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We explain how older travellers can get affordable cover and reveal the bestpolicies without maximum age limits.
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Dean SobersSenior researcher & writer
In this article
- Why does age matter?
- Best travel insurance policies that don't have maximum ages
- Are insurers without maximum age limits the best option for older travellers?
- More on travel insurance for older travellers
Why does age matter?
Unfortunately, travel insurance prices can rocket as you age because, according to the insurance industry, you are statistically more likely to make higher cost claims.
And while prices rise, the insurance choices available shrink, with many insurers imposing maximum age limits for new customers, in some cases as low as 59.
While it undoubtedly gets tougher to locate the good deals, quality travel insurance is still out there - this guide will show you how to find it.
If you are over 65 and have pre-existing medical conditions, also see our medical conditions travel insurance guide.
Please note that the information in this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice. Please refer to the particular terms and conditions of an insurer before committing to any financial products.
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Best travel insurance policies that don't have maximum ages
When we quizzed 56 travel insurance firms in 2023, the following told us they had annual policies that don't have maximum ages for new customers:
All Clear, Avanti, Co-op Insurance Services, Free Spirit Flex, Good 2 Go Extra, Goodtogo Insurance, Saga, Staysure and Total Travel Protection.
Members can log in to see how each provider's highest scoring policy compared in our analysis.
If you're not already a member, join Which? to get full access to these results and all our reviews.
Are insurers without maximum age limits the best option for older travellers?
Not necessarily. Older customers aren't all the same and the insurer that's best for you will vary depending on factors such as your health and where you plan to travel.
Additionally, depending on your age, there may be a wider number of insurers (with age limits) that can still offer you cover, potentially with lower premiums.
However, if you've been struggling to track down insurance on account of your age, insurers with no maximum age limit are a good starting point.
- Find out more:best travel insurance
Check you're getting a great deal and search for a new travel insurance policy using the service provided by Confused.com. Get a quote now
More on travel insurance for older travellers
Yes – in our 2023 survey of travel insurance customers, those aged 65-74 paid, on average, 28% more than 55-64s.
However the biggest hike in premiums comes in your mid-70s. We found over-75s paid 65% more than 65-74s.
Whatever your age, it's always worth shopping around for travel insurance, but in your 70s the savings could reach hundreds of pounds.
- Find out more:How to find cheap travel insurance
According to our analysis of policies in 2023, a traveller shopping for cover on their 66th birthday has access to more than nine in 10 annual policies on sale, assuming other factors (such as pre-existing medical conditions) haven't diminished their options.
But once you hit your 80s, your age alone bars you from eight in 10 policies we reviewed.
Combine this with higher premiums and you might begin to think travel insurance isn't worth buying.
Fortunately, cover is out there – if a little more tricky to find. See our tips below to get started.
1. Search widely
We recommend casting as wide a net as possible, which means beginning with comparison websites. It's also worth considering how you plan to cover your trips.
Some insurers will provide single-trip policies for customers they wouldn't offer annual quotes to. If you don't intend to make many trips, you might find a better selection if you look to cover your holidays individually.
2. Include specialist companies in your search
The older you are, the more likely you are to have medical conditions that need declaring – which can be a further barrier to finding insurance.
Some companies specialise in covering people with medical conditions, so may be able to offer you a reasonable price versus more mainstream insurers. Historically, these companies have been tricky to find – but fortunately there are now official directories for you to check.
See our guide on travel insurance if you have a medical condition.
3. Try a broker
Brokers will offer advice and search the market to find the right policy for you at the most competitive price available.
Call Biba's Find a broker service on 0370 950 1790 to be put in touch with a broker.
Where an insurer will provide cover, some specific features of cover within the policy can vary depending on your age. So it's important to check that you'll have access to the headline benefits of the insurance.
A key area that can be restricted by age is the maximum length of your trips. Some annual policies, for example, will cover excursions of up to 45 days for policyholders 65 years or younger, with older customers limited to 31 days' travel at a time.
Meanwhile, limits in other policy perks – such as personal accident cover (this provides a fixed sum to you or your family if you suffer a permanent disability or are killed in an accident), may also be reduced for older customers.
Where restrictions such as these apply, they should be clearly stated in the policy wording.
Where insurers can't offer you affordable cover because of a pre-existing medical condition, they are required to 'signpost' you to an insurer or broker that is more likely to be able to help.
There are now two directories of specialist insurers on the Moneyhelper website and the British Insurance Brokers' Association's website.
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Find the right policy for your holiday using the service provided by Confused.com
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