Over 65s Travel Insurance: A Complete Guide for Senior Travellers

Travelling after 65 offers new opportunities to explore the world without work commitments or daily pressures. Whether you’re planning a weekend in Europe, a long-haul cruise, or a winter sun escape, the right over 65s travel insurance is essential. It ensures peace of mind if illness, cancellation, or medical emergencies disrupt your plans.

As insurers adjust risk profiles based on age, getting cover after 65 can be more expensive—but that doesn’t mean you should accept the first quote you find. With the right provider and policy, you can stay fully protected without overpaying.

This guide explains what over 65s travel insurance includes, who needs it, how to compare policies, and how to save on premiums.

Why Over 65s Need Specialist Travel Insurance

While many standard policies cover a broad range of ages, most insurers begin to adjust pricing and coverage terms once a traveller turns 65. That’s because medical risks increase slightly with age, even if you’re in good health.

Common changes after 65:

• Premiums may rise

• Some insurers impose age caps (especially for annual cover)

• Pre-existing conditions often need to be declared and covered

• Emergency medical costs can increase for older travellers

Using an over-65-specific travel insurance provider helps ensure you’re not excluded for common medical concerns or charged excessively for age alone.

What Does Over 65s Travel Insurance Cover?

A good policy for senior travellers should include:

• Emergency medical treatment abroad

• Hospital admission and repatriation to the UK

• Trip cancellation or curtailment due to illness

• Lost or delayed luggage

• Personal accident cover

• Cover for pre-existing medical conditions (if declared and accepted)

• 24/7 emergency helpline and assistance

Some policies also include travel disruption due to natural disasters, civil unrest, or unexpected strikes—especially helpful for longer holidays or cruises.

What’s Typically Excluded?

Most travel insurance policies have exclusions. Common ones for over-65s include:

• Undeclared medical conditions

• Travelling against medical advice

• Cosmetic surgery or elective treatment abroad

• High-risk sports or adventure activities (unless added)

• Missed flights due to personal delay

Always check the full policy terms and conditions before purchasing.

Comparison of Travel Insurance Providers for Over 65s

Here’s a breakdown of reputable UK providers offering travel insurance tailored to people aged 65 and above. All providers offer online quotes and flexible single or multi-trip cover.

Always complete a medical screening during your quote process to get an accurate price and ensure full cover.

Do You Need to Declare Medical Conditions?

Yes. Any pre-existing medical condition must be declared when applying for travel insurance. This includes:

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Asthma

• Recent surgeries

• Mental health conditions

• Ongoing treatments or recent hospital stays

Your insurer may ask detailed questions or refer you to a phone-based screening. In most cases, the condition can be covered for an additional premium. If not declared, any related claims could be denied.

Should You Choose Single or Annual Travel Insurance?

This depends on how often you travel.

• Single trip cover is ideal if you’re only travelling once or twice a year. It usually has fewer restrictions and is priced per trip.

• Annual multi-trip cover may be more cost-effective if you plan to travel several times. Most insurers cap the maximum duration per trip (e.g. 31 or 45 days), so check that the policy suits your travel style.

For over 65s, some insurers have lower age limits for annual cover (such as 75 or 80), so verify the limits before choosing.

Tips to Save on Travel Insurance After 65

Book Early for Cancellation Cover

Your cancellation protection begins the day you buy the policy—not when you travel. Book early to maximise your protection and avoid last-minute price hikes.

Compare Specialist Providers

Use comparison tools or go directly to over-65-focused providers. Mainstream insurers may not offer the most competitive quotes for older age groups.

Recommended places to compare:

• MedicalTravelCompared

• MoneySuperMarket

• AllClearTravel

• Staysure

Travel to Lower-Cost Destinations

Premiums increase significantly for trips to the USA, Canada, or the Caribbean due to higher medical costs. Travelling within Europe or to destinations with reciprocal healthcare agreements (like the EU under GHIC) can reduce your insurance costs.

Consider Limiting Trip Duration

Policies that limit trip lengths to 31 or 45 days may cost less than those allowing 90+ day trips. If you don’t need long-term travel, don’t pay for it.

Exclude Unneeded Extras

Remove add-ons like gadget cover, winter sports, or rental car excess protection if you don’t need them. Every extra feature increases the premium.

Do You Need a GHIC?

If you’re travelling to an EU country, you should carry a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to access state healthcare at local rates.

But GHIC is not a substitute for insurance. It won’t cover:

• Repatriation to the UK

• Private hospitals

• Trip cancellation

• Lost luggage or passports

Carry it as a complement to your travel insurance, not a replacement.

Can Over 65s Still Get Cruise Insurance?

Yes. Cruises often require additional insurance, especially for onboard medical costs, helicopter evacuation, or missed port departures.

Many insurers now include cruise cover as a separate optional extra. Be sure to check for:

• Missed port cover

• Cabin confinement compensation

• Medical repatriation

• Trip interruption benefits

Always notify your insurer if your trip includes a cruise—even if it’s only part of the journey.

Conclusion

Over 65s travel insurance doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With the right provider, a clear medical declaration, and an understanding of your needs, you can get comprehensive cover at a fair price.

Whether you’re planning short-haul city breaks, long-haul adventures, or cruise holidays, specialised travel insurance ensures you’re protected every step of the way. Compare quotes, read the policy details, and book early to travel with confidence.