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What is over 80s Travel Insurance?
Over 80s Travel Insurance is holiday cover for people aged 80 and above. It can help protect you financially if you need emergency medical treatment abroad, have to cancel your holiday for a covered reason or need medical transport back to the UK.
The right policy should reflect your health as well as your holiday plans. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) recommends choosing insurance that covers your existing physical and mental health conditions, including any conditions currently under investigation.
At AllClear, we have no upper age limit and can consider more than 1,300 pre-existing medical conditions. Depending on your chosen policy level, cover includes up to unlimited emergency medical expenses and repatriation, with access to a 24/7 emergency medical helpline. Your medical conditions must be declared and accepted for cover.
Why do over 80s need Travel Insurance?
If you’re visiting family or exploring somewhere new, Travel Insurance can help with unexpected costs before and during your holiday. For travellers over 80, it’s particularly useful to check protection for medical emergencies, existing health conditions and getting home if you cannot travel as planned.
- Accidents can lead to unexpected treatment. NICE reports that around half of people aged 80 and over fall at least once a year. This is a general population figure, rather than a holiday-specific risk, but it highlights why cover for accidental injuries deserves attention alongside your existing conditions
- Medical expenses are a common reason for claiming. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), medical expenses accounted for 34% of Travel Insurance claims in 2024. Its members paid £262 million towards medical claims that year. These figures cover travellers of all ages
- Treatment abroad can cost more than you expect. According to the FCDO, treating a broken leg in Spain could cost £25,000 or more, while hospital treatment for a stomach bug or infection in the USA could reach £150,000 or more. These estimates include medical evacuation or transport back to the UK if needed
- A GHIC leaves some costs uncovered. The NHS confirms that the GHIC does not cover private medical treatment or being flown back to the UK. It strongly recommends having appropriate Travel Insurance alongside your card
Before buying, check that your cancellation limit covers your unrecoverable holiday costs and that your policy includes every destination and the full length of your trip. Keep your policy number and emergency assistance details accessible, and share them with a travelling companion or someone at home.
Why choose AllClear for over 80s Travel Insurance?
Returning to a favourite destination or visiting family overseas? Your cover should reflect your health and holiday plans. AllClear has no upper age limit, with more than 20 years’ experience helping older travellers and people with medical conditions find suitable cover.
Medical care abroad can be expensive. According to the UK Government, hospital treatment for a stomach bug or infection in the USA could cost £150,000 or more, including medical evacuation or repatriation if needed. Appropriate cover can help with unexpected treatment costs and getting you home if medically necessary.
When you choose AllClear, you’ll benefit from:
Specialist medical cover: We can consider more than 1,300 pre-existing medical conditions, including high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes
24/7 emergency assistance: Our team is available around the clock to help you access appropriate medical care abroad
Up to unlimited medical cover: Cover for emergency medical expenses and repatriation, depending on your chosen policy level
Protection for your holiday costs: Up to £25,000 cancellation cover and up to £5,000 baggage cover, depending on your chosen policy level
Support getting home: Cover for medically necessary repatriation, including a medical escort or air ambulance when agreed by our emergency assistance team
Three levels of cover: Choose from Gold, Gold Plus and Platinum to find the benefits and limits that suit your trip
Over the past 25 years, we’ve helped more than 3.5 million people travel with confidence. And 98% of customers rated their AllClear experience ‘Excellent’ or ‘Great’¹.
What does AllClear’s over 80s Travel Insurance cover?
Our Over 80s Travel Insurance has no upper age limit, with a choice of cover levels to suit your health and holiday plans. Cover can include emergency medical treatment, repatriation, cancellation and missed departure.
Let us know about any pre-existing medical conditions during your quote so we can assess the cover available to you. Your benefits and limits will vary by policy level.
Check the Policy Wording for full details of what’s covered, including limits, conditions and exclusions.
What’s covered?
- Medical expenses – We can cover emergency medical treatment you need while travelling. This includes any pre-existing medical conditions you’ve declared
- Medical aids – We will protect your essential medical equipment and accessories from loss or damage, so you can travel with confidence
- Medication – If you lose your prescription medication during your trip, we will cover and help you replace it
- Repatriation – This covers the cost of emergency medical transport back to the UK, which could otherwise cost tens of thousands of pounds
- Lost luggage – We will cover the cost if your baggage is stolen or damaged, so you can replace your important items
- Cancellation and cutting your trip short – Provides cover if you have to cancel your trip due to reasons beyond your control
- Travel disruption – We will help you cover alternative transport or accommodation if your travel plans are disrupted
What’s not covered?
- Undeclared medical conditions – We need to know your full medical history to give you the best cover possible in a medical emergency
- Missed flights within your control – Unfortunately, we can’t cover missed flights due to personal errors
- Choosing not to travel – We know that sometimes plans change, but cancellation cover is provided only for specific reasons like illness, injury, or bereavement. Refer to your policy documents for complete cover details
- High-risk activities – Our standard policy doesn’t cover these activities, but you can add Optional Extras to include some activities.
- Accidents under the influence of drugs or alcohol – While we want you to enjoy your trip, safety comes first. If an accident occurs due to drugs or alcohol, we cannot cover your claim
Choose the right level of cover
Price is only one part of choosing a policy. When you compare over 80s Travel Insurance, look at the medical, cancellation and baggage limits alongside the cost. A cheap policy may not provide enough cover for an expensive holiday or a destination where healthcare costs are high.
AllClear offers three levels of protection: Gold, Gold Plus and Platinum. Use the table below to see how their main benefits differ.
The best level for you will depend on factors such as the cost of your holiday, the belongings you’re taking and the medical protection you require. Your quote will show the options available for your age, destination and trip.
Always check the Policy Wording for more details.
Levels of Travel Insurance cover
Buying a Single Trip or Annual Multi-Trip policy? Choose from three levels of cover: Gold, Gold Plus, and Platinum.
Gold
Endorsed by Which?
Emergency Medical & Repatriation Cover
£10,000,000
24/7 English-speaking emergency helpline
Cancellation and cutting your trip short
£2,000
Gold Plus
Endorsed by Which?
Emergency Medical & Repatriation Cover
£15,000,000
24/7 English-speaking emergency helpline
Cancellation and cutting your trip short
£5,000
(Up to £15,000 available)
Platinum
Endorsed by Which?
Emergency Medical & Repatriation Cover
Unlimited
24/7 English-speaking emergency helpline
Cancellation and cutting your trip short
£10,000
(Up to £25,000 available)
All these figures are per person, and per trip.
What should you compare when choosing over 80s Travel Insurance?
Your health, destination and travel plans all matter when choosing cover. As you compare over 80s Travel Insurance, check the benefits, limits and exclusions, along with any costs you’d need to pay if you claimed.
- Start with your medical needs: Answer the medical questions fully and check that the conditions you’ve declared have been accepted. Look for any exclusions, additional premiums or requirements to report changes in your health
- Look at treatment and transport home: Compare emergency medical expenses limits and cover for medically necessary repatriation. Check how the insurer’s assistance team helps arrange treatment and your return to the UK
- Check eligibility for your whole trip: Look at age restrictions, destination cover and the maximum time you can spend away. With Annual Multi-Trip policies, check the limit for each individual holiday as well as the total days allowed
- Add up your cancellation costs: Compare the cancellation limit with the amount you could lose on prepaid bookings. Check the covered reasons for cancelling and any conditions relating to the health of travelling companions or close relatives
- Include everything on your itinerary: Cruises, excursions and activities may need extra cover. Check the requirements for each part of your holiday, including any age limits or restrictions on participation
- Understand what you would pay towards a claim: Compare the excess as well as the premium. Look for how it applies across different benefits, particularly if one incident could lead to claims under several policy sections
- Check protection for essential belongings: Review baggage, valuables and single-item limits. If you travel with mobility aids or medical equipment, check the specific cover available and any requirements for keeping them secure
- Know how to get help abroad: Look for a 24/7 emergency medical helpline and clear instructions for contacting it. Read the Policy Wording for authorisation requirements, exclusions and the documents you may need when claiming
For more on what to check before buying, read the FCDO’s guidance on Travel Insurance.
How much does Travel Insurance for over 80s cost?
The cost of over 80s Travel Insurance depends on your individual circumstances. Your age is one part of the picture – your health, destination and chosen cover also help determine your premium.
Here’s what can affect the price:
Your medical circumstances: Your declared conditions, treatment and answers to the medical screening questions help us assess the cover available and calculate your quote
Your destination: Medical care costs vary significantly around the world. Visiting a country with higher treatment costs can affect how much you pay for Travel Insurance
Your time away: Your departure date, trip length and choice of Single Trip or Annual Multi-Trip cover all contribute to the price
Your level of protection: The benefits and limits you select affect your premium, along with optional extras for plans such as a cruise
Your excess options: Choosing a lower excess or an available excess waiver may increase your premium, but could reduce what you pay towards an eligible claim
Get a personalised quote by telling us about your trip and answering the medical questions. Then compare the price with the cover provided, including the benefit limits and the excess you’d pay towards a claim.
How long can over 80s Travel Insurance cover you for?
The maximum length of your holiday depends on the type of policy and the destinations included. Travellers over 80 can take out Single Trip cover for journeys lasting up to 104 days.
If you’re planning several holidays, Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance can cover multiple journeys during the policy year. Each trip must remain within the relevant duration limit shown below.
| Age | Single Trip Regions 1 & 2 |
Single Trip Region 3 |
Single Trip Region 4 |
Annual Multi-Trip USA, Canada, Mexico & Caribbean |
Annual Multi-Trip Other destinations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Over 80 | 104 days | 104 days | 104 days | 35 days per trip | 45 days per trip |
Annual Multi-Trip policies allow up to 183 days of travel in total during the policy year. The maximum duration applies separately to each holiday, and all destinations must be included within your chosen region of cover.
Check your quote and Policy Wording before booking, as terms and eligibility requirements apply.
Travel Insurance for over 80s with medical conditions
We understand that finding travel insurance in your 80s can sometimes be difficult and existing medical conditions are more common. As a specialist medical Travel Insurance provider for travellers 80 and over, we can help you find a policy tailored to your specific needs.
Here are some of the most common medical conditions we cover:
Heart and circulatory conditions, including high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation
Digestive conditions, including Crohn’s disease and gallstones
Neurological conditions, including a history of stroke, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis
Diabetes, including type 1 and type 2
Musculoskeletal conditions affecting your bones, muscles and joints, including back problems and osteoporosis
Cancer, including a history of cancer or cancer in remission
Mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression
If your medical condition isn’t listed here, we can still help. You can browse more medical conditions on our website or speak to our friendly UK based call centre for support.
What medical information do you need to declare?
When applying for Travel Insurance with medical conditions, you must answer the medical screening questions fully and accurately. This allows us to assess your health history and confirm which conditions can be covered.
As a standard guide, tell us about any condition for which, during the past two years, you have:
- Taken prescribed medication
- Received treatment or medical advice from a GP, hospital or clinic
- Had a telephone or video consultation with a medical professional
- Received or been offered palliative care
You must also declare if you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness or are currently on a waiting list for an investigation or treatment that could result in you cancelling or cutting short your trip.
Your age does not change the declaration period. If your health, medication or treatment changes after buying your policy, contact us before travelling. Missing or inaccurate information could affect your cover or a future claim.
Find the best over 80s Travel Insurance for your trip
Your policy should reflect where you’re going, how long you’ll be away and who you’re travelling with. AllClear offers several policy types to help you find cover suited to your plans.
You can choose from:
- Family Travel Insurance – Bring eligible family members together under one policy, making it easier to arrange cover for a multigenerational holiday
- Annual Travel Insurance – Cover several holidays over 12 months with one policy. This may be a convenient and cost-effective choice if you plan to travel more than once
- Single Trip Travel Insurance – Cover one holiday to a specified destination for a set length of time. This may suit you if you only have one trip planned
- Group Travel Insurance – Arrange cover for friends or other travelling companions under one policy, even if members of the group are different ages or have different medical histories
The policy options available will depend on your destination, trip duration and individual circumstances.
Destination cover for travellers over 80
Choose a geographical region that includes every country on your itinerary, along with any planned stopovers.
- European Travel Insurance – Cover for holidays across Europe, including Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and Greece.
- Worldwide Travel Insurance – Cover for destinations beyond Europe. You can choose an option that includes or excludes the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean
- UK Travel Insurance – Cover for eligible events such as cancellation and lost or stolen belongings during UK trips. Emergency medical treatment within the UK is not covered because it is available through the NHS
Check that every destination is listed on your policy and review the latest FCDO travel advice before you depart.
What optional extras can you add to your over 80s Travel Insurance?
Your main policy provides the foundation of your cover. If your holiday involves a cruise, specialist equipment or valuable technology, you can build in additional protection for the things that matter to your trip.
- Cruise Cover – Adds cruise-specific benefits for eligible events such as cabin confinement, a missed port departure or an altered itinerary. Cover for eligible medical emergencies at sea is also included
- Gadget Cover – Provides extra protection for specified devices you take away, such as a mobile phone, tablet, laptop or camera
- Golf Cover – Designed to protect eligible golf equipment and provide other benefits connected with playing during your holiday
- Natural Disaster Cover – Offers additional protection when an unexpected natural event disrupts your plans. It will not cover an event already known about when the trip or cover was purchased
- Excess Waiver – Removes the excess normally payable on an eligible claim. This option is only offered with selected policies
The extras available will be shown during your quote. Additional premiums, benefit limits, eligibility requirements and exclusions may apply.
Why take over 80s Travel Insurance if you have a GHIC?
A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) can help with medically necessary state healthcare during temporary visits to many European countries. You’ll receive treatment on the same basis as local residents, which means it may not always be free.
However, a GHIC only provides healthcare access. It will not pay for private treatment or bring you back to the UK if you become seriously ill or injured. It also offers no protection for cancellation, lost belongings, travel delays or personal liability.
Over 80s Travel Insurance can provide this broader financial protection and cover declared and accepted pre-existing medical conditions. Taking both your GHIC and Travel Insurance documents gives you access to the different support each provides.
How our Travel Insurance for over 80s works: A simple 3 step quote process
Before you set off on your travels, you’ll need to complete our quick and simple 3-step screening process.
Here’s how it works.
1. Get a quote online or by phone
Once you’re ready to start the quote process, the first step is to provide your personal details and information about your holiday plans. This can be completed over the phone with one of our team members or online.
2. Complete our simple medical screening process
Here, you need to declare any medical conditions you have and any medications you and your travel companions are taking. Be sure to answer all our medical questions and tell us everything we need to know about your current health.
This way, we can provide the cover that best suits your needs.
3. Get your quote
You’ll then get your quote(s) and can either proceed to buy or save your quote at this stage.
What to do if you need to make a claim while travelling over 80
A little preparation can make it easier to get help and provide the information needed for your claim. Keep your policy number, emergency assistance details and relevant medical information somewhere accessible throughout your trip.
If something goes wrong
- Call the local emergency services first if you need urgent help
- Contact our 24/7 emergency assistance team as soon as possible if you require medical treatment abroad
- Speak to the assistance team before arranging non-urgent treatment, alternative transport or repatriation
- Ask your doctor, hospital, airline or travel provider for written evidence of what happened
- Keep all receipts, invoices, booking confirmations and medical reports
- Report theft to the local police and request a copy of the police report
- Continue to follow any treatment or medication instructions given by your doctor
- Check the latest FCDO travel advice for your destination
Things to avoid
- Don’t postpone contacting the emergency assistance team until you return to the UK
- Don’t discard paperwork connected with your claim
- Don’t assume a change in your health is too minor to mention before travelling
- Don’t travel if a medical professional has advised you not to do so
- Don’t pay for non-urgent treatment or new travel arrangements before checking what your policy covers
All claims are assessed against the terms, limits and exclusions of your policy. Visit our claims page for further guidance and contact details.
Travel tips for over 80s
Planning ahead before you go
Speak to your GP before you travel: This is especially important if you’ve recently had a hospital stay or have chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes. Your GP can confirm you’re fit to travel and advise on precautions you might need
Sort prescriptions and medications for travel: If you take daily medications, order enough to last your whole trip, plus extra in case of delays. Carry a full list of medications, including the names, dosages, and timings. This helps if you need a replacement abroad or need to share information with a local doctor or hospital. Check any special requirements for your medicines. Some countries restrict certain medications, including strong pain relief and sleeping aids. Your GP or pharmacist can help check whether documentation is needed
Declare all medical conditions when you get your Travel Insurance quote: This could include, for example, atrial fibrillation, previous strokes, or high blood pressure
When you've reached your destination
Book airport or station assistance early: Most UK airports offer free special assistance, but it must be arranged at least 48 hours in advance. This can include wheelchair support, help with boarding, or fast-track security
Allow extra time: Crowded terminals and tight connections can be stressful. You can reduce the pressure on yourself by arriving early. This also means staff can better support you, especially if there are last-minute changes. If you’re changing transport mid-journey (like switching trains or connecting flights), make sure the route allows enough time and flag any mobility needs in advance
Keep your medication handy: Always pack your medication in your hand luggage. Keep it in the original packaging with your repeat prescription slip if possible, especially for liquid medications or controlled drugs
Aid your comfort on the flight: Long periods of sitting can increase your risk of DVT. Wearing support stockings and moving your feet and legs regularly (even while seated) can help. Also, check out our blog post on how to ease joint pain while flying
Mobility aids: If you use a walking stick or a folding wheelchair, you can usually take them right up to the plane or train door. Let your airline or provider know in advance and ask about storage during the journey
Prepare for security checks: If you have an implant (like a pacemaker or joint replacement), bring any relevant documentation and let staff know you may need a manual check
Staying safe while on holiday
Stick to your routine where you can: If you take regular medication, try to keep it on the same schedule as at home. Pay particular attention if you’re crossing time zones
Stay cool and hydrated: If you are in a Hot destination, drink water throughout the day, wear light layers, and take breaks in the shade or indoors
Consider your nutrition: This is especially important if you’re adjusting to new foods. Let your hotel or hosts know about dietary needs in advance
Know where to get medical help: If you need medical attention while away, an AllClear Travel Insurance policy includes 24-hour emergency medical assistance. Our team of experts can support you, help you find local care and explain next steps in an emergency
Our experts say…
“Travel Insurance is a must-have for anyone who wants to explore the world, but especially for the over 80s. You can cover yourself for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and more. Travel Insurance can also give you peace of mind and confidence to enjoy your trip without worrying about what might go wrong. You never know when you might need it, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Travel Insurance for over 80s is affordable and easy to arrange.”
Letitia Smith MSc, Travel Insurance expert
What our customers say
He made me an offer I couldn't refuse
“Excellent telephone conversation, finished up with an offer I couldn’t refuse saving me nearly £400 on a multi-trip annual deal for two over 80 year old travellers with medical problems.”
Over 80s Travel Insurance FAQs
As we get older, the likelihood of needing medical treatment abroad increases, and insurers factor this risk into the cost of your premiums. Those over 80 are more prone to illness, injury, and complications from existing medical conditions while travelling.
That’s why Travel Insurance typically becomes more expensive after 80. But with AllClear, you’re getting cover that’s designed around your specific needs – not just your age – so you’re protected wherever your travels take you.
With AllClear, no. We believe travel should be for everyone, which is why our Travel Insurance comes with no upper age limit. Whether you’re in your 70s, 80s or beyond, we’ll help you find the right policy so you can keep exploring with confidence.
Our over 80s Travel Insurance includes everything offered in our standard policy, with no upper age limit and added reassurance for senior travellers.
You’ll be covered for:
- Emergency medical treatment, including pre-existing conditions, prescriptions, and medical aids
- Repatriation to the UK if needed
- Trip cancellation, or if you have to cut your trip short
- Travel delays and missed departures
- Lost, stolen, or damaged baggage
- Personal liability if you accidentally injure someone or damage property
It’s comprehensive protection, designed for your peace of mind, so you can travel freely, even in your 80s and beyond.
As with any policy, you can get your over 80 Travel Insurance before or after you’ve booked your trip, but it must be before you travel. However, it’s beneficial to buy your Travel Insurance as soon as you book your trip.
You can buy Single Trip Travel Insurance up to 12 months before your trip. The cover begins immediately after purchase if you have chosen a policy that includes cancellation cover.
You can buy Annual Travel Insurance up to 60 days before your chosen start date. Cover will only begin on the chosen start date of your policy.
Yes – a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) doesn’t replace Travel Insurance. It gives you access to medically necessary state healthcare in participating countries on the same terms as local residents. Treatment may be free or available at a reduced cost.
A GHIC does not cover private medical treatment or medical repatriation, which means getting you back to the UK if you need medical transport.
Travel Insurance can also provide protection for cancellation, lost baggage and certain travel delays – benefits your GHIC doesn’t include. Check the Policy Wording for the cover, limits and exclusions that apply.
Yes, you can travel in a group of all ages, whether that’s friends or family. This can be done through our Group Travel Insurance policy during your quote process.
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Letitia is a Travel Insurance expert with more than 20 years experience in science and medical communication and helping people find specialist insurance. As Head of Communications at AllClear, she brings in-depth knowledge on medical cover. Letitia cares about supporting people with medical conditions to travel with confidence.
Dr Anisha Patel is a general practitioner with a specialist interest in women’s health and a bowel cancer survivor. She’s a speaker, health educator, writer and media doctor and works hard within a variety of media outlets to push health education agendas and break down stigmas and taboos.
Our content is created and reviewed by a dedicated team of experts
^ Based on UK companies in the 'insurance' category on Trustpilot, as of July 2025. AllClear Gold, Gold Plus and Platinum policies achieved Which? Best buy. AllClear Gold Plus and Platinum has been 5 Star rated by Defaqto.
1 Based on 230,000+ Trustpilot responses, as of July 2026.
