Travel insurance gets more expensive with age, but there are plenty of good options for over 65s. The key is knowing what affects the price and what to compare, rather than just taking the cheapest quote.

How age affects travel insurance

Insurers see older travellers as more likely to need medical treatment, so premiums generally rise with age, often in steps at certain age bands. Some mainstream insurers also have upper age limits, particularly for annual policies. Compare insurers, because pricing differs widely.

Travel Insurance for Over 65s: What to Look For

Travel insurance can become more important as you get older, particularly because medical conditions, longer recovery times and age-related restrictions can affect the type of cover available. However, being over 65 does not mean you have to accept poor cover or pay for benefits you do not need.

The key is to compare policies carefully and look beyond the headline price. A suitable travel insurance policy for over 65s should provide adequate medical protection, cover your existing health conditions and match the length and type of trip you are planning.

A suitable medical limit

Medical cover is one of the most important features of any travel insurance policy, particularly for older travellers.

Medical treatment overseas can be extremely expensive, and costs vary considerably depending on the destination. This is particularly important when travelling to countries such as the USA, where healthcare costs can be very high.

When comparing policies, look at the maximum amount available for emergency medical expenses rather than simply choosing the cheapest premium.

You should also check whether the medical section includes hospital treatment, emergency treatment, prescribed medication and other reasonable medical expenses.

If you are travelling to an expensive destination, consider whether the medical limit is sufficient for the potential costs involved.

For more information, see our guide to travel insurance for the USA.

Cover for pre-existing medical conditions

Many people over 65 have at least one medical condition, whether it is something that requires regular medication or a condition that has previously required treatment.

Having a pre-existing medical condition does not necessarily mean you cannot obtain travel insurance. However, you normally need to tell the insurer about relevant conditions when you apply.

This can include conditions for which you are currently receiving treatment, taking medication or awaiting investigation. Depending on the insurer’s medical screening process, you may also need to disclose previous conditions or hospital treatment.

It is important to answer medical questions accurately. Do not assume that a condition is too minor to mention.

Failing to disclose relevant information could affect a future claim, particularly if the claim is connected to your medical history.

You can read more about travel insurance and pre-existing conditions.

Repatriation cover

Repatriation is another important part of travel insurance for older travellers.

If you become seriously ill or are injured while abroad, you may need to return to the UK for further treatment. Depending on your condition, ordinary commercial travel may not be suitable and specialist arrangements could potentially be required.

Repatriation can involve significant costs, particularly when medical assistance or special transport is required.

Check that your policy includes appropriate repatriation cover and understand the circumstances under which it can be arranged.

It is also worth checking whether the insurer requires its medical assistance team to approve arrangements before you organise your own return journey.

For more information, see our guide to repatriation cover.

Cancellation cover

Cancellation cover can be particularly valuable for older travellers because illness or other unexpected events can sometimes prevent a planned trip from going ahead.

Look at how much cancellation cover the policy provides and compare this with the total value of your holiday, including flights, accommodation, tours and other prepaid arrangements.

Policies can cover cancellation in specific circumstances, such as certain illnesses affecting you, your travelling companion or a close relative.

However, the exact definition of a covered event varies between insurers.

If you have an existing medical condition, check whether it has been properly declared and accepted before relying on cancellation protection connected with that condition.

See our guide to travel insurance cancellation cover.

Upper age and trip length limits

Age restrictions are another important consideration when looking for travel insurance for over 65s.

Some insurers have no upper age limit, while others may restrict certain policies or charge different premiums depending on your age.

Trip length can also become important, especially if you are planning a long holiday.

Annual travel insurance can look attractive because it provides cover for multiple trips during a 12-month period. However, individual trips may have a maximum duration, and some insurers may apply different conditions to older travellers.

For example, an annual policy may cover multiple trips but limit each individual trip to a specific number of days.

Always check the maximum age and maximum trip duration before buying.

The excess

The excess is the amount you may have to pay towards an eligible claim before the insurer contributes.

A higher excess can sometimes reduce your travel insurance premium. However, this is only worthwhile if you could comfortably afford the excess if you needed to make a claim.

For example, saving money on the premium may not be worthwhile if the excess becomes difficult to manage following a claim.

Also check whether different sections of the policy have different excess amounts. Medical, cancellation and baggage claims may not necessarily have identical excesses.

Read our guide to whether a higher excess lowers your premium for more information.

Single trip or annual travel insurance?

If you travel several times a year, an annual travel insurance policy may offer good value and can save you from purchasing a separate policy for every holiday.

However, annual policies are not automatically the best option for every traveller over 65.

Some insurers may impose age restrictions, while others may limit the maximum length of each individual trip. There may also be restrictions relating to pre-existing medical conditions or particular destinations.

If you only travel once or twice a year, compare the cost of an annual policy with separate single-trip policies.

It is also important to consider where you travel. A policy suitable for European holidays may not provide the same geographical cover for worldwide destinations.

See our guide to annual versus single-trip travel insurance.

Compare the policy, not just the price

When buying travel insurance for over 65s, the cheapest quote should not automatically be the deciding factor.

Compare the medical limit, pre-existing medical condition cover, repatriation, cancellation protection, age restrictions, maximum trip length, excess and geographical area.

Most importantly, make sure the policy reflects your actual circumstances and travel plans.

Taking a little extra time to compare the details can help you find travel insurance that provides meaningful protection while still offering a reasonable premium.

Ways to keep the price down

• Compare specialist insurers and general ones, not only comparison sites.
• Choose a region that matches your trip, such as Europe rather than worldwide.
• Don’t add extras you won’t use. See which add-ons are worth it.
• Check whether you already have cover through a packaged account or card. See bank account travel insurance.

If you’re declined or the price is very high

Try specialist brokers, and the MoneyHelper directory for more serious conditions. See how to use the MoneyHelper directory. If you’re over 80, see travel insurance for over 80s.

Practical tips

• Carry your medication in hand luggage with a list and a doctor’s letter.
• Take your GHIC to Europe as a back-up. See GHIC vs travel insurance.
• Keep the emergency number and policy details to hand.

Frequently asked questions

Is travel insurance more expensive for over 65s?

Usually yes, as premiums rise with age, but prices vary a lot between insurers, so compare.

Is there an upper age limit for travel insurance?

Some insurers have limits, particularly for annual policies, but others have none. Check and ask specialist insurers.

Do I need to declare conditions?

Yes. Answer all medical questions honestly and in full.

Can I buy an annual policy at 70?

Often yes, but check age and trip length limits and compare with single trip cover.

Related travel insurance guides

• Backpacker Travel Insurance: Long-Stay and Round-the-World Cover
• Travel Insurance for Business Trips: What Employers Don’t Always Cover
• Family Travel Insurance: What’s Covered for Children?
• What Does Travel Insurance Cover? A Plain-English UK Guide
• How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost in the UK in 2026?

This article is general information, not financial or insurance advice. Always read the policy documents before you buy.