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Unlimited: no upper age limit, even with pre-existing medical conditions
Unlimited: medical cover and emergency expenses*
Unlimited: repatriation cover*, with 24/7 emergency assistance
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What is travel insurance for seniors?
Good cover shouldn’t get harder to find as you get older. That’s why Staysure’s senior travel insurance comes with no upper age limit and includes cover for more than 1300 pre-existing medical conditions**.
Our policies are designed for travellers in their 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s – with flexible options for everything from UK breaks and family holidays to cruises and long-haul trips abroad. You’ll be covered for medical emergencies, cancellations, lost baggage and more, with optional extras if you want to tailor your policy further.
In the last 12 months alone, more than two million people over 50 chose Staysure. Why not join them?
Why choose Staysure?
We’re specialists in medical travel insurance
Unlimited: emergency medical expenses* and 24/7 support
Most pre-existing medical conditions covered
Generous cancellation cover up to £10,000
We’ve insured more than 12m people
Easy to access and amend your policy online
Browse travel insurance by age group
Travel insurance for people in their 50s can still be worth a closer look – especially if you’re travelling more often, or want cover that includes things like medical conditions
Travel insurance in your 60s, including when you turn 65, can offer extra reassurance – especially if your health needs are changing or you’re planning more time away.
If you're over 70 or over 75, travel insurance can sometimes get harder to find – but with us, there’s no upper age limit.
Over 80, 85 or beyond? You’re not out of options. Our no upper age limit policy means you can still apply for travel insurance – even if other providers have said no.
What does senior travel insurance cover?
Our travel insurance for older travellers includes the core cover you’d expect – with added support for medical treatment abroad, cancellations linked to health, and repatriation if you need it.
You’re covered for:
✔emergency medical treatment abroad – including hospital care, ambulance transport and overnight stays if you fall seriously ill or are injured while away.
✔getting you home safely – repatriation cover if you’re too unwell to travel as planned, including specialist medical transport if needed.
✔cancellations due to illness or injury – including if you're too unwell to travel, or experience a bereavement.
✔cutting your trip short – cover if something serious happens mid-holiday and you need to return early.
✔lost, stolen or damaged belongings – including your baggage, passport and personal money.
✔pre-existing conditions – if you’ve told us about them and we’ve accepted them, they can be included in your policy.
Example: You’re visiting family in the USA when you fall and fracture your hip. After surgery and a short stay in hospital, your doctors agree you’re well enough to fly home with medical supervision. We’ll work with them to arrange safe repatriation, and we can cover the cost as part of your policy. In 2024, repatriation from the USA cost up to £159,000†.
For more information, see our guide on what travel insurance includes. Always check your policy document so you know exactly what you’re covered for.
You’re not covered for:
✖cancelling because you’ve changed your mind – cover only applies to unexpected and insured reasons.
✖missed flights – unless it’s due to a strike‡, severe weather, or mechanical breakdowns.
✖undeclared medical conditions – always let us know about any health issues when you get a quote.
✖unattended items – valuables left alone may not be covered.
✖activities not listed on your policy – like extreme sports or cruises, unless you’ve added them.
✖travelling against advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – policies won’t cover destinations where the UK government advises against all travel.
✖incidents involving alcohol or drugs – claims related to excessive alcohol or controlled substances won’t be accepted.
✖going against medical advice – for example, flying too soon after an operation or illness.
✖trips taken for business or work – your policy is for leisure trips only.
✖travelling for the purpose of receiving medical treatment – including consultations, tests, or planned procedures abroad.
Example: You visit your GP a few days before your holiday because you’ve been feeling breathless. You don’t mention the appointment when buying your policy – but while you’re away, you’re admitted to hospital with a heart-related issue. Because you hadn’t told us about the symptoms or the GP visit, your claim may not be covered.
Travelling with medical conditions?
At Staysure, we specialise in medical travel insurance – and many of our customers are in their 70s, 80s and beyond.
Cover is available for over 1,300 medical conditions, from common later-life concerns like high blood pressure, arthritis and diabetes, to more complex situations such as travelling while on a hospital waiting list or after recent surgery.
When you get a quote, you’ll answer a few clear questions about your medical history, such as any recent treatment, medication or hospital stays in the last two years. We’ll also ask about any heart conditions or circulation problems, even if they were some time ago. This helps make sure your policy offers the right support should you need it while away.
Scenarios we regularly cover
We regularly help travellers get cover for conditions including:
If your condition isn’t listed here, we may still be able to help. You can browse more medical conditions on our website or speak to our friendly team for support.
Beth Craig
Travel insurance expert
GHIC cards and travel insurance work best together
What our expert says…
“A GHIC can help with state-provided treatment for sudden illness or injury in parts of Europe, but it won’t help if an existing medical condition gets worse and you need to cut your trip short, get specialist transport home, or replace essential medication. Travel insurance fills those gaps, giving you broader medical protection before and during your trip.
”
Proud to be a part of BIBA's medical directory
For people who have trouble finding travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) has a directory of specialist insurers, like us!
To find out more, or if on the odd occasion we are unable to provide the cover you need, contact BIBA on 0370 950 1790. You can also search BIBA's medical directory online.
How to get travel insurance for seniors with Staysure
It’s easy to get travel insurance with us – whether you’d rather fill in a quick form or talk to someone on the phone. However you apply, we’ll guide you through each step and make sure you have the information you need to choose the right cover.
1. Tell us about your trip
You can start your quote online or give our friendly team a call. If you choose to go online, the form is just as easy – and you can save your progress and return to it whenever it suits you. We’ll ask a few questions to get started, like:
where you’re going
how long you’ll be away
whether you’re looking to cover one holiday or a few trips this year
2. Let us know about your health
Next, we’ll ask a few health questions so that we can understand what support you might need from your policy. We’ll ask about:
any conditions you’ve had treatment, medication or medical advice for in the last two years
any appointments, investigations or hospital stays
any upcoming tests or procedures
any history of heart or circulation problems – even if they were years ago
3. Get your quote
Once we’ve got the details we need, we’ll show you your personalised quote online – or read it out to you over the phone if you’ve called.
You’ll have the option to choose your level of cover and add any extras you might need, like cruise cover or protection for your gadgets. Not ready to book straight away? Your quote can be emailed to you, so you can return to it when you’re ready.
Pick a travel insurance policy and tailor it to you
Shout bon voyage to a one-size-fits-all policy and give a warm welcome to holiday insurance that's all about you. Join over 12 million people who've trusted us with their travel insurance since 2005.
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Polite helpful agent
Polite helpful agent. Got my single trip ins sorted
Brian,
Very helpful 'rep' who tried her…
Very helpful 'rep' who tried her hardest to give me the best deal....I was v grateful!
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Always a pleasure
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How much is travel insurance for seniors?
Travel insurance does tend to cost more as you get older, but age alone doesn’t decide your premium. Your quote is based on your full situation including where you’re going, how long for, and whether you need cover for any medical conditions.
The quickest way to find how much you’ll pay is to get a personalised quote online or over the phone. It only takes a few minutes, and you’ll be able to compare three levels of cover and see how optional extras, like cruise or gadget protection, affect the price.
Beth Craig
Travel insurance expert
Travel insurance costs more with age, but there are ways to reduce it.
What our expert says…
“Choosing a single trip instead of annual cover, avoiding long-haul destinations, or removing extras like gadget cover if you don’t need them can all help bring the price of your policy down. But the biggest saving can come in the long run from getting your medical cover right. Declaring all of your conditions might increase your premium, but it means you’re protected if you need treatment abroad, avoiding bills that could cost far more than the policy itself.
”
What destinations does senior holiday insurance cover?
Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach break, a tour abroad or a trip to see family overseas, your destination will help shape your policy.
If you’re choosing annual multi-trip cover, you’ll just need to pick the right region when you get a quote. For single trip cover, simply tell us which countries you’ll be visiting.
You can make changes to your policy, online and in your own time with My Staysure.
It's quick and easy to make changes to your policy online. If you need to make simple changes such as updating traveller details or renewing a policy that's details are staying the same, just visit your My Staysure account.
Tips for senior travellers
Getting the right travel insurance policy
It’s no secret that getting the right travel insurance can feel harder as you get older. But knowing how travel insurance works behind the scenes can help you make more confident decisions.
Single trip vs annual cover
If you’re planning multiple trips this year – even short UK breaks – an annual policy might work out cheaper and save you time.
Declare correctly
It’s not just recent treatments or diagnoses that need to be declared. We’ll ask about any conditions you’ve had in the last two years, including ongoing treatment, hospital stays, tests or investigations. For certain conditions, such as high blood pressure or circulation problems, we’ll ask if you’ve ever had them, no matter how long ago.
Add-ons matter
Cruise Plus cover isn’t included as standard and may be required by your cruise line. Other optional extras like gadget cover or excess waiver can offer peace of mind if they match the way you travel, but aren’t essential for everyone.
Make sure you’re protected
As Martin Lewis regularly reminds travellers, cancellation cover only begins once your policy is active. Leaving it too late could mean missing out on pre-trip protection.
Update your policy if needed
If your health or trip length changes after buying your cover, just let us know. We may need to adjust your quote, but it’s usually a simple update and helps keep your cover valid.
Travel day tips for a smoother journey
The journey itself can be one of the most tiring parts of travel, especially if you’re flying or going further afield.
Request airport or station assistance in advance
If you’d like help navigating the terminal, boarding transport or carrying luggage, ask for special assistance at least 48 hours before you travel. Most airports can also offer buggy transport or fast-track security if needed.
Take your medication in hand luggage
Controlled or prescription medication should stay with you during your journey, in case your bags are delayed. Pack it in its original box with the label attached.
Declare medical devices at security
If you have a pacemaker, prosthetic joint, insulin pump, or metal implant, let staff know before going through a scanner. You may be offered a manual check.
Use support aids where needed
Folding walking sticks, frames and wheelchairs can usually be taken right to the aircraft or carriage door. Airlines can store these separately if needed and return them to you immediately after landing.
Prevent swelling or DVT on long journeys
Stretching your legs, flexing your ankles, staying hydrated and wearing compression stockings can help with circulation if you’re sitting for a long period.
Getting help whilst away
Nobody likes to imagine something going wrong on holiday, but knowing how to handle it can make all the difference.
Keep your emergency documents close
Having a copy of your insurance validation certificate and our helpline number can make things easier if you need urgent assistance.
Call our 24-hour medical helpline if you're unwell
Whether you need a doctor, urgent medication, or hospital care, our team can help direct you to local services and confirm what’s covered by your policy. If language is a barrier, we can liaise with medical staff on your behalf.
Let us know if you're admitted to hospital
If you're taken into hospital, make sure you or someone with you calls us within 48 hours. This allows us to liaise with the hospital and step in to support your care if needed. For treatment expected to cost more than £350, we may be able to settle the bill directly with the provider.
Speak to us before cutting your trip short
If illness or injury means you need to head home early, call the helpline first. We’ll talk you through what your policy covers and help with arrangements where possible.
Keep any documents and receipts
If you pay for treatment or transport upfront, keep hold of receipts, prescriptions, discharge reports and medical notes. These will help support your claim.
Don’t wait to ask for help
Even if you're not sure how serious something is, it's always better to call.
Common questions for older travellers
When you get a quote, you’ll need to tell us about your medical history.
We’ll ask about any medication, treatment, investigations or hospital stays in the last two years, including anything you’re currently waiting for. For some conditions, such as heart or circulation problems, we’ll also ask about earlier history, even if it’s been stable for some time.
This helps make sure you’re covered if something changes before or during your trip, like needing to postpone travel while waiting for results, or seeing a doctor while you’re away.
Declaring everything clearly from the start will give you confidence in what your policy includes and help avoid complications later on.
You’ll still need to declare stable or well-managed conditions when you get a quote. This helps make sure your policy includes cover if something changes, or if you need care related to that condition while you’re away.
Common issues like high blood pressure, osteoporosis, or previous heart problems can feel routine over time. But if they lead to a cancelled trip, flare up abroad, or require treatment before you travel, we can only help if they’ve been included on your policy.
Declaring everything from the start means you’re covered properly. The process is simple, whether you choose to get a quote online or speak to our team.
When you get a quote, we’ll ask some simple, clear questions about your medical history. This helps us shape your policy around your health – and support you properly if something goes wrong on your trip.
We’ll need to know about:
any conditions you’ve had treatment, tests, medication or appointments for in the past two years
any history of heart or circulation problems – including past heart attacks, angina, or stroke
any hospital stays, even if they were planned
whether you’ve been referred for upcoming investigations or check-ups
any medication you take regularly including blood thinners, inhalers, or medications for chronic conditions
Cruises aren’t included in our senior travel insurance, but you can add Cruise Plus cover to your Comprehensive or Signature policy when you get a quote.
Many cruise lines now ask for specialist cruise cover as part of their booking requirements – and Cruise Plus is designed to give you the right protection for this type of trip. It includes support if you’re confined to your cabin on medical advice or if your itinerary changes unexpectedly.
Cruise Plus can be added whether you’re sailing around the UK or heading further afield – just let us know when you get your quote.
We offer two types of travel insurance across all age groups, depending on how often you plan to travel:
Single trip cover – if you’re only planning one holiday, single trip cover might be more cost-effective than annual cover.
Annual multi-trip cover – if you’re taking more than one trip in the next 12 months, AMT could cover you for multiple holidays up to a set number of days per trip.
Both options include access to our full range of cover. This can include protection for pre-existing medical conditions, depending on what you tell us during your quote.
Once you’ve chosen your policy type, you’ll also be able to:
select your destination – this affects what your policy includes and how much it costs.
choose your level of cover – all policies come with medical, baggage, and cancellation cover as standard, but you can pick the level that suits your plans:
Basic – essential cover generally , suitable for shorter trips with fewer valuables.
Comprehensive – a more generous level of protection.
Signature – our highest cover, with no excess to pay and the most extensive limits.
Add optional extras – these help tailor your policy to the type of trip you’re taking. You might want:
Cruise Plus cover – for itinerary changes, onboard medical care, and cabin confinement.
golf cover – to protect your equipment and prepaid green fees.
gadget cover – for phones, tablets and other valuables.
travel disruption cover – for extra protection if your plans are affected by events like strike‡ or bad weather.
A good policy might include emergency medical support with a high or no limit, clear cancellation cover, and protection for things like lost baggage, delays, and cutting your trip short. It should reflect any medical conditions you’ve had treatment for in the last two years – and offer clear support if your health changes before you travel.
If you’re going on a cruise, make sure specialist cruise cover is included. And if you’re travelling more than once, it might be worth comparing annual multi-trip cover against single trip options.
At Staysure, we cover over 1,300 medical conditions** and don’t set an upper age limit for travel insurance. Many of our customers are in their late 80s or 90s and come to us for cover that works around their health, whether it’s a condition they’ve lived with for years, or something more recent.
Some packaged bank accounts include free or discounted travel insurance, but these policies often have strict age limits. In many cases, cover stops at 70 or 75, meaning people in their late 70s or 80s aren’t eligible at all. Even where higher ages are accepted, the policy might not cover pre-existing medical conditions, cruises, or certain activities without paying extra.
Our Don’t Bank On It report found that one in four Brits rely on bank-provided travel insurance, yet claims made on these policies are 9% more likely to be rejected than those made to a specialist provider. Age limits are a common reason, alongside undisclosed medical conditions or activities not included in the policy.
It also showed that most people don’t read the full terms. Three in four skip the small print, which is often where these limits are explained. That leaves many older travellers assuming they’re covered, only to find out they’re not when it comes to making a claim.
If you’re in your 70s or 80s, it’s worth checking exactly what your bank’s policy includes before relying on it. With Staysure, there’s no upper age limit, and you can get cover that reflects your health, trip type and plans.
Some insurers set an upper age limit, sometimes as low as 65 or 70. This can make finding cover harder as you get older.
Since 2004 we’ve specialised in helping older travellers get cover that works for them, even when other insurers have said no because of their age. Your quote is based on your full situation, including your destination, trip length and any medical conditions, with no upper age limit.
A GHIC or EHIC can be helpful, but they don’t do the same job as travel insurance – and were never designed to.
These cards give you access to state healthcare in some European countries – usually on the same terms as residents. That might mean reduced-cost treatment in a public hospital, or access to emergency care without needing to pay upfront.
But they don’t cover everything. They won’t help with getting you home after a medical emergency, or support if you’re travelling with health conditions. And they won’t step in if your trip is cancelled, your luggage is lost, or your passport goes missing.
That’s why many travellers still choose to have both – using their GHIC or EHIC for basic medical access, and travel insurance for the rest. Together, they give you much more complete protection.
If you still have an EHIC, you can continue to use it until the expiry date. After that, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC through the NHS or Gov.uk.
Martin Lewis often uses the phrase ASAB – “as soon as you book” – when talking about the timing of travel insurance. Taking out cover early means you're protected from the start, including if you have to cancel your trip before you go.
This can be especially useful if your plans are booked well in advance, or if there’s a chance your health might change. It also gives you time to check what’s included, update your medical details and ask any questions with no pressure.
For single trips, many travellers find it best to book their policy as once travel dates are confirmed. If you’re booking something further in advance, like a cruise or a longer European break, you can take out cover up to 18 months ahead.
For annual multi-trip cover, cancellation protection starts from the policy start date. So, if you’ve got more than one trip lined ups of, starting your policy early means you’ll be protected in the run-up to each one.
A few things to keep in mind:
Your policy must begin before you leave the UK.
You can’t buy or activate a policy if you’ve already departed.
If your health changes after a booking, you should let us know before you travel.
While you might not think of a staycation in the same way as travelling abroad, things can still go wrong. If your plans change unexpectedly, your policy may be able to help recover some of the costs.
You can be covered for UK holidays, as long as your trip includes at least two consecutive nights in pre-booked, pre-paid accommodation, such as a hotel, cottage or holiday park.
To include UK cover, simply choose Europe as your destination when you get a quote. For full details, including any exclusions, please refer to your policy documents.
You can get travel insurance that covers you when travelling with your grandchildren. Your policy will include support for you as the named traveller, including cover for medical emergencies, cancellations and lost baggage. If your grandchildren are coming with you, you can add them to your policy as long as they live in the UK and meet our eligibility criteria.
If you're not on the same policy, it's still a good idea to make sure they have travel insurance in place. That way, everyone's protected if plans change or someone needs medical help while you're away.
You may also want to carry a letter of permission from their parent or guardian, especially if your surnames are different. This can help with border checks or if a child needs medical care abroad.
For full details, including any exclusions, please refer to your policy documents.
** Staysure can cover over 1,300 medical conditions, subject to screening. See policy documents for details.
† Based on 2024 Staysure customer repatriation data. Repatriation cover is subject to the terms, conditions, and limits of your chosen policy. Please refer to your policy documents for full details.
‡As long as strike action wasn’t common knowledge at the time of booking your trip or taking out your policy – whichever came later.
§Winter sports cover is included as standard on annual multi-trip policies.