Getting the best travel insurance Travel insurance for over-65s
Once you reach 65, you may find it more difficult to buy travel insurance
Why can’t I get cheap travel insurance?
People may struggle to get affordable travel insurance for various reasons – with pre-existing medical conditions and age among them.
Travel insurance premiums for people who have long-term health problems or have had serious illnesses in the past may be far higher than those for people without pre-existing conditions.
Meanwhile, Which? research has found that travel insurance premiums can rocket in price when individuals enter different age brackets, with ageing a single year often resulting in massively increased costs. This is because, statistically, older people are more likely to fall ill while on holiday.
Companies that offer travel insurance for over-65s
Some travel insurance companies may refuse to cover over-65s altogether, while others simply charge higher premiums for older people's policies.
Which? research has shown that it's crucial for anyone over 65 to shop around for travel insurance, as the cost of cover for people in this age group may differ wildly depending on which company you choose. While some insurers charge £300 or more for a multi-trip, worldwide travel insurance policy for a 70-year-old, there are others that might charge less than £100.
We've also found that buying travel insurance online may be the best way for people aged over 65 to secure an affordable travel insurance policy. If you have older friends or relatives in need of travel insurance, but who aren't used to using the internet, it could be well worth helping them.
The following firms may offer travel insurance for people over-65, and in some cases may cover travellers aged 80+:
- Age UK
- Saga
- LV=
- Travel Insurance Medical
- Castle Cover
- Flexicover Direct
- Insure and Go.
Get help with finding travel insurance
If you need help to get travel insurance or you're struggling with a claim, or any other aspect of your finances, sign up to Which? for just £1 for one month and you can speak to a member of our Money Helpline team to get individual guidance. If you're already a Which? member, you can call for free guidance on 01992 822848.
Under a 'sign-posting' agreement launched by BIBA, the ABI and government in April 2012 insurers now have an obligation to point older travellers towards companies that will insure them, even if they decline to take on their business themself.
If you're still struggling to get travel insurance, or the quotes you are getting are very high, you may find it useful to use an insurance broker. Brokers will offer advice and then search the market to find the right policy for you, at the best price they can.
Some brokers operate locally, while others are national. Some also offer an internet service.
To find a broker, visit the British Insurance Brokers' Association’s Find a broker web page.
- Speak to an expert about your travel insurance queries - call the Which? Money Helpline
- See our tips for car insurance for over 65s
- Make sure your holiday is protected with our expert guide
