Consumer Corner: Can those aged over 80 get travel insurance?

On the good news front, insurance companies are becoming more aware that they need to provide policies and there is more competition starting to come into this market here

Be aware that an insurer may also only cover trips of a specific duration

Travel insurance can be a nice reassurance to have for anyone making a trip abroad. However, for those over the age of 65, securing travel insurance can prove to be tricky. It can prove even harder again for anyone over the age of 80.

Many insurance companies will place obstacles in front of people over a certain age who are in need of travel insurance. Some have described the process of trying to secure travel insurance over the age of 80 as a ‘nightmare’ and a ‘minefield’. Experts also say that it seems to be much easier for older people to secure travel insurance in the UK compared to Ireland.

On the good news front, however, insurance companies are becoming more aware that they need to provide policies to people over the age of 80 and there is more competition starting to come into this market here. That said, many people may still be faced with higher premiums as they get older. One of the most significant things to be aware of too is watching out for terms and conditions on policies and being fully aware of what is covered and what is not.

For anyone over the age of 65 who secures travel insurance, Paul Walsh of Peopl Insurance says that they should check if there are any restrictions to the cover provided in their policy. For example, he says that you may not be covered for any medical conditions you had in advance of buying the policy.

“As some standard travel insurance policies only cover people up to the age of 65, it’s also important to check the age limit on the policy.”

He also says that the older someone gets, the more likely they could face geographic limits so be sure to check with your provider.

“Be aware that an insurer may also only cover trips of a specific duration so if you’re planning a holiday for longer than a month this could impact you. Finally, it would be worth checking if there are any restrictions around the activities that you are covered to partake in.”

Mr Walsh says that it is, however, possible to secure holiday insurance up to any age in Ireland. He says, for example, Peopl Insurance along with the credit union sector created a holiday insurance plan with no upper limit.

“Insurers generally modify three aspects of their main travel policy to support holiday makers of more senior years. Firstly, the cost is higher, some levels and or geographical areas of cover are restricted, and lastly, most will seek an understanding of the policyholder’s prior medical condition but now in 2024, cover is available regardless of age.”

Commercial director with Switcher.ie, Eoin Clarke, backs this up saying that as you get older finding the right cover for your holiday can be tricky and expensive.

“This is because as we age, we’re more likely to need expensive medical care whilst on holiday, so some insurers don’t want to take on the extra risk.”

He does point out, though, that there are insurance companies in Ireland which do offer travel insurance for those over the age of 80. He also points out that having private health insurance will help as some insurers only offer cover if you have private medical care in place, meaning you’ll have more choices and may get cheaper quotes.

“Some insurers also offer a discount on your travel insurance quote if you already have private health cover.”

He advises anyone looking for travel insurance in their older age to firstly decide what you need the travel insurance to include and what cover you can do without.

“Once you know this, get as many quotes from different insurers as possible. While the choice may be more limited, shopping around could still help you save, especially because travel insurance is more expensive when you’re older.”

Mr Walsh offers some good news to those looking to travel in their older age and says that as more new and socially-charged insurers enter the market we will find broader and more inclusive cover available. He does say that it’s important to shop around.

John Lowe of The Money Doctor also says that key for anyone over the age of 65 looking for travel insurance is to shop around. He says that you may be hit with excess reductions and also ineligible sections of the policy which he says can be frustrating and time consuming, but he says that his advice is to persist as the money is better in your pocket than that of the insurance company.

There is the option of the European Health Insurance Card for travelling within the EU or EEA. This is free and will allow people access emergency hospital services in the EU. More information is available on the HSE website. For anyone with private health insurance, there may be aspects of the policy that cover travel also, especially for those over the age of 80 so it would be worth checking that out also.