How Should People Over 60 Choose Travel Insurance? A Practical Guide to Safer Journeys

Many people first notice in their 60s that buying travel cover is not as simple as it once was. Forms are longer, questions are more detailed and some policies may no longer be available. With a clear understanding of what insurers look for and what you need from a policy, it becomes much easier to choose cover that fits your circumstances.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance and treatment.

Medical coverage and pre existing conditions

For travellers over 60, emergency medical cover is usually the most important part of a policy. Medical treatment abroad can be extremely costly, particularly in countries such as the United States, and older travellers may be more likely to need care while away.

A key point is how a policy handles pre existing medical conditions. These can include heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, previous strokes, cancer, lung conditions, joint replacements and many other long term or recurring issues. Even if a condition is well controlled with medication, most insurers still class it as pre existing.

Insurers generally expect you to declare any diagnosed conditions, significant tests or specialist referrals within a set time frame. Failing to declare something important can mean a claim is reduced or refused, especially if it relates to that condition. When completing medical screening questions, answer carefully and refer to letters from your GP or consultant if needed. If you are unsure whether something counts as pre existing, it is safer to mention it.

Many policies can still cover long term conditions, sometimes for an extra premium or with a higher excess. Some specialist insurers focus on older travellers or those with complex medical histories. For peace of mind, check whether the policy clearly states that your declared conditions are covered and whether any specific limits apply to them.

Policy limits, age restrictions and exclusions

Beyond medical questions, it is important to understand the overall structure of a policy. Insurers set various limits that can affect older travellers, including age caps, maximum trip lengths and total cover levels.

Some policies only cover people up to a certain age, such as 65, 70, 75 or 80. Others may accept older travellers but reduce benefits after a given age. Always check the age limit for both buying the policy and being covered while abroad. If you are close to a limit, confirm whether you will still be covered at the time of travel, not just at the time of purchase.

Policy limits can also apply to individual areas of cover, such as medical costs, cancellation, baggage and personal possessions. For many over 60s, the most critical figure is the emergency medical limit, which ideally should be high enough to cover serious treatment and possible repatriation. Cancellation cover should be at least equal to the total cost of your trip, including flights, accommodation and any prepaid tours.

Exclusions are equally important. Common exclusions include travelling against medical advice, failing to take prescribed medication, high risk activities, excessive alcohol use or travelling to countries with government travel warnings. Some standard policies exclude cruises, winter sports or trips longer than a set number of days unless you add extra cover.

Carefully reading the sections on age restrictions and exclusions helps prevent unpleasant surprises. If any part of the wording is unclear, it may be worth contacting the insurer for clarification before you buy.

Matching coverage to your travel plans

Choosing travel insurance is easier if you start with your own plans rather than with the policy. Think about where you are going, how long you will be away, who you are travelling with and what you plan to do. Your answers shape the kind of cover that makes sense.

Destination matters because some policies charge higher premiums for worldwide cover or for specific regions due to higher healthcare costs. You may be able to choose between geographical zones such as United Kingdom only, Europe or worldwide. Travellers in their 60s often choose to visit family abroad, take cruises or join guided tours, each of which may need particular cover options.

Trip length also influences your choice. If you take one or two holidays a year, a single trip policy might be suitable. If you travel frequently, an annual multi trip policy could be more convenient, though these sometimes have stricter age limits or shorter maximum trip durations. Check that the maximum number of days per trip matches your usual holidays.

Consider the type of activities you expect to enjoy. Gentle walking and standard sightseeing are normally included, but more adventurous pursuits like skiing, scuba diving beyond a certain depth or organised sports may need specific cover. Cruises often require dedicated cruise cover, which can include missed port visits, cabin confinement and extra medical facilities on board.

Finally, think about any non medical benefits that matter to you. Older travellers may place particular value on strong cancellation cover, in case health issues prevent departure, and on baggage cover if carrying medication or medical equipment. Assistance services, such as a 24 hour helpline, translation support or help contacting family, can also be reassuring when travelling later in life.

Bringing together your health needs, policy limits and actual travel plans makes it easier to select a policy that feels balanced rather than simply the cheapest or most heavily advertised. A careful read of the wording, especially around medical cover, pre existing conditions, age limits and exclusions, can help ensure that your insurance is ready to support you if something unexpected affects your journey.