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Getting travel insurance for over 80s doesn't have to be difficult. You may have to pay a higher premium to get the cover you want, but shopping around can help to keep costs down. Let's take a look.
As you get older, it can get increasingly difficult, and, generally more expensive, to find travel insurance. The good news? There are a number of providers who specialise in travel insurance for over 80s.
Depending on the policy you choose, you can get cover for pre-existing medical conditions, high limits for overseas medical expenses and cover for your essential items such as hearing aids and prescription glasses.
| Brand | Conditions | Apply |
|---|---|---|
 | 1Cover provide cover regardless of age. However, anyone 80 years or over, cover is only available up to a maximum of 6 months per one journey. | More info |
 | Amex Travel insurance has various age limits:
| More info |
 | Budget Direct Travel Insurance is available to permanent residents of Australia, up to 100 years of age. | More info |
 | To buy a Columbus Direct policy you must be under 85 years of age at the date of issue of the insurance. | More info |
 | Available to travellers up to 89 years of age. | Get quote |
 | If you are aged 100 or under you may purchase your travel insurance from InsureandGo. | Get quote |
 | Tick Travel Insurance only provide online quotes for travellers under the age of 100. | Get quote |
 | Travel Insurance Saver is available to residents of Australia regardless of age. However, anyone 70 years or over is required to submit a medical declaration form. Note: Only available on the international comprehensive policy. | More info |
 | WorldCare Travel Insurance are unable to cover travellers who are aged 86 years and over at the date the policy is issued. | More info |
Pre-existing medical conditions can make it more difficult to get affordable travel insurance. A pre-existing medical condition is one of the following:
Some insurers exclude coverage for any pre-existing medical condition in people over 80 years of age. Others attach a higher excess to policies. While some insurers allow you to take out cover for certain pre-existing conditions, further medical testing may be required and the cover may only be offered up to a lower limit.
Speak to the insurer's medical examiner and disclose all existing or known conditions. While this may raise your premium, the cost of a potential hospital stay would largely outweigh this small expense. Without full disclosure, you may not be covered if your insurer finds out that you have not been completely honest.
Make sure any cover that you are offered on the phone or in person by a travel agent or salesperson is in the insurance policy's PDS. This will help you avoid a situation where your claim is denied even though your travel agent said you would be covered.
Be aware of age limits, limitations of coverage and wording in the PDS or you may run into trouble when making a claim. For instance, you may make a claim for a trip cancellation only to discover you will only be covered for up to $2,500 because of your age, while your cancellation costs amount to $4,000.
Travel insurance for over 80s is typically more expensive than it is for younger people, to reflect the added risk of illness and injury for older travellers. But that doesn't mean you can't find cheap travel insurance for over 80s.
Here are 5 things you can do to save money on travel insurance:
Important to know. It's worth remembering that the cheapest travel insurance may not be the best option for you. In fact, comprehensive cover may be more suitable as you get older.
Travel insurers also offer optional cover that you can add to your policy if you're willing to pay an extra premium, they include:
Compare quotes with optional extras
Learn more about travel insurance for seniors
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What is seniors travel insurance and why do I have to pay more than someone younger? What are pre-existing medical conditions and why won’t many insurers cover them? Find out the answers to these and other questions in this handy guide to travel insurance for over 65s.
Is there a travel insurance for people with cancer
Hi Monica,
Thanks for your question.
Yes, some insurance companies provide cover for cancer patients. You may compare these insurance brands on our page about travel insurance for cancer patients.
There’s a table on that page to help you compare your options. Once you have found the right one for you, you may then get in touch with your chosen provider to learn more about their exclusions or specific restrictions for customers who have pre-existing medical conditions.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Cheers,
Anndy
Iam going on a cruise for 13 days to vanuatu.as iam aged 88 and have a pacemaker and require travel insurance. how do i get a policy?
Hi Stephen,
Thanks for getting in touch.
You may find our travel insurance and pacemakers article helpful.
All the best,
Richard
I am 81 and my wife is 75. My wife has a pacemaker but no medication needed. I am in good health. We plan a trip to New Zealand in May 2017 from 3rd May until 21st May. What would be the cost of travel insurance?
Hi Edward,
You’ve come to finder.com.au and we are a comparison service, not an insurer. If you would like to compare quotes for travel insurance you can fill out your details into the form at the top of the page. Once you hit “get quote” you will be taken to a results page where you can compare a price estimate and policy features.
Note: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions you will need to inform your insurer. Depending on the insurer this may increase the cost of your policy.
I hope this helps,
Maurice
Can we get cover for cancellation for our cruise/trip in the event of a non-travelling parent – (90 yrs old with no serious pre-existing medical condition). Full payment of a substantial amount is required 60 days prior, therefore if they became seriously ill or died before we departed or during our 23 day trip to Can. /Alaska most policies would not pay a claim.
Hi Ken,
Thanks for your question. There may be providers willing to offer you cover but generally cancellation cover of this type is for relatives under the age of 85. Unfortunately, many insurers don’t have this information readily available, so you’ll need to contact the insurers you’re interested in and ask them specifically.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
I am over 80 years old with no pre existing health problems and require health cover only to travel to Europe and Morocco. I will be away for 79 days.
Hi Doreen,
Thanks for your question.
You may compare quotes from our travel insurance for over 80s by simply entering your travel details. Please make sure to read the eligibility criteria, features, and details of the policy, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statement of the policy before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you. If necessary, speak to the insurance brand to verify any details.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard