Single trip
Covers a single trip holiday in the UK or abroad, and your cover ends when you return home
Over 80s travel insurance
Compare over 80s holiday insurance.
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Can over 80s get travel insurance?
If you're over 80, you can compare travel insurance policies through MoneySuperMarket.
Many insurers offer travel insurance to older travellers. However, the cover available, premiums and medical screening requirements can vary depending on your age and health.
Many standard travel insurance policies exclude claims related to pre-existing medical conditions unless you declare them and the insurer agrees to provide cover. If you have a medical condition, it's essential to answer all medical questions honestly and accurately when you apply. Failing to declare a condition, or travelling with one that isn't covered, could mean your insurer refuses to pay for related medical treatment or other claims.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, a specialist travel insurance policy may offer more suitable cover. These policies can include cover for emergency medical treatment related to your condition, subject to the insurer's terms and acceptance. Depending on the policy, they may also cover repatriation to the UK if it's medically necessary.
What types of travel insurance can over 80s get?
There are two types of travel insurance policy that allow you to choose how long you want your cover to last:
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Annual multi-trip
Covers multiple trips in the UK and abroad over a 12-month period. Trip length limits may apply
Available for Europe or worldwide
What's covered by an over 80s travel insurance policy?
Over 80s travel insurance cover varies between insurers, so it's important to check your policy carefully. In general, travel insurance for over 80s usually includes the same types of cover as a standard travel insurance policy, although the level of cover, limits and exclusions may differ.
The following information provides a general overview of common over 80s travel insurance inclusions and exclusions. Always read your policy documents thoroughly and check the policy wording to understand what is and isn't covered before your trip.
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What’s covered:
Medical expenses: : Covers emergency medical treatment while you're abroad. Some policies for older travellers may offer higher medical cover limits, but this varies between insurers.
Repatriation: Covers the cost of returning you to the UK if it's medically necessary following an illness or injury abroad.
Cancellation cover: Covers your prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if you have to cancel your trip for a reason covered by your policy, such as serious illness or bereavement.
Baggage & belongings: Covers the loss, theft or damage of your luggage and personal belongings, up to your policy limits.
Lost or stolen passports: Covers the cost of replacing your passport or obtaining emergency travel documents while you're abroad.
Travel disruption: Help with additional travel or accommodation costs if your trip is disrupted by an event covered by your policy.
Personal liability: Covers legal costs and compensation if you're found legally liable for accidentally injuring someone or damaging their property while abroad.
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What’s not covered:
Alcohol or drug-related incidents: Claims arising from alcohol or drug use are usually excluded.
High-risk activities: Some adventure sports and hazardous activities may not be covered, even if you've added optional sports cover. Always check what's included before you travel.
Bad weather: You may be covered if severe weather causes your trip to be cancelled or significantly disrupted. Minor delays or inconvenience caused by bad weather are unlikely to be covered.
Travelling against government advice: Most insurers won't provide cover if you travel to a destination against the advice of the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Changing your mind: You won't be able to claim if you cancel or change your trip for reasons that aren't covered by your policy.
Airline strikes: If your flight is cancelled or delayed because of an airline strike, your airline may be responsible for offering a refund or alternative travel. Travel insurance may only provide cover in certain circumstances.
Missed flights: Some policies may cover missed departures caused by unexpected events, such as an accident or public transport delays, if the policy conditions are met. But missing a flight because you didn't leave enough time to get to the airport is unlikely to be covered.
What additional policy options can I get?
Many providers offer a range of additional cover options to add to your policy. Here are some you may be interested in:
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Cruise cover
If you're taking a cruise, consider specialist travel insurance for cruise holidays. This type of policy covers risks specific to cruises, such as cabin confinement, missed ports, unused excursions and emergency medical evacuation.
Some cruise operators require passengers to have cruise travel insurance in place before boarding.
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Golf cover
If you're planning a golf holiday, golf insurance can cover your golf equipment against loss, theft or damage.
It may also cover the cost of hiring replacement equipment if yours is stolen, and reimburse pre-paid green fees if you're unable to play for a reason covered by your policy, such as bad weather or illness.
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Gadget cover
If you're travelling with valuable devices such as a phone, tablet, laptop or camera, gadget cover can provide extra protection against loss, theft or accidental damage. It may also offer higher claim limits for electronic devices than standard travel insurance.
Can I get cover for a pre-existing medical condition?
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, such as a heart condition or high blood pressure, finding travel insurance may be more tricky, but cover is usually still available. Many insurers will cover some common medical conditions under a standard travel insurance policy, although this may increase the premium. Some insurers may require you to complete a medical screening questionnaire before offering cover.
For more serious or complex conditions, some insurers may exclude claims related to that condition or decide not to offer cover. If this happens, you may want to consider specialist travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions.
These policies are designed for people with existing medical conditions and may cover medical emergencies related to those conditions, subject to the insurer's assessment and policy terms. You'll usually need to complete a medical screening process, and the insurer may apply exclusions, higher premiums or other conditions depending on your medical history.
MoneySuperMarket compares a range of specialist providers, making it easier to find a policy that suits your needs.
How much is over 80s travel insurance? Get a policy from £0^
The cost of an over 80s travel insurance policy starts from £0
Comparing quotes can help you find the cover that suits your needs and budget. As well as age, the cost of your policy will also depend on a range of other factors. These include your destination, the level of cover you require, and whether you have any pre-existing health conditions.
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Medical history
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may pay more for travel insurance. This is because insurers assess the likelihood of you needing medical treatment while you're away. The type, severity and stability of your condition can all affect the premium you're quoted.
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Excess
The travel insurance excess is the amount you'll pay towards the cost of a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your premium, while some insurers let you pay extra to reduce or remove your excess altogether.
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Travel destination
Insurers charge different premiums depending on your destination. This may be because healthcare costs are higher in some countries or because the insurer considers the destination to present a higher level of travel risk.
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Trip length
The length of your trip can affect the cost of your travel insurance. Longer trips usually cost more to insure because there's a greater chance you'll need to make a claim. If you travel several times a year, an annual multi-trip policy may work out cheaper than buying separate single-trip policies for each holiday.
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Additional cover
You may need to add optional extras to your travel insurance, depending on the type of trip you're taking. For example, you might need cover for winter sports, golf or a cruise. These add-ons will increase the cost of your policy but will provide protection for activities or situations that aren't included as standard.
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Your valuables
Most travel insurance policies have limits on how much you can claim for individual items. If you're taking valuable belongings, such as expensive jewellery, laptops or cameras, you may need additional cover or higher limits. This can increase the cost of your policy.
How can I get cheaper over 80s travel insurance?
Travel insurance often becomes more expensive as you get older, but comparing quotes can help you find cover that suits your needs and budget.
You may be able to reduce the price by choosing a higher excess, although it's important to make sure it's an amount you could afford to pay if you need to claim. If you travel more than once a year, an annual multi-trip policy could work out cheaper than buying separate single-trip policies. Comparing quotes from different providers is one of the best ways to find the right cover at a competitive price.
It is also worth checking if you already have cover as a perk of a packaged bank account. If you do, check the upper age limit and the policy terms.
Our expert says…
As you get older, travel insurance can become more difficult to find, particularly if you have pre-existing medical conditions. Comparing policies can help you find cover that's right for your trip and your health needs. MoneySuperMarket compares quotes from a wide range of insurers, making it easier to find suitable cover at a competitive price.
Saarrah Mussa Former Content Writer
What countries can I visit with over 80s insurance?
Over 80s travel insurance covers the same destinations as standard travel insurance, but the countries included will depend on the policy you choose. Most insurers offer three main levels of cover:
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Europe only
Covers trips to EU countries and some other European destinations, such as Iceland, Switzerland, Turkey and Norway.
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Worldwide
Covers travel across the globe, including destinations such as the USA, Canada and the Caribbean. Some countries may be excluded depending on the insurer's terms and current FCDO travel advice.
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Worldwide excluding USA, Canada and the Caribbean
Covers most worldwide destinations but excludes these regions, where healthcare costs can be higher. Policies with these exclusions are often cheaper.
Travel insurance guides and expert tips for over 80s
Keep up to date and find out all you need to know with our latest guides.
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Give a few details about you, your travel plans, preferred level of cover, and what you need cover for
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Once you’ve chosen, you can purchase your policy and you’ll be covered for your trip
What else should I consider with over 80s travel insurance?
If you're over 80, it's important to check the policy details carefully before buying travel insurance. Look out for any upper age limits, medical cover restrictions and exclusions that could affect your trip.
For example, some insurers may not offer cover beyond a certain age. Others may cover medical equipment if it is lost, stolen or damaged, but this may only be available through specialist policies or as an optional extra.
What is the maximum age for travel insurance?
There is no default maximum age limit for travel insurance, although individual insurers may set their own age restrictions.
Some standard travel insurance policies are available to travellers over 80, but specialist travel insurance for older travellers may offer more suitable cover. As you get older, premiums can increase, and having a pre-existing medical condition may affect the price and availability of cover.
Specialist over 80s policies are designed with older travellers in mind and may offer features such as cover for certain pre-existing medical conditions, subject to the insurer's assessment and policy terms. This can make them a more suitable option for some travellers.
What is the best travel insurance for over 80s?
Travel insurance isn't a 'one-size-fits-all' product. The best kind of travel insurance for you is a policy that covers what you need without being overly expensive.
Some tips to help you find the best travel insurance for your particular trip is:
Research the cost of medical treatment at your chosen holiday destination to find the right level of medical cover
Consider what your greatest risks are when travelling. For example, if you have to bring important medical equipment with you, make sure your travel insurance will cover it
If you plan on taking part in any activities on your holiday, check that your insurance will cover it or you may need to add optional cover
Check the single item limit for baggage cover. This is the maximum that your insurer will pay per item. You may find that some of your valuables exceed this amount. It's up to you to decide whether adding extra cover for these valuables is worth the cost.
Do I still need cover if I have a GHIC?
A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is free and can give you access to state-funded healthcare at a reduced cost in certain countries, including EU countries and some other destinations such as Switzerland. However, it is not a replacement for travel insurance.
A GHIC only covers certain medical treatment and won't cover private healthcare, repatriation back to the UK, or other travel-related costs such as cancellation, lost luggage or travel disruption. It may also not provide cover for treatment needed on a cruise ship.
Travel insurance provides broader protection, covering a range of situations beyond emergency healthcare. So, even if you have a GHIC, it's still important to take out travel insurance before you travel.
When should you buy over 80s travel insurance?
It's best to buy travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday, rather than waiting until just before you travel. This gives you cancellation cover from the start of your policy, protecting you if you have to cancel your trip for a reason covered by your insurance, such as illness or another unexpected event.
Buying your policy early means you're protected before you leave as well as during your trip. Check your policy carefully to understand which cancellation reasons are covered and any exclusions that apply.
What recommended minimum cover limits should over 80s look for?
The right level of cover depends on your destination, your health and the value of your holiday. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, make sure you declare it and choose a policy that includes cover for your condition.
Pay particular attention to the medical expenses limit, especially if you're travelling to countries where healthcare is expensive, such as the US. You should also check that the policy provides enough cover for cancellation, baggage, personal belongings and personal liability to reflect the cost and value of your trip.
Before buying, read the policy wording carefully so you understand any exclusions, claim limits and conditions that apply.
Is travel insurance for over 80s more expensive than for younger travellers?
Travel insurance for over 80s is often more expensive than policies for younger travellers. This is because insurers deem older travellers more likely to need medical treatment while abroad.
Your premium will also depend on other factors, including your destination, trip length, level of cover, activities planned and whether you have any pre-existing medical conditions. Comparing quotes from different providers can help you find a policy that offers the right cover at a competitive price.
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Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026 by
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The number of providers for travel insurance in August 2025
Data based on the minimum price of travel insurance sold through MoneySuperMarket for age 80-84 in June 2026. Prices vary based on your personal details & circumstances.
