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Unlimited: no upper age limit, even with pre-existing medical conditions
Unlimited: medical cover and emergency expenses*
Unlimited: repatriation cover*, with 24/7 emergency assistance
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What is travel insurance for over 80s?
Travel insurance for over 80s gives you the cover you need to keep taking the trips you love. Whether you’re visiting family, setting sail on a cruise, or returning to a place that means something to you, it’s designed to protect your plans.
Our policies work just like any other, but with no upper age limit and a medical screening process that takes your full health picture into account. This means you can often include pre-existing conditions.
Why choose Staysure?
We’re specialists in medical travel insurance
Unlimited: emergency medical expenses* and 24/7 support
Most pre-existing medical conditions covered
Generous cancellation cover up to £10,000
We’ve insured more than 12m people
Easy to access and amend your policy online
What does over 80s travel insurance cover?
Your policy covers a wide range of situations, from emergency medical care to trip cancellations.
You’re covered for:
✔emergency medical treatment abroad – including hospital care, ambulance transport and overnight stays if you fall seriously ill or are injured while away.
✔getting you home safely – repatriation cover if you’re too unwell to travel as planned, including specialist medical transport if needed.
✔cancellations due to illness or injury – including if you're too unwell to travel, or experience a bereavement.
✔cutting your trip short – cover if something serious happens mid-holiday and you need to return early.
✔lost, stolen or damaged belongings – including your baggage, passport and personal money.
✔pre-existing conditions – if you’ve told us about them and we’ve accepted them, they can be included in your policy.
Example: You’ve booked a peaceful break to Jersey. Just before your departure, you’re hospitalised with a chest infection. If your policy includes cancellation cover, we’ll help you recover the cost of your trip.
For more information, see our guide on what travel insurance includes. Always check your policy document so you know exactly what you’re covered for.
You’re not covered for:
✖cancelling because you’ve changed your mind – cover only applies to unexpected and insured reasons.
✖missed flights – unless it’s due to a strike**, severe weather, or mechanical breakdowns.
✖undeclared medical conditions – always let us know about any health issues when you get a quote.
✖unattended items – valuables left alone may not be covered.
✖activities not listed on your policy – like winter sports† or cruises, unless you’ve added them.
✖travelling against FCDO advice – policies won’t cover destinations where the UK government advises against all travel.
✖incidents involving alcohol or drugs – claims related to excessive alcohol or controlled substances won’t be accepted.
✖going against medical advice – for example, flying too soon after an operation or illness.
✖trips taken for business or work – your policy is for leisure trips only.
✖travelling for the purpose of receiving medical treatment – including consultations, tests, or planned procedures abroad.
Example: Before your holiday, you visited your GP with chest pain. You didn’t mention it when buying your travel insurance. If that issue leads to a problem, you may not be covered for cancellation or treatment abroad.
Travelling with medical conditions?
Managing medical conditions doesn’t mean you should miss out on the trips you’ve been looking forward to, and it shouldn’t make getting the right travel insurance harder, either.
At Staysure, we specialise in medical travel insurance. We’ve supported thousands of people in their 80s with cover that reflects both their health and their plans. Whether you’ve lived with a condition or recently received a diagnosis, we can often include it in your policy – as long as you let us know when you get a quote.
To do that, we’ll ask a few clear, simple questions about your medical history, like any treatment, medication, or hospital stays you’ve had in the last two years. We’ll also ask if you’ve ever had a heart condition or circulation problems, even if they were a while ago.
Scenarios we regularly cover
We regularly help travellers get cover for conditions that become more common later in life. These include:
If your condition isn’t listed here, we may still be able to help. You can browse more medical conditions on our website or speak to our friendly team for support.
Proud to be a part of BIBA's medical directory
For people who have trouble finding travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) has a directory of specialist insurers, like us!
To find out more, or if on the odd occasion we are unable to provide the cover you need, contact BIBA on 0370 950 1790. You can also search BIBA's medical directory online.
How to get travel insurance for over 80s with Staysure
We make it simple to get a quote, whether you’d rather do it online or talk it through over the phone.
1. Tell us about your trip
You can start your quote online or give our friendly team a call. If you choose to go online, the form is just as easy – and you can save your progress and return to it whenever it suits you. We’ll ask a few questions to get started, like:
where you’re going
how long you’ll be away
whether you’re looking to cover one holiday or a few trips this year
2. Let us know about your health
Next, we’ll as a few health questions so that we can understand what support you might need from your policy. We’ll ask about:
any conditions you’ve had treatment, medication or medical advice for in the last two years
any appointments, investigations or hospital stays
any upcoming tests or procedures
any history of heart or circulation problems – even if they were years ago
3. Get your quote
Once we’ve got the details we need, we’ll show you your personalised quote online – or read it out to you over the phone if you’ve called.
You’ll have the option to choose your level of cover and add any extras you might need, like cruise cover or protection for your gadgets. Not ready to book straight away? Your quote can be emailed to you, so you can return to it when you’re ready.
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How much is travel insurance for over 80s?
Travel insurance often becomes more expensive as you get older, as your chances of needing medical care or cancelling are higher. You might also notice fewer options, as some providers stop offering cover once you reach 80.
At Staysure, we do things differently. We don’t set an upper age limit and can often include a wide range of medical conditions.
How much your policy costs will depend on a few things – like where you're going, how long you're away, your health, and the level of cover you choose. You can get your personalised quote in minutes, online or over the phone.
Beth Craig
Travel insurance expert
There are ways to keep the cost of travel insurance manageable in your 80s.
What our expert says…
“If you’re taking several trips a year, an annual policy can often be better value than buying separate single-trip cover. For shorter breaks or family visits, you might choose to leave valuables at home, meaning you won’t need the highest level of baggage cover. And if you’re not cruising or taking part in activities like golf, you can leave out those extras and keep your premium lower. By shaping your policy carefully around your plans, you can get better value.
”
What destinations does over 80s holiday insurance cover?
Whether you’re flying to Canada to see the grandkids, joining a no-fly cruise around the British Isles, or relaxing on a longer break in the Canaries, we can help you find the right cover.
If you’re choosing annual multi-trip cover, you’ll just need to pick the right region when you get a quote. For single trip cover, simply tell us which countries you’ll be visiting.
You can make changes to your policy, online and in your own time with My Staysure.
It's quick and easy to make changes to your policy online. If you need to make simple changes such as updating traveller details or renewing a policy that's details are staying the same, just visit your My Staysure account.
Tips for over 80s travel
Planning ahead with your health in mind
Travel can be one of life’s great joys. A few simple preparations can help you enjoy your next trip to the fullest.
Speak to your GP before you travel
This is especially important if you’ve recently had a hospital stay or have an ongoing condition like COPD or diabetes. Your GP can confirm you’re fit to travel and advise on what precautions to take.
Give yourself time to sort prescriptions
If you take daily medications, order enough to last your whole trip plus extra in case of delays. Your pharmacy can help you prepare dosette boxes or blister packs in advance.
Carry a full list of medications
Include 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 everything when you get a quote for travel insurance
This includes conditions like atrial fibrillation, past strokes, recent or upcoming surgeries, and even appointments in the last two years.
Travel day tips for a smoother journey
Busy travel days can take their toll, but a few thoughtful choices can make all the difference.
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. Arriving early reduces pressure and gives staff time to support you properly, especially if there are last-minute changes.
Keep your medication close
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.
Minimise swelling risk
Long periods of sitting can increase your risk of DVT. Wearing support stockings, staying well-hydrated, and moving your feet and legs regularly (even while seated) can all help.
Use mobility aids if needed
If you use a walking stick or 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.
Double-check transfers
If you’re changing transport mid-journey (like switching trains or connecting flights), make sure the route allows enough time and that any mobility needs are flagged with the operator.
Staying well on holiday
You’ve arrived! Now it’s time to enjoy your trip.
Stick to your routine where you can
If you take regular medication, try to keep it on the same schedule as at home. A simple alarm or hand-written note can help if you’re crossing time zones.
Stay cool and hydrated
Hot weather can be tiring. Drink water throughout the day, wear light layers, and take breaks in the shade or indoors.
Eat with care
If you’re adjusting to new foods, start with what feels familiar. Let your hotel or hosts know about dietary needs in advance if needed.
Know where to get help
If you feel unwell or need medical advice while away, your policy includes a 24-hour emergency support line. Our team of experts can help you find local care and explain next steps.
Common questions for travelling over 80
While your health conditions might feel routine, it’s still important that you let us know about them when you get a quote.
That way, your cover can do what it’s supposed to: protect you if you your plans are disrupted, if you need treatment aboard, or if you have to cancel a trip for medical reasons.
You can declare your conditions online at your own pace, or over the phone. We’ll ask a few simple questions about your medical history – like any treatment, medication, tests or hospital visits in the last two years. For some conditions – like heart or circulation problems – we’ll also ask if you’ve ever had them, regardless of when.
If you’re not sure whether something needs to be included, it’s always best to ask. Being upfront now means you won’t have to worry about it later.
Yes, you need to tell us about all medical conditions when you get your quote, even if they’re well-managed or stable. That way, your policy can include cover if anything changes or if you need care while you’re away.
It’s common to live with conditions like high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and heart problems later in life. You might not think of them as risks, but if they cause problems before or during your trip, we can only provide support if you’ve told us about them in advance.
We make it as easy as possible to declare your conditions when you get your quote. If you’re not sure what to include, our team is always happy to help.
When you get a quote, we’ll ask some simple, clear questions about your medical history. This helps us shape your policy around your health – and support you properly if something goes wrong on your trip.
We’ll need to know about:
any conditions you’ve had treatment, tests, medication or appointments for in the past two years
any history of heart or circulation problems – including past heart attacks, angina, or stroke
any hospital stays, even if they were planned
whether you’ve been referred for upcoming investigations or check-ups
Many people fly well into their 80s and beyond, and for most, it's perfectly safe.
That said, it’s worth thinking about how flying might affect any health conditions you live with. If you’ve recently had surgery, experienced chest pain, or have a lung or heart condition, speak to your GP before booking. They can offer advice or a fit to fly certificate if needed.
On the day, wearing compression socks, staying hydrated, and moving regularly on board can help with comfort and circulation. And if you need mobility assistance at the airport or on the plane, you can request this in advance. It’s free and there to help.
Travel insurance can be harder to find as you get older. Some won’t offer cover beyond 80 or exclude pre-existing conditions altogether. That’s why it’s important to look for a specialist who won’t limit you because of your age, and who offers support if your health or plans take a turn.
The right policy for someone in their 80s will likely include:
cover for a wide range of pre-existing conditions, including those managed over many years
medical support abroad that goes beyond the basics, including repatriation
strong cancellation protection in case of illness, injury or bereavement
help replacing lost medication if it’s essential to your health while away
Some banks include travel insurance with their current accounts, but it’s rarely designed with people in their 80s in mind. Many of these policies come with strict age limits, often cutting off entirely at 75 or 80. Others may exclude pre-existing medical conditions or cap how long you can travel for.
1 in 4 people rely on their bank’s policy, often without reading the small print
9% more claims were rejected through bank travel insurance compared to specialist providers
many policies exclude cover for health conditions, longer trips, or travellers over a certain age
If you're in your 80s, it’s important to choose a policy that reflects your health and travel plans, not just your account perks. Specialist insurers like Staysure don’t set upper age limits and can often include cover for conditions that bank policies leave out.
If you’re in your 80s, it’s not unusual to find fewer insurers offering travel insurance.
That’s where a specialist provider makes a difference. At Staysure, we don’t set upper age limits on our policies. Explore our full range below:
A GHIC or EHIC can be helpful, but they don’t do the same job as travel insurance – and were never designed to.
These cards give you access to state healthcare in some European countries – usually on the same terms as residents. That might mean reduced-cost treatment in a public hospital, or access to emergency care without needing to pay upfront.
But they don’t cover everything. They won’t help with getting you home after a medical emergency, or support if you’re travelling with health conditions. And they won’t step in if your trip is cancelled, your luggage is lost, or your passport goes missing.
That’s why many travellers still choose to have both – using their GHIC or EHIC for basic medical access, and travel insurance for the rest. Together, they give you much more complete protection.
If you still have an EHIC, you can continue to use it until the expiry date. After that, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC through the NHS or Gov.uk.
It’s often wise to get your travel insurance sorted as soon as you’ve booked (ASAB). That way, you’re not just covered while you’re away, but also for cancellations or changes in health that might happen before your holiday begins.
For single trips, many travellers find it best to book their policy as once travel dates are confirmed. If you’re booking something further in advance, like a cruise or a longer European break, you can take out cover up to 18 months ahead.
For annual multi-trip cover, cancellation protection starts from the policy start date. So, if you’ve got more than one trip lines of, starting your policy early means you’ll be protected in the run-up to each one.
A few things to keep in mind:
Your policy must begin before you leave the UK.
You can’t buy or activate a policy if you’ve already departed.
If your health changes after a booking, you should let us know before you travel.
Unlimited: no upper age limit, even with pre-existing medical conditions
