Travel Insurance For Over 70s

Travel insurance for the over 70s is a type of policy that is tailored to the needs of older travellers, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions such as heart problems, cancer or diabetes. As we age, the risks associated with travelling can increase, making it even more important to have the right protection in place.

That’s where specialist travel cover comes in. It offers peace of mind both during your trip and in the lead-up to your departure. Retirement is a wonderful opportunity to explore the world, but ensuring you have the right insurance means you can travel with confidence.

 You can declare your medical conditions when you get your quote, to make sure you have comprehensive cover.

Our Over 70s Travel Insurance:

• For your medical conditions: Nearly 95% of adults over 60 are living with at least one chronic condition, which can make finding and buying Travel Insurance more difficult. 
• Emergency assistance: Travelling can be stressful, particularly as you get older. Over 70s Travel Insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing that you’re protected if you have an accident. You will also have access to our 24/7 helpline if you have a medical emergency on your trip.

Can you get Travel Insurance for over 70s?

Yes, AllClear has no upper age limits so can offer dedicated over 70s travel insurance. This can include unlimited cover for emergency medical expenses while you’re away, as well as cover for your medical aids.

Our Over 70s travel insurance can cover all pre-existing medical conditions, as long as you declare these when getting your quote.

Choose the right level of cover

Compare the policy benefits below, or for more information and complete cover details, please check your policy wording.

It is common to be travelling with pre-existing medical conditions in your 70s. 

However, a recent Which? study revealed that over a third (36%) of respondents living with pre-existing conditions struggled to find affordable Travel Insurance, with 7% opting to travel uninsured due to high premiums.

The risks of travelling without Travel Insurance can be extremely costly. For example, without repatriation cover, you would have to pay air ambulance costs upfront. This can cost anywhere from £12,000 to £18,000 in Europe, to upwards of £50,000 from the USA, Caribbean and South America.

If you’re over 70 and living with a pre-existing medical condition, you must declare them so we can provide you with the most appropriate cover. 

Below are some of the most common medical conditions we cover for over 70s:

Heart conditions 

We cover all cardiovascular issues affecting heart function. This includes high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation.

Chronic illnesses

Nearly 95% of adults 60 and older are living with at least one chronic condition. We provide cover for cancer, Crohn’s disease, gallstones and other long-lasting chronic conditions.

Respiratory problems

Respiratory conditions include asthma, and COPD, leading to airflow obstruction and breathing difficulties.

Neurological conditions

These are disorders affecting the brain and nervous system. This includes strokes, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.

Diabetes

Disruptions in insulin production or usage affecting blood sugar levels, including diabetes.

Musculoskeletal conditions

Conditions that affect your bones, muscles, and joints, including back problems and osteoporosis.

Mental health

We provide cover for mental health too, including anxiety and depression.

Should you declare your pre-existing medical conditions?

When applying for Travel Insurance with a medical condition, you need to declare all medical conditions that fall within the medical warranty. If you fail to declare pre-existing conditions and then need emergency medical treatment related to that condition, your policy will likely be invalidated.

When you go through the medical screening, you’ll be asked questions about the medical conditions you declare, to accurately determine what cover you need.

Top tips for travelling with a medical condition

• Take extra supplies of medication – keep in both your hand baggage and hold luggage in case any of your bags get lost.
• If you have a pacemaker, let airport staff know before going through security.
• Take copies of your Travel Insurance documents. Consider a letter from your doctor explaining your medical condition.
• Check the location of hospitals that can treat your medical condition nearby, in case you need emergency treatment while away.

Read more tips on travelling with a medical condition

Is emergency prescription medication covered by AllClear?

If you run out of prescription medication because you were unable to return home as planned, we’ll cover the costs of additional medication. If you lose your medication while away, we’ll cover the cost of replacing it.

Countries covered by over 70s Travel Insurance

We provide Over 70s Travel Insurance for every destination. However, the region of cover you need will depend on where you’re heading.

Here’s what we cover:

• UK Travel Insurance provides cover for your UK trips for baggage and cancellation. However, we do not cover medical treatment in the UK
• European Travel Insurance will cover you on trips to European countries, as well as Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia.
• Worldwide Travel Insurance provides essential cover across the globe. You can also choose whether to exclude the USA, Canada and the Caribbean

What optional extras can you add to over 70s holiday insurance?

• Cruise Cover – Cruise Travel Insurance provides essential protection for all aspects of your cruise. This includes onboard medical emergencies, cancellations, cabin confinement, and lost luggage. Around 30% of UK cruise customers are over 70 years old, with a further 33% between 60 and 69 years old, so it’s crucial to have cover in place for any unexpected issues.

• Golf Cover – Looking to enjoy some sporting activities while you’re away? Our optional sports and activity cover includes pastimes like golfing. This way, you can focus on your swing without worrying about mishaps or equipment damage.

• Gadget Cover – We also offer cover for your electronics, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, so you can travel knowing your valuable tech is protected.

How much does Travel Insurance for over 70s cost?

There are a number of factors that impact on the cost of your premium:

• Destination – staying in Europe is usually cheaper than travelling further afield.
• Trip length – the longer you go for, the more cover you’ll need, increasing the cost of your premium
• Activities – if you’re taking part in winter sports or activities considered high risk, you can expect to pay more for extra cover.
• Medical conditions – the risk rating of your medical conditions will have an impact on your premium

Another factor to consider is the level of cover you choose. At AllClear, you can choose from a number of different policies with different levels of cover. You will also need to add the premium for any optional extras you choose such as gadget cover.

If you travel regularly, you might want to consider an over 70s annual travel insurance policy. This will cover you for all your trips over a 12 month period.

Why does Travel Insurance cost more for Over 70s?

Age is one of a number of factors that is considered when calculating your Travel Insurance premium. All the information collected during the quote, including your medical conditions, determines your risk profile and how likely you are to have an injury or illness abroad and need to make a claim.

As a traveller over the age of 70, you can be more likely to:

• Get injured on holiday – When you’re in your 70s and beyond, you’ll likely experience more severe injuries if you stumble or fall.
• Fall ill while abroad – Older travellers are more likely to become unwell and need emergency treatment abroad.
• Cancel or cut short your trip – Because you’re more likely to get injured or become unwell, you also have a higher risk of needing to cancel or cut short your trip.
• Have pre-existing medical conditions – You’re more likely to have been diagnosed with medical conditions that increase the risk of you claiming on your travel insurance.

Do you need Travel Insurance if you have a GHIC card? 

Yes, you will still need Over 70s Travel Insurance even if you have a GHIC (previously EHIC) card.

Having a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for European travel gives you access to state-provided healthcare in the EU in the event of a medical emergency.

You can apply for a GHIC for free on the NHS website.

However, the GHIC is not a substitute for Travel Insurance. It will not cover you for repatriation back to the UK if you are ill or injured. It will also not cover complications relating to a pre-existing medical condition.

Additionally, GHIC will not cover you for lost luggage, passports, documents, travel delays or personal liability.

Top Tips for travelling in Your 70s

To help your trip go smoothly, follow our top tips:

Speak with your GP

It’s a good idea to get an appointment with your doctor to check you’re fit to travel and to review any medications.

Sort your Travel Insurance

Make sure you have comprehensive cover so you can travel with peace of mind. This is particularly important if you are travelling with medical conditions. 

Medical equipment 

Make sure any medical equipment you take with you is insured against damage, loss or theft.

Pack enough medication

If you take prescribed medication, bring a copy of your prescription away with you and make sure you have enough for your trip, plus a bit extra.

Check if you need vaccinations

Some countries are more at risk of tropical diseases, so check the TravelHealthPro website for current overseas health and vaccination advice.

Do your research on the destination

If you’re visiting somewhere new, research the standard of medical healthcare and the nearest medical facilities, as well as how easy it is to get around.

Organise any airport assistance you need

You can get free airport travel assistance, but you must arrange this at least 48 hours before you travel.

Tell your bank

Before you set off, let your bank know you’ll be going abroad to prevent your card from being flagged for fraudulent activity and cancelled when it’s used abroad.

Remember your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

if you’re travelling in Europe so you can access state-provided emergency healthcare in certain countries if you need it while you’re away.

Check your passport is valid

Most countries require you to have at least six months left on your passport after the date you arrive.

You’ll first 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.

Get your quote

2. Complete our simple medical screening process

Here, you need to declare any medical conditions you have. 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.