![Over 50's couple enjoying holiday in the sun after booking their travel insurance.](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/financial-services/happy-woman-sunglasses-beach.jpg?imwidth=680)
How to find travel insurance for over-50s
If you are over 50, travel insurance should be at the top of your holiday to-do list, especially if you have pre existing health conditions
![Over 50's couple enjoying holiday in the sun after booking their travel insurance.](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/financial-services/happy-woman-sunglasses-beach.jpg?imwidth=680)
In 2022, UK residents made an estimated total of 71 million visits abroad, according to Office for National Statistics figures published in May 2023. For approximately one-third of that number – those aged over 50 – travel insurance should have been an essential part of planning a holiday.
One reason for the importance of travel insurance for over-50s is the specialist cover it can provide for pre-existing medical conditions. So before you jet off, read this article, which explains the importance of ensuring you are covered in case of emergency.Â
What is travel insurance for over-50s?
A comprehensive over-50 travel insurance policy will cover you for a range of unexpected situations, including medical emergencies, lost or stolen belongings (including passports), unforeseen cancellations in many circumstances and emergency repatriation back to the UK.Â
It is important not to confuse comprehensive travel insurance with GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) cover, which only offers you the same healthcare as a resident of the country you are visiting. A GHIC card does not mean treatment will be free or readily available and will not cover the cost of emergency repatriation back to the UK if you need specialist care.Â
Do I need travel insurance?
Whatever your age, you should consider travel insurance as an essential holiday purchase. It allows you to enjoy your trip with the peace of mind of knowing you have a safety net if things go wrong.Â
Should I consider specialist travel insurance for over-50s?Â
Yes, particularly if you have any medical conditions, even if they’re mild. Not all insurers cover pre-existing conditions, so if this applies to you consider a specialist insurer that can tailor a policy to your needs.Â
How to find travel insurance for over-50s
Once your holiday is booked and confirmed the next step is to buy your travel insurance. Finding a policy that suits your needs is easy if you follow these steps:
- Get a quote
First you will need to provide some basic details, such as whether you want single trip or annual multi-trip cover, where you’re going, how long you’re going for, your age and who you will be travelling with.  - Declare any medical conditions
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions you will need to disclose them. During the medical screening process you may be asked questions about how many medications you take, any surgery or hospital stays you’ve had, and whether or not you have ever been a smoker. - Choose your cover
Now you will be able to choose the level of cover you require, as well as your excess, and any add-on extras such as cruise cover.
FAQS:
What types of over-50s travel insurance are there?
There are certain things you should look for when purchasing your insurance, including cancellation cover in case you need to change your plans unexpectedly.
There’s also over-50 travel insurance with medical conditions, which covers you for things such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart issues.Â
How much does it cost?
The price of travel insurance for over-50s depends on a number of factors including your health and the type of holiday you are taking. If you have pre-existing medical conditions your premium could be higher. Similarly, if you are planning to take part in high-risk activities such as skiing, this could also increase your premium.
Is travel insurance more expensive for over-50s?
Travel insurance premiums do tend to rise as you get older, and if you are living with more medical conditions.Â
If you do have a medical condition, your insurer will consider how likely it is you will need medical treatment abroad and how expensive healthcare costs are at your destination when pricing your cover.
Buy travel insurance for over-50s todayÂ
The Telegraph Media Group Travel Insurance Service, provided by AllClear, offers tailor-made, comprehensive travel insurance for over-50s. Choose the level of cover that suits you and enjoy the peace of mind of knowing you are insured for pre-existing medical conditions.
Read more:
- Travel insurance for cancer patients
- When should I buy travel insurance?
- What medical conditions do you have to declare for travel insurance?
Telegraph Media Group Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of AllClear Insurance Services Limited, a company that is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The above article was created for Telegraph Financial Solutions, a trading name of The Telegraph Media Group. For more information on Telegraph Financial Solutions click here.