Experts in covering pre-existing medical conditions
Cover for all ages
Unlimited medical cover and emergency expensesComprehensive and Signature policies only
Excellent 4.7 | 539,086 reviews
We've got more 5-Star reviews on Trustpilot than any other UK travel insurance provider
“An excellent product with a comprehensive range of features and benefits" - Defaqto
Awarded Best Company for Travel Insurance at the British Travel Awards 2016-2025
Travel insurance for over 80s at a glance
Staysure is a specialist provider of travel insurance for over 80s, offering single-trip and annual multi-trip holiday insurance for cancellation, lost baggage, emergency medical expenses and more. Our policies are suitable for most over 80s, from those with a clear history to those managing multiple medical problems. We cover pre-existing medical conditions and all ages – key things that some other insurers won’t. Getting a quote is easy and can be done online or over the phone.
We’ve specialised in travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions since 2004. 97% of customers are able to get medical cover with us. We hold a Defaqto 5-star rating for our Signature and Comprehensive policies, and have more 5-star Trustpilot reviews than any other UK travel insurance provider.
At Staysure, we believe that, as your age gets bigger, so should your dreams. Our award-winning travel insurance is there to lend a helping hand if your trips don't go to plan. For instance, if you're forced to cancel before you’ve even started packing, your baggage galivants off across the globe, or you have a medical emergency in the middle of your holiday.
For many elderly people, especially those over 80, finding the right protection can be difficult. The reality is that 90% of people aged 85 and above report at least one long-term health condition. For many insurance providers that’s a reason to say no. For us, it’s an opportunity to get you the cover you need to travel boldly.
With us, you can get holiday insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, and all ages, with up to unlimited medical expenses, £15,000 cancellation cover** and more. So, whether you’re a new octogenarian or have a letter from the King on your mantelpiece, we’re here to help you Dream Big, no matter your age.
Do I need over 80s travel insurance if I have a GHIC?
What our expert says…
“A GHIC or EHIC is worth bringing along for the ride. These cards can give you access to state-provided medical care at the same rates as locals across Europe, which is never a bad thing. But for travellers aged 80 and beyond, they’re unlikely to cover every base. For example, a GHIC won’t cover repatriation costs if you’re too unwell to travel. It won’t step in if illness, injury or bereavement means you need to cancel before you go, and can’t help if your medication goes missing. Your trips deserve proper protection; combining a GHIC with travel insurance will deliver just that.
”
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 £15,000
We’ve insured more than 12m people
Easy to access and amend your policy online
What does over 80s travel insurance cover?
What’s covered?
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’ve waited years to see Lisbon. The pastéis de nata are tastier than promised, the views more breathtaking than any photo suggested, and the cobbles, it turns out, more treacherous than the guidebook let on. You take a tumble, and your osteoporosis doesn’t help matters. You fracture your hip and need surgery, a multi-day hospital stay, and a specialist flight home – but because you let us know about your medical conditions, we could settle all of the bills incurred.
What isn’t covered?
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 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.
travelling for the purpose of receiving medical treatment – including consultations, tests, or planned procedures abroad.
Example: You’re enjoying a bucket-list family reunion in Florida. Before you left, you were referred for an MRI, but didn’t declare it, assuming an undiagnosed condition wouldn’t count. Mid-trip, you need emergency treatment. Doctors link your health hiccup to the investigation. Because you didn’t tell us about your appointment, we’re unable to cover you properly. Always declare any tests, investigations or appointments, even for unconfirmed conditions when buying your policy.
Over 80s travel insurance for medical conditions
At 80 and beyond, it’s common to have a medical condition or two. In fact, almost 2 in 3 people aged 80+ live with multiple long-term health conditions, and around half might experience a fall this year. Although there are more health hoops to jump through as you age, the world can still be your playground with the right protection in place.
We’ve been specialising in travel insurance for people with medical conditions since 2004, longer than almost any other UK provider. That means we’ve put years into making our screening process as simple as possible, our underwriters have lots of experience with complex cases, and the claims team understand the realities of travelling with a health condition. In fact, 97% of customers are able to get medical cover with us.
Medical conditions we regularly cover
We cover a vast number of medical conditions, including:
If you can’t find your condition here, don’t fret. You can browse more medical conditions on our website or contact our team for support.
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.
Free English-speaking medical help abroad
Travel Doctor, our new online service, connects you with an English-speaking doctor if you need medical support while you are abroad.* It lets you book a video-based consultation to discuss your health needs with a doctor right from your sun lounger.
You can choose a slot that works for you, go through your symptoms, get your prescription and even use Travel Doctor to find your nearest pharmacy, so you can get your meds and get on with enjoying your holiday.
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 2004.
How long can I travel for with travel insurance for over 80s?
How long you can travel for depends on the type of policy you choose and where you’re jetting off to. At 80 and beyond, you can rediscover the world at your own pace.
If you’re looking for the longest possible trip for 80-year-olds, our single-trip policies can give you up to 104 days of travel at a time. That’s just over 3 months of bliss.
For more details, including a region breakdown, take a look at our policy documents.
Single-trip policy maximum trip durations
Age
Region 1&2
Region 3
Region 4
0-65
550 days
550 days
550 days
66-70
366 days
276 days
184 days
71-75
366 days
184 days
123 days
76+
104 days
104 days
104 days
Annual multi-trip insurance policy maximum trip durations
Age
Annual Multi-Trip
0 - 70
Maximum 50 days in any one trip
183 days in total
71+
Maximum 35 days in any one trip
183 days in total
How to buy over 80s travel insurance
Whether you prefer completing a quick online quote or speaking to someone over the phone, we make buying travel insurance seamless.
1. Run us through your travel plans
To get started on your quote, we’ll go over your travel plans. We need to know who’s coming along, where you’re heading, how long your trip will be, and whether you need insurance for a single trip or annual multi-trip cover.
Top tip: for cruises, it’s important to include every destination on your itinerary, as well as any flights to and from your port.
2. Tell us about your medical history
Next on the list, we’ll go over some health questions with you so we can make sure you get the best medical cover while travelling. Now is the time to tell us about any health concerns that needed medication, medical advice, or treatment during the last two years.
3. Get your personalised quote
Once we have everything we need, we’ll give you your personalised quote, either online or by reading it out loud over the phone.
You’ll be able to choose your level of cover and add any optional extras that suit your trip, such as cruise travel insurance or winter sports cover. If you’d like more time to think it over, we can also send your quote by email so you can go through it in your own time.
Can I arrange travel insurance on behalf of my elderly parent?
What our expert says…
“Many families arrange travel insurance on behalf of a senior parent, whether that’s because they’re helping with a bit of admin, or because their mum or dad needs a bit of extra support getting things booked. The most important thing to do here is to make sure that the person travelling is aware and involved. They’re the one who knows their health history in full, and an accurate declaration is what makes our policies work when they matter most. If your parent has complex conditions or is managing multiple medications, doing the screening together is often the best option.
”
When to buy travel insurance for over 80s?
Many experts agree that buying travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your holiday is the best way to go. By doing this, you’ll be covered during the run-up to your holiday and while you’re abroad.
Despite the benefits of buying early, lots of people leave it to the last minute. Our sales data from July 2025 to January 2026 shows that the majority of travellers purchased their policy within 30 days of leaving, with a significant proportion doing so within just a few days of departure.
Travel insurance can’t be backdated, so it’s best to get it locked in before you are on holiday. If you still have to get your policy in place for future travels, it’s not too late. Simply get in touch with our friendly team to get a quote.
How much is travel insurance for over 80s?
Travel insurance does tend to cost more in your 80s. This is mainly because the likelihood of needing medical care abroad increases with age. The cost of treatment, particularly repatriation, can run into thousands of pounds. Your cover needs to be ready to absorb those costs should they crop up.
Holiday insurance costs can also be influenced by your destination, how long you’ll be away for, the pre-existing medical conditions you declare, and the level of cover you choose. The best way to get a price for your over 80s policy is to get a quote with us, either online or over the phone.
If we quote you more than £80 for an annual multi-trip policy, you can spread the cost across the year with our payment plans.^^
Want to shrink the costs of your travel insurance while still getting the most out of your policy? Keep these tips and tricks in mind before you buy:
buy your policy early – taking out travel insurance soon after booking your trip can keep you covered if you need to cancel before you travel.
choose a higher excess – a higher excess will help to lower your premium, but be sure to choose an amount you’re comfortable paying if needed.
skip the add-ons – by not adding things like cruise or gadget cover if you don’t need them, you can lower your overall cover cost.
declare your medical conditions – being open about your health history helps to ensure the right cover is in place and makes sure all your claims sail through.
combine travellers on one policy – make sure all your travel companions are on the same policy, such as our family travel insurance, to save on cover costs.
keep your baggage light – by taking only what you need, you can lower the baggage limit on your policy and bring your premium down.
find a discount – make sure you swing by our discounts page before you buy so you can save on your policy.
The big-ticket costs travel insurance can help with
From October 2024 to October 2025, emergency medical expenses were our most common claim, and for good reason. Hospitalisation for a stomach bug in the USA with medical repatriation back to the UK could set you back £150,000+, according to the UK government.
In reality, the biggest claims are often more costly. While the average emergency medical claim on our worldwide policies was about £3000, the highest we paid was closer to an eye-watering £350,000.^
Over the same period, our second most common claim on worldwide policies was cancellation. If you need to pull the plug on your holiday, we can help you recover the prepaid costs – with the average cancellation claim on our worldwide policies coming in at around £2000, and the highest reaching more than £50,000.
Excellent 4.7 | 539,086 reviews
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Quick and easy to apply
Quick and easy to apply, fairly good price .
johngburton,
Easy to follow and answer questions
Easy to follow and answer questions - we’ll set out as well so you can make the decision relevant to your travel plans
Mrs Christine Jones ,
It was very quick and easy questions…
It was very quick and easy questions and quotes was very reasonable and wording very comprehensible and very helpful informative.
Marie Richardson,
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Travel tips for adventurous 80-somethings
Before you book
Have a chat with your GP
This is especially important if you’ve recently had a hospital stay or have an ongoing condition like COPD or diabetes. Your GP can confirm you’re fit to travel and advise on what precautions to take. If needed, they should be able to issue a fit-to-fly certificate.
Get a head-start on prescriptions
If you take daily medications, order enough to last your whole trip plus extra in case of delays. Your pharmacy can help you prepare dosette boxes or blister packs in advance.
Carry a full list of medications
Perfect for in your bag or on your phone. Include the names, dosages, and timings. If you need treatment abroad, having this to hand means doctors can get straight to helping you rather than piecing together your medical history.
Check any special requirements for your medicines
Some countries have strict rules on medications that are perfectly routine in the UK. For example, in the UAE and Japan, codeine, tramadol and certain sleeping aids can be prohibited or require advance documentation. Even popular European destinations like Greece have some rules worth checking. Your GP or pharmacist should be able to help you with a quick check before you go.
Declare everything when you get a quote for travel insurance
This includes conditions like atrial fibrillation, past strokes, recent or upcoming surgeries, and even appointments in the last two years.
Getting ready to go
Book airport or station assistance early
Most UK airports offer free special assistance, e.g. wheelchair support, help through security and fast-track boarding, but it must be arranged at least 48 hours in advance.
Consider a lounge
If you have a long wait or particularly early start, airport lounges can be worth their weight in gold. Think comfortable seating, good food and a quieter environment to gather yourself before your flight. Many are bookable independently, regardless of which airline you’re flying with.
Prepare for security checks
If you have an implant (like a pacemaker or joint replacement), bring any relevant documentation and don’t be afraid to ask for a manual check if you’d prefer one.
Think about priority boarding
Most airlines offer priority boarding. If you need a little bit of extra time, ask for it. You’ll get to skip the long queue, settle in without the rush, and get comfortable before everyone else piles in.
Keep your medication close
Always pack your medication in your hand luggage. Keep it in the original packaging with your repeat prescription slip if possible, especially for liquid medications or controlled drugs.
Take your mobility aids right up to the door
Walking sticks, folding wheelchairs and other mobility aids can usually go right to the aircraft door. Let your airline know in advance and ask about storage. Most are well set up for this.
Staying well abroad
Stick to your routine where you can
Time zones can throw even the most seasoned travellers off balance. Set an alarm on your phone to help keep everything on schedule, especially if you’re taking a long-haul flight across the world.
Stay cool and hydrated
It seems obvious, but keep water close to hand, especially in hotter climates. Remember to check whether tap water is safe to drink at your destination before you arrive, too. In many parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, bottled water is essential.
Know where to get help
If you feel unwell or need medical advice while away, your policy includes a 24-hour emergency support line. Our team of experts can help you find local care and explain the next steps.
Enjoy yourself
Whether this is your big 80th birthday trip or simply somewhere you’ve always wanted to see, enjoy it. We’ll be by your side every step of the way.
Other travellers over 80 ask...
Travel insurance can be harder to find as you get older. Some won’t offer cover beyond 80 or exclude pre-existing conditions altogether. That’s why it’s important to look for a specialist who won’t hold you back because of your age, and who offers support if your health or plans take a turn.
The right policy for someone in their 80s will likely include:
cover for a wide range of pre-existing conditions, including those managed over many years
medical support abroad that goes beyond the basics, including repatriation
strong cancellation protection in case of illness, injury or bereavement
help replacing lost medication if it’s essential to your health while away
We offer two types of travel insurance for 80-year-olds, depending on how often you plan to travel:
Single-trip cover – if you’re only planning one holiday, single-trip travel insurance might be more cost-effective than annual cover.
Annual multi-trip cover – ideal if you're taking more than one trip in the next 12 months. You’ll be covered 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 the type of policy, 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 cover, cancellation protection and baggage 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:
gadgets – protect your mobile, tablet, camera and other devices while you travel
winter sports – cover for skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities (included with Signature and Comprehensive annual multi-trip policies as standard)
golf holidays – protection for your golf equipment, green fees and more
cruise holidays – cruise-specific cover including cabin confinement and itinerary changes
excess waiver – reduce your out-of-pocket costs if you need to make a claim
travel disruption – cover for cancelled trips caused by unexpected events, like natural disasters, a food poisoning outbreak at your hotel, a terrorist event, war or conflict.
If you travel more than once a year, an annual multi-trip policy could be the most cost-effective choice.
We know there’s sometimes a worry that annual polices aren’t available to elderly travellers, or that trip length restrictions make them less useful, but that’s not the case with us. We offer annual policies to travellers of all ages, with up to 183 days of travel total across the year, and trips of up to 35 days at a time.
Many travel insurance providers set an upper age limit – often around 70 or 75 – which can make finding the right policy harder as you get older. At Staysure, we do things differently.
We offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions, and all ages. In fact, we specialise in travel insurance for seniors.
You can explore our age-specific travel insurance pages here:
Some banks include travel insurance with their current accounts, but it’s rarely designed with people in their 80s in mind. Many of these policies come with strict age limits, often cutting off entirely at 75 or 80. Others may exclude pre-existing medical conditions or cap how long you can travel for.
1 in 4 people rely on their bank’s policy, often without reading the small print
9% more claims were rejected through bank travel insurance compared to specialist providers
many policies exclude cover for health conditions, longer trips, or travellers over a certain age
If you're in your 80s, it’s important to choose a policy that reflects your health and travel plans, not just your account perks. Specialist insurance providers like Staysure offer travel insurance for all ages and can often include cover for conditions that bank policies leave out.
We’re often able to include a wide range of conditions. In fact, up to 97% of people who tell us about their medical history are offered a policy.
During the medical screening process you’ll need to let us know if you’ve had any of the following in the past two years, relating to your medical condition:
Symptoms
Treatment/medication
Investigation
Medical appointments
Follow-ups
Check-ups
Surgery
If you don’t declare a condition, we won’t be able to cover you for any claims related to it. Being open and accurate during your screening means your policy will be able to support you when you need it most.
The NHS estimates that by 2030, the number of people with dementia in the UK will be more than 1 million. We believe every one of them deserves the chance to Dream Big. Staysure policies offer cover for more than 1,300 pre-existing medical conditions†, including dementia and Parkinson’s disease (subject to screening).
When you get your quote, we’ll ask you a few questions to make sure we understand your situation properly. They might include:
Whether you need assistance with daily activities such as eating or washing.
Whether you use any mobility aids.
Whether you’ve had any unplanned hospital admissions in the last 12 months.
It’s really important to let us know if your health changes after you’ve taken out your policy. The good news is, it’s easy to do. You have two main options:
If you’d prefer to make the changes yourself, you can log in to your My Staysure account online.
You can also call us directly. We’ll update your policy over the phone. If there are any changes to your premium as a result, we’ll walk you through them clearly before anything is confirmed.
You can take out holiday insurance on behalf of another person, whether that’s a parent, a child, a companion or someone you care for.
There are a few things worth keeping in mind when you do this, however, the most important of which is consent. The person being insured needs to know a policy is being taken out in their name.
The policy also needs to be accurate. For example, if you’re buying on behalf of an elderly parent, it’s important you know their full medical history, their current medications and any recent diagnoses, symptoms, and appointments. Getting those details wrong, even with the best of intentions, could affect the validity of their cover.
For that reason, the best way to get travel insurance on behalf of someone is to do it with them. Our friendly team will help you through the process.
In most cases, you can add a carer or travel companion to your policy. You’ll just need their personal details to hand when you get a quote, and they’ll need to give their consent to be included.
If the person you’re due to travel with is suddenly unable to join you, whether that’s because of serious illness, injury or sadly, bereavement, your Staysure cancellation cover will make sure you’re not left to bear the cost of a trip that can no longer go ahead.
We know this kind of situation is already stressful and upsetting, so we’ll do everything we can to make the claims process quick and seamless.
Stay in control of your account with My Staysure
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.
*Travel Doctor is powered by Air Doctor. Up to 3 appointments per insured person, per policy. Geographical restrictions and T&Cs apply.
**On Signature policies only.
***As long as strike action wasn’t common knowledge at the time of booking your trip or taking out your policy – whichever came later.
†Subject to screening. See our policy documents for full details of what’s included.
‡UK’s favourite based on more 5-star Trustpilot reviews than any other provider.
^ Based on Staysure sales data.
^^Available on Annual Multi-trip policies to the value of £80 and over. Staysure a trading name of Howserv Limited. Howserv use Premium Credit Limited (PCL), the credit agreement provider to administer your finance agreement. Howserv act as the credit broker not a lender and receive a commission for introducing customers to them. On acceptance, a credit agreement will be set up. Representative example based on a £200 policy (net of the paid deposit of £18.61). An Annual Percentage Rate of 24.9% will be charged with a fixed interest rate of 12.55%. Amount of interest over 11 months= £22.77. Monthly repayments of £18.56. Total amount payable £222.77. Correct at time of print.
Experts in covering pre-existing medical conditions
