What is travel insurance for over 85s?
Over 85s holiday insurance is a policy designed for senior travellers who still enjoy getting away. From lost luggage to medical hiccups, it offers cover for the unexpected. It means you’re not left picking up the bill if things don’t go to plan.
Whether you’re heading off for a quiet coastal break or joining loved ones abroad, travel insurance for the over 85s will support your journey. And, with cover for over 1,300 medical conditions, it can help you relax and focus on the moments that matter.
Why do you need over 85s travel insurance?
Travel is one of life’s great joys at any age. But when you’re over 85, having the right travel insurance is essential. Here’s why it belongs at the top of your holiday to-do list.
- Health needs change with age. As we get older, the chances of needing medical care abroad naturally rise. Research from Trinity College Dublin shows that having multiple health conditions is common among those over 85. Simply declare your conditions with us. We can make sure you're properly covered while you’re away.
- Accidents happen. Unfamiliar paths and uneven terrain can make travel trickier. Medical repatriation from Spain to Ireland after a serious injury, like a broken leg, can cost upwards of €29,000. Our over 85s holiday insurance includes cover for slips, sprains and falls. And with our 24/7 medical emergency helpline, help is always just a phone call away.
- Travel can be full of surprises. It's easy to misplace things when we’re away from home. Unfamiliar surroundings and busy public transport all add to the challenge. It’s why our over 85s travel insurance includes cover for lost or stolen belongings.
What does JustCover’s over 85s travel insurance cover?
The best holiday travel insurance for the over 85s lets you travel stress-free. For full details of what is and isn’t included, read our Policy Wording.
What's covered
Emergency medical expenses – Covers treatment, tests and medication for illness or injury abroad. Includes repatriation to bring you home.
Cancellation – Unexpected event changed your travel plans? Your flight and accommodation costs are covered.
Curtailment – Protection if you need to cut your trip short due to an emergency.
Travel delay – Compensation for delays that affect your journey.
Personal belongings – Cover for lost or stolen baggage and its contents.
Personal liability – Covers legal costs if you injure someone or damage property.
Legal protection – Assistance with legal expenses if you need to claim damages while travelling.
What's not covered
Claims below the excess – Any claim must exceed your chosen excess amount.
Trips outside your cover region – Your policy must match the destination you’re travelling to.
Known events – Situations you knew about before booking aren’t covered.
Undeclared medical conditions – You must tell us all your pre-existing conditions when buying your policy.
Voluntary cancellation – You won’t be covered if you simply decide not to travel.
Over 85s travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
Living with a medical condition in your 80s is more common than not. But that shouldn’t mean giving up on travel. At JustCover, we specialise in making holidays possible for senior travellers with health concerns. We cover over 1,300 medical conditions, with no upper age limit.
Whether you’re managing diabetes, recovering from a stroke, or living with arthritis, we’re here to help you travel safely and comfortably. Simply complete our medical questionnaire online, or give us a call if you’d prefer to talk it through. We’re always happy to help.
Here are just a few of the conditions we cover:
Why is it so important to declare pre-existing conditions?
Declaring your pre-existing conditions is the key to making sure your travel insurance policy truly protects you. It means your policy can cover any health-related issues that might crop up during your trip. If you don’t tell us about a condition, however well-managed, your claim may be refused. It’s always best to be upfront so we can help protect your trip.
It’s quick and straightforward to do. And you’ll know you’re properly covered from the moment you set off.
Choose the right level of cover
We offer different levels of cover to make your Travel Insurance as cost-effective as possible.
Black
Gold
Silver
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Find the best over 85s travel insurance
Taking a one-off trip? Got the travel bug? Our over 85s holiday insurance fits the way you like to travel.
Planning one special escape this year? Our single trip cover is simple to set up and stays with you every step of the way.
Annual multi-trip travel insurance
Got a year of adventures ahead? Our annual policy means you're protected for every journey. Just pack your bags and go.
Why choose JustCover for your over 85s travel insurance?
If you’re over 85, finding the right travel insurance can feel daunting. But JustCover makes it easy. No waffle. No jargon. Just reliable cover that lets you focus on the fun.
We specialise in travel insurance for over 85s with medical conditions. There’s no upper age limit, and we can cover over 1,300 pre-existing health concerns. Whether it’s a relaxing cruise or a family reunion, we’re here to help you travel smarter, with:
- Up to unlimited cover for emergency medical expenses and repatriation
- Plus, up to €10,000 cancellation cover²
- 98% of our customers rate us as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Great’³
- Our 24/7 emergency medical helpline is there when you need it
Specialist travel insurance for over 85s
Whether you're teeing off, setting sail, or travelling with the whole crew, our flexible add-ons will fit your plans perfectly.
Protect your gear and your game. We’ll cover your clubs if they’re lost, stolen or damaged. We can even reimburse non-refundable green fees if your plans take a turn.
Travel insurance with medical conditions
Our tailored cover includes emergency medical costs, so you can travel without worry.
One simple policy for the whole gang. We make it easy to get everyone covered, from toddlers to grandparents.
Get on board with extra protection for cabin confinement, cruise interruption, itinerary changes and more.
Destinations covered by travel insurance for over 85s
Amazing holidays don’t have an age limit, and neither does our cover. Wherever you’re headed, we’ll be right there with you.
Easy, dependable cover for holidays closer to home. Great for exploring favourites like Greece, Spain, Italy – or anywhere within the EU.
Going the extra mile? This option is ideal for far-flung destinations. Places like Australia, New Zealand or the USA.
How much does travel insurance for over 85s cost?
There’s no fixed price, but rest assured: you can get cover that suits your needs and budget. Several factors can influence the price of your policy:
- Destination. Travel to countries with higher healthcare costs (like the USA) may increase premiums.
- Trip duration. Longer holidays typically cost more to insure.
- Type of policy. Single trip cover is usually cheaper upfront. But annual multi-trip policies offer better value if you travel often.
- Pre-existing medical conditions. Declaring your health conditions is essential, but it can affect the cost.
- Optional extras. Add-ons like cruise cover or golf insurance will also impact the price.
Why is travel insurance more expensive for people over 85?
As we age, our health needs naturally change – and that can affect the cost of travel insurance. But while premiums may be higher, they reflect the added protection senior travellers deserve.
There’s a higher likelihood of needing medical care abroad. The cost of premiums is based on risk and the likelihood of you making a claim. Older travellers are statistically more likely to need medical care, which increases the cost of cover.
Healthcare costs vary by country. Some destinations have high medical costs. A simple ambulance ride in the US can cost over €1,000, while a three-day hospital stay can cost $30,000.
The good news? Specialist providers like JustCover offer tailored policies with no upper age limit and cover for over 1,300 medical conditions. So while the cost may be higher, knowing you have reliable, comprehensive protection is priceless. You know you’re protected wherever you go.
A simple 3-step process to book your over 85s travel insurance
Get your quote in seconds
You will only need to tell us some information about yourself and your holiday plans
Select and tailor your cover
Now all you need to do is to choose the level of cover that best suits your needs
Buy your cover and relax
Purchase your cover and you’re ready to go – we’ll take care of the rest!
Expert travel insurance recommendations from our team
"At 85 and beyond, life still has places to take you. We don’t believe in age limits, especially when it comes to adventure. Our travel insurance is designed to support your journey. Take us with you, and nothing will stand between you and the experiences you deserve"
Peter Clark - JustCover Director
What our customers say
“The assistant was very helpful and friendly and the whole experience took only about five minutes to obtain holiday insurance for a very good price. I am 88 years old and found that several other insurance companies do not accept older applicants. I would certainly use JustCover again.”
see full reviewTips for travelling when over 85 years old
Travelling at 85 and beyond is absolutely possible. With a little planning, you can enjoy your trip comfortably and safely.
- Speak to your GP before you go. Had recent changes to your health, or take regular medication? A quick check-in can help you prepare and make sure your travel insurance is accurate.
- Choose travel times that suit your energy levels. Mid-morning or early evening flights are often easier than early starts or overnight journeys.
- Book accessible accommodation. Many hotels and B&Bs worldwide now offer senior-friendly features. Look for options with lifts, walk-in showers and ground-floor rooms.
- Consider travelling with a companion. Whether it’s a carer or a family member, having someone with you can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable. Our group and family policies can cover everyone under one policy. Less paperwork. Less fuss. You don’t even need to live at the same address.
- Take your time. Opt for slower-paced itineraries that allow for rest and flexibility.
- Keep key documents handy. Bring your travel insurance details, EHIC, medication list and emergency contacts with you, just in case.
Frequently asked questions about over 85s travel insurance
Are there age limits for travel insurance?
Not with JustCover. We don’t set an upper age limit on our travel insurance. So whether you’re 85 or older, we’ll find you cover that suits your needs. The only exception is our winter sports add-on, which has an upper age limit of 65. Other than that, we’re here to support travellers of all ages.
Are there limits on the length of trips for the over 85s?
All our insurance policies have trip limits. But these apply to everyone, not just those aged over 85. Our annual multi-trip policies let you travel as often as you like within a year, but each individual trip has a set duration. Silver and Gold plans cover trips up to 45 days, while our Black policy extends that to 55 days per trip.
Prefer to stay away longer? Our single trip travel insurance lets you travel for up to 365 days, regardless of age. So whether it’s a short city break or an extended escape, our options will fit your plans, without age getting in the way.
Can you include a carer on your policy?
Yes, you can. The easiest way is to choose group travel insurance, which covers both you and your carer under one policy. It means if your carer becomes unwell and you need to cancel or cut your trip short, you’re both protected.
It’s often more cost-effective than buying separate policies. It makes claiming easier, too, with less paperwork. There’s no upper age limit, and you don’t need to live at the same address. Just ask for group cover when you get your quote. We’ll take care of the rest.
Should you consult your GP before travelling?
If you’re over 85 and managing a long-term condition, a quick chat with your GP can be helpful. From medication plans to destination-specific advice, they’ll be able to tell you whether you’re fit for the travel you have planned.
Having a full picture of your health can help you give accurate details when arranging your travel insurance. If a condition isn’t declared and something happens on your trip, your cover might not apply.
Do you need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as well as insurance?
Heading to Europe? It’s wise to have both an EHIC and travel insurance. The European Health Insurance Card gives Irish citizens access to public healthcare in EU countries, often at reduced cost or for free. But it has its limits. It won’t cover private treatment, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. It won’t cover the cost of getting you home if you’re seriously ill.
That’s where travel insurance comes in. It fills the gaps, offering protection for medical emergencies, delays, theft and more. Having both means you’re covered from all angles. If something unexpected happens, you won’t be left navigating it alone.
Do you need a medical assessment to get travel insurance if you’re over 85?
You won’t need a medical exam to get travel insurance if you’re over 85. Instead, you’ll complete a short medical questionnaire when getting your quote. It’s quick, easy, and can be done online at your own pace. You can also do it over the phone if you’d prefer to chat with someone.
The questions cover things like recent diagnoses, prescribed medication and any hospital visits or procedures. Depending on your answers, we might ask a few follow-ups to make sure your cover suits your needs. It’s all about making sure you’re properly protected, without any fuss.
Are mobility aids or medical equipment covered by travel insurance?
Yes. At JustCover, mobility aids and medical equipment are covered while you’re abroad. We understand how essential these items are and how costly they can be to replace. That’s why our travel insurance for the over 85s includes protection against loss, theft or accidental damage.
From wheelchairs and walking frames to sticks and other mobility-supporting equipment, you’re covered as standard. If you’re travelling with something particularly valuable, you can add gadgets cover to protect single items up to €2,000.
How do you make a claim on your holiday insurance?
If something doesn’t go to plan on your trip, JustCover makes it simple to start your claim. You’ll find everything you need on our Claims page.
The quickest way to make a claim is online, but you can also do it by phone if you prefer. You’ll need your booking invoice, insurance certificate, a completed claim form, and any supporting documents like medical notes or cancellation invoices.
It’s best to let us know within 30 days of getting home if you think you’ll need to claim. And if you have an emergency while you’re away, our 24/7 helpline is always here to help.
What should you do if you have a medical emergency while abroad?
If you have a medical emergency while abroad, call the local emergency services straight away if you need urgent care. Once you’re safe, contact JustCover’s 24-hour Emergency Helpline.
Our team is here to help, whether it’s arranging treatment, speaking with hospitals, or guiding you through what to do next. They’ll also let you know which documents you’ll need if you make a claim later. It’s wise to keep your policy number and emergency contact details handy while you travel, just in case.
When should over 85s buy travel insurance?
No matter your age, it’s best to buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. That way, you’re covered from day one. It means that if something unexpected comes up before you travel, such as illness or a change in plans, you won’t be left footing the bill.
It’s worth doing early if you’re over 85, simply because life can be a little more unpredictable. Booking cover upfront means you can look forward to your holiday with one less thing to worry about.
Can you extend your policy if your travel plans change or you need to stay longer?
With JustCover, it’s easy to extend your travel insurance if your trip gets rescheduled. Just contact us as soon as possible to discuss your options. However, if you’ve already left Ireland, you won’t be able to extend your policy.
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2. Covers cancellation for certain reasons outside of your control and detailed in our Policy Wording. Amount of cover depends on the policy level you have purchased. Read our Policy Wording for full exclusions and Ts&Cs.
3. Based on 2000+ Trustpilot responses, as of 12/05/2025.
†. Based on Trustpilot reviews of all companies in Ireland within the Travel Insurance Company category - January 2025.
* Discount applies to the base price only and does not apply to any premium generated to cover medical conditions or optional extras. This discount is automatically applied and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Discount tiers of 5% for premiums between €0-49, 10% for €50-249, & 20% for €250+ apply. Offer ends at 23:59 on 30/09/25. T&C's apply.
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