Finding travel insurance for over 85s can take more research, but turning 85 does not automatically mean you cannot get cover. Many older travellers can still explore their options, although eligibility, premiums, medical screening and policy benefits vary between insurers.
Whether you are planning a cruise, visiting family overseas or taking a relaxing holiday, the right policy should match your age, health, destination and travel plans.
This guide explains how to find travel insurance at 85 or older, what affects the cost, how pre-existing medical conditions are assessed and what to check before buying a policy in Australia, Ireland, the UK or the USA.
Important: Travel insurance is usually arranged according to your country of residence, not simply the country you are visiting. Always check that the insurer accepts residents of your country.
For more general guidance on age-related cover, read our guide to travel insurance for over 80s
Can You Get Travel Insurance at 85 or Older?
Yes, it may be possible to get travel insurance at age 85 or older. However, not every insurer offers cover to every age group, and restrictions can differ between individual policies.
Some insurers have maximum entry ages, while others may accept older travellers but limit particular benefits, destinations or trip durations. Medical conditions may also affect eligibility and the price of a policy.
When looking for cover, check:
- Whether the insurer accepts travellers aged 85 and above.
- Whether the policy covers your entire trip.
- Whether your destination is included.
- Whether pre-existing medical conditions can be covered.
- Whether any benefits have age-related restrictions.
- Whether you need to complete a medical screening questionnaire.
If one insurer cannot offer suitable cover, consider comparing other providers or contacting a specialist travel insurance broker.
Do not assume that a policy covers every medical condition or travel-related problem simply because your application has been accepted. Read the policy wording before purchasing.
How Much Does Travel Insurance for Over 85s Cost?
There is no single price for travel insurance for over 85s. Your premium will depend on your personal circumstances, destination and the level of protection you choose.
Insurers may consider several factors when calculating a quote.
Age and medical history
Age can affect the premium, and insurers may ask detailed questions about your health. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, the insurer may require additional screening or charge an additional premium.
Destination and trip duration
A short trip to a nearby destination may cost less to insure than a lengthy holiday in a country where emergency medical treatment is expensive. Your itinerary and the length of your stay can affect the quote.
Medical expenses and cancellation cover
Policies with higher benefit limits or broader cancellation protection may cost more. Check the actual benefits rather than choosing the cheapest option automatically.
Single-trip versus annual cover
Single-trip insurance covers a specified journey. Annual multi-trip insurance can cover multiple journeys during a defined period, subject to the policy’s limits and conditions.
For travellers over 85, annual policies may have different eligibility requirements from single-trip policies. Compare both types if you travel regularly, but check the maximum duration allowed for each trip.
How to compare prices
Request quotes using the same travel dates, destination, medical information and approximate level of cover. This makes it easier to compare like-for-like policies.
Do not rely on a general online price estimate as a guaranteed quote. The actual premium may only be available after you provide your details to an insurer.
To explore how age, medical history and trip duration may affect an estimated premium, try our travel insurance cost calculator.
Can You Get Travel Insurance With Pre-Existing Medical Conditions?
Having a pre-existing medical condition does not automatically mean you cannot obtain travel insurance. However, insurers have different screening requirements, exclusions and eligibility rules.
Depending on the condition and policy, an insurer may offer cover, charge an additional premium, exclude certain medical risks or decline the application.
Common conditions that may require disclosure or medical screening include:
- Heart disease and previous heart problems.
- Diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- Cancer, including previous cancer diagnoses.
- Asthma and other respiratory conditions.
- Arthritis and mobility-related conditions.
- Previous strokes or other significant medical events.
The list is not exhaustive. Your insurer’s definition of a pre-existing medical condition and the questions it asks will determine what information you need to provide.
For more detailed guidance on medical screening and policy exclusions, read our guide to travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions.
What if you are waiting for test results?
Tell the insurer about relevant symptoms, investigations, pending tests or treatment when asked during the application process. Do not assume that an undiagnosed condition is irrelevant simply because a doctor has not confirmed a diagnosis.
If you already have a policy and your health changes before departure, check whether you must notify your insurer.
For additional guidance, see the UK MoneyHelper guide to travel insurance with medical conditions.
Before buying, ask the insurer to confirm whether your declared condition is covered and whether any exclusions or special terms apply.
Travel Insurance for Over 85s in Australia
If you live in Australia and are aged 85 or older, compare policies designed for your circumstances and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
Australian insurers can have different age limits, medical screening requirements and restrictions on particular benefits. A policy that accepts an older traveller may still impose conditions on trip duration, medical cover or other benefits.
Before purchasing, check:
- The maximum age for your chosen policy.
- Whether pre-existing conditions can be covered.
- Emergency medical expenses and medical evacuation benefits.
- Cancellation limits and excess amounts.
- Whether cruises and planned activities are covered.
- Whether the policy covers your complete itinerary.
The Australian Government’s Smartraveller travel insurance guidance explains what Australians should consider when selecting insurance.
Read the insurer’s current PDS and obtain a personalised quote. Do not assume that a policy available to one Australian traveller will be suitable for everyone over 85.
Travel Insurance for Over 85s in Ireland
If you are an Irish resident aged 85 or older, look for policies that explicitly accept your age and travel circumstances.
Insurers may apply different age limits to single-trip and annual multi-trip policies. Medical conditions, destination and trip duration may also affect eligibility and the premium.
When comparing policies, check:
- Whether the insurer accepts applicants aged 85 or older.
- Whether medical conditions must be declared and screened.
- The limits for emergency medical expenses and repatriation.
- Cancellation, curtailment and baggage benefits.
- Any age-related restrictions, exclusions or excesses.
The Irish Competition and Consumer Protection Commission provides useful guidance on travel insurance and policy exclusions.
If a standard policy does not meet your needs, consider asking an insurer or broker about specialist options. Confirm the full policy terms before making a purchase.
Travel Insurance for Over 85s in the UK
For UK residents aged 85 or older, travel insurance may be available through mainstream or specialist providers, depending on individual eligibility and policy conditions.
Some older travellers may need to compare more policies or complete medical screening before finding suitable cover. The important thing is to check the terms of each policy rather than assuming all insurers apply the same age limit.
Look carefully at:
- Age eligibility for the specific policy.
- Cover for declared pre-existing medical conditions.
- Emergency medical treatment and repatriation.
- Cancellation and cutting your trip short.
- Maximum trip duration and destination restrictions.
- Policy excesses, benefit limits and exclusions.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office recommends arranging appropriate travel insurance before travelling and checking cover for existing medical conditions, including conditions under investigation.
Read the official FCDO foreign travel insurance guidance.
If you cannot find suitable cover through a mainstream insurer, you can explore specialist providers or use the guidance and directory available through MoneyHelper.
Travel Insurance for Over 85s in the USA
If you live in the United States and are aged 85 or older, compare policies that accept your age and meet your international travel needs.
Do not assume that ordinary US health insurance will cover medical treatment overseas. The US Department of State advises travellers to investigate their medical coverage and consider travel health insurance and medical evacuation protection where appropriate.
Before purchasing a policy, check:
- The maximum age accepted by the insurer.
- Whether overseas emergency medical expenses are covered.
- Whether medical evacuation and transportation are included.
- Whether pre-existing conditions are covered or excluded.
- Whether trip cancellation and interruption benefits meet your needs.
- Whether your destination and full travel dates are covered.
Read the US Department of State’s travel insurance guidance and confirm the terms directly with the insurer.
Medicare and other health plans have specific coverage rules, so do not assume they will pay for medical care overseas. Check your own plan before departure.
What Does Travel Insurance for Over 85s Cover?
The benefits included in a policy depend on the insurer, plan and options selected. Travel insurance does not automatically cover every event.
Emergency medical expenses
This may cover eligible medical treatment if you become ill or are injured during your trip. Check the benefit limit and any exclusions relating to pre-existing conditions.
Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
Some policies cover eligible emergency transport to an appropriate medical facility or arrangements to return home when medically necessary. Confirm the conditions, limits and approval requirements.
Trip cancellation
Cancellation cover may reimburse eligible prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if you cancel for a reason specified in the policy. Not every reason for cancelling is covered.
Cutting your trip short
Some policies provide cover for eligible additional travel expenses or unused arrangements if an insured event forces you to return home early.
Lost, stolen or damaged belongings
Depending on the policy, you may receive cover for eligible baggage and personal belongings, subject to item limits, exclusions and the excess.
Travel delays and missed departures
Some policies offer benefits for qualifying delays or missed departures, but these benefits have specific conditions. Check what caused the disruption, what evidence is required and which expenses are eligible.
Always check the policy’s benefits table and exclusions before relying on any of these protections.
How to Choose the Right Policy at Age 85 or Older
A low premium does not necessarily mean a policy offers the best protection for your trip. Use the following checklist to compare your options.
1. Confirm the age limit
Check the eligibility rules for the exact policy you intend to buy. Some insurers apply different age restrictions to different plans or benefits.
2. Declare your medical conditions accurately
Complete the insurer’s medical screening honestly. Ask for clarification if you are uncertain whether a condition, symptom or pending investigation needs to be disclosed.
3. Check emergency medical cover
Review the medical expenses limit, emergency assistance arrangements, evacuation benefits and any exclusions that could affect you.
4. Compare cancellation protection
Check the cancellation and trip interruption limits against the non-refundable costs of your holiday. Make sure you understand which events qualify for a claim.
5. Review the excess and exclusions
The excess is the amount you may have to pay towards an eligible claim. Read the exclusions carefully and check whether you could comfortably afford the excess.
6. Match the policy to your destination
Confirm that every destination on your itinerary is covered, including any relevant stopovers. If you are going on a cruise or taking part in specific activities, check whether additional cover is required.
7. Buy at the appropriate time
Consider arranging travel insurance soon after booking your trip, so you can benefit from any applicable cancellation protection before departure. The cover only applies according to the policy’s terms, start date and exclusions.
What If You Cannot Find Travel Insurance at Age 85?
If one insurer declines your application, that does not necessarily mean every insurer will do the same.
Try the following steps:
- Compare policies from other insurers that accept your age group.
- Ask whether a specialist travel insurance provider can assess your circumstances.
- Consider contacting an insurance broker for help finding suitable options.
- Check whether a single-trip policy is more appropriate than an annual policy.
- Ask about the specific medical or eligibility requirements that prevent an insurer from offering cover.
Do not hide medical information or give inaccurate answers to obtain a policy. If an insurer cannot provide suitable cover, seek another legitimate option and discuss any medical concerns with your healthcare professional before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an 85-year-old get travel insurance?
Yes, it may be possible. Eligibility depends on the insurer, country of residence, medical history, destination and policy terms. Check the age limit for the exact plan before purchasing.
Is travel insurance more expensive after age 85?
It can be, because insurers may consider age, medical history and other risk factors when calculating premiums. The actual cost varies, so compare personalised quotes rather than relying on a general estimate.
Can I get travel insurance if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
Potentially, yes. Some insurers offer cover for declared medical conditions, while others may apply additional premiums, exclusions or eligibility restrictions. Complete the medical screening and confirm the cover in writing.
Is annual travel insurance suitable for someone over 85?
It depends on the insurer and your travel plans. Check age restrictions, the maximum duration of each trip, the number of trips permitted and whether the policy covers your destinations and medical needs.
Does travel insurance for over 85s cover cruises?
Some policies cover cruises, but others require a specific cruise add-on or separate policy. Check emergency medical assistance, evacuation arrangements, missed port departures and any cruise-related exclusions before booking.
Can I travel without insurance if I have a health card?
Do not assume a public healthcare card or reciprocal healthcare arrangement replaces travel insurance. Such arrangements may cover only certain healthcare costs and usually do not provide all the benefits of a travel insurance policy.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Consider buying it as soon as you book your trip. This may provide cancellation protection before departure if the policy includes it and the circumstances meet its terms. Check the policy start date and exclusions.
Final Thoughts
Finding travel insurance for over 85s may take extra research, but comparing policies carefully can help you identify options suited to your circumstances.
Start by confirming the insurer accepts your age and country of residence. Then compare medical cover, cancellation protection, exclusions, excesses and the requirements for declaring existing medical conditions.
Do not choose a policy based on price alone. Read the full policy wording and ask the insurer to clarify any uncertainty before purchasing.
The right policy is one that fits your health, destination and travel plans, with clear terms you understand before you leave home.
Conclusion
Finding the right travel insurance for over 85s takes careful research, but age alone does not necessarily mean you cannot get cover. By comparing suitable policies, checking medical conditions, and understanding exclusions and benefit limits, you can make a more informed decision before your trip.
Whether you live in Australia, Ireland, the UK or the USA, always choose a policy designed for your country of residence and travel needs. Compare personalised quotes, read the full policy wording and confirm that your destination, medical requirements and planned activities are covered.
Before you travel, take the time to check your cover carefully so you can travel with greater confidence and peace of mind.
About the Author
Rahib Naqvi researches and writes about travel insurance for UK and international travellers, focusing on older travellers, pre-existing medical conditions and policy comparison. This website provides general educational information and does not sell insurance or provide personalised financial or medical advice. Policy terms and eligibility can change, so readers should confirm current information directly with the insurer before buying.
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