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What is travel insurance for over 70s?
There are a few ways that over 70s travel insurance differs from standard travel insurance plans. For example, there will often be an increased focus on coverage for medical equipment. Holiday cancellation on medical grounds will be factored into an over 70s plan, as will coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged medication.
If you’re over the age of 70 and you have a trip coming up (whether it’s a holiday or business trip), we recommend taking out an insurance plan tailored to the over 70s group.
You’ll have the option of a single trip travel insurance for the over 70s plan or multi-trip travel insurance for over 70s insurance, depending on whether you intend to travel once or twice a year (single-trip) or more than twice a year (multi-trip).
What are the key differences for this age group?
You’ll find that the biggest difference between over-70s travel insurance and standard travel insurance is an increased focus on health and medical coverage.
Here’s an example:
- Support. If you need a little bit more support or assistance before your flight, while you’re on board, or upon disembarking, an over 70s travel insurance plan should cover you.
- Medication cover. An over 70s holiday insurance plan will cover you if your medication is lost or stolen while you’re away or during travel.
- Treatment or medical expenses. You will find that travel insurance for over 70s will provide more cover for any treatment or medical expenses than standard travel insurance plans.
- Having to return home for treatment. If you go away while on a waiting list for medical treatment, and the medical treatment gets moved forward, most over 70s plans will cover you for the cost of returning back home. This will often apply even if you have to return home for an important consultation.
What’s included in an over 70s travel insurance policy?
Over 70s holiday insurance policies have a greater focus on your health and other medical needs. You will be asked some questions regarding your health and general lifestyle, so be sure to answer these as accurately as you can. Insurance companies ask these questions to produce a quote and provide accurate cover.
Here’s what you’ll be covered for on an over 70s travel insurance policy:
Unexpected medical expenses
Most standard travel insurance policies will cover you to some extent for medical expenses, but it’s a particular focus in travel insurance for senior citizens. As the risk of a medical emergency increases with age, so does the likelihood you’ll have to claim.
Repatriation
If your health forces you to return home (whether for surgery, treatment or simple recooperation), you should receive coverage from your insurer.
Cancellation of your trip
If you need to cancel or cut your trip short because of an illness or death of a close relative, an over-70s travel insurance plan should provide cover. We recommend that you check your policy details for confirmation.
Loss or damage to luggage and belongings
In the event that your luggage or other belongings are lost or damaged, an insurer should cover you. Most of the time this also applies to stolen luggage or belongings, but you should check the policy small print before committing.
Disruptions to travel
If your flight is delayed or disrupted by forces beyond your control, you should receive financial cover from your insurer. You will need to confirm that the cause(s) of your delay are approved by your insurer.
Travel companions
If you would like to take a travel companion with you, most over-70s travel insurance plans will ensure that your companion is covered on your plan. Some insurers might only offer this if your companion is essential (i.e, your companion helps you with various day-to-day tasks or provides essential medical care).
What is not covered by over 70s travel insurance?
As with all travel insurance policies of various age groups, there are some exceptions you’ll need to keep in mind. It pays to give close attention to your policy details to ensure that any exclusions do not leave you vulnerable or out of pocket.
Taking part in high-risk activities
If you do not tell your insurer that you plan on participating in high-risk activities on your trip, your insurer can void your policy. High-risk activities include extreme sports, skiing, mountain climbing etc.
Not disclosing any pre-existing medical conditions
When you apply for travel insurance, you need to inform the insurer of any pre-existing medical conditions you have so the coverage you receive is accurate. Without telling your insurer about pre-existing conditions, you run the risk of not being covered for treatment or other associated costs if you have a flare-up.
Leaving belongings unattended
You probably will not receive cover in the event of your belongings being lost or stolen if you left them unattended.
Irresponsible behaviour
Reckless or irresponsible behaviour that results in a claim may result in your policy being voided and you won’t receive cover for any costs your recklessness or irresponsibility incurs.
Intoxication
If you make a claim and it’s found that you were intoxicated through drugs or alcohol, most insurance companies will not cover you. There may be limitations on the number of drinks consumed before your policy is voided.
Benefits and disadvantages of over 70s travel insurance
Coverage wherever you are in the world
Not only can you receive cover for trips in the UK, but you can also find coverage for locations across the world. Some insurance companies offer policies for entire regions (e.g Europe), while others provide more specific plans (e.g, China) or worldwide travel insurance.
Coverage for medical emergencies
As you may know, getting past a certain age increases the risk of certain health issues. If you’re in bad health while you’re away, medical emergency cover could save you a fortune.
Additional coverage for a friend, family member or companion
Another benefit of over 70s holiday insurance is that you can often share your insurance with whoever may be travelling with you.
Disadvantages of over 70s travel insurance
You will pay more for your insurance than those of a younger age
Many insurance companies have upper age limits as part of their standard policies and provide policies for older groups separately. The higher your age, the likelier it is you’ll make a health related claim. It is this which drives up the cost of your travel insurance.
You may not use your insurance
If you’re an exceedingly healthy and independent person of +70 years, you may not need to use the insurance you take out. We recommend that you still take out insurance.
How can I save money on my travel insurance?
Compare at Quidco
Not only do we provide access to reputable insurers that you can rely on, we also give you up to *£33 in cashback that you can add onto the initial savings made by comparing.
Check you’re not paying for more days than you need
Take a look at your policy details to see how long you’re covered for. For example, if you’re going to be away for just two weeks, you won’t need a 31 day policy that will cost you more.
Take out insurance as soon as the trip is booked
Trips are often cancelled long before the day of the flight, so if your insurance commences from the point you booked your flight then you can be covered for a longer period. You don’t want to leave it too late.
Add a travel companion and save them money
If you’re travelling with another person, many over-70s plans will allow them to be insured on your policy. Also, consider family travel insurance and check if you can save money this way.
Take care of your health
Long-term, taking care of your health will help reduce the chance you’ll need to claim. Shorter-term, make sure your medication is fully stocked up and you’ve had a GP check-up some time in the run-up to your flight.
How to get a quote that suits your needs
When you make an initial application for travel insurance, the insurance company will ask you a series of questions to help them produce an accurate quote. This ensures that you receive the coverage you need for the correct price, so it’s important that your answers are as accurate as possible.
Another way to receive an accurate quote is to think about single-trip and multi-trip policies. If you plan to make a minimal amount of trips per year (usually 1-2), a single-trip travel insurance policy will get you the most value for what you need. If you want to take more trips in one year, a multi-trip policy may be the best option.
COVID-19 update
Providing that you have received a COVID-19 vaccine, you should be feeling a little bit more confident about travelling. With most insurance plans, you will receive some COVID-specific coverage and will receive guidance relating to your destination.
EHIC and Brexit update
In the past, we’ve taken our European Health Insurance (EHIC) card with us on European trips. However, since leaving the European Union, the EHIC no longer applies. To ensure you receive the same cover as the EHIC gave you in EU nations, apply for the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
While it cannot be used as a substitution for actual travel insurance, it will ensure that you can receive medical care in other countries with little complication.
FAQs
Do I need over 70s travel insurance?
We recommend that you take out insurance because, at the very least, it will help you enjoy your trip with the confidence that you’re covered no matter what. If something does unfortunately happen and you need to claim, travel insurance will cover you.
Should I declare pre-existing medical conditions on my travel insurance?
Yes. Failing to do so may result in the insurance company voiding your policy.
Can I get travel insurance when I’m past my 70s?
You can, although it may be a separate insurance product. Many insurance providers have dedicated over 80s travel insurance which would be more suitable.
What optional extras can I expect with over 70s travel insurance?
Because insurance companies recognise and acknowledge the kinds of activities you may be interested in, they can provide optional extras if you would like specific coverage. Many insurers offer specialist cruise cover (if you miss a port stop or need medical attention at sea), gadget cover (if your devices are lost/stolen), and golf cover (if you’re taking a golf trip and need cover for your golf equipment).
Why does over 70s travel insurance cost more?
Travel insurance for more senior groups is usually more expensive because older travellers are more likely to claim for things like medical cover, etc.
Useful information
*Based on a couple aged 30 with no pre-existing medical conditions, taking annual multi-trip cover for Europe. Cover starts on 4th March 2022 and ends on 3rd March 2023. Prices correct as of 3rd March 2022.
If you're struggling to find suitable cover, the Money and Pension Service (MaPs) also provides a list of specialist insurers on the MaPs directory website – or you can call the British Insurance Brokers Association on 0370 950 1790. https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/insurance/travel-insurance-directory