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TRAVEL INSURANCE
FOR OVER 80s

Over 80s travel insurance cover

Are you planning to travel this year and looking for travel insurance for people over 80? Many insurers, including Saga, have no upper age limits, allowing older travellers to secure coverage, even for pre-existing medical conditions, and enjoy peace of mind during their journey.

For a comprehensive overview of over-80s travel insurance, check out our guide.

Can I get holiday insurance if I’m over 80?

Finding travel insurance when you’re over 80 can be challenging due to age limits set by some insurers. However, at Saga, we have no upper age limit, so you can obtain travel insurance even if you’re older than 80.

When applying for a policy, remember to declare any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. As long as you do, your policy will cover you if any of these conditions cause a medical emergency during your trip.

Examples of pre-existing medical conditions include:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart conditions (such as angina, high blood pressure and cholesterol)
  • Respiratory conditions (like asthma and COPD)
  • Mental health issues (including anxiety and depression)
  • Musculoskeletal problems affecting bones, muscles and joints
  • Chronic illnesses (such as cancer)
  • Neurological conditions (like strokes, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis)

What does travel insurance cover for over 80s?

Over-80s travel insurance isn’t a specialist type of insurance. Saga offers three types of travel insurance (Saga Essential, Saga Standard and Saga Plus). Over 80s can choose any of these policies, and things that are covered include:

  • Medical care: You’re covered for emergency medical treatment and bills on your travels. All pre-existing medical conditions are included if you declared them when obtaining your policy.
  • Repatriation: If you need to return to the UK due to a medical emergency, Saga’s over-80s travel insurance covers transport costs.
  • Cancellation cover: If you must cancel your holiday due to illness or family bereavement, costs are covered.
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19): Any disruptions or cancellations caused by coronavirus are covered.
  • Travel delays and missed connections: If something out of your control (e.g. severe weather) causes you to miss a flight or a connection, your policy covers any costs you have to pay.
  • Loss or damage to luggage or possessions: If your belongings, including any medication you travel with, are lost or damaged, the cost of replacing them is covered.

What isn’t covered in over-80s travel insurance?

When it comes to travel insurance for individuals over 80, there are certain exclusions you should be aware of. These include:

  • Changes to travel by choice: If you decide to change your holiday plans or cancel your trip voluntarily after the first 14 days of your policy purchase, over-80s travel insurance won’t cover you. However, cancellation cover can protect you if you need to change or cancel due to illness, injury or bereavement.
  • Missing your flight: If you miss your flight and it’s your fault, you won’t be eligible to claim.
  • Unattended luggage: Leaving your luggage unattended can result in loss or theft, and your insurance won't cover it.
  • Undeclared medical conditions: If you fail to disclose a pre-existing medical condition when arranging your policy, your insurance could be invalidated.
  • Sports and activities: While age shouldn’t limit your active lifestyle, regular policies may not cover high-risk activities during an active holiday. At Saga, we offer specialised Leisure Activities and Winter Sports cover for active over 80s seeking adventure.
  • Drugs and alcohol: Accidents occurring under the influence of drugs or alcohol are not covered.

 

This isn’t a complete list, and policy details can vary. Always read your policy thoroughly before travelling so you know exactly what you’re covered for.

Types of insurance for over 80s

There are a couple of travel insurance options for over 80s to suit all holiday plans:.

  • Single trip travel insurance for over 80s: If you’re planning just one holiday this year, this is likely your best and cheapest option.
  • Annual multi-trip travel insurance for over 80s: Ideal if you have multiple holidays booked during the year and will prove more cost-effective.

If you’re setting sail on a boutique cruise, explore our Saga Plus travel insurance for added protection, including Missed Port and Cruise Interruption cover.

FAQs for specialist holiday insurance in your 80s

How much does over-80s travel insurance cost?

The cost of travel insurance policies for individuals over 80 years old varies based on several factors, including age, medical history and travel destination. The type of insurance coverage selected also impacts the price. Saga provides three cover options: Saga Essential, Saga Standard and Saga Plus.

Is high blood pressure a pre-existing condition for travel insurance?

Saga travel insurance for individuals over 80 considers high blood pressure a pre-existing condition. This means that if you purchase a policy for your holiday, you’ll be covered in case your high blood pressure leads to illness or a medical emergency while you’re abroad.

You will need to declare high blood pressure at the time of purchasing your policy to ensure you are fully covered.

Do I need to declare arthritis for travel insurance?

When obtaining a travel insurance quote, it’s essential to declare any existing arthritis. Failing to do so may invalidate any claim you make, leaving you financially unprotected in the event of an injury or medical emergency related to arthritis during your holiday.

Will I need my medical records?

You won’t need your medical records when you buy over-80s travel insurance, but you will need to answer all medical questions and declarations. Answering these accurately will ensure that you are fully covered for any pre-existing medical conditions.

Do pensioners get free travel insurance?

Free travel insurance isn’t available for pensioners in the UK. However, over 80s can get specialist travel insurance with Saga, which protects you if you have pre-existing medical conditions.

Who underwrites Saga Travel Insurance?

Saga Travel Insurance is designed for people over 50 and is underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited, with claims administered on their behalf by Collinson Insurance Services Limited.

Get a quote for Saga Travel Insurance today