Many mainstream insurers cap age for travel insurance, and prices rise sharply for older travellers, but cover is still available. You may just need to look at specialist providers. Here’s how.
Why it’s harder to find cover
Some mainstream insurers and annual policies have upper age limits, and single trip policies may stop at a certain age. Prices also tend to be higher, because the risk of needing medical treatment is higher.
Where to look
- Specialist insurers and brokers who cover older travellers, some with no upper age limit
- Comparison sites, using the correct age and medical details, though they may not list every specialist
- The MoneyHelper directory if you’ve been declined because of a medical condition. See how to use the MoneyHelper directory.
What to compare
Choosing travel insurance based only on the cheapest premium can be risky, particularly if you have medical conditions or are travelling later in life. Two policies can have very different levels of protection even when their prices look similar.
Before buying, compare the main benefits, limits, exclusions and excesses. A policy that costs slightly more may provide significantly better protection if something goes wrong while you are abroad.
1. Medical limit and repatriation
Medical cover should be one of your first priorities. Check the maximum amount the insurer will pay for emergency medical treatment abroad and make sure it is appropriate for your destination.
This is especially important when travelling to countries where private healthcare can be extremely expensive.
Also check whether the policy includes repatriation to the UK when medically necessary. Repatriation can involve arranging specialist transport and medical assistance, potentially over a long distance.
The medical limit may look generous, but it is equally important to check the exclusions and conditions attached to the cover.
For more information, see our guide to repatriation cover.
2. Cancellation cover
Cancellation cover can protect certain prepaid and non-refundable travel costs if you have to cancel your trip for a reason specifically covered by the policy.
However, policies do not necessarily cover every reason for cancelling.
Pay particular attention to the health-related reasons that qualify. For example, a serious unexpected illness or injury may be covered if it meets the policy’s conditions and is supported by appropriate medical evidence.
Some policies may also provide cover when a close relative becomes seriously ill or when another specified event prevents you from travelling.
Check the cancellation limit as well. If your flights, accommodation, car hire and other prepaid arrangements cost several thousand pounds, a policy with a relatively low cancellation limit may leave you financially exposed.
Read our guide to travel insurance cancellation cover for more information.
3. Treatment of pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, check exactly how the insurer treats it.
Some insurers may provide cover after you complete a medical screening process. Others may charge an additional premium, apply special conditions or exclude a particular condition from cover.
A condition that is covered by one insurer may not be covered by another, so comparing policies can be particularly important.
You should also check whether the insurer’s medical questions apply to conditions that have been treated recently, conditions for which you take medication or previous hospital visits.
Do not assume that a condition is too minor to mention. If the insurer asks about it, answer the question accurately.
See our guide to pre-existing conditions for more information.
4. Trip length limits
Check the maximum length of each trip permitted under the policy.
This can be particularly important for older travellers, as some insurers impose different maximum trip durations depending on the traveller’s age.
An annual multi-trip policy, for example, does not necessarily mean that you can spend the entire year abroad. There may be a maximum number of consecutive days allowed for each individual trip.
If you are planning an extended holiday, cruise, visit to family abroad or long stay in another country, confirm the maximum trip duration before purchasing the policy.
Also check whether the permitted trip length changes once you reach a particular age.
5. Excess and price
The excess is the amount you may have to pay towards an eligible claim before the insurer contributes.
For example, if a policy has a £100 excess and you have a covered claim worth £600, the amount payable by the insurer may be reduced by the applicable excess, depending on how the policy applies its excess.
A lower premium can sometimes come with a higher excess, so do not compare policies on price alone.
When comparing quotes, put the premium and excess side by side. Then look at the actual benefits included for that price.
Also check whether different sections of the policy have separate excesses. Medical, baggage and cancellation claims may not always be treated in exactly the same way.
Be ready for medical questions
If you have a medical history, preparing your information before obtaining a quote can make the insurance process much easier.
Have a list of relevant medical conditions, prescribed medication, recent treatment, consultations and hospital visits available.
The insurer may ask about dates, diagnoses, medication and whether your condition has been stable. Answer each question as accurately as possible.
Do not deliberately leave out a condition because you believe it is unrelated to your trip. If the insurer asks for the information, provide it.
Read our guide to what is a medical screening to understand what insurers may ask and why.
Why accurate information matters
When you buy travel insurance, the insurer uses the information you provide to assess the risk and determine the terms of the policy.
If you fail to declare a relevant medical condition or provide inaccurate information, this could affect a future claim. Depending on the circumstances and the policy wording, the insurer may refuse a claim, apply different terms or potentially invalidate some or all of the cover.
This is particularly important if you become ill abroad and the illness is connected to a condition that was not properly disclosed.
If you are unsure whether something needs to be declared, ask the insurer or complete its medical screening process rather than guessing.
Compare the whole policy
The best travel insurance policy is not necessarily the one with the lowest price.
Before making a decision, compare the medical limit, repatriation arrangements, cancellation cover, pre-existing medical conditions, trip-length restrictions, excess and overall premium.
Read the exclusions as well as the benefits. A policy can have a high headline medical limit but still contain exclusions that could be important for your circumstances.
Taking a little extra time to compare policies before you travel can help you choose cover that is appropriate for your age, health, destination and planned trip.
Planning the trip
- Choose a destination with good healthcare and straightforward travel.
- Check whether you need a fit-to-fly letter or special assistance from the airline.
- Carry medication in hand luggage with copies of prescriptions.
- Travel with someone, if you can, and share your itinerary and policy details with family.
- Take your GHIC for European trips, but don’t rely on it alone. See GHIC vs travel insurance.
If you can’t get cover
Think carefully about the risks of travelling without it, and consider flexible bookings, nearer destinations or a different type of trip. See what happens if you’re ill abroad without insurance. For the 65+ market in general, see travel insurance for over 65s.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get travel insurance over 80?
Yes, from specialist insurers, though mainstream insurers often have age limits and prices are higher.
Do I need a medical screening?
Usually yes. You’ll be asked about your health and medication, so have details ready.
Are annual policies available over 80?
Sometimes, but many insurers restrict them. Compare single trip and annual quotes.
What if no one will insure me?
Try the MoneyHelper directory and specialist brokers, or consider changing your travel plans.
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.
