Many UK Seniors Are Unaware of Travel Insurance That Doesn’t Look At Medical Conditions

Many people in their 60s and beyond are planning longer, more adventurous trips, yet confusion persists about policies that “don’t look at medical conditions.” In the UK market, any policy that skips questions about your health will almost always exclude claims related to pre-existing conditions. Understanding how screening, exclusions, and benefits work can help you pick cover that matches your trip and medical needs without unwelcome surprises.

Travel insurance for UK residents over 60

For travellers over 60, policies are widely available, but underwriting can be more detailed. Expect questions about your age, destination, trip length, and medical history. Some annual multi-trip plans have lower maximum trip durations for older age bands, and certain activities—like skiing or cruising—may require optional add-ons. A few providers cap new policies at specific ages (for example, 80 or 85), but many still offer single-trip cover for older travellers with appropriate screening and premiums aligned to risk.

It’s important to check how the policy treats existing conditions. If a policy says there’s “no medical screening,” that typically means those conditions won’t be covered for related claims. By contrast, when you answer a short set of health questions, the insurer can price the risk and, where accepted, extend cover to those declared conditions. Annual policies can be convenient if you travel frequently, but ensure each trip’s destination and length fall within the policy’s limits.

Understanding policy benefits and coverage

Core benefits often include emergency medical expenses and repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, baggage and personal belongings, travel delay or missed departure, and personal liability. Emergency medical and repatriation limits are among the most critical for older travellers, as costs abroad can escalate quickly. Look for clear definitions of “pre-existing conditions,” any stability requirements (for example, no recent hospitalisation), and whether your medications and routine check-ups affect your status.

Carefully read exclusions and conditions precedent to cover. Undeclared conditions are a common reason for declined claims. Policies may also set requirements such as travelling against official advice voiding cover, or needing proof of bookings for cancellation claims. If you’re visiting Europe, a GHIC/EHIC can help with state-provided care but is not a substitute for insurance; it won’t cover private treatment or medical repatriation. Check whether COVID-19 disruption is included, excluded, or restricted to medical expenses only, as wordings still vary.

Managing medical conditions

“Managing medical conditions” in travel insurance usually comes down to accurate disclosure and evidence. Expect brief screening questions about diagnoses, recent changes in medication, hospital visits, and referrals. If your condition is accepted, the insurer may apply an additional premium or specific terms. If a policy does not ask about your health, assume that claims linked to those conditions, symptoms, or related complications will be excluded. This is the trade-off behind the idea that a policy “doesn’t look at medical conditions.”

Before buying, confirm whether your condition must be “stable” for a set period and whether you need a doctor’s confirmation that you’re fit to travel. Keep records handy: medication lists, summaries of care, and emergency contacts. Know the process for contacting the 24/7 assistance line if you fall ill abroad—many policies require you to call them before arranging treatment, except in true emergencies. Finally, review cancellation cover tied to your health or that of close relatives, as definitions and evidence requirements can differ.

A practical takeaway for UK readers is that there’s rarely a shortcut: either you disclose and seek cover for your conditions, or you accept exclusions for anything connected to them. Over-60s can still find comprehensive protection by focusing on adequate medical and repatriation limits, honest screening, and policy terms that fit the specifics of the trip, destination, and planned activities. Taking time to match the wording to your circumstances reduces the risk of gaps when you most need support.