To be honest, getting travel insurance when you are over 80 is no longer a simple click-and-buy process. It is a hunt. Most mainstream insurers will flee the moment you enter a birth year in the early 1940s. But here is the reality: you can still get comprehensive cover without emptying your savings, provided you know which specialists to target and how to declare your medical history.
We at SeaFrance Holidays have seen premiums drop by 50% simply by switching from a “Big Brand” bank policy to a dedicated over-80s specialist like Staysure or Battleface. Don’t pay the “age tax” without a fight.
On my last inspection of the insurance market, I spoke with a couple in their late 80s planning a cruise from Southampton. Their bank wanted £800 for a fortnight’s cover. After following the Martin Lewis travel advice framework—specifically targeting “serious medical condition” specialists—they secured a policy for £210. That is the difference between an affordable holiday and staying at home.
Why Age 80 Changes the Insurance Game
The insurance industry views an 80th birthday as a statistical cliff edge. Actuaries see higher risks of falls, stroke, and slow recovery times. This is why many “standard” policies simply stop offering cover at 75 or 80. If you’ve followed Martin Lewis holiday advice, you’ll know that the “Free” insurance included with many premium bank accounts usually expires the day you turn 70 or 75.
If you are over 80, you are now in the “Specialist” market. This isn’t a bad thing. It just means you have to stop using generic comparison sites and start using brokers who understand that an 82-year-old with controlled high blood pressure is a better risk than a 25-year-old on a stag do in Magaluf.
The Cost of Delay
Waiting until the week before you fly to book insurance is a massive mistake. As Martin Lewis and travel insurance experts often scream from the rooftops: Buy your insurance the second you book your trip. If the airline goes bust or you fall ill three weeks before the flight, a policy bought today covers you. A policy bought next month does not.
| Age Group | Typical Annual Policy Cost | Key Restriction |
| 65 – 74 | £80 – £150 | Standard medical screening |
| 75 – 79 | £150 – £350 | Limited cruise cover options |
| 80 – 85 | £250 – £600 | Specialist brokers required |
| 85+ | £500+ | Usually single-trip cover only |
Martin Lewis Staysure and Battleface: Which is Best?
There is a lot of chatter about Martin Lewis Staysure recommendations. Staysure has built a massive reputation by leaning heavily into the “pre-existing medical condition” market. They are often the first port of call for seniors because their screening process is clinical but fair.
But there’s a catch. If you are heading somewhere slightly more adventurous or off the beaten track, Battleface insurance Martin Lewis mentions might be the better shout. Battleface is known for “unbundling” insurance. They don’t make you pay for things you don’t need, which can drive the price down for the over-80s who might already have certain protections elsewhere.
Expert Field Note: Always check the “Excess.” Many policies for over-80s look cheap because they have a £500 excess. If you have a minor claim, you end up paying for it yourself. Look for policies with a “Double Excess” waiver—it costs about £20 more but saves hundreds during a claim.
Managing Pre-Existing Conditions
This is the area where most over-80s get tripped up. The golden rule? Declare everything. That “minor” heart flutter you had in 1994? Declare it. The “preventative” medication you take for cholesterol? Declare it. If you fail to mention a condition and then have a related medical emergency in France or Spain, the insurer will use that omission to void your entire claim.
The GHIC/EHIC Safety Net
If you are traveling in Europe, your GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) is your best friend, but it is not a replacement for insurance. It won’t fly you home in a private air ambulance if you break your hip in the Alps. It only covers state-provided emergency care.
| Feature | GHIC Card | Over 80s Specialist Insurance |
| State Medical Care | Included | Included |
| Private Clinics | No | Yes |
| Repatriation (Flight Home) | No | Yes (Crucial) |
| Cancellation Cover | No | Yes |
Martin Lewis Ski Insurance for Seniors
Think skiing ends at 70? Think again. We’ve seen a surge in “Silver Skiers.” However, finding Martin Lewis ski insurance for the over-80s is the hardest task in the industry. Most winter sports add-ons stop at age 70 or 75.
If you are 81 and hitting the slopes in Méribel, you must look for “Active Senior” policies. Expect to pay a significant premium—often double the standard rate. The frustration of French motorway tolls is nothing compared to the paperwork of a ski injury claim, so ensure your “Off-Piste” cover is explicitly stated if you don’t plan on sticking to the blue runs.
Expert Field Note: Check the “Search and Rescue” limit. Many standard ski policies cap helicopter rescue at £5,000. In the French Alps, a single helicopter lift can easily exceed £10,000. Ensure your policy covers the full cost of mountain recovery.
How to Find the Best Travel Insurance Over 80
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Check your existing bank benefits: Even if they don’t cover you, they might offer a “top-up” or a discounted rate with a partner firm like AXA or Aviva.
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Use a medical-specialist comparison tool: Avoid the generic “meerkats.” Use sites like BIBA (British Insurance Brokers’ Association) to find brokers who specialize in high-age, high-risk policies.
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Prepare your medical list: Have the exact names of your medications and the dates of any surgeries ready before you start the quote.
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Compare Single Trip vs. Annual: For over-80s, an annual policy is often a bad deal unless you are traveling more than three times a year. Insurers charge a massive “buffer” for annual age-related risk.
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Check the Cruise Cover: If you are on a boat, you need specific “Cruise Cover.” This covers “Cabin Confinement” (if you get norovirus) and “Airlift to Shore” (if you have a heart attack at sea).
Martin Lewis Travel Insurance Refund Advice
The pandemic changed the rules on refunds. If your holiday is cancelled by the provider, they owe you money. But if you cancel because you are afraid of a new variant or simply don’t feel up to it, your insurance likely won’t pay out. Martin Lewis travel insurance refund advice consistently highlights the “Package Travel Regulations.” If you book a flight and hotel together, you have more protection than booking them separately.
FAQ: Travel Insurance Over 80 Common Sense Answers
Can I get travel insurance if I am 85 with heart problems?
Yes. You won’t get it from a high-street bank, but specialists like AllClear or Staysure specifically cater to this. You will pay more, but you can get covered.
Is Martin Lewis travel advice different for over-75s?
The advice remains the same: use “Total Cost” comparison, not just the premium. For over 75s, the martin lewis over 75 travel insurance tips emphasize checking for “Age Caps” on annual policies.
Why is Staysure so often mentioned?
Martin lewis staysure reviews often point to their robust medical screening. They are one of the few insurers that won’t automatically reject someone for having multiple chronic conditions.
Does travel insurance cover the GHIC excess?
Some policies will waive your excess if you use your GHIC card in a state hospital in Europe. This is a great way to save £50-£100 on a claim.
Can I get ski insurance at 82?
It is difficult but possible. You will need a specialist “Winter Sports” broker. Expect to be asked detailed questions about your fitness level and the specific resorts you are visiting.
What happens if I forget to declare a minor surgery?
If you make a claim, the insurer will request your medical records. If they find an undeclared surgery, they can legally refuse to pay the claim, even if the claim is for something completely unrelated like a lost suitcase.
Is Battleface insurance good for seniors?
Battleface insurance Martin Lewis discussions often center on their flexibility. They are excellent for travelers going to “high-risk” destinations where standard insurers won’t go.
How do I get a travel insurance refund if my flight is cancelled?
Your first port of call is the airline. Under UK261 regulations, they must refund you. Your insurance only kicks in for “non-refundable” costs like pre-booked tours or hotels.
Are annual policies worth it for over-80s?
The reality is… usually not. The price jumped from 79 to 80 on annual policies is staggering. It is almost always cheaper to buy three single-trip policies than one annual one at age 83.
What is the smell of the salt air got to do with insurance?
It’s a reminder of why we travel! But that sea air can be dangerous. Most over-80s claims come from trips and falls on wet decks or gangways. Ensure your policy has “Personal Accident” cover.
Should I use a broker or a website?
For over 80s, a broker is often better. They can “speak” to the underwriters to explain that your medical condition is stable, which a computer algorithm can’t understand.
Does Martin Lewis recommend specific insurers?
He generally recommends types of cover and “Best Buy” brands that consistently show up in his research, such as those found on the travel insurance for over 80 money-saving expert forums.
