What is over 60s travel insurance?

Travel insurance for over 60s is designed with your current needs in mind – not restrictions. While some standard policies have age limits in place, over 60s travel insurance keeps things flexible. You can also get more flexible cover for pre-existing medical conditions.

You’ll still get all the usual benefits – emergency medical treatment, cancellation cover, lost baggage and personal liability. But you’ll also have options that complement your holiday, such as cruise cover or golf protection, each with a host of valuable benefits. And if you fancy skiing in the Alps or scuba diving in the Maldives, you can find policies that cover those adventures too – your 60s are no reason to miss out.

The real appeal? Reassurance. These policies are designed to offer flexibility and support for what matters now, so you can enjoy the journey without second guessing your cover.

Why choose over 60s travel insurance?

Over 60s travel insurance offers valuable protection with your needs in mind – often featuring greater benefits than a standard policy. It’s 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 can go 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.

Here’s why over 60s travel insurance could make sense:

  • Single trip and annual policies available with no upper age limits.

  • Cover for most pre-existing medical conditions.

  • High medical and repatriation cover, unlimited in some cases.

  • Valuable extras like cruise cover, golf cover and travel disruption cover.

  • Broad activity cover, including many sports and leisure pursuits.

  • Optional extra cover like gadget insurance and winter sports.

What does over 60s travel insurance cover?

With over 60s 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 will need to be added on separately, like skiing and other higher-risk sports.

If you want a bit more tailored cover, providers may let you add extra benefits like:

  • Winter sports cover, which might include skiing, reindeer sled rides and snow mobile adventures.

  • Cruise cover for holidays on the water.

  • Gadget insurance for phones, cameras and laptops.

  • Adventure activity cover for hobbies like scuba diving.

  • Golfing cover insures your golf clubs and equipment if they’re lost, stolen or damaged, plus extra cover for things like non-refundable green fees if you’re too ill or injured to play.

What isn’t covered?

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 involved? If you enjoy a tipple, bear in mind that 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.

  • Planning sports? Holiday 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.

How long can I travel with over 60s travel insurance?

It’s important to check the maximum trip length allowed by your policy before purchasing, especially if you’re planning an extended holiday or long stay abroad. Staying longer than your policy covers – even by a day – could invalidate your insurance and leave you without protection.

The length of cover you can get with travel insurance for over 60s depends on the provider and the type of policy you choose:

Single trip

Single trip policies cover one specific holiday, from the day you leave home until you get back. These can last up to 90, 120 or even 180 days depending on the insurer, and sometimes come with no upper age limit. One leading provider even stretches to trips of up to 366 days if you're under 65! This particular limit reduces to 90 days if you're aged 65 to 79, and 31 days if you're 80 or over.

Annual multi-trip

Annual multi-trip policies can be ideal if you take multiple holidays a year. Some of these offer cover for an unlimited number of trips within a 12-month period, sometimes with no upper age limit. There is usually a limit on the length of each individual trip. One leading provider sets their limit at 50 days for under 70s, and 35 days if you are 70+. Limits and ages vary between providers so do check your policy small print.

Planning a lengthier break? At least one provider offers long-stay policies for trips lasting up to 18 months for under-65s, which might be better suited if you're heading abroad for an extended period – for example, to visit family overseas or experience a world cruise. For travellers aged 65-70, the same provider offers long-stay trips of up to 366 days, depending on your destination.

How much does over 60s travel insurance cost?

The cost of over 60s travel insurance varies based on factors like your age, medical history, where you are travelling to, and the level of cover you go for. It also depends on whether you’re taking out a policy just for yourself or for a couple, family or group.

What you’ll pay will come down to a few key things:

  • 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.

  • What you’ll be doing: Planning to hit the slopes or try something adventurous? That’s great! Just bear in mind that activities like skiing or scuba diving often need extra cover – which can bump up the cost of your over 60s insurance.

  • Any extras you add on: Things like cruise cover or missed departure protection are handy, but they’ll add to the final price.

  • Policy excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your premium, but make sure it’s an amount you could afford to pay if something goes wrong. Conversely, lower excesses may mean higher premiums but smaller out-of-pocket costs if you need to claim.

Bottom line? The best way to get a good deal is to compare providers and tailor your policy to what you actually need – no more, no less.

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