Travel insurance for over 65s

As with all insurances, there are a few things to check if you’re over 65.

Medical costs

Even if you’re going to a country where you can use your European Health Insurance Card, we suggest you consider having travel insurance.  The EHIC may not cover all your medical costs and does not include the cost of getting you home should you become ill and be unable to travel by your original arrangements.

Pre-existing medical conditions

Even with a pre-existing medical condition, you may still be able to get travel insurance when you are over 65 years of age – but you must tell your insurer about all pre-existing medical conditions before you take out the policy. You may have to pay a higher premium, but being honest with your insurer can avoid the risk of having a claim rejected unexpectedly.

Excluded pre-existing medical conditions

Your insurer may choose to exclude a pre-existing medical condition from your travel insurance cover. If so, remember that a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) still entitles you to reduced-cost medical treatment in most European countries.  The emergency assistance line provided by your travel insurer may also assist you on a private payment basis if required (for instance if you have to be brought home due to an illness linked to a pre-existing condition).  

Taking prescribed medication

If you’re taking prescribed medication, check that it’s legal in the country that you’re visiting and how it may be transported.  For some countries it may even be worth taking a note from your doctor that explains what the medication is for and why you need it and how much of it you need.  Make sure you take enough medication for your trip or check that you will be able to obtain more while you are away (in which case you’ll probably need to take a prescription with you). 

Are you eligible?

Apart from health restrictions, there may be other eligibility restrictions – and although you may be under the age limit when you take out the policy, make sure this is still the case when you travel!

Maximum age limit

Our annual multi-trip policy is available for purchase by anyone who is over 16 years and under 80 years of age. Our single trip policy is available for purchase by anyone over 16 years of age - there is no upper age limit on our single trip policy. If you're under 65 years of age, our single trip policy can cover you for up to 366 days. If you're 65 years of age or over, our single trip policy can cover you for up to 90 days.