Why does age matter?
Unfortunately, travel insurance prices are likely to rise because, according to the insurance industry, you are statistically more likely to make a large claim as you get older.
And while prices are rising, insurance options are shrinking, and many insurers are imposing age limits on new customers, in some cases as low as 59.
While it’s arguably getting harder to find good value travel insurance, quality travel insurance still exists, and this guide will show you how to find it.
If you’re over 65 and have a pre-existing condition, you can also take a look at our medical condition travel insurance guide.
Please note that the information in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. Please refer to the specific terms and conditions of the insurer before entering into any financial product.
Best travel insurance with no age restrictions
When we asked 44 travel insurance companies in 2024, the following companies said they offer annual policies with no age limit for new customers:
All Clear, Avanti, Co-op Insurance, Good2Go Extra, Insure and Go, Nationwide Building Society, Virgin Money
Members can log in to see how each provider’s top-scoring policy compares in our analysis.
If you’re not already a member, join Which? to get full access to these results and all reviews.
Are insurance companies with no age restrictions the best option for older travelers?
Not necessarily. Not all senior citizens are the same, and different insurers are best suited for you depending on factors like your health and where you’re traveling.
Additionally, depending on your age, there may be many more insurance companies (subject to age restrictions) that can offer you insurance at lower premiums.
However, if you are struggling to find insurance because of your age, a good place to start is with insurance companies that don’t have age restrictions.
Read more here: Best Travel Insurance Companies in the UK 2024
Can I still shop around for insurance after I turn 65?
Yes, shopping around is one of the best ways to save money.
However, you may be offered less coverage, especially for annual policies.
The graph below shows how insurance availability will decline for customers looking for new insurance.
Source: Which? analysis of 129 policies in April 2024.
Check out great deals and find new travel insurance with Confused.com. Get a quote now
Learn more about travel insurance for senior travelers
Does travel insurance become more expensive if I’m over 65?
Yes. In our 2023 Travel Insurance Customer Survey, policyholders aged 65-74 paid an average of 28% more in premiums than policyholders aged 55-64.
But it’s those in their mid-70s who pay the highest premiums: those over 75 pay 65% more for insurance than those aged 65-74.
It’s always worth comparing travel insurance policies no matter your age, but in your 70s the savings could amount to hundreds of pounds.
Can I get travel insurance if I’m over 80?
Our analysis of 2024 insurance shows that travelers looking for insurance on their 60th birthday would be able to take advantage of 98% of the annual policies sold, assuming other factors (such as pre-existing conditions) don’t limit their options.
But once you reach your 80s, age alone disqualifies you from nearly 7 in 10 policies we looked at.
Add to this the high premiums and you might start to think that buying travel insurance isn’t worth it.
Luckily, covers do exist—but they’re a bit hard to find. See the tips below to get started.
Where should older travelers look for insurance?
1. Search Widely
We recommend casting your net as wide as possible – that means starting with comparison websites – and it’s also worth considering how you plan your trip.
Some insurers offer single trip insurance for customers who don’t provide annual quotes, and if you don’t plan on traveling often, you may find that individual holiday cover is a better option.
2. Include specialist companies in your search
The older you are, the more likely you are to have a medical condition that needs to be declared, which can be an additional barrier to finding insurance.
Some insurance companies specialise in insuring people with pre-existing conditions, which means they may be able to offer better prices than more general insurers. In the past, these could be hard to find, but the good news is that there are now official directories you can check.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, check out our guide to travel insurance .
3. Test the broker
Brokers will provide advice and research the market to find the best policy for you at the most competitive price.
To contact a broker, call Biba’s broker finder service on 0370 950 1790.
Are there any limitations on insurance for older travelers?
If an insurance company offers coverage, some of the coverage within the policy may vary based on your age, so it’s important to check whether you can access the key benefits of the policy.
The main area where age limits you is the maximum number of days for a trip – for example, some annual policies will cover policyholders under 65 for up to 45 days of trips, but older customers will be limited to 31 days of trips at a time.
Meanwhile, limits on other insurance benefits such as personal injury coverage (which pays a certain amount to you or your family if you are permanently disabled or killed in an accident) may also be reduced for older customers.
If such restrictions apply, they must be clearly stated in the policy language.
What if you are turned down for health reasons?
If an insurance company can’t provide you with affordable coverage because of a pre-existing condition, they are required to “direct” you to an insurer or broker who is more likely to be able to help you.
There are currently two directories of specialist insurers on the Moneyhelper website and the Association of British Insurance Brokers website.