Over-65s’ travel insurance
If you’ve already booked a holiday but haven’t sorted out travel insurance yet, act quickly and get it now—don’t put it off. A significant part of the benefit of travel insurance is that it protects you even before you start your trip, ensuring you’re covered if something happens that prevents you from traveling. Of course, it also covers you during your journey, although no policy covers every possible scenario. We’ll guide you on what to be mindful of and recommend some of the best travel insurance options available.
- Under 66? See our Travel insurance guide.
- Medical conditions? See Pre-existing conditions.
- Staycation planned? See UK travel insurance.
What is travel insurance for over-65s?
The purpose of travel insurance is to help manage the costs of unexpected events, such as illness, injury, or loss of personal belongings, during your holiday. It is also intended to protect you if you need to cancel your trip before departure or return early due to an emergency.
Although travel insurance functions the same for people of all ages, insurers often charge higher premiums as you get older. This is mainly because they perceive a higher risk of medical issues occurring during your travels.
While travel insurance provides significant coverage, it’s important to note that it won’t cover every possible situation or inconvenience you may face on your trip. Be sure to read this guide thoroughly to understand what is and isn’t included in your coverage.
What does travel insurance cover?
Not all travel insurance policies are the same, but generally, you can expect an insurer to cover most of the following.
That said, the specifics of coverage can differ from one policy to another, so it’s important to review the terms thoroughly before making a purchase.
Good travel insurance should cover you for…
| Reason | Typical examples |
| Cancellation as you can’t travel | If you’re made redundant, have to do jury service, fall seriously ill, test positive for Covid, suffer a bereavement or have a home emergency such as a fire, flood or break-in. |
| Medical costs whilst abroad | If you fall ill overseas, including Covid, and require treatment – plus any travel costs if you need to be brought back to the UK for it. Though ALWAYS tell your insurer about any pre-existing medical conditions, or you won’t be covered (see our Pre-existing conditions travel insurance guide for full help). |
| Cutting your trip short (curtailment) | If an emergency happens that requires you to travel home early, such as death of a close relative. |
| Baggage and personal belongings | If any of your stuff is lost, stolen or damaged while you’re away. Though there are often limits on the amounts they’ll pay out. You may also have cover for this under personal belongings on your home contents policy. |
| Sports, excursions and other activities | If you can’t make use of your booked activities, though some policies only cover this if the provider went bust. |
| Personal liability | If you accidentally hurt someone or damaged their property, such as spilling a drink and staining an expensive upholstered chair. |
| You catch Covid | You’re generally covered if you test positive for coronavirus before your trip or while on it. |
How to get cheaper travel insurance if you’re over 65
As you get older, finding suitable holiday insurance becomes more challenging, largely because your risk of illness or injury increases. However, aside from the additional expense, travel insurance for those over 65 is essentially the same as it is for younger travelers. It protects you against unexpected events that may happen either before your trip or during your time away. Here are 12 important things to keep in mind, along with some tips to help you reduce the cost.
1 – Buy as soon as you book
Purchase travel insurance immediately after booking to protect against cancellations and pre-trip illnesses.
Once you’ve secured your holiday, don’t delay getting insurance; doing so could expose you to unnecessary risks.
Travel insurance isn’t just for when you’re on your trip. It also covers cancellations due to unexpected events like job loss, family emergencies such as injury or death, or other incidents that might prevent your travel plans. It even includes coverage if you contract COVID-19 shortly before departure and are unable to travel.
Therefore, it’s essential to get your travel insurance ASAP (As Soon As you’ve Booked a holiday).
This advice also applies to UK holidays, and we offer a guide to assist with UK travel insurance arrangements.
2 – Not all insurers have an upper age limit
One of the key factors insurers consider when determining pricing is the age of the travellers, ensuring that you remain within their maximum age limits.
Fortunately, many insurers still offer policies without an upper age restriction, though it can vary depending on whether you opt for an annual multi-trip policy or a single trip policy.
For example, insurers like Direct Line and Churchill set an age cap of 74 for annual policies but impose no age limit on single-trip policies. This trend is also seen with Leisure Guard, Sainsbury’s, Virgin, and the Post Office.
We also found that companies like Avanti, CoverForYou, Saga, and Staysure don’t have an upper age limit for either annual multi-trip or single-trip policies.
Therefore, if you fall into the older age bracket, it might be beneficial to request quotes for both annual and single-trip policies, as you may receive more options with the single-trip route.
3 – Always declare medical conditions
Always disclose medical conditions, or you risk not being covered.
Declaring medical conditions may feel overwhelming, but failing to inform your insurer about any health issues could lead to your claim being denied.
Be thorough and transparent about any health problems you’ve had, typically within the past five years.
Even if you’ve had conditions insurers view as minor, such as mild asthma or controlled high blood pressure, you might still qualify for standard medical coverage.
Always inform your insurer, even if you think it’s insignificant. Many insurers take a practical approach when determining whether to adjust your premium due to a medical condition based on their screening process. Keep in mind that each insurer categorizes conditions differently in terms of severity.
If you don’t share your medical history, any existing conditions, no matter how small, may be excluded from coverage. This could leave you with steep medical bills if you fall ill. Additionally, insurers need details on medications and related illnesses that may be connected to any existing condition.
For instance, an asthmatic who gets a chest infection while on holiday will only be covered if they’ve disclosed their asthma beforehand.
For more tips, advice, and information on finding affordable coverage, check out our Pre-existing conditions travel insurance guide.
4 – Travel insurance policies give covid cover, but it’s generally for medical expenses if you catch it
This guide highlights policies that will protect you if you or a family member is unable to travel due to testing positive for Covid-19, or if you contract the virus abroad and need to cover medical expenses or accommodation during isolation.
Some policies go a step further, offering cancellation protection if your trip is impacted by changes in UK Government travel restrictions.
Consider M&S Bank, Churchill, Direct Line, and Aviva (with travel disruption cover) as options. These providers meet standard coverage levels, with many offering additional benefits.
However, this shouldn’t be seen as comprehensive coverage. There are still situations where you won’t be protected, such as traveling despite Foreign Office advice against it (though this is rare for Covid-related reasons), or being unable to travel due to missing necessary documents.
5 – Know the typical travel insurance exclusions
You typically won’t be covered if you’ve consumed alcohol or if you leave your belongings unattended, so be sure to review the exclusions.
Although selecting a travel insurance policy isn’t overly complicated, it’s important to give it some serious consideration before making a purchase.
As with all insurance policies, there are certain situations that providers generally won’t cover. Here are the most frequent ones:
- Alcohol-related injury. While you’re on vacation to relax, if you suffer a serious injury while being significantly intoxicated, your insurance claim might be denied. The same applies to drug use. Insurance companies have varying definitions of ‘intoxicated,’ with some using specific blood alcohol thresholds, so it’s essential to review your policy thoroughly before purchasing.
- Medical conditions. Insurance providers generally offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, but it’s crucial to disclose these conditions to your insurer. Failing to do so could result in a lack of coverage for treatments related to those conditions. Additionally, neglecting recommended medications or vaccinations required for travel might make it difficult to have your claim approved.
- Dangerous sports. If you’re heading out for an adventure holiday or a winter sports getaway, securing additional coverage or a specialized policy is essential. Venturing to the Alps for snowboarding with only standard travel insurance could be a risky gamble. In the event of an injury, you might face medical expenses amounting to £10,000s.
- Refused entry (to visiting country). No one wants their vacation to be cut short before it even starts, but unfortunately, most typical insurance policies won’t cover this situation. These policies usually outline specific circumstances they do cover, such as theft or medical emergencies.
You are responsible for ensuring that your travel documents are valid and that you meet the entry requirements. Be sure to review the entry rules for the countries you plan to visit on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website well ahead of your trip. Allow ample time to prepare and organize your paperwork.
- Unattended possessions. Travel insurance provides coverage for your personal belongings while you’re overseas, but that doesn’t give you free rein to be careless with your items. If you leave your possessions unattended and they are stolen, your insurer will not cover the cost of replacing them.
- Travel to dangerous countries. The FCDO specifies which nations it considers unsafe for travel. Visiting a country on this list could result in your travel insurance being voided. For the latest travel advisories, refer to the FCDO’s updated guidance.
- The excess. This is the amount you are required to contribute towards any claim you file. For example, if you need to cancel a trip and are eligible for a £3,000 reimbursement from your insurer, but have a £500 excess, you would only receive £2,500.
Additionally, many travel insurance policies feature separate excesses for different coverage areas. For example, some insurers might require you to pay an excess for both stolen cash and lost luggage. Therefore, if your suitcase is stolen with your wallet inside, you would be responsible for paying an excess on each.
It’s crucial to review all excess amounts to understand precisely what you will need to pay when making a claim.
- Private hospital treatment. Coverage for medical emergencies can vary significantly between insurers, so it’s essential to thoroughly review your policy, whether you’re just curious or need to make a swift decision about which insurer to choose.
Among those we surveyed, responses were inconsistent. For instance, if you’re traveling abroad and require hospitalization for chest pain, LV would cover you in a private hospital, but this is not true for all insurers we consulted.
In contrast, if you experience an emergency situation, such as a ruptured appendix or a severe accident and are taken to a private hospital by emergency services without your prior consent, you are more likely to be covered by your insurance. However, there’s still a possibility of a coverage denial.
If your claim is denied and you are dissatisfied, you can escalate the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service for resolution.
6 – Check you’re covered for the countries you’re travelling to
Insurance companies categorize travel coverage as either ‘European’ or ‘worldwide.’ When opting for worldwide coverage, it may be further divided to include or exclude regions such as the US, Canada, the Caribbean, or Mexico. Choosing to include these areas will raise the premium because of the high expenses associated with medical care, especially in the US, and the potential costs of repatriation.
Annual European travel cover isn’t just for Europe
When traveling outside of Europe, opting for worldwide coverage isn’t always necessary. Many insurance providers offer European coverage that extends to several non-European countries.
If you’re planning a trip to Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, or Tunisia, start by obtaining a quote for European coverage. Then, review the policy’s geographical coverage to ensure it includes your destination. For instance, insurers like Allianz*, Insure and Go, and Coverwise* consider Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, and Tunisia as part of Europe.
Additionally, keep in mind that not all insurers automatically include Spain (along with the Balearic and Canary Islands) under their European coverage. You might need to pay extra to ensure Spain is covered if you’re traveling there.
Check if the Foreign Office is advising against travel to your destination
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) maintains a list of countries deemed unsafe for travel. This typically includes regions affected by conflict, terrorism, or other hazards such as natural disasters or pandemics.
When planning your trip, and especially in the weeks before you depart, it’s important to check the FCDO website for the most current travel advisories, as conditions can change rapidly. Additionally, verify if the country you intend to visit has any entry restrictions, which can generally be checked through its UK embassy website.
If these factors mean you cannot proceed with your travel plans, explore options for rescheduling or obtaining a refund from your travel provider.
Should you decide to travel despite these warnings (although we do not recommend it), you will need a specialized insurance policy, as standard insurers typically will not cover trips if the situation was not covered at the time of booking.
Consider providers like Battleface* or Staysure* with its optional ‘travel disruption extension’ add-on for such coverage.
7 – Why you shouldn’t forget your free EHIC/GHIC
Make sure to carry your FREE EHIC/GHIC, as it can assist with medical expenses while traveling in Europe.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and its successor, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), issued to new applicants since January 1, 2021, provide access to medical treatment in state-run hospitals across the EU at the same rates as local residents. This means if locals receive free care, so will you.
Additionally, although Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein are not EU members, your EHIC or GHIC will still grant you access to medical treatment in state-run hospitals in these countries.
* An EHIC/GHIC should be considered a supplementary benefit rather than a substitute for travel insurance. While an EHIC/GHIC provides some coverage, travel insurance offers broader protection. It includes coverage for a variety of situations such as trip cancellations, lost belongings, delays, emergency repatriation, and personal liability. Additionally, even with an EHIC/GHIC, you might still incur some costs, which travel insurance can help cover. In many cases, having travel insurance means you won’t have to pay the excess fees associated with using an EHIC/GHIC.
How do I get a GHIC?
The card itself is free of charge, so if you come across a site pretending to be the official one and asking for a fee (usually around £35), steer clear. For complete details and instructions on obtaining it for free from the official NHS website, refer to our guide on Free EHIC/GHIC.
8 – Annual vs single trip? Which wins depends
The cost and benefits of travel insurance depend on your destination and the duration of your trips. An annual multi-trip policy offers the convenience of being covered for any number of trips within a year.
For travelers aged 65 or younger, a good rule of thumb is to opt for an annual policy if you plan to travel twice or more per year. This recommendation generally holds true up to the age of 75.
Beyond 75, annual policies tend to become pricier, so they typically make sense if you travel three or four times annually or more. However, costs and benefits can vary, so it’s advisable to calculate and compare both annual multi-trip and single-trip policies to find the best option for your needs.
9 – Travelling with someone younger? Try separate cover
Group insurance plans often price based on the oldest member of the group, so getting separate policies might be more economical.
When traveling with your partner or family, you can choose between a single policy for everyone or individual policies for each person. If you’re the oldest in the group and traveling with younger family members or a partner, it might be more cost-effective for you to have your own policy while the rest of the group opts for a single, couple, or family policy. This is because the cost is generally influenced by the age of the oldest traveler. Always compare both options before making a decision.
For family travel, a policy typically covers only your immediate family—such as your partner and children—so verify the specifics of coverage before purchasing. In some cases, children on school trips might be included in a family policy if they are under the supervision of a responsible adult.
There are situations where separate policies could be more advantageous, so it’s wise to review all options thoroughly.
- If any traveller in the group has a medical condition, it will lead to a higher cost for everyone.
- If only one traveller is venturing outside Europe, specifically to the US, or going on a skiing trip (or both), it might be more cost-effective to get individual policies instead of having the entire family purchase extended coverage when it’s unnecessary.
10 – Check if you already have travel insurance with your bank account
Many bank accounts that levy a monthly fee often come with additional perks like travel insurance. If you’re paying this fee, your account might already provide coverage for family members under 80, depending on the specifics of your account.
This can be particularly advantageous for individuals up to 79 years old, as there’s typically no additional charge beyond the monthly fee. However, be aware that extra costs could arise if you need to cover medical conditions that aren’t included by default.
If you received travel insurance as part of your bank account benefits, it’s important to review the terms to ensure it suits your travel needs. For more details on accounts with travel insurance, refer to our Top Packaged Bank Accounts guide.
Be careful not to confuse this with travel accident insurance offered by credit cards, which only covers accidents occurring on a train, plane, or in a rental car paid for with the card. This does not mean you have comprehensive coverage.
Additionally, travel accident insurance is different from Section 75 legal protection, which applies if you purchase items costing between £100 and £30,000 with a credit card (but not a debit card). For further details on Section 75, check out our guide.
11 – Planning a cruise? You might need an add-on
Are you gearing up for a cruise or preparing for a skiing trip? You might need to enhance your insurance policy.
Don’t assume you’ll be automatically covered. Standard travel insurance policies typically include protection for lost or stolen belongings and medical expenses while cruising. However, they may not cover other potential situations unless you specifically upgrade your policy. These additional scenarios could include:
- Missed departure
- Unused cruise excursions, for instance, a day trip to a city port
- Cruise itinerary change
- Cabin confinement, for example, onboard virus
To secure coverage for these needs, you can typically choose an affordable add-on option. To obtain a quote, you can use comparison websites like MoneySupermarket*, Confused.com*, Gocompare, or Compare The Market.
Additionally, Compare Your Cruise Insurance* is another useful tool; simply select your cruise operator, ship, and departure month to get a quote.
This approach is also relevant for a skiing holiday—you’ll need an add-on in this case as well.
What counts as winter sports?
Many travelers mistakenly believe that their standard travel insurance automatically covers them for winter sports. While some insurance providers include winter sports coverage in their policies, others require an additional extension, which usually involves extra cost.
Winter sports policies generally include coverage for skiing and snowboarding, and often extend to activities like husky dog sledding and sledging. However, if you plan to engage in more niche activities such as ski jumping or snowmobiling, it’s crucial to review your policy’s terms and conditions. For even more adventurous pursuits like luging or stunt skiing, you might need to seek out specialized insurance providers such as BMC or Snowcard.
If you choose a specialized travel insurance policy, be diligent in reviewing the coverage limits. Also, when selecting your provider, treat it like any other insurer—disclose any pre-existing medical conditions and ensure you carry your EHIC/GHIC if traveling within Europe.
Is it worth getting a basic policy and hoping for the best?
Medical expenses from an injury on the slopes can be extremely high, making it crucial to have appropriate insurance coverage.
According to the Association of British Insurers, one British individual incurred £90,000 in medical costs for treatment of a fractured rib and a punctured lung.
Even less severe injuries, like knee ligament damage, can result in treatment costs of up to £3,800.
In addition to covering medical expenses, insurance can also address the costs of being airlifted from the mountain to a hospital, repatriation if you need to be flown home from the US or Canada, and other significant expenses.
Winter sports insurance also protects your ski pack—this includes the lessons, lift passes, and equipment rental you’ve arranged—as well as any potential holiday cancellations.
Do I need extra cover if I want to go off-piste?
Typically, skiing off-piste is permitted, but it comes with specific conditions. You must stay within the resort’s boundaries, adhere to marked ski runs, follow local ski patrol guidelines, or be supervised by a certified instructor.
I’m skiing twice this year. Should I get a 12-month policy?
You’re in luck! It might be more cost-effective to opt for an annual policy that includes winter sports coverage. Still, compare this option with the cost of individual trip policies to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Remember, your age can influence the cost, so be sure to review the terms and conditions of the policy closely.
Is my equipment covered? What if it is rented?
Winter sports insurance policies generally include coverage for accidental damage, theft, or loss of your equipment. However, it’s your responsibility to safeguard your gear—avoid leaving it vulnerable to theft.
Coverage limits for equipment can vary between providers. Typically, this coverage is separate from your standard baggage insurance. For instance, Axa offers up to £1,500 for equipment, Admiral ranges from £500 to £1,000 depending on the policy, while Aviva and Direct Line cover up to £500. Assess the value of your equipment and choose a policy that meets your needs.
If you’re renting ski equipment, it may be covered if it’s lost, stolen, or damaged. Some insurers include rented equipment in your baggage coverage up to a certain limit, while others might cover only a percentage of the insured amount. Additionally, some ski equipment rental companies offer their own insurance, so it’s worth confirming with the resort before purchasing additional coverage.
If you’ve purchased a complete ski package—which includes ski school fees, a lift pass, and rented equipment—this is generally covered as well. Coverage amounts can vary, ranging from £150 to £500, and in some cases up to £5,000. Always review your policy for any exclusions that might apply.
Can I claim for piste closure?
If your ski slope is closed—typically due to insufficient snow or an avalanche—and you can’t ski, your insurance provider might reimburse you a daily amount. This compensation generally ranges from £10 to £50 per day, with a maximum limit of £200 to £500.
What happens if I have an accident while I’m a little tipsy?
As long as your claim is legitimate and adheres to your policy’s conditions, you should be protected in case of an accident on the slopes. However, if you’ve consumed alcohol and then get injured, your claim may be denied.
Most travel insurance policies, even those with winter sports coverage, have this common exclusion. Different insurers have varying definitions of ‘intoxicated,’ with some using specific blood alcohol limits, so it’s important to review your policy before purchasing. The same caution applies to skiing in adverse weather conditions and, with certain insurers, skiing without wearing a helmet.
12 – If you need to claim for cancellation, you’ll usually need to prove the tour operator/airline won’t refund you first
Even if you believe you’ve found a comprehensive policy that seems to address every possible scenario, proceed with caution. Often, these policies include a clause stating that they do not cover ‘recoverable costs.’ This means you’ll need to demonstrate that you cannot reclaim those amounts from other sources.
Typically, you will need to put in the effort to request a refund from entities such as airlines, holiday operators, car hire companies, or in some cases, your credit card provider, before your insurer will consider your claim under the travel insurance policy. Additionally, be aware that many insurers may view a credit note as an acceptable resolution and might not provide a payout if one has been issued.
Here’s an example we found on Direct Line’s site (but most insurers will have similar wording):
Before contacting us to make a claim please take the following steps:
- Speak to the provider of your trip to understand if a refund is available, including a credit note or a voucher.
- If you booked your trip using a credit or debit card, you should speak to your card issuer for advice on whether you can claim a refund from them. This is only applicable if you paid more than £100 for the trip and the service you have paid for isn’t available, for example, the hotel is closed so you can’t stay there as planned.
We cannot log a claim until you have tried to recover costs from elsewhere where that option is available.
Top-pick single-trip policies
Cheapest single-trip travel insurance for over-65s
These are our cheapest top-pick policies for individuals and families looking for single-trip travel insurance, split into three categories:
- Cheapest, from £19/week. These no-frills policies meet our minimum cover levels.
- Well-rated, from £41/week.These provide higher claim limits per person and have excellent feedback when paying out claims as well as extra cover for events such as airline failure.
Minimum cover amounts
When picking any policy, we look for the following minimum criteria. The vast majority of policies we list will meet these, even if we don’t state it explicitly.
Medical expenses: £2 million including repatriation
Cancellation: £1,500 (it’s designed to cover the cost of your holiday, so make sure your policy matches your holiday style)
Baggage: £750 – if yours is worth more, go for a higher level
Cash loss: £200
Personal liability: £1 million
For annual policies, we only include insurers who’ll cover cancellation claims for holidays due to take place after your policy expires (as long as you make the cancellation claim while the policy is in place). For example, your annual policy is due to expire in June and you already have a holiday booked in August: you become ill in May and have to cancel – you’ll still be covered.
Cheapest ‘no frills’ travel insurance
Here are the most affordable regulated policies we could locate that satisfy our minimum coverage requirements. Our evaluation is based solely on cost, not on customer feedback. These options are ideal for those who are not overly concerned about risk and view them mainly as a safety net. Additionally, it’s important to check your home insurance policy, as it may cover certain delays (refer to the UK/EU flight delay details) and lost electronics.
Cheapest travel insurance, from £19
Cheapest single-trip travel insurance policies for over-65s
| Europe | Worldwide | ||||
| Insurer | One week, individual | One week, couple | One week, individual | One week, couple | Excess |
| A to Z Insurance (Essentials) | £19.25 | £32.50 | £77.75 | £118.25 | £100 |
| Avanti (Classic)* (i) | £25.31 | £49.04 | £94.98 | £160.74 | £75 |
| Leisure Guard (Flexi Bronze) | £26.50 | £43.08 | £95 | £149 | £100 |
| Staysure (Comprehensive)* (i) | £26.91 | £55.57 | £100.20 | £202.89 | £99 |
| Admiral* | £27.62 | £49.06 | £85.18 | £151.26 | £100 |
| Coverwise (Bronze)* | £28.22 | £40.10 | £95.04 | £137.23 | £100 |
Correct as of July 2024. All prices will vary depending on your age – prices above based on 66-year old travellers.
(i) Important. You must have had all the Covid vaccinations offered to you by the NHS to be covered for any claims relating to Covid, unless medically exempt.
Well rated travel insurance, from £41
Well-rated policies with higher claim limits
Travel has become increasingly complex, and many travelers are prepared to invest more for enhanced reassurance. Consequently, we offer several ‘premium’ travel insurance options with elevated coverage limits. These policies surpass our standard coverage thresholds and provide:
- £5,000 cancellation cover per person
- £10 million medical and repatriation expenses per person
- £2,000 baggage cover per person
- Travel disruption, for instance, volcanic ash, tsunami or other natural disaster
Well-rated single-trip travel insurance policies for over-65s
| Europe | Worldwide | ||
| Insurer | One week, individual | One week, individual | Excess |
| ABTA Travel Insurance (Gold)* | £40.58 | £120.91 | £50 |
| LV (Premier)* with optional baggage cover |
£53.51 | £177.13 | £50 to £90 |
Correct as of July 2024. Prices vary depending on age & number of people insured – prices above based on a 66-year old.
For a broader selection of coverage options—complete with potential add-ons—consider using comparison websites.
If our curated list of insurers doesn’t meet your specific coverage needs, conducting a thorough search through comparison sites like MoneySupermarket*, Compare The Market, Confused.com*, Gocompare, and Quotezone* can be beneficial. These platforms enable you to customize your quote according to your requirements, such as adding cruise coverage and comparing different policies.
Keep in mind, however, that we cannot vet these sites for you, so it’s crucial to ensure that their policies align with your needs. Specifically, if you’re seeking an annual policy and are planning a holiday more than a year away, verify that the insurer covers such long-term trips, as coverage can vary.
Important. these sites operate independently of ExEconomics and might feature providers not included in our recommendations.
Top-pick annual policies
Cheapest annual travel insurance for over-65s
These are our cheapest top-pick policies for individuals and families looking for annual travel insurance, split into three categories:
- Cheapest, from £41/year. These no-frills policies meet our minimum cover levels.
- Well rated, from £144/year. These provide greater cover, higher claim limits per person and have excellent feedback when paying out claims.
Cheapest travel insurance, from £41
Cheapest ‘no frills’ travel insurance
Here are the most affordable regulated policies we could locate that satisfy our minimum coverage requirements. Our evaluation is based solely on cost, not on customer feedback. These options are ideal for those who are not overly concerned about risk and view them mainly as a safety net. Additionally, it’s important to check your home insurance policy, as it may cover certain delays (refer to the UK/EU flight delay details) and lost electronics.
Cheapest annual travel insurance policies for over-65s
| Europe | Worldwide | ||||
| Insurer | Individual | Couple | Individual | Couple | Excess |
| Admiral* | £40.80 | £74.29 | £128 | £233.11 | £100 |
| A to Z Insurance (Essentials) | £69.50 | £109.75 | £208.75 | £269.25 | £100 |
| Leisure Guard (Flexi Bronze) | £72.01 | £116 | £120.31 | £221.45 | £100 |
| Avanti (Classic)* (i) | £75.75 | £142.11 | £190.09 | £360.81 | £75 |
| Staysure (Comprehensive)* (i) | £79.51 | £162.11 | £210.63 | £395.18 | £99 |
| Top annual travel insurance via fee-charging bank accounts. These could be cheaper than those above, especially for couples making a worldwide trip, but could require you to open a new current account. | |||||
| Virgin Money Club M | £12.50/month rolling cost (£150/year) with cover up to your 75th birthday. It also includes UK breakdown cover, gadget and mobile phone insurance. | £50 | |||
Barclays Travel Pack |
£14.50/month rolling cost (six-month minimum term, so min £87, or £174/year) with cover up to your 80th birthday. It also includes European breakdown cover. You need a Barclays current account to add this on. | £50 | |||
| Co-op Everyday Extra | £15/month rolling cost (£180/year) with cover up to your 80th birthday, excluding winter sports. It also includes European breakdown cover and mobile phone insurance. | None | |||
Correct as of July 2024. All prices will vary depending on your age – prices above based on 66-year old travellers.
(i) Important. You must have had all the Covid vaccinations offered to you by the NHS to be covered for any claims relating to Covid, unless medically exempt.
Well-rated travel insurance, from £144
Well-rated policies with higher claim limits
Travel has become increasingly complex, and many travelers are prepared to invest more for enhanced reassurance. Consequently, we offer several ‘premium’ travel insurance options with elevated coverage limits. These policies surpass our standard coverage thresholds and provide:
- £5,000 cancellation cover per person
- £10 million medical and repatriation expenses per person
- £2,000 baggage cover per person
- Travel disruption, for instance, volcanic ash, tsunami or other natural disaster
Well-rated annual travel insurance for over-65s
| Europe | Worldwide | ||
| Insurer | Individual | Individual | Excess |
| LV (Premier)* with optional baggage cover |
£143.63 | £423.72 | £50 to £90 |
| ABTA Travel Insurance (Gold)* | £156.50 | £362.27 | £50 |
| Top annual travel insurance via a fee-charging bank account. This covers you and your partner up to your 80th birthday, but requires you to open a new current account. | |||
| Co-op Everyday Extra | £15/month rolling cost (£180/year) with cover up to your 80th birthday, excluding winter sports. Includes European breakdown cover and mobile phone insurance. | £0 | |
Correct as of July 2024. All prices will vary depending on your age – individual prices above based on 66-year old travellers.
For a broader selection of coverage options—complete with potential add-ons—consider using comparison websites.
If our curated list of insurers doesn’t meet your specific coverage needs, conducting a thorough search through comparison sites like MoneySupermarket*, Compare The Market, Confused.com*, Gocompare, and Quotezone* can be beneficial. These platforms enable you to customize your quote according to your requirements, such as adding cruise coverage and comparing different policies.
Keep in mind, however, that we cannot vet these sites for you, so it’s crucial to ensure that their policies align with your needs. Specifically, if you’re seeking an annual policy and are planning a holiday more than a year away, verify that the insurer covers such long-term trips, as coverage can vary.
Important. these sites operate independently of ExEconomics and might feature providers not included in our recommendations.
Still can’t get cover or not happy with the price?
Specialist brokers can assist you in locating insurers that offer coverage for unconventional trips or help you secure an affordable policy if you have medical conditions. You can find these brokers by visiting the British Insurance Brokers’ Association website.
Before purchasing a policy, make sure to verify the extent of coverage provided and check the insurers’ websites for any information regarding coronavirus. Your broker can also address any inquiries you may have.
How to claim on your travel insurance
Making a claim on your travel insurance shouldn’t be intimidating. As long as you’re familiar with your policy’s terms and excesses, you shouldn’t encounter any unpleasant surprises.
Here are five steps to follow if you need to make a claim…
- Submit your claim promptly. Reach out to your insurer as soon as possible. Certain aspects of your policy might require you to submit a claim within a brief period, and processing could take some time.
- Obtain your insurer’s approval for a medical claim before seeking treatment. If you need to file a medical claim and it’s not an emergency, get confirmation from your insurer over the phone before proceeding with treatment. For instance, if you injure your ankle, contact your insurer first—if they approve the claim, you’ll be less likely to face issues later. Of course, seek immediate care in case of an emergency without delay.
- Report theft to the police. If items are stolen or lost while traveling abroad, you may need a crime reference number or its equivalent to successfully file a claim. Report the incident to the local police as soon as possible—often within 24 hours—to ensure your claim is not compromised.
- Keep all receipts. If you’re claiming for lost luggage or delays, make sure to retain receipts for essential purchases like food and drinks while waiting. Many insurers allow these expenses to be included in your claim and may require receipts as evidence.
- Challenge an unfair claim denial. If your insurer rejects your claim and you believe it was unjust, don’t accept it without protest. File a complaint with the free Financial Ombudsman. This impartial body will have the final say in disputes with your insurer. For more information on filing a complaint, refer to our Financial Rights guide or the section below.
How to complain about your insurance provider
The insurance sector often struggles with a negative customer-service reputation, with some providers excelling while others fall short.
Frequent issues involve delays or non-payment of claims, unjust charges, or hidden exclusions buried in fine print. It’s usually a good idea to contact your provider directly first. If that approach doesn’t work…
Consider using the free complaint management tool Resolver. This tool assists in handling your complaint and, if the company remains uncooperative, it can also help escalate the issue to the free Financial Ombudsman Service.