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Best Travel Insurance for Seniors in the UK 2023

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Written by, Marija Petkova

Updated September, 26, 2023

1. Staysure

  • Flexible cover options
  • 24/7 medical helpline
  • Excess waiver available

2. AllClear

  • Covers 1300+ medical conditions
  • Over 90s insurance available
  • Up to £15M emergency medical cover

3. CoverWise

  • 5 cover levels
  • Enhanced cover for COVID
  • Winter sports insurance

4. Globelink

  • 17-day free winter sports cover
  • 20% off on COVID testing
  • Free COVID coverage

5. Post Office

  • Multiple add-ons available
  • Quick and easy medical screening process
  • Trip cancellation and curtailment cover included

6. CoverForYou

  • Zero excess policies
  • Loyalty discount scheme
  • Free coverage for more than 100 sports and activities

7. Goodtogoinsurance.com

  • Covered by the Financial Services Compensation scheme
  • No admin charges for policy changes
  • Personal property cover available

8. World First

  • Free cover for up to 75 sporting activities
  • Online screening service
  • 14 days money-back guarantee

9. Free Spirit

  • Medical aids cover
  • Aftercare at Home
  • Convalescence benefits

10. OK to Travel

  • Customisable policies
  • All medical conditions considered
  • 14 days cooling-off period

11. Southdowns

  • Covers travel again FCDO advice
  • Coverage for 110 sports and activities
  • Comperhensive policies

Travel insurance can be particularly valuable to seniors, who generally face more health issues than younger travellers. 

Incidentally, that’s one of the very reasons why it can be a bit challenging to find the right travel insurance.

To help you find the best deal out there, we’ve rounded up the best travel insurance for seniors available on the UK market and broken down everything you’ll need to know before making a purchase.

Let’s dive in.

Detailed Reviews

1 . Staysure

Best Overall
  • Rating:10/10
  • Coverage duration: 183 days in a year (annual)
  • Locations covered: Worldwide
  • Age limit: No upper limit
  • COVID coverage: Yes
  • Staysure is one of the most popular insurance providers in the UK that specialises in providing tailored travel insurance for the elderly.

    Staysure travel insurance for seniors has two main plans: single trip and multi-trip (annual).

    Its insurance packages have no upper age limit, cover people with pre-existing medical conditions, and boast a comprehensive COVID cover, which is included in all plans.

    The annual plan is a great choice for frequent travellers, with up to 183 days covered in a year, making it one of the best multi-trip travel insurance providers for seniors. However, you’ll still have to keep your trips to under 50 days (or 35 days if you’re over 71).

    The best part about this insurance product is that customers can customise their insurance package and choose from a wide range of optional extras such as Gadget covers, Winter sports , and even Cruise Plus coverage.

    Pros
    • Unlimited cover available
    • Legal protection cover option
    • Worldwide support for medical emergencies
    Cons
    • Excess limited at £65

    2 . AllClear

    Best For People With Pre-Existing Conditions
  • Rating: 9.9/10
  • Coverage duration: Up to 92 days
  • Locations covered: Worldwide
  • Age limit: No limit
  • COVID coverage: Yes
  • AllClear is the perfect choice for senior citizens who struggle to find travel insurance due to their pre-existing conditions.

    The company offers coverage for over 1300 medical conditions, including cancer and diabetes, and reimburses customers for End Supplier Failure. (Here’s everything that AllClear covers in its policies)

    The amount of cover depends on the plan you choose (Gold, Gold Plus, and Platinum) but they all include recuperation stay and COVID cover. 

    AllClear also offers a wide range of optional extras such as Gadget Cover, Golf Cover, and Cruise travel insurance, as well as Winter sports cover for those under 65.

    When it comes to pricing, All Clear premiums may be slightly more expensive compared to their competitors, but that’s mostly because it works with people who have serious pre-existing conditions.

    Pros
    • 24/7 helpline
    • No age restrictions
    • Free extended cover
    Cons
    • Winter sports cover limit at 65

    3 . Coverwise

    Best for Extensive Coverage
  • Rating: 8.5/10
  • Coverage duration: Up to 31 days
  • Locations covered: Worldwide
  • Age limit: 65-75
  • COVID coverage: Yes
  • Coverwise has several travel insurance policies that are underwritten by AXA, one of the leading UK travel insurers. 

    It has both single and annual trip policies that stretch over 5 levels of cover (Standard, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum) and cover emergency medical expenses of up to £20,000,000, lost or stolen baggage, personal money and cash, liability, and accidents. 

    The company provides travel insurance for pensioners with pre-existing medical conditions, including those who are currently receiving medical treatment, but only for those that are no older than 75 (and only to people under 65 for their annual plans). 

    Although they do have policies that are aimed at people with different pre-existing conditions, screening is mandatory and you’ll have to meet certain eligibility requirements to get a quote. 

    On the plus side, all Coverwise policies include COVID coverage and you can add cover for winter sports for an extra cost.

    Pros
    • 24/7 medical helpline
    • Enhanced COVID-19 cover
    • 5 insurance policy cover levels
    Cons
    • Not available to people over the age of 75

    4 . Globelink

    Best for Active Travellers
  • Rating: 9/10
  • Coverage duration: 60 days (single); 31 days (annual)
  • Locations covered: Worldwide
  • Age limit: 89 years
  • COVID coverage: Yes
  • Globelink is an award-winning insurance company that offers a wide range of insurance products, including travel insurance for older travellers, but only for those under the age of 89.

    Their policies cover over 50 pre-existing medical conditions for free, meaning you won’t need to pay extra if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. Globelink customers also get free COVID coverage and a 20% discount on COVID testing.

    What’s more, Globelink’s standard policies include coverage for more than 100 activities, cruise trips, as well as 17 days free winter sports coverage on 45+ day trips, making this insurer one of the best overseas travel insurance providers for active seniors. 

    You can also pay extra to add more cover to your policy for a return home option, excess waiver, and event cancellation, among other things. 

    Pros
    • Baggage cover
    • Free COVID coverage
    • Adventure activities covered in all policies
    Cons
    • Limited cancellation policy

    5 . Post Office

    Best Policy Customization Options
  • Rating: 8.9/10
  • Coverage duration: 365 days (single trip); 60 days (annual trip)
  • Locations covered: Worldwide
  • Age limit: Up to 75 for multi-trip policies
  • COVID coverage: Yes
  • Post Office is one of the UK’s largest financial service providers that offers a host of financial products, including pensioner travel insurance.

    Their Single trip cover has no upper age limit, while the annual multi-trip cover is available for those under 75. The policies include coverage for emergency medical expenses and repatriation, cancellation, and lost baggage. Post Office also considers all medical conditions and provides COVID coverage on all policies for free.

    Furthermore, you can customise your policy by adding one (or more) extras such as cruise, gadget, winter sports and golf cover, as well as cover in case of terrorism and natural catastrophes. There’s also an option to add excess waiver.

    Pros
    • No age limit on Single trip plans
    • 5 different levels of cover
    • Numerous add-ons
    Cons
    • Annual trip plans are limited to those under 75

    6 . CoverForYou

    Best for Claims Services
  • Rating: 8.7/10
  • Coverage duration: 356 days (single); 62 days per trip (annual)
  • Locations covered: Worldwide
  • Age limit: Up to 76
  • COVID coverage: Yes
  • CoverForYou is an online insurance specialist that offers car hire excess and gadget insurance, as well as senior travel insurance in the UK for people up to 76.

    Their policies provide coverage for most pre-existing medical conditions, as well as COVID-19 coverage. 

    The single trip policy is available for people under the age of 75 covers up to 365 days, while the annual plan is limited to people under 70 and covers a maximum of 62 days per single trip.

    In addition to covering more than 100 sports and activities as standard, CoverForYou offers plenty of extras, such as coverage for winter sports, golf and cruise cover.

    CoverForYou even has a unique loyalty club scheme, where they offer exclusive member benefits for policy holders, such as discounts and awards.

    Pros
    • Zero excess on all policies
    • Over 100 sports and activities covered
    • Loyalty discount scheme
    Cons
    • The age limit is 76

    7 . Goodtogoinsurance.com

    Best for People With Serious Conditions
  • Rating: 9.8/10
  • Coverage duration: 94 days (single); 31 days per trip (annual)
  • Locations covered: Worldwide
  • Age limit: No limit
  • COVID coverage: Yes
  • Covering all sorts of medical conditions from asthma and epilepsy to mental health conditions and even a terminal prognosis, Goodtogoinsurance is one of the best travel insurance companies for seniors with pre-existing conditions

    The company offers three levels of cover (Silver, Gold, and Platinum)  all of which include COVID, insolvency cover, and cruise holidays, making it the best cruise travel insurance for seniors. 

    Their single trip and annual travel insurance policies have no upper age limit and come with 24 hour emergency medical support, loss of medication cover, and mobility aids cover. 

    The best part about Goodtogoinsurance.com policies is that it allows customers to add their travel companion to the policy, regardless of whether they have an existing medical condition or not. This means that they will also be covered if the trip is cancelled due to a medical emergency.

    Pros
    • 24/7 access to virtual doctor
    • Travel dispute cover available
    • Medical expenses up to £10 million
    Cons
    • Slow at processing claims

    8 . World First

    Best for Affordable Policies
  • Rating: 9.7/10
  • Coverage duration: 60 days (single); 31 days per trip (annual)
  • Locations covered: Worldwide
  • Age limit: 100 years
  • COVID coverage: Yes
  • World First is an award-winning insurance provider that specialises in providing low-cost travel insurance for a range of customers including elderly with medical conditions.

    The company provides cover for thousands of medical conditions, including cancer, angina, and deep vein thrombosis, and was one of the first to introduce coverage for HIV patients.

    One of its greatest perks is its add-ons– you can opt for emergency medical expenses cover of up to £10 million or coverage for technology and sporting equipment. 

    Another reason why the company’s travel insurance policy for pensioners  is affordability– World First has one of the most competitive prices on the market

    Finally, World First covers more than 75 sports and activities for free, so they’re also a popular choice for those who want to remain active on their vacation. 

    Pros
    • Competitive prices
    • Free coverage for over 75 sports
    • Online medical screening
    Cons
    • No coverage for war or terrorism

    9 . Free Spirit

    Best For People With Mental Health Conditions
  • Rating: 9.5/10
  • Coverage duration: 94 days (single); up to 42 days (annual)
  • Locations covered: Worldwide, excluding Afghanistan, Liberia and Sudan
  • Age limit: No age limit
  • COVID coverage: Yes
  • Being one of the first companies to offer travel insurance for the elderly with medical conditions, Free Spirit is a top choice for many senior travellers. 

    They specialise in providing travel medical insurance for seniors and cover most pre-existing medical conditions, disabilities and even terminal diagnoses. 

    Travellers can choose between two levels of coverage: Super and Super Duper, both of which are customisable, with some optional extras, such as an additional cover for winter sports or gadget cover. 

    One thing that sets Free Spirit apart is that they are specifically dedicated to people with mental health conditions who may have difficulties in finding cover elsewhere. 

    Like World First customers, those that buy senior travel insurance from Free Spirit also get free cover for sports activities, but for more than 100 sports.

    Pros
    • Aftercare at home covered
    • Cover for cruise included
    • Extended journey disruption cover
    Cons
    • Partial refund if you end up not going to the trip

    10 . OK to Travel

    Best for Disabled Individuals
  • Rating: 9.4/10
  • Coverage duration: 184 days (single trip)
  • Plans available: Standard, Premier and Premier Plus
  • Locations covered: Worldwide
  • Age limit: No age limit on (up to 3 months)
  • COVID coverage: Yes
  • OK to Travel is a specialist holiday insurance provider that offers the cheapest travel insurance providers for pensioners that covers a long list of disabilities

    The benefits that come with its standard travel insurance for senior citizens include cover for cancellation, medical expenses, and personal accidents.

    OK to Travel offers two other plans that are more comprehensive, which additionally feature lost medication, mobility aids, end supplier financial failure cover, as well as after-care cover for post-hospitalisation. 

    There’s also an option to tailor your policy with winter sports and gold cover and buy protection against hazardous activities at an extra cost. 

    Finally, the company will give you a full refund in case you need to cancel your trips (within 14 days) and can add a companion to your policy.

    Pros
    • Competitive rates
    • Post-surgery cover
    • No age limit on trips up to 3 months
    Cons
    • Doesn’t cover severe medical conditions

    11 . Southdowns

    Best for Travelling to Europe
  • Rating: 8.3/10
  • Coverage duration: 31 days (annual); 90 days (single)
  • Locations covered: Worldwide
  • Age limit: Up to 75
  • COVID coverage: Yes
  • Southdowns is a popular insurer that has great policies for travel in Europe, all of which are underwritten by AXA.

    They offer both annual multi-trip and single-trip policies for people up to the age of 65 and 75 respectively, with varying levels of cover to suit your needs and budget. 

    All policies include emergency medical expenses, curtailment, trip cancellation, baggage, and personal money cover as standard, and you can increase your cover by spending a little more. 

    Every Southdowns customer also gets full coverage for COVID-related emergencies, such as falling ill abroad or having to cancel a trip due to the virus. 

    The best part about this insurer is that the cover extends to travel against the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), but the claims can’t be COVID-related.

    Pros
    • Coverage for most pre-existing medical conditions
    • Emergency medical expenses up to £20 million
    • Trip cancellation cover
    Cons
    • Age limit on single and annual policies

    Travel Insurance Guide

    Here’s what to focus on when looking for a good travel insurance policy:

    Cost

    The cost of the insurance depends on the perks that come with it. Most insurance companies that provide insurance policies to seniors offer the same standard cover with varying levels. If you’re looking for insurance that covers more serious medical conditions, you will likely have to pay more.

    Planned activities and add-ons

    Some insurance policies include cover for certain activities, like winter sports, but most offer them as add-ons. 

    Benefits covered

    The main benefits you should look for when shopping for a travel insurance policy for older people are cancellation coverage, medical expenses, emergency evacuation benefits, as well as personal belongings cover.

    Destinations covered

    Not all insurance companies offer worldwide coverage. It’s important to check whether the insurer can cover you in your target destination before signing an agreement.

    Plans available

    Frequent travellers can save time and money by opting for an annual plan instead of a single-trip travel insurance policy.  What’s more, most insurers offer annual plans that have no upper age limit.

    Excesses

    If you can, and if your insurer allows it, you might want to consider paying an excess on your insurance. This is a contribution you pay on top of your insurance premiums toward the cost of the claim. This way, in case you need to make a claim, you will pay less. On the other hand, there are insurance providers that have zero excess policies.

    Customer Support and Customer Satisfaction

    For seniors, finding an insurance company that has a good rating and a customer support team that is 24/7 available can be crucial– it means you will be able to call them whenever you need.

    You may be interested in: Travel insurance for people over the age of 80.

    Tips for Travelling as a Senior

    Even if you get the best travel insurance policies for senior citizens, there are some things you need to take care of when travelling abroad.

    • Don’t forget your medication: Always bring medication for several extra days. This way, you’ll be covered in case your trip is delayed or prolonged.
    • Get to the airport early: If you arrive at the airport early, you’ll have enough time to find the right terminal and gate and avoid heavy crowds.
    • Make copies of your travel documents: You should always keep copies of all your travel documents in case some get lost.
    • Drink plenty of water: Travel dehydration is a real thing. When travelling (especially if you’re flying) make sure to drink plenty of water. 
    • Avoid heavy luggage: Travelling light minimises the risk of your belongings getting stolen. You also won’t have to worry about carrying heavy luggage around or picking it up from the baggage carousel. 
    • Bring healthy snacks: Having a few healthy snacks on hand is always a good idea in case you get hungry during your trip.
    • Stretch often: Stretching prevents cramping and fatigue and is highly recommended during travel, especially on long flights. 
    • Ask attendants for help: You shouldn’t hesitate to ask the crew members to lift your bag or get you a cup of water– most of them would be happy to help!

    Did you know? The UK records around 120 million domestic trips every year.

    Bottom Line

    Travelling can be much easier when you have the right type of travel insurance in case anything goes wrong. Although finding good travel insurance for senior travellers can be challenging, you can still find an affordable policy by turning to one of the insurers that specialise in offering policies to older travellers.

    FAQ

    Can a 75-year-old get travel insurance?

    There are many insurance companies that specialise in providing travel insurance for the elderly with medical conditions.

    Is it worth it to get travel insurance?

    Travel insurance is often worth the investment as it can help you save hundreds of dollars on unexpected travel-related expenses.

    What medical conditions do you have to declare for travel insurance?

    You’ll need to declare any and all pre-existing medical conditions you’ve been diagnosed with within the past several years, as well as surgeries, mental health issues, and terminal diseases. Failing to do so can invalidate your policy.

    Does travel insurance increase after age 70?

    Travel insurance costs tend to go up as you get older because you’re statistically more likely to make a claim if you’re older. 

    Will travel insurance cover flight cancellation due to COVID?

    The best travel insurance for seniors comes with COVID cancellation cover.