Can you get travel insurance if you’re over 80?
Finding the right travel insurance if you’re over 80 can feel like a challenge, but comparing your options is the perfect place to start.
Travel insurance for those aged 80 and over varies in both cost and cover, especially when it comes to pre-existing medical conditions. At PayingTooMuch, we simplify the process by helping you compare quotes from trusted providers.
And if you’d prefer a little extra help, our friendly team is just a call away to talk through your cover options. With all the information at your fingertips, you can make a confident, informed decision before you buy.
What does travel insurance for over 80s cover?
Most over 80s travel insurance policies offer essential cover like emergency medical treatment, cancellations and lost baggage, but the details can vary between the providers.
What’s typically covered
- ✓ Medical treatment abroad
- Up to unlimited cover with select policies that include medical treatment abroad. This can also cover overnight hospital stays and the replacement of prescriptions while you're away.
- ✓ Trip cancellations
- Cover for trip cancellations if illness, injury, or unexpected events prevent you from travelling or cut your holiday short.
- ✓ Lost or delayed luggage
- Help if your bags are delayed, damaged or don’t show up at all. Can include essentials like medication, mobility aids, glasses and other things you rely on.
- ✓ Emergency repatriation
- If you fall ill abroad, some travel insurance policies include emergency transport back to the UK. This could even involve a medical escort, ensuring you get home safely and with expert care.
- ✓ Lost or stolen money or passport
- If your money or passport is lost or stolen abroad, many travel insurance policies provide support.
You can even add extras, such as cruise cover, to tailor your trip.
What’s typically not covered
Some policies have limitations, so it’s important to understand what is included and what you’re unable to claim.
- ✗ Alcohol or drug-related incidents
- Most travel insurance policies won’t cover claims if the incident occurred while you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- ✗ Undeclared medical conditions
- If you don’t disclose a pre-existing medical condition to your insurer, you might not be covered if a health-related issue arises during your trip.
- ✗ Travelling against medical advice
- If your doctor advises you not to travel but you choose to go anyway, your insurance cover may no longer be valid.
- ✗ Cancellations for personal reasons
- If you cancel a trip for reasons not covered in your policy, such as a sudden change of plans, your insurer is unlikely to reimburse you.
- ✗ Planned medical treatment abroad
- Travel insurance is designed to cover unforeseen emergencies, not medical treatments or procedures you’ve scheduled in advance.
Different insurance providers may have varying policies. So, reading your policy documents carefully will help you clearly understand what your travel insurance does and doesn’t cover.
Does over 80s travel insurance cover medical conditions?
A medical condition shouldn’t hold you back from exploring the world, as long as you’re fit enough to travel. By declaring your pre-existing conditions when you compare quotes, you can find the right travel insurance that protects you.
At PayingTooMuch, we work with trusted insurers who understand the needs of travellers with a range of medical conditions, covering everything from cancer, heart conditions to diabetes. By comparing quotes with us, you’ll be able to find the ideal policy for your trip and skip the ones that don’t work for you.
We specialise in travel insurance options for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, no matter your health or age. And that’s what sets us apart from traditional price comparison websites.
How to compare travel insurance for the over 80s
When it comes to travel insurance, taking the time to compare options really pays off. That’s where we come in. Here’s an easy step by step guide to get started.
1. Tell us about your trip
Click “compare quotes” and tell us when you're travelling, where you're going, who's coming with you, and whether you have any extra activities planned – like cruise protection. It doesn’t take long and helps you find top policy options to suit your plans.
And if you’d rather talk it through, you can always give us a call for extra support before you buy.
2. Add your details
Declare any pre-existing medical conditions to get policies that include the right cover for you.
3. Compare your quotes
Once you've entered your details, we’ll show you quotes from trusted insurers, ranging from the cheapest to the most comprehensive. Compare options to find the right cover at a price that works for you.
How much does travel insurance cost if you're over 80?
Travel insurance premiums often increase with age, particularly once you reach 80. This happens because many insurers use age bands to determine pricing, often raising premiums as you enter each new age group. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Your premium will also depend on factors like your health and travel plans.
Your price is determined by several factors.
- Destination
Countries like the USA, where healthcare costs are significantly higher compared to places like the UK, often lead to more expensive travel insurance. This is because policies must account for elevated medical expenses in those regions. Similarly, if you're travelling to areas with an increased risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes or tornadoes, you may find your premium is higher due to the greater risks involved.
- Pre-existing medical conditions
Medical conditions such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure, diabetes, or arthritis can increase the cost of your travel insurance. That’s because there’s a higher chance you’ll need to make a claim.
- Trip length
The length of your holiday plays a significant role in determining your policy's cost. Generally, longer holidays come with higher premiums, as extended trips increase the cover duration.
- The level of cover
The cost of your cover may increase if you require additional benefits, such as cancellation, winter sports or cruise cover.
When is the right time to buy travel insurance for over 80s?
When planning a holiday, unexpected events can arise between booking and setting off. That’s why being prepared with travel insurance is essential to stay protected against unforeseen circumstances.
If you buy single trip insurance at the time of booking your holiday, your cover begins immediately. This means you'll be protected if you need to cancel your trip before departure due to events like medical reasons or government travel advice (FCDO). Also, if your flight gets cancelled, your insurance will cover the costs.
For annual multi-trip insurance (AMT), you’re covered for any trips taken during a 12-month period. To make the most of it, consider starting your policy when you book your first holiday. If you travel often, this type of policy is typically more cost-effective and convenient than buying insurance for each individual trip. Make sure you read through your policy documents to understand any trip length limits that your policy has.
Where can you travel with over 80s travel insurance?
With travel insurance for over 80s, you can finally enjoy the unforgettable trip you’ve been dreaming of. Whether it’s a scenic cruise through Europe or the Mediterranean, or a relaxing extended stay in the Caribbean, you can travel confidently knowing you’re covered.
Just remember to select all the countries you’ll be visiting for a Single Trip policy, or all the regions you’ll be travelling to for an Annual Multi-Trip policy, to make sure you’re covered for each country you’ll be visiting.
