Over 50s travel insurance offers valuable protection with your needs in mind. It can be ideal if you want peace of mind around medical cover, pre-existing conditions and travel scenarios that are more common as we get older.

Whether you’re planning a short break or a longer trip, this type of insurance gives you confidence that you’re properly covered without paying for unnecessary extras.

This insurance typically goes further than regular policies, providing higher medical limits, cover for a wider range of health conditions and handy optional extras. It’s about making sure your cover matches your lifestyle and travel plans, so you’re not caught out if the unexpected happens.

With over 50s travel insurance, you’re usually covered for all the basics you want for peace of mind on your trips. Depending on the insurer, you’ll typically be protected against unexpected medical emergencies, travel hiccups and more, including:

• Emergency medical treatment: Covers hospital stays, surgery and treatment for injuries and sudden illnesses listed in the policy.

• Trip cancellations: Protection if you can no longer travel due to reasons covered by the policy.

• Travel documents, money and delayed luggage: Compensation for personal belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged during your trip.

• Missed departure: Cover for additional travel and accommodation costs if you miss your scheduled transport due to an unexpected delay, provided it’s for a reason included in the policy.

• Covers UK breaks too: Some insurers include domestic trips, subject to their terms and conditions.

• Emergency repatriation: Getting you safely back home if you need urgent medical care abroad or due to somebody’s death.

• Cover for sporting activities: Some policies might include cover for a wide range of sports and activities at no extra cost, though some exclusions will apply, especially for high-risk sports.

Even the best travel insurance has its limits, so it’s good to know what’s not usually covered. Here are a few examples of when you probably won’t be able to claim, depending on the insurer:

• Changed your mind? Unfortunately, you can’t usually claim if you just decide not to go.

• Travelling somewhere risky? You won’t usually be covered if you head to a country the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) says not to visit.

• Drinking or drugs involved? Accidents that happen while under the influence often aren’t covered.

• Pre-existing conditions not declared? If you haven’t told your insurer about a medical condition, claims might be rejected.

• Caught a tropical disease without jabs? You’ll need the right vaccinations, or your claim could be denied.

• Doing extreme sports? Activities like skiing or scuba diving might not be covered unless you add them on.

If you’re unsure whether a condition or incident is covered, always check with your insurer or refer to your policy documentation.

• Where you are going: The world is organised into five different regions by travel insurance companies, and each may be priced differently.

• Your health: If you’ve got any pre-existing medical conditions, your premium may be a bit higher – simply because there’s more chance of needing treatment while you’re away.

• How long you’re going for: A weekend city break will typically cost less to cover than a month-long escape in the sun. The longer the trip, the more you’ll likely pay.