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Over 80s travel insurance

Compare holiday insurance quotes for over 80s ready for your next trip

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Compare over 80s travel insurance quotes from £31.64*

  • Get travel insurance cover for pre-existing medical conditions including diabetes and heart conditions

  • Compare a range of policy types to suit your holiday, including annual travel insurance and single-trip

  • Add a range of ptional extras to your policy such as cruise cover and gadget cover

1Correct as of October 2024
*Cheapest price for a single-trip travel insurance policy. Based on 1 adult aged 80 with no pre-existing medical conditions, travelling in Spain for 1 week. Confused.com data - September 2024.

Do I need over 80s travel insurance?

Travel insurance is definitely something to consider, especially as you get older.

Imagine you're on holiday and suddenly need medical treatment—it's not uncommon for health issues to pop up as we age. Travel insurance can cover you if you have a medical emergency while you're away. Without it, you could be left with hefty bills, especially in countries with expensive healthcare.

With the right policy, you can focus on enjoying your trip instead of worrying about what might go wrong. It makes all the difference!

Compare over 80s travel insurance quotes

Type of cover

First things first—let us know what kind of cover you'll need and where you're headed. You can start the process on our quote page.

Tell us about you and other travellers

Now, we'll need some information about you. You can also let us know if you'd like to include any companions on your policy.

Additional cover and medical conditions

You'll then have the option to select any policy extras. You'll also need to let us know if you or anyone else on the policy have pre-existing medical conditions.

Then, it'll be over to us! We'll show you quotes from up to 471 travel insurance companies. All you'll need to do is find the policy that best suits you. It's as easy as that.

P.S: Did you know if you get travel insurance through us, you can get an eSIM with up to 2GB2 of roaming data? It's a great way to stay connected with loved ones back home—without pesky roaming charges to worry about.

1Correct as of October 2024
eSIM comes with pre-funded credit and the amount of data received in exchange, will vary based on the specific country you select. Compatible devices only. T&C's apply.

What our travel insurance expert says

"Turning 80 shouldn't stop you from exploring the world. Travel insurance is there to protect you if things go wrong, like losing your luggage or facing travel disruptions.

"But, you'll need to tell your insurer about any pre-existing medical conditions when buying a policy. If you don't declare them, your travel insurance might be invalid, leaving you uncovered if you need to make a claim. So, make sure you're fully protected by being open about your health—it's worth it!"

Alvaro Iturmendi - Confused.com travel insurance expert
Travel insurance expert Confused.com logo

What does travel insurance for over 80s cover?

Standard travel insurance generally includes and excludes:

Tick

What's covered:

  • Lost, stolen or damaged luggage. If your luggage or personal possessions are stolen, damaged or accidentally lost.
  • Cancellation cover. If you need to cancel your trip or come home early for an unexpected reason, like illness.
  • Medical expenses and repatriation. If you need emergency medical treatment or need to fly home to the UK for treatment. Without a policy, this can be very expensive.
  • Travel disruption. If you experience a travel disruption caused by strikes, bad weather or mechanical issues.
  • No excess to pay if you have an EHIC or GHIC. If you travel with your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), you won't need to pay any excess. As long as the EHIC or GHIC is valid in the country, you'll be covered.
Cross

What's not covered:

  • Travelling against government advice. If the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to a destination, but you go anyway. In this situation, you wouldn't be able to claim on your insurance.
  • Non-declared medical conditions. Insurers can cover pre-existing medical conditions, but only if they're declared. If you need treatment for a pre-existing condition and haven't made your insurer aware of it, you won't be able to claim.
  • Drug or alcohol-related incidents. If something happens as a result of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, your insurer won't cover you.

Helpful hint: Cover levels can vary depending on your insurer. So, check the details carefully before you buy.

How much is holiday insurance for over 80s?

How much you'll need to pay depends on things like your medical history, where you're going and, of course, your age. So, the quickest way to discover how much it'll cost is to get a quote.

Here's how much travel insurance could cost for some common medical conditions:

Medical condition Price
Type 1 diabetes
£43.463
Heart condition
£89.924
Stroke
£82.155
High blood pressure
£43.466

3Cheapest price for single-trip travel insurance. Based on 1 adult aged 80 with type 1 diabetes, travelling in Spain for 1 week. Confused.com data - September 2024.
4Cheapest price for single-trip travel insurance. Based on 1 adult aged 80 with coronary heart disease, travelling in Spain for 1 week. Confused.com data - September 2024.
5Cheapest price for single-trip travel insurance. Based on 1 adult aged 80 who has had 1 stroke in the last 6-12 months, travelling in Spain for 1 week. Confused.com data - September 2024.
6Cheapest price for single-trip travel insurance. Based on 1 adult aged 80 with high blood pressure, travelling in Spain for 1 week. Confused.com data - September 2024.

What affects the price of travel insurance for over 80s?

As we've mentioned, a variety of factors can affect travel insurance. Here's some of the main ones:

  • Age. The older you are, the more likely insurers see you as needing to make a claim. This can lead to a pricier policy.
  • Additional cover. If you need to get any policy add-ons, your premium can be higher.
  • How long you're away for. The longer you'll be away from home, the higher the chance of something going wrong. This can hike up the cost.
  • Pre-existing medical conditions. Policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions tend to be more expensive. This is because there's a greater chance of you needing medical treatment.
  • Where in the world you're travelling. Where you're travelling can also impact your insurance cost. Some countries have higher medical expenses, which can make coverage more expensive.

What types of travel insurance are available for over 80s?

There's a few different insurance types you can choose from. We'll explain each one below to help you find the best fit for you:

Single-trip travel insurance

If you're planning just one trip, single-trip travel insurance might be a perfect fit. Like its name suggests, this policy is designed to cover an individual trip, usually up to 31 days. So, whether you've got a weekend getaway planned with family or you'll be enjoying the sun with friends, this policy can protect against surprises.

Annual multi-trip travel insurance

Are you someone that likes to jet off to different countries throughout the year? We don't blame you. Consider an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy—it can be a lot cheaper in the long-run. This type of policy can cover multiple trips over 12 months, usually up to 31 days each.

Long stay travel insurance

Planning an extended escape to enjoy some sunshine or a slower pace of life? Long-stay travel insurance could be just what you need. This policy can cover trips longer than 31 days, often up to 6 months or more. So, you can focus on relaxing in your temporary home away from home with the peace of mind you're covered.

Couples travel insurance

Travelling with a partner? Couples travel insurance can simplify things by covering both of you under one plan. Besides being convenient, this insurance type can also be more cost-effective too. So, whether you'll be exploring a bustling city or lounging on a golden beach, this insurance is a practical option to consider.

Group travel insurance

If you're thinking of going on holiday with pals, group travel insurance might be a good fit. This type of policy can cover multiple people under one plan. So, it can be a more affordable option for group getaways.

Can I get travel insurance for over 80s if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

Yes, you can get travel insurance for over 80s with a pre-existing condition. But, there's a chance that you'll need to pay more.

Pre-existing conditions can include:

If you have a more serious medical condition, you might find that fewer insurers are willing to cover you. But, don't worry! If the insurers we work with aren't able to offer you cover, it doesn't mean you're out of options. It just means you might need to check out specialised insurers.

The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) has a handy directory of insurers that can insure those with more serious medical conditions. So, you can still find the protection you need and jet off with confidence.

What extra cover can I add to my policy?

Depending on your needs or what kind of trip you're going on, you might like to enhance your policy with some extra cover.

They're called policy add-ons, and you can add them to your standard policy for an extra cost. Here's a few to consider:

Cruise cover

Heading out on a cruise? Cruise cover is designed to handle the unique problems that can happen on a holiday at sea. With it, you can expect to get cover for things like cabin-confinement due to illness. Or, missed ports because of bad weather. It's a must for smooth sailing.

Gadget cover

Travelling with expensive electronics? Travel insurance with gadget cover is great to look into. Standard travel insurance often includes some gadget cover, but it can be quite limited. So, if you want more protection, this add-on can offer a greater level of cover for your devices.

How to get cheaper over 80s travel insurance

When getting travel insurance, it can be tempting to want to find the cheapest option. But, it's important to get the right cover to stay safe.

That said, there's a few ways you might be able to find a more affordable policy. Let's look at them:

  • Only pay for the cover you need. Add-ons can be included on your standard policy for an extra fee. But, if you don't need any, skipping them can keep the costs down.
  • Compare quotes for the best deal. Comparing quotes is a great way to find the best policy. Not only for your needs, but at a price that suits you.
  • Consider the type of policy you'll need. Certain policies might work out cheaper in the long run. For example, if you like to travel a lot, an annual policy might cost more upfront. But, it can work out more cost-effective than buying separate policies for each trip you go on.

Why compare quotes with Confused.com?

  • We're regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). So are all of the travel insurance companies we work with. This means we follow strict rules to ensure you're treated fairly and get the best policy suited to your needs.
  • We work with our trusted partner, theidol.com. They're an authorised intermediary that specialises in insurance comparison. They help us find the best available quotes from our range of providers.
  • We compare quotes from our 44 1 travel insurance providers. This allows us to make sure you have the right level of cover.
  • We helped over 250,000 customers get travel insurance last year. So, they were able to relax and enjoy their holiday, confident they had the right cover in place.

Compare over 80s travel insurance quotes

Travel tips for over 80s

Here are some tips that'll hopefully help your trip go a bit smoother:

Speak to your GP before you travel

Before you jet off on your next adventure, have a chat with your GP. They can make sure you're up-to-date on any vaccinations or give you health tips that could be relevant to your destination. Plus, it's a great chance to discuss any health concerns you might have.

Pack plenty of medication

If you rely on medication for any health conditions, make sure you pack more than you think you'll need. It's always better to have a little extra on hand in case of unexpected delays or extended stays. If you can, bring along your prescription papers in case you need to show it to airport security or customs.

Monitor any medical conditions you have

While you're away, keep a close eye on any medical conditions you have. It's a good idea to stay on top of your routine and be aware of how you're feeling. If anything seems off, don't hesitate to seek medical help. Your health is top priority, even when you're having fun!

Plan your trip ahead of time

Take time to plan your logistics before you set off. Book transfers, arrange airport special assistance and have a rough itinerary in place. This can help to make your trip more enjoyable.

Head's up: Most airports ask to be made aware of special assistance needs at least 48 hours before the day of the flight. So, make sure you let them know what you'll need as soon as you can. You'll be able to find contact information online.

Get travel insurance with the right level of cover

Make sure you invest in travel insurance that offers the right level of cover for your needs. Along with things like trip cancellations and lost luggage, make sure your policy covers any medical conditions you have.

Pack for the weather at your destination

Heading to a sunny destination? Pack light, breathable clothing and don't forget your sunscreen. Give yourself a bit of time to acclimate to the heat, too. Easing into the climate can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. So, you can ensure you're comfortable throughout your stay.

Need more help?

Can I cancel my annual travel insurance

Yes, you can cover an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy. If you cancel within the 14-day cooling off period you should receive a full refund of any amount you’ve already paid.

Should you cancel an annual travel insurance policy outside the 14-day cooling off period, you’ll typically be refunded a reduced amount, depending on how much time is left on the policy. You may not be eligible for any refund at all if there’s six months or less left on the policy.

If you’re considering cancelling an annual travel insurance policy, you should check the policy wording to find out what refund you're entitled to.

When’s the best time to buy travel insurance?

Believe it or not, the best time to buy travel insurance is as soon as you've booked your trip.

This way, you're covered for any issues that might come up before your holiday starts. For example, trip cancellations or unexpected health concerns. Securing travel insurance early can give you peace of mind you're covered, right from the moment you book. Phew!

Are there age limits when getting a travel insurance quote?

Yes, there can be age limits. But, these vary between insurers.

While some might set limits around 75, that doesn't mean you won't be able to get travel insurance. In fact, there's plenty of insurers who are more than happy to cover travellers 80 or older. So, you should have no trouble finding coverage for your holiday. All sorted!

How do I make a claim on my policy?

There's a few ways you can contact your insurer if you need to make an insurance claim:

  • By phone
  • Online

To speed up the claims process, make sure you've kept the receipts of any expenses related to your claim.

Medical emergencies are often treated differently to standard travel insurance claims. Usually, insurers have an emergency number you can phone in the event of one. So, read your policy details to find it, and make a note of it in case you need it.

Top tip: Need to phone your insurer because of a medical emergency? Have your name and policy number ready. This is so your insurer can help you as quickly as possible.

Page last reviewed: 18 September 2024

Reviewed by: Alvaro Iturmendi

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