What is the best travel insurance for over 60s?
Key takeaways
You can still get standard travel insurance in your 60s, although some policies have upper-age limits.
Age, destination and pre-existing medical conditions can all affect the price of your travel insurance
Compare medical cover, cancellation limits and exclusions as well as price when choosing a policy
Can I get travel insurance if I'm over 60?
Yes, you can get travel insurance if you're over 60; you may be able to buy standard travel insurance, but in some situations you might need a specialist policy depending on your age, health and travel plans.
There isn’t one type of policy specifically required once you turn 60; instead, insurers use factors such as your age, destination, trip length and medical history when deciding whether to offer cover and how much to charge.
If you're travelling once, you can compare single-trip travel insurance, while if you have several holidays planned, annual multi-trip insurance may be worth considering.
Do I need specialist travel insurance if I'm over 60?
Not necessarily - being over 60 does not automatically mean you need a specialist policy. A standard insurer may give you the cover you need, particularly if you have no significant medical conditions and your trip falls within their age and duration limits.
Specialist travel insurance may be worth considering if:
Standard insurers won't cover your age
You have a complex pre-existing medical condition
Your condition is excluded from standard policies
You are planning a particularly long trip
You need cover that isn't available from standard policies
It's always good to compare your options to see what's available rather than assuming a specialist policy will automatically be better.
What does travel insurance cover if I'm over 60?
Over-60s travel insurance can offer the same core protection as standard travel insurance, although the exact limits and exclusions depend on the policy you take out. Cover commonly includes:
Emergency medical treatment: Medical costs if you become unexpectedly ill or injured abroad
Repatriation:Getting you back to the UK when medically necessary
Cancellation and curtailment: Certain costs if an insured event means you have to cancelor cut short your holiday
Baggage and belongings: Cover if your possessionsare lost, stolen or damaged
Travel disruption: Certain delays, cancellations or missed departures, depending on the policy
Medication and medical aids: Some policies can cover lost medication or damaged medical equipment
Check your policy limits and exclusions carefully before buying and consider whether to take out extra cover.
What extras can I get with over-60s travel insurance?
Depending on your trip and the insurer, you may be able to add optional cover for activities and holidays not included in a standard policy:
Cruise cover: This can protect you against cruise-specific risks, such as being confined to your cabin because of illness, missing a port departure or needing to be taken off the ship for medical treatment
Golf cover: This can protect your golf clubs and other equipment against loss, theft or damage. Some policies may also cover green fees if illness or injury means you can't play, or provide cover for a hole-in-one celebration
Gadget cover: This can provide extra protection for items such as phones, tablets, cameras and smartwatches. Check the single-item limit and whether you need to list expensive gadgets separately.
Travel disruption cover: Some policies offer additional protection for missed departures, delayed transport or alternative travel arrangements if your journey is disrupted
Car hire excess cover: If you're hiring a car abroad, this can help cover the excess you would otherwise pay following damage or theft, subject to the policy terms
Extended trip cover: If you're planning a longer holiday, you may be able to increase the maximum trip length beyond the standard limit. Check that the policy covers your entire time away
Optional extras can increase the price of your policy, so only add cover that matches your plans and always check the terms, limits and exclusions to ensure the protection is suitable for your trip.
Will I be covered for pre-existing medical conditions?
You can get travel insurance over 60 with a pre-existing medical condition, but you'll need to answer all health questions accurately as your condition may affect the cover available to you as well as what you pay. Depending on your medical history, an insurer might cover your condition at no extra cost, charge more, apply an exclusion or decide it cannot offer cover.
Our quote journey asks health questions before asking for more information about relevant diagnosed conditions - if you're unsure what needs to be included, check out our guide to declaring pre-existing medical conditions.
You can also find more detailed guidance for particular conditions:
How much does travel insurance cost if I'm over 60?
Travel insurance generally becomes more expensive as you get older, but prices don't suddenly jump simply because you turn 60. MoneySuperMarket customers aged 60 to 64 paid £40.57
Average sold prices rise further in the older age bands, reaching £76.20
Traveller age | Average insurance price |
|---|---|
Under 18s | £16.92 |
18-49 | £23.71 |
50-54 | £33.41 |
55-59 | £36.46 |
60-64 | £40.57 |
65-69 | £51.81 |
70-74 | £68.99 |
75-79 | £76.20 |
80-84 | £97.62 |
85+ | £116.61 |
What affects the price of my travel insurance?
Your age isn't the only factor insurers consider, as your premium can also depend on:
Medical history: Pre-existing conditions can affect the price and cover available
Destination: Healthcare costs vary between countries, which can affect premiums
Trip length: Longer trips can cost more to insure
Policy type:Annual and single-trip policies are priced differently
Activities: Cruises, winter sports and other activities may need additional cover
Cover level: Higher cancellation, baggage or other limits may cost more
Excess: Choosing a different excess can affect your premium
Comparing policies can help you see how both price and cover vary between insurers.
Is there an upper age limit for travel insurance?
You won't generally find a single maximum age limit for travel insurance as it vary between insurers and policies - some providers have an upper age limit, while others continue to offer cover at much older ages. Your age can also affect more than basic eligibility - for example, insurers may set different limits for:
Annual multi-trip policies
Maximum length of each trip
Long-stay holidays
Certain activities or optional extras
Check your policy terms rather than looking only at whether the insurer accepts your age to ensure you have enough cover for your trip.
How can I save money on travel insurance after 60?
There are several ways you may be able to reduce the cost without sacrificing cover you need:
Compare quotes: Insurers can price the same traveller differently
Choose the right policy type: Annual cover may offer better value if you're taking several trips, while single-trip insurance may suit occasional travellers
Check your excess: A higher voluntary excess may reduce the premium, but make sure you could afford it if you claim
Only add cover you need: Don't pay for extras that aren't relevant to your trip
Compare destinations carefully: Travelling to countries with high healthcare costs can increase your premium
Give accurate medical information: This helps insurers show cover based on your actual circumstances
Compare specialist and standard policies: If you have medical conditions, don't assume either will always be cheaper
How do I compare travel insurance if I'm over 60?
Finding affordable travel insurance at over 60 is straightforward when you compare quotes with MoneySuperMarket - just tell us about your trip, the people travelling and any medical information you're asked for. Then you can compare policies available by price, medical cover, cancellation limits, excesses and exclusions before choosing the one that suits your needs.
If you're still struggling to find a suitable level of cover, the MoneyHelper websiteprovides a list of specialist insurers to help you find the best travel insurance for you, or you can call the British Insurance Brokers Association on 0370 950 1790.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still get standard travel insurance in my 60s?
Yes, you don't automatically need specialist insurance because you've turned 60. Whether standard cover is suitable will depend on the insurer's age limits, your medical history, your trip and the level of cover you need.
Do I need to tell my insurer about medication I take?
You may be asked about prescribed medication as part of our medical screening process - you should answer all questions accurately and declare any diagnosed conditions where requested. When you compare quotes with MoneySuperMarket, our comparison includes questions about recent prescribed medication and treatment.
Can I get travel insurance over 60 with a heart condition?
Yes, policies that cover pre-existing heart conditions are available, although your diagnosis and treatment may affect the cover and price you're offered, and you may be asked additional questions about your heart condition and medical history.
Can I get travel insurance over 60 if I have diabetes?
Yes, you can get travel insurance if you have diabetes, although your condition can affect your premium and the policies available. Make sure you answer the medical screening questions accurately and check whether diabetes-related medical treatment, medication and cancellation are covered.
Do I need travel insurance if I have a GHIC?
A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is useful, but it isn't a replacement for travel insurance. A GHIC can give you access to medically necessary state healthcare in participating countries, but it doesn't provide cover for things such as private treatment, repatriation, cancelled holidays or lost belongings.
Can I get cruise travel insurance if I'm over 60?
Yes, you can get travel insurance for a cruise if you're over 60, so long as you meet your insurer's eligibility requirements. Cruise cover can include risks specific to this type of holiday that aren't always covered by standard travel insurance, so check whether your cruise operator sets minimum insurance requirements too.
Is annual travel insurance worth it if I'm over 60?
It can be if you're planning several trips during the next 12 months. You should compare the total cost with buying separate single-trip policies, but also check the annual policy's age limit and maximum duration for each trip.
