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Over 80s Travel Insurance

27/05/2025

Lauren McAfee Insurance Editor and Writer

Last Updated: 27 May 2025
Read time: 6 minutes

Written by: Lauren McAfee
Insurance Writer and Editor

Reviewed by: Mark McKeown

Written in line with our Editorial Guidelines

What is over 80s travel insurance?

Some insurers have limits for what age of travellers they will offer coverage for. This can mean you have fewer options when looking for holiday insurance for over 80s. 

However, there are still many insurers who accommodate people over 80. Their policies can provide all the same coverage as standard travel insurance, and some specialist protection for older travellers too.

At Quotezone, we only match you with providers who can cover you and your circumstances. This saves time when comparing quotes for senior travel insurance, so you can focus on looking for a great deal. 

Can I get travel insurance if I’m over 80?

Yes, there is a whole range of travel insurance types to choose from. These can be tailored to your travel plans and include:

Annual travel insurance

Annual travel policies are also known as multi-trip policies. They cover any holidays you take within an entire year. This means you only have one policy and premium, and it could work out cheaper and more convenient in the long run.

Single trip insurance

Single trip policies offer short-term coverage for one trip to a single destination. You can choose the policy start and end dates, and know you will be protected from a range of risks during this time.

Backpacker insurance 

Backpacker policies cover longer travel in a wider range of countries. They can offer protection for the whole of Europe, or even worldwide, giving you freedom and flexibility.

Family and couples policies

If you are travelling with family or a partner, multiple people can get protection on a single policy. This often comes with a discounted rate, so it could be cheaper than insuring each person individually.

What is covered by travel insurance for over 80s?

Coverage varies across individual policies and insurers. However, knowing what is typically covered allows you to effectively compare over 80s travel insurance policies.

What’s covered

  • Medical expenses – Covers emergency medical care while abroad. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, these will need to be declared to the insurer when you take out your policy. 
  • Personal belongings – If your luggage or personal possessions are lost, stolen, or damaged, they will be covered up to an agreed limit. Some insurers could also include mobility aids and medications. 
  • Repatriation – This pays for the cost of your return to the UK if you need specialist medical care, or in the event of your passing. 
  • Cancellation and curtailment – This covers losses if the trip needs to be cancelled or delayed because of events outside your control, like illness or bereavement.
  • Personal liability – This could cover the cost of legal advice or compensation if you cause accidental harm to others or their property.

Limits and exclusions

  • Undeclared medical conditions – It’s important to declare any medical condition you are aware of at the time of buying your travel insurance. If you don’t, treatment for this condition may not be covered when you are abroad, and you risk voiding your insurance policy completely. 
  • Cancellations within your control – If you miss a flight or simply change your mind about travelling, this won’t be covered.
  • High-risk activities – Standard coverage will not usually protect you while doing high-risk activities and sports like winter sports.
  • Using drugs or alcohol – If your claim is the result of an incident that happened while you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, this won’t be covered.

Additional coverage for senior travellers

How to get 80’s travel insurance with pre-existing condition cover

1. Find insurers who cover your conditions

Not all travel insurers will cover you if you have existing medical conditions. However, at Quotezone, we make it easy by providing a list of insurers who protect travellers with medical conditions, including epilepsy, cancer, a range of disabilities, or even terminal illness.  

2. Declare your medical conditions honestly

Insurers will ask you a list of questions before providing you with a quote. Be as honest and transparent as possible and supply any additional information they request. This could be a contact number for your doctor or an additional medical screening.

3. Check the coverage limits and exclusions

Read the policy carefully before you buy. While it’s important to get cheap over 80s travel insurance, you will also need to know what protection you are getting for your money. This ensures you don’t get any nasty surprises when it comes time to make a claim. 

How much is holiday insurance for over 80s?

While travel insurance costs generally increase with age, the exact price of your policy will be specific to your risk profile. Insurers consider a few different things when setting your premiums, including:

Your age

Older travellers make more claims for medical costs on travel insurance. So insurers often offset this risk with higher premiums.

Your medical needs

If you have complex medical needs, you could be more likely to need emergency care on your holiday. This is also considered a high risk by insurers. 

Where you are travelling

Medical care costs and facilities differ from place to place. Some countries also pose risks like dengue fever or mosquito-borne disease.

How long you are travelling

The longer you are travelling, the more exposure you have to risks. You’ll also have higher cancellation costs because you’re paying more for accommodation.  

The type of holiday

Holidays like cruises come with their own risks on top of the standard ones that travel insurance covers. This extra cover will come at an added cost.

The coverage you choose

If you need to choose higher claim limits for luggage, personal belongings or medical claims, this will all be factored into your premium.

What is the cheapest travel insurance for over 80s?

Finding cheap travel insurance for seniors over 80 can be difficult, especially if you have multiple existing medical conditions. However, these tips could help you search for cover that meets your needs and budget.

1. Research destinations before you book

Research the risks you’ll face in different travel destinations. For example, visiting places with a low chance of being pickpocketed could mean cheaper insurance.

2. Look for places with low medical costs

Similarly, in destinations where medical costs are low, your travel insurance premiums could be too.

3. Consider choosing higher excesses

If it is financially viable, this could help keep your premiums down.

4. Consider different travel policy types

Considering all your options, including single, multi-trip, backpacker and group policies, could mean finding a cheaper option.

5. Clearly declare pre-existing conditions

This not only protects your health, will also avoids the nasty situation where claims could be rejected because you gave misleading information to an insurer.

6. Compare quotes before you buy

Getting quotes from multiple insurers means being aware of what prices are competitive, so you don’t overpay. 

We search up to 15 travel insurance providers to save you hassle and money

Over 80s Travel Insurance FAQs

Is there a maximum age limit for purchasing travel insurance?

Some travel insurance providers might have an age limit of 70, while others might have no age limit at all. This is specific to the insurer. However, some specialists will insure older people for travelling. 

What is the best travel insurance for over 80s?

Finding the best cover for you comes from doing your research, knowing what you need, and finding an insurer who will provide it at a competitive price. Getting personalised quotes from specialists over 80s travel insurers is a good place to start. 

Do I still need travel cover if I have a GHIC card?

Although it is important to bring your EHIC or GHIC card when travelling to Europe, travel insurance is also recommended. This is because it gives other protections, including cancellation and repatriation cover.

Does travel insurance cost more when you’re over 80?

Generally yes. Insurers set your costs based on how likely you are to make a claim and how expensive the claim is likely to be. As over 80’s are more likely to need to claim for medical care, and these are often some of the most expensive claims, your insurance will be more expensive. 

Can I get annual travel insurance if I’m in my 80s?

Yes. This could save you costs if you plan to take multiple trips a year when compared to multiple single-trip policies. Just consider the geographical areas covered in the policy and if all your desired destinations are included.

Is couples’ travel insurance cheaper for over 80s?

This depends on the insurer, but couples might be eligible for discounted rates, combined levels of cover and extra benefits when they insure together.  

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