Travel insurance for over 70s

Travelling after 70 comes with unique considerations, from pre-existing medical conditions to trip cancellations.

Last updated: 30/3/2026

Travel insurance for over 70s provides peace of mind, helping cover you against medical emergencies, lost belongings and unexpected changes to your plans. But to make the most out of it, it’s important to get travel insurance sorted early. 

By taking out insurance as soon as you’ve booked your trip, you’re covered if you need to cancel due to poor health and other reasons. In this article we answer questions around travel insurance for over 70s, explaining eligibility considerations, costs, different types of insurance and more. 

Can you get travel insurance if you are over 70?

Yes, travel insurance for over 70s is widely available, including with Post Office. Eligibility usually depends on factors like your health and what you’re planning to do on holiday. Insurers may require additional  information if you have pre-existing medical conditions, and this can increase your premiums. However, your health status won’t necessarily disqualify you from getting a policy. Post Office Travel Insurance considers all conditions. If we can’t cover your trip due to your health condition, we’ll direct you to a partner provider which specialises in this type of cover. 

Just remember to be transparent about any health conditions you have when you take out a policy. If you don’t disclose medical information and then need to make a claim, your insurance policy will be invalid.

You can get a quote online here, or call us on 0330 123 13871.  
 

Is travel insurance more expensive for over 70s?

Yes, travel insurance for over 70s tends to be more expensive than for younger travellers. Insurers recognise that senior travellers may have additional medical needs, so they take extra care to ensure the right level of protection is provided in the coverage they offer. Pre-existing conditions and specific cruise cover can further increase premiums.

If you’re curious about how much it would cost, you can get a quote from Post Office Travel Insurance online. You just need to answer a few questions. 
 

Finding the best travel insurance for over 70s

When looking for the best travel insurance for over 70s, it’s important to look at coverage, medical support, and policy limits. Check that the policy includes:

  • Comprehensive emergency medical coverage
  • Outpatient support with online access to a GP through your phone
  • Repatriation services and medical transfers
  • Cover if you need to cancel your trip due to certain medical reasons, or the death of a family member 
  • Cover for lost, stolen or damaged belongings
  • Personal liability and legal protection 

There will be limits to the amount of cover your policy provides, and certain conditions will apply. Be sure to read the policy document and check it covers what you need. You can find our full policy information here.  
 

Annual vs single-trip policies 

Choosing between annual travel insurance and single-trip travel insurance for over 70s depends on travel frequency. 

  • Single-trip insurance is ideal for occasional journeys, covering one specific trip with clearly defined dates. 70 – 75-year-olds can cover a trip of up to 90 days, those over 76 can cover a trip of up to 31 days
  • Annual policies offer coverage for an unlimited number of trips (that are 31 days or less) within a 12-month period. If you travel more than once a year, this is often more cost-effective, and it removes the possibility of forgetting to get insured. You can also extend your cover for longer trips and add an excess waiver as optional add-ons for an additional cost. Please note, our maximum age for annual policies is 75. 
     

Cruise travel insurance

If you’re planning on a cruise, you’ll most likely need specific cruise travel insurance. Most cruise providers make it a mandatory requirement for customers to not only have insurance, but cruise cover.

This is because cruises carry particular risks such as itinerary changes, missed ports and shipboard medical emergencies. Standard travel insurance may not include cruise-specific benefits, making a dedicated policy essential.
 

Travel insurance for over 70s with pre-existing medical conditions

Having a pre-existing medical condition when you’re over 70 doesn’t automatically prevent you from getting insured. There are policies available for seniors with a wide range of conditions. When applying, you may be asked to provide details such as:

  • Current or past illnesses and treatments
  • Medications you are taking
  • Any planned medical procedures before or during travel
  • Recent hospitalisations or specialist visits

Some insurers offer automatic coverage for certain stable conditions, while others require additional premiums. 

At Post Office, we consider every health condition you tell us about when you get a quote. If you have a long-term illness, you could still be covered for medical issues it causes while you’re away, helping with emergency medical assistance abroad or repatriation. 
 

Why choose Post Office for over 70s travel insurance

With Post Office Travel Insurance, you’re in safe hands. Our Over 70s travel insurance gives senior travellers confidence and flexibility. Here’s why it stands out: 

  • Cover for pre-existing medical conditions: We consider all health conditions you tell us about, so you can travel knowing your needs are taken care of
  • Award-winning provider: We have won multiple Best Travel Insurance Provider awards in recent years3
  • Medical Assistance Plus2: Get 24/7 access to an English-speaking medical professional through Medical Assistance Plus. Speak to them via video call, arrange a clinic visit or have them come to your hotel
  • Cancellation cover: If you need to cancel your trip due to illness or other reasons we can help you recover the costs. Check the policy wording for limits and the reasons for cancellation we cover
  • Specialist referrals: If we can’t cover your trip due to a health condition, we’ll direct you to a provider that specialises in this type of cover
  • Flexible policy options: Choose from single-trip or annual multi-trip cover. Add on extras such as cruise cover, excess waiver or trip disruption cover to suit your travel plans

Ready to get a travel insurance quote?

Fill out our online form and create a policy which works for you and your dream trip. You can also call us on 0330 123 1387 if you’d prefer to speak to someone on the phone1

Common questions

  • It’s perfectly possible to get travel insurance if you’re over 70. Some providers may have age limits or require a medical questionnaire. Getting a quote is usually straightforward and you can often do it online. You can get a quote from Post Office Insurance here

  • Travel insurance for over 70s typically covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen belongings, personal liability and more. There are limits to cover. These limits, and all conditions, are always outlined upfront in your policy.

    Travel insurance can cover you if you have pre-existing medical conditions, you just need to be transparent when you take out a policy. Providers can’t always cover pre-existing conditions, but there are specialist providers which can often help in these situations.

1Customer services 0330 123 3690, Mon to Fri: 8:30am - 6:30pm, Sat: 9am - 5:30pm and Sun: Closed 

2Medical Assistance Plus is not available for trips taken in the UK, only for international travel. The service allows up to three separate medical events per person listed on the policy, and up to three appointments per event. All appointment charges are covered by your travel insurance policy. You will not need to pay any excess fees for this service. You may need to pay for your prescription upfront and claim on your return home

3Post Office has won the following awards:

•    Post Office won a “Best Travel Insurance Provider” award at the Your Money Awards in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025

•    Post Office won a ‘Best Travel Insurance Provider’ award at the MoneyFacts Awards in 2024 and 2025