

The key challenge for over-70s is not finding cover — it is finding the right cover at a fair price. Premiums rise with age because insurers calculate a higher statistical risk of medical claims. But the price difference between providers for the same traveller can be enormous. Shopping around consistently delivers significantly better value than accepting the first quote.

This guide explains everything UK travellers aged 70 and over need to know about finding, comparing, and buying travel insurance — including how pre-existing conditions are handled, which providers specialise in older travellers, and what cover limits to look for.

What Does Over-70s Travel Insurance Cover?

Over-70s travel insurance provides the same core protection as standard travel insurance, with some providers offering enhanced medical cover limits specifically suited to older travellers:

Emergency medical treatment: The most critical cover for older travellers. Policies typically provide £2 million to £20 million of medical cover. For travel to the USA, Canada, or the Caribbean — where healthcare costs are extremely high — a minimum of £2 million is essential. Some specialists like AllClear and Saga offer up to £20 million.

Medical repatriation: Covers the cost of emergency transport back to the UK if you cannot be treated adequately at your destination. Repatriation costs can run into tens of thousands of pounds — the Association of British Insurers reports claims exceeding £1 million for complex US hospitalisations. This cover is not optional.

Cancellation and curtailment: Reimburses your pre-paid holiday costs if you have to cancel before departure or cut your trip short due to a covered reason, including illness. Limits typically range from £1,000 to £15,000 per person. Check the limit covers the full cost of your trip.

Pre-existing medical conditions: Specialist over-70s insurers cover a wide range of conditions including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory conditions, and stroke. Conditions must be declared at the point of purchase. Undeclared conditions will not be covered and may void the entire policy.

Medical equipment: Covers wheelchairs, frames, mobility scooters, and medical devices against loss or damage while travelling. Also covers replacement hire costs if your equipment is lost or delayed.

Prescription medication: Covers the cost of emergency prescription replacements if your medication is lost, stolen, or delayed in transit.

Personal liability: Covers legal costs if you accidentally injure someone or damage property. Standard cover is £1 million to £2 million.

Baggage and personal effects: Covers loss, theft, or damage to luggage and personal items. Typical limits are £1,500 to £3,000 per person.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions — What You Must Declare

Declaring pre-existing conditions is the most important step in buying over-70s travel insurance. Failure to declare a relevant condition is the leading cause of rejected claims. If you fail to disclose a condition and then make a related claim, your insurer will almost certainly refuse to pay — and may void your entire policy, leaving all claims unprotected.

You must declare all conditions that fall within the policy's medical warranty — typically any condition you have been diagnosed with, are receiving treatment for, or have received treatment for within a defined period (often five years, but check your specific policy). Common conditions to declare include:

• Heart conditions (including previous heart attacks, bypass surgery, stents, pacemakers)
• Cancer (including cancers in remission)
• Stroke or TIA (transient ischaemic attack)
• Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Respiratory conditions (COPD, asthma, emphysema)
• Kidney disease
• Any condition for which you have been prescribed medication in the past year

If a condition is declined by one insurer, they are required by the FCA to signpost you to an insurer or broker that specialises in your condition. The MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Directory lists providers that cover difficult-to-insure conditions.

Top Providers for Over-70s Travel Insurance in the UK

Single Trip vs Annual Multi-Trip for Over 70s

Single-trip insurance covers one specific journey from departure to return. It is the right choice if you take one or two holidays per year. For a 73-year-old with no medical conditions, single-trip European cover can be found from around £19 for a one-week trip (based on February 2026 market data).

Annual multi-trip insurance covers all trips taken within a 12-month period, up to a maximum single-trip duration (typically 31 to 45 days per trip, though some policies limit older travellers to shorter maximum trips). It is more cost-effective for those taking three or more holidays per year. Note that some insurers restrict annual policies for over-70s — check the maximum trip length and age terms carefully.

Important: Some annual policies reduce the maximum single-trip duration for older travellers. A policy that covers 45-day trips for under-65s may only cover 31-day trips for those aged 70 and over. Always verify the maximum trip duration for your age group before purchasing an annual policy.

Does the GHIC Replace Travel Insurance for Over 70s?

No. The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC — which replaced the EHIC for UK residents) gives you access to state-provided healthcare in EU countries at the same cost as local residents. It is a useful supplement to travel insurance but is not a replacement. The GHIC does not cover:

• Repatriation to the UK
• Cancellation costs
• Lost or stolen baggage
• Private medical treatment
• Any treatment in non-EU countries
• Pre-existing conditions in all circumstances

Always have valid travel insurance in addition to your GHIC, regardless of destination.

Key Tips for Getting the Best Over-70s Travel Insurance Deal

1. Buy as soon as you book your trip. Travel insurance covers cancellation from the moment you buy — not from when you travel. If you fall ill between booking and departure, you need to already be insured.
2. Declare all medical conditions honestly. Every condition, every medication. Undisclosed conditions are the primary reason claims are rejected.
3. Compare specialist providers alongside mainstream insurers. AllClear, Staysure, Saga, and Medical Travel Compared specialise in older travellers and often offer more comprehensive cover at competitive prices.
4. Check the medical cover limit for your destination. For the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean, ensure you have at least £2 million of emergency medical cover. For the USA, many specialists recommend £5 million or more given US healthcare costs.
5. Check maximum trip duration on annual policies. Annual policies often restrict single-trip length for older travellers. Confirm the limit applies to your age group before purchasing.
6. Use the MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Directory if declined. If an insurer cannot cover your medical conditions, they must direct you to a specialist. The MoneyHelper directory is the starting point.
7. Consider cruise-specific cover if cruising. Cruise travel insurance adds cover for cabin confinement, missed ports, and onboard medical costs that standard policies may not include.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get travel insurance at 75 or 80?

Yes. Multiple UK providers offer travel insurance with no upper age limit, including AllClear, Saga, and Staysure. As you age, the number of available policies reduces and premiums increase, but cover is available. Use specialist comparison services that focus on older travellers to find your options.

Is travel insurance more expensive over 70?

Yes — premiums increase with age because older travellers statistically make more and higher-value medical claims. However, the price difference between providers for the same traveller can be substantial. Always compare multiple quotes. The difference between the most and least expensive quote for the same 73-year-old can be £100 or more for the same trip.

What if I have a pre-existing heart condition?

Declare it fully when getting quotes. Most specialist over-70s insurers — including AllClear, Saga, and Staysure — cover heart conditions. The premium will be higher to reflect the added risk. If a mainstream insurer declines, use the MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Directory to find a specialist.

Do I need travel insurance for UK holidays?

Medical treatment in the UK is free on the NHS, so you do not need medical cover for UK trips. However, UK travel insurance can still be worth having for cancellation cover, lost baggage, and other non-medical issues. Check whether your home contents insurance already provides some travel cover for UK trips.

What is the MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Directory?

The MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Directory is a free government-backed tool that lists FCA-authorised insurers and brokers that specialise in covering travellers with medical conditions who have been declined or quoted excessive premiums by standard insurers. Access it at moneyhelper.org.uk.

Conclusion

Travel insurance for over 70s in the UK is widely available and increasingly affordable when you compare the right providers. The key steps are: declare all conditions honestly, buy as soon as you book, compare specialist providers alongside mainstream insurers, and check that your medical cover limit is adequate for your destination.

Do not let age or medical conditions deter you from travelling — the right policy provides the protection you need to explore with confidence. For help finding cover, visit the MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Directory.

Last updated: April 2026. Always read your policy documents carefully before purchasing. Travel insurance is regulated by the FCA — verify providers at register.fca.org.uk. For help finding cover with medical conditions, see the MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Directory.