How to get travel insurance as you get older
As you get older, finding the right cover for your holiday can be tricky and expensive. Here’s how to get the right travel insurance without paying more than you need to.
Why it’s harder to get insurance when you’re older
As you reach your 70s and 80s, not only is travel insurance more expensive - finding cover tends to get more complicated.
This is because as we age, we’re more likely to need expensive medical care whilst on holiday, so some insurers don’t want to take on the extra risk.
Some standard travel insurance policies only cover those up to 65 years old. However, getting travel cover when you’re over 65 is still possible, but the choice may be more limited.
Who offers cover to those over 65s?
Whilst these insurers will offer you a quote for cover as a senior, the price will vary, so shop around to ensure you’re not paying more than you need to.
The following insurers all offer policies with a maximum age limit over 65:
| Insurers | Single trip max age | Annual cover max age |
|---|---|---|
| chill.ie | 86 | 75 |
| insureandgo.ie | 86 | 86 |
| insuremyholiday.ie | 85 | 85 |
| multitrip.com | 79 | 75 |
| theaa.ie | 79 | 79 |
Single trip cover tends to have higher age limits than annual travel or multi-trip insurance policies.
Watch out for cover restrictions
Not only will your travel insurance be more expensive as you pass 65, but you may not get the same level of cover as when you were younger.
Some insurers start to restrict the cover they will offer travellers over 65; this can include:
Always check the policy documents before you take out your cover so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Can you get cover for pre-existing conditions?
Yes, but the choice is likely limited, and you’ll need to carefully check what is and isn’t included in your cover.
Unfortunately, the price of travel cover for pre-existing conditions can be high, but it could save you thousands of euros if you fall ill or need treatment while abroad.
Does having private medical care help?
Yes, it can, but some insurers only offer cover if you have private medical care in place, meaning you’ll have more choices and may get cheaper quotes.
Some insurers also offer a discount on your travel insurance quote if you already have private health cover.
How to get the right cover
Start by deciding what you need your travel insurance to include and what cover you can do without.
Once you know this, get as many quotes from different insurers as possible. While the choice may be more limited, shopping around could still help you save, especially because travel insurance is more expensive when you’re older.
For more help choosing the right type of cover read our guide: how to choose the best travel insurance policy
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