Travel insurance for older holidaymakers: Understanding age limits

Travel dreams don’t have an expiration date. Whether you are planning a weekend break in Cork or a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Canaries, getting older should not stop you from seeing the world.

That said, it is common for people to have more questions to consider when planning a trip later in life. Practical concerns around health, uncertainty about insurance terminology, or questions about eligibility for cover can sometimes make booking a holiday feel more complicated.

The good news? With a bit of preparation and the right support, you can travel with greater clarity, especially once you have checked your cover in the Policy Wording.

Why we worry about travel as we age

For many older holidaymakers, one of the biggest and most frustrating barriers is age restrictions. You might have found a great policy in the past, only to discover that it is no longer available once you reach a certain age. Others worry they will automatically be declined before they even start the quote process.

These concerns are understandable. Age limits and exclusions are common across the travel insurance industry, and they can make planning a holiday feel discouraging or even pointless.

Alongside age restrictions, other common worries often include:

• Health concerns – What happens if you need a doctor or hospital care while you are away?
• The fear of “no” – Worrying that insurers will decline cover simply because of your age or medical history.
• Confusion – Feeling overwhelmed by complex forms, medical questions, and insurance terminology.
• Cost – Assuming that quality cover is out of reach once you pass a certain age.

We believe age alone does not need to be a barrier to travelling, with the right preparation and support. Our focus is on helping older holidaymakers understand their options, particularly where cover can feel harder to find.

Making sense of travel insurance as you get older

The travel insurance world can feel like a maze, particularly for older holidaymakers who keep running into age limits. While some insurers set strict upper age restrictions, we take a more inclusive approach.

We have over 20 years of experience, since 2003, helping Irish holidaymakers find suitable cover, including those who may have struggled elsewhere. While many travel insurance policies apply upper age limits, we do not apply an overall upper age limit to our standard travel insurance policies. Eligibility is based on medical screening and the terms set out in the Policy Wording.

Here is what realistically changes with travel insurance as you age:

• Age limits – Some policies stop at a certain age, which can be disheartening. This is why it is important to look for providers that specialise in covering older holidaymakers.
• Premiums – Prices can increase gradually over time, similar to car insurance. This is standard across the industry.
• Medical screening – You will usually be asked a few questions about your health, regardless of your age.
• Policy availability – While options may narrow slightly, suitable cover is often still available with the right provider.

Above all, honesty is your best protection. Being upfront about your health helps ensure your policy works when you need it most. We are always clear about what is covered and what is not, so there are no nasty surprises.

Travel insurance if you have a medical condition

Having a medical condition does not automatically mean you cannot get travel insurance. What matters most is that any medical conditions are declared during the quote process and accepted by us in writing.

We can consider cover for over 1,300 pre-existing medical conditions, subject to medical screening and the terms, conditions, and exclusions set out in the Policy Wording.

Here are a few important points to be aware of:

• You must declare all relevant medical conditions: This includes any condition for which you have taken prescribed medication, received treatment, or medical advice in the last two years.

• Only declared and accepted conditions are covered: We can only cover claims linked to medical conditions that you disclosed and that we accepted in writing.

• Undiagnosed conditions are not covered: If a condition has not been diagnosed at the time you take out the policy, it cannot be covered.

• Changes in health must be reported: If you develop a new condition, experience a change to an existing condition, or have a change in medication before you travel, you must let us know. We may need to review or update your cover.

• Travelling against medical advice is not covered: You must be fit to travel and not travelling against the advice of a medical practitioner.

In some circumstances, we may ask for confirmation from your GP or medical practitioner that your condition has not changed and that you are fit to travel.

Taking a few minutes to complete the medical screening accurately helps make sure your cover works as expected if you need to make a claim.

Does private medical insurance cover you abroad?

Many Irish holidaymakers assume their private medical insurance (PMI) will automatically cover them if they become ill or injured while abroad. While some PMI policies may offer limited overseas benefits, it is important to understand that private medical insurance is not designed to replace travel insurance.

In most cases, PMI focuses on treatment in Ireland and may not cover:

• Emergency repatriation back to Ireland
• Medical evacuation or air ambulance costs
• Trip cancellation or curtailment
• Lost, stolen, or delayed luggage and personal belongings

Even where overseas treatment is included, holidaymakers are often required to pay medical costs upfront and claim them back later. Travel insurance is designed specifically for these situations. It provides access to emergency assistance services and support when you need help navigating healthcare systems abroad.

Some holidaymakers also rely on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). While the EHIC can help you access state-provided healthcare in EU and EEA countries, it does not cover private treatment, repatriation, or non-medical travel issues. It is best viewed as a helpful backup, not a substitute for travel insurance.

Always check both your health insurance policy and your travel insurance Policy Wording before you travel, so you know exactly where you stand.

Building confidence for your next trip

With experience comes wisdom, and that applies to travel, too. Feeling prepared often comes down to good planning. When the practical details are taken care of early, you can focus on enjoying the journey instead of worrying about the “what ifs”.

Here are some simple ways you can travel smart:

• Get a quote early: You do not need to leave insurance until the last minute. Once your trip is booked, you can buy cover online in minutes.

• Understand what is included: We offer up to unlimited medical expenses and repatriation cover, subject to policy caveats. Full details, including limits and exclusions, are outlined in the Policy Wording.

• Check your cancellation cover: We provide up to €10,000 cancellation cover for certain reasons outside the traveller’s control, as set out in the Policy Wording. This can protect you financially if plans change.

• Take us with you: Save our 24/7 emergency medical helpline number in your phone so help is always close at hand.

You are not on your own

If you feel anxious about getting travel insurance, you are far from alone. Travelling later in life often comes with more practical considerations, but it does not need to limit your plans. Understanding how age limits work, knowing when medical conditions need to be declared, and checking what different types of cover are designed to do can all help make travel decisions clearer.

Taking time to read the Policy Wording and ask questions early. Sorting out your insurance as soon as your trip is booked can also remove a lot of uncertainty later on. It also means you are less likely to run into issues with eligibility or cover when you are close to departure.

Travel insurance should support your plans, not complicate them. With the right information in place, you can focus on choosing where to go next. Enjoy the experience of travelling, whatever your age.