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Travel insurance for seniors and travelling with grandchildren

Read our guide to travelling in later life. We explore what to look for in your travel insurance, plus taking trips with your grandchildren.

Senior citizens holding hands on a beach

Travelling later in life

Whether you're taking a well-deserved trip in retirement or making cherished memories with your grandchildren, travel is one of life's great joys. And, as you get older, you might find you get the chance to do it more or go for longer.

It’s important to plan carefully, though, to keep everyone safe, consider any health conditions and handle the unique challenges of travelling with kids.

This guide helps you find travel insurance to suit your needs in your later years. And it offers tips for a smooth trip with your grandchildren.

Travel insurance for seniors

Travel insurance becomes more important as we age, offering peace of mind and protection against unexpected costs. Whether you’re 60 or 80, the right insurance can help you relax and enjoy your trip fully.

Why travel insurance is essential

Even the best-planned trips can have problems, like getting sick or losing your luggage. If you fall ill or are injured in another country, it could cost a lot of money for treatment or to get you home.

Travelling without insurance isn’t worth the risk. It’s important to have it no matter how old you are but especially for seniors – whether you’re 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 or above, or anything in between. 

Insurance for older travellers can be more expensive because they are seen as higher risk. But having cover means you're protected and can enjoy your trip without worrying.

Put protection for your trip in place today

Finding the right cover

Travel insurance for senior travellers often needs more consideration than standard policies. It’s important to do your research and make sure the price and the policy are both right for you. 

Single-trip policies are ideal for one-off holidays, while annual multi-trip policies are more cost-effective if you travel more frequently.

When you compare travel insurance from different providers, read the policy documents carefully. Check for specific details such as cover for the following.

  • Medical emergencies, including costs for treatment abroad
  • Repatriation services to bring you home if needed
  • Medical transfers
  • Having to cancel or cut short your trip
  • Lost, stolen or damaged belongings, like luggage and cash
  • Personal liability and legal protection
  • Activities you plan to take part in

Before you buy, make sure you’re clear how much cover there is for each. For example, if you fell ill and couldn’t travel, what would happen if you had to cancel and what could you claim back?

Pre-existing medical conditions

To get travel insurance, you need to declare any health conditions the people travelling already have. If you don't, it could void your cover if you need treatment for those conditions abroad. 

Insurance companies decide if they’ll cover you based on what you tell them upfront. There are different levels of risk they’re prepared to accept. So if one company says no, another might still say yes.

If you have health issues like diabetes, heart problems or cancer, your insurance might cost more. Some specialise in covering these conditions.

You could also look at travel insurance that is manually underwritten. This means each policy considers the specific needs of the person it’s for. This type of insurance usually costs more.

At Post Office, we look at all health issues you tell us about when you ask for a quote. This means, if you have a long-term illness, you might be covered for medical issues it causes while you’re away, such as having to seek medical care or being rushed home for treatment.

If finding cover proves difficult, check the Money and Pensions Scheme (MaPS) directory for a list of insurers who can help. You can also call MaPS on 0800 138 7777.

Read more:
Travel insurance for people with cancer
Travel insurance for diabetics
Travel insurance and high blood pressure

Travelling with grandchildren

Holidays with your grandchildren can be an amazing way to spend time together and create lasting memories. But a bit of extra planning can help everything go smoothly. Here’s what to think about.

Permissions and paperwork

If you’re travelling with your grandchildren, especially if you have a different surname, it’s a good idea to carry some important documents.

A letter of permission from the parents can help if anyone questions your right to travel with the child. The letter should include:

  • Your name and your grandchild’s name
  • Details of the trip, like the dates and destination
  • Names and signatures of both parents (if possible)

Make sure at least one parent or guardian signs the letter. If the parents are divorced, try to get both to sign.

Although it’s not required, having this letter can avoid problems at border controls or medical centres. It’s also helpful to bring a copy of your grandchild’s birth certificate and their medical records, including allergy and vaccination details.

For more advice, check out the NHS guide to children’s health while travelling.

Planning a child-friendly holiday

The secret to a great trip with your grandchildren is choosing places and activities that they’ll enjoy. Look for family-friendly resorts. Check that they’re easy to get around. And let the kids help plan the trip. It’s a fun way to get them excited.

Pack smartly, making sure you have snacks, spare clothes and any medicines they might need. Don’t forget toys, games and devices to keep them entertained. Remember they may need extra gadget cover. And keep travel days short and take breaks to avoid anyone getting too tired.

For tips on safe destinations, check the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Making the journey easier

Travelling with children takes a bit more patience and preparation. To make things easier:

  • Pack entertainment like books, toys, or devices to keep them busy
  • Encourage them to stretch or move around during flights to avoid restlessness
  • Plan a flexible schedule with time for breaks

And don’t forget to take care of yourself. Stay hydrated and well-rested. Happy grandparents make happy holidays.

Want more tips? Read our guide travelling with a baby or toddler

Key takeaways

Whether you’re planning a peaceful seniors’ trip or an adventure with your grandchildren, being prepared makes everything easier.

  • Get travel insurance: It helps protect you from big costs like medical bills, cancellations or lost items.
  • Share your health details: Always tell insurers about any health issues so your cover stays valid.
  • Need help finding insurance? Try specialist insurers or check the MaPS directory for options.
  • Travelling with grandchildren? Bring permission letters, their medical info and all the essentials.
  • Make it fun and easy: Pick child-friendly places, pack entertainment, take breaks and keep plans flexible for happy travels.

Plan your next trips with confidence

Common questions

  • Travel insurance for older people should include medical cover that fits their needs. This way, you can get help if you get hurt or sick while traveling.

    Other things usually covered by travel insurance are:

    • Cancellation and curtailment: If you have to cancel or cut short your trip
    • Loss of belongings: If your things get lost or stolen

    If you buy travel insurance when you book your holiday, you're covered from that moment. If you then need to cancel your trip before you leave because of bad traffic or getting sick, you may be able to make a claim.

    Some companies offer special travel insurance for older travellers. But regular travel insurance is often available for people in their 80s and might be cheaper. 

  • It might. Different insurance companies have different rules for covering older people. Here’s a simple breakdown: 

    • Over 60s: Most insurance companies offer regular policies for people over 60. It's a good idea to compare prices to find the best deal.
    • Over 70s: People over 70 may have to pay more for insurance. Or you might be limited on how long you can travel for at a time. 
    • Over 80s: Some companies stop offering insurance at this age. Others specialise in covering older travellers. Their policies might cost more and need extra health checks.

    No matter your age, always tell the insurance company about any health conditions you have. This helps them give you the right cover based on your needs

  • Whichever policy type you choose, check carefully to see how long you’re covered for on each trip. Since older people tend to go on longer holidays, it’s important to know if there are any trip limits.

    Travel insurers can set upper age limits depending on the kind of activity you want to do while away. For instance, you’re less likely to find ski cover than you are, say, cruise cover, if you’re in your 70s and 80s. That’s not to say it doesn’t exist; you just might need to find a specialist provider.

    The older you get, the more restrictions there may be on how long you can travel and stay covered for. While younger people may be able to get covered for up to a year, people in their 70s might be limited to 90 days, and those in their 80s to fewer days still.

    As an example, Post Office Travel Insurance has the following age limits:

    • Single-trip policies: if you’re up to and including 70, you can qualify for the longest possible trip of 365 days. If you’re between 71 and 75, the maximum length of your trip drops to 90 days. And if you are 76 or above, the longest trip you'd be covered for is 31 days
    • Multi-trip policies: the maximum age for our Economy, Standard and Premier level multi-trip policies is 75. Although you can take as many trips as you like within the policy year, there’s a maximum of 31 days duration for each individual trip. The limit can be extended to 45 or 60 days for an additional premium.

    This will differ between insurers, so it’s worth knowing what you can get covered for before you buy. 

  • If you’ll be travelling with a companion such as a friend, partner or family member, it’s important to check if they’ll be covered too. Many seniors travel insurance policies are just for individuals and a companion may need to take out their own cover. You may also need separate policies for younger passengers if you plan to travel with your grandchildren.

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  • Some policies allow this but it’s important to confirm with your insurer to make sure they’re fully covered. Alternatively, your grandchildren might be covered on a family policy bought by a parent or guardian. Compare any cover you or they already have with what you need, to identify if any more is needed.

  • Before you go

    • Ideally before you book, check with the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) to make sure your trip is safe and well-managed by a trusted firm
    • Take a copy of your medical notes, including your emergency numbers
    • Check with your doctor or on the NHS travel pages to see if you need any travel vaccinations or medication before you go
    • Make sure there’s no Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice against travel to your destination. If there is, travelling against it could invalidate your travel insurance
    • If you’re travelling to Europe, apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) to get free or discounted medical care. Getting travel insurance is still important, as it covers costs the cards don’t, like transporting you home to the UK if needed
    • Make sure your passport is still valid and apply for a new passport if you need to. Some countries like you to have at least six months left on your passport to allow you entry
    • Tell your bank about your travel plans so you can use your cards abroad. Some banks will stop your cards when they’re used abroad in an anti-fraud measure
    • When packing medicines, check what you can take on a plane. There are limits on liquids, which can include medication. Bring extra prescription medication with you in case of delays, and keep spares of any glasses or hearing aids in a separate bag in case you lose your normal set

    Read our pre-travel and packing checklists to make sure you don’t forget anything important. And find out how to pack a suitcase with everything you need and nothing you don’t.

    During your trip

    • Keep your hand luggage light and check your bags in at the airport to make getting around easier
    • On your flight, drink plenty of water and keep moving as often as you can
    • Try and book outside of the peak seasons. This will also help you find cheaper deals
    • Check your hotel for accessibility if you have difficulty getting around. Read the AgeUK advice on accessible holidays 
    • Make sure you know the address of a local doctor and pharmacy near to where you’re staying
  • Contact local medical services immediately and notify your insurer. Your policy may provide outpatient support or emergency medical assistance you can call on. 

    Carrying your grandchild’s medical records and insurance details will help ensure prompt care.
     

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