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Compare the UK’s most reputable policies and prices to find the right over-80s insurance plan for you.
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Just because you’ve reached a certain age doesn’t mean trips abroad are out of the question. Over 80s travel insurance is simply a type of travel insurance that provides specific coverage for travellers over 80 years of age.
While over 80s travel insurance offers many of the same basic benefits as general insurance, it also provides cover for specific things of relevance to those over the age of 80. Taking out travel insurance for over 80-year olds is vital to ensure full coverage.
Like all travel insurance policies, most over 80s plans are available for both single-trip travellers and multi-trip travellers (those who travel abroad numerous times a year).
The most significant difference between over 80s holiday insurance and general holiday insurance is increased cover for health and medical care. As the risk of needing medical treatment increases as you get older, all over 80s insurance policies are built to provide cover for these areas.
For example:
As we’ve said, over 80s insurance focuses primarily on increased coverage for health and medical care. You will be covered for most of the basic areas that you get from general insurance, as well as those specific to the over 80s group.
While cover for emergency medical costs is something that people of all ages can be covered for, cover for emergency medical costs is of utmost importance if you’re having difficulties with your health. All over-80s plans will cover you.
If you have to return home due to your health, an over-80s plan should reimburse you if approved by your insurance provider.
An over-80s policy will cover you if you need to cancel or cut your trip short due to an illness or death of a close relative. You should double check this with your insurer first, as some policies vary.
If your luggage, medication, money, wheelchair or any other medical equipment is lost or stolen during your trip, then an over-80s travel insurance plan should cover you.
If your trip is delayed or disrupted for reasons approved by your insurer, you will receive cover for costs related to this. Check what your policy details to see the reasons you’re covered for.
Many insurance companies provide 24-hour medical assistance helplines where you can receive support and advice during your trip.
With all of the above, you should check with your insurance provider and your policy details because many policies vary with different levels of coverage. Make sure you get the cover you need and that you do not overpay for coverage you perhaps do not need.
As will all insurance policies, there are certain exclusions that apply for most over 80s travel insurance plans. Again, read your policy carefully to make sure the exclusions won’t leave you vulnerable or open to expensive costs.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition that you do not tell your insurer about while filling out your application, your policy will likely be invalidated if you make a related claim.
Since ‘high-risk’ and extreme activities often have insurance policies of their own, an over 80s plan will not cover you for costs relating to illness or injury caused by them. If you do not tell your insurer that you plan to participate in winter sports or extreme sporting activities, and you make a claim relating to them, your policy will likely be invalidated.
If a claim you have made is the result of irresponsible or reckless behaviour on your part, most insurance providers will not cover you.
While many insurers allow a certain number of drinks before invalidating your policy or rejecting a claim, there are just as many insurers who will not provide any cover at all. If you make a claim and it’s found you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, there’s a very high chance your claim will be rejected. As always, check your policy details for confirmation.
An example: if you make a claim for a stolen bicycle, many insurance companies will query how well your bicycle was secured. If your belongings have been stolen or lost, your insurer may reject your claim if you left the belongings unattended or unprotected.
If you are taking any valuable and non-medical items with you on your trip, they might not be covered.
The benefits of taking out travel insurance for over 80s are as follows:
Here are some of the disadvantages of over 80s insurance:
Get access to the UK’s most reputable insurance providers to ensure that you choose from high-quality, top-level policies so you can make real savings. With Quidco, you’re also able to top up your savings with up to *£33 cashback.
Many insurance companies offer ‘additional persons’ insurance. Whether you’re taking a friend, family member, or companion, you can save money by insuring them on your policy. See family travel insurance or group travel insurance for more options.
To ensure you don’t overpay for too long a period of time, check how long you’re covered for on your policy details. If you’re looking to travel for just a week or two, you won’t get much return from paying for a 31 day policy.
If you intend to leave taking out travel insurance until the day before you travel, this might already be too late. You want your insurance to commence as soon as your trip is booked so that you’ll be covered against any last-minute cancellations. Without insurance, you may have to foot the bill for a last-minute cancellation.
Ensuring that your medication is fully stocked, you’ve seen your GP or healthcare professional before your trip, and you’re generally living healthy will help lower your chance of claiming and will therefore reduce your future premiums.
The first thing you need to do is provide your insurer with information. This information helps insurance companies produce a quote that is based on your lifestyle and how much of a risk you might be to insure.
Answer all questions as accurately as possible, whether it’s your date of birth, medical or claim history, or even more personal lifestyle-based questions. This helps your insurer produce a quote that suits your needs so that you’re covered against the things you’re likelier to claim for.
You should also think about whether you need a single-trip policy or a multi-trip policy. Single trip travel insurance covers you for a minimal number of trips per year, generally 1-2. If you plan on taking numerous trips a year for either business or recreation, a multi-trip plan will suit you better.
If you’re over the age of 80, you should have been offered the COVID-19 vaccine and are as a result feeling more comfortable about the prospect of travelling. Most insurance companies are able to provide COVID-specific coverage for when it’s safe to travel. As always, check your policy details and speak to your insurance company.
The European Health Insurance (EHIC) card that we’ve previously taken with us on trips abroad is no longer valid after leaving the European Union. If you have an EHIC card issued before the end of 2020 then you can still use it until the expiry date.
The UK government has since replaced the EHIC card with the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card), and this will provide the same cover as the EHIC in EU countries.
There are some significant drawbacks to the GHIC/EHIC card and it cannot be used as a substitution for actual travel insurance. For example, a GHIC won’t cover any private medical health care costs and it won’t pay out if you need to be repatriated.
As the likelihood of you making a claim increases the older you get, we highly recommend that you take out travel insurance. Medical fees in foreign countries are increasingly expensive and in an unfamiliar place where language barriers could add further difficulties, you will need to be insured.
Yes. You need to be as accurate as possible when providing initial details to a prospective insurance provider. If you do not disclose that you have a pre-existing medical condition and you attempt to claim for an illness/injury relating to said condition, your policy will likely be invalidated.
Pre-existing medical conditions include but are not limited to: cancer, heart conditions, diabetes, epilepsy and many more.
For the majority of UK insurance providers, over 80s insurance is the highest age range available. That said, some providers do have over 90s insurance too.
Most insurance providers will assess the information you provided on your application form (specifically, your medical history).
This largely depends on where you’re travelling. UK insurance will of course cost less than, for example, North America or Australia. Most insurance providers will be able to give you a roundabout idea before producing your actual quote, so be sure to speak with them. Remember: taking out travel insurance is important for every age group but it’s particularly important for the elderly.
*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