UK Over 60s: Get Travel Cover Without Health Checks

For many people in the UK, turning 60 brings extra freedom to explore the world, visit family abroad, or take longer winter breaks. At the same time, arranging travel cover can start to feel more complex, especially if you live with long-term health conditions. Policies advertised as not requiring health checks can sound attractive, but it is important to understand what is actually included and how to choose protection that fits your circumstances.

Why over 60s in the UK need special cover

As you get older, insurers know that medical risks tend to increase. Common issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions, joint problems, or previous operations can all influence the chances of needing treatment abroad. This does not mean you cannot travel, but it does mean that standard policies aimed at younger adults may not provide enough protection, or may exclude many pre-existing conditions.

Medical care outside the UK can be expensive, especially in countries such as the United States, Canada, or popular cruise destinations. Even within Europe, where a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) can sometimes reduce costs, it does not replace travel cover. Without a suitable policy, you might need to pay for emergency treatment, overnight hospital stays, or medical repatriation back to the UK from your own savings. Specialised cover for over 60s is designed to reflect these realities, often with higher medical limits and options to declare a wider range of health conditions.

No health checks: what this means for you

When insurers use phrases like “no health checks” or “no medical”, they typically mean that you are not asked to undergo a physical examination or provide reports from your doctor before buying the policy. In many cases, you still need to answer questions about your medical history and current medication, but you can do this yourself online or over the phone.

It is important not to assume that “no health checks” equals automatic cover for all conditions. Some policies only cover you for new, unexpected problems and exclude any illness you already knew about. Others may cover stable, well-controlled conditions but ask you to declare them first. If you answer health questions incorrectly or leave out information, an insurer may later refuse a claim, even if you never intended to mislead them. Reading the medical section of the policy wording carefully, and being accurate when declaring conditions, helps reduce this risk.

Key benefits of no-medical travel insurance

For many travellers in their 60s and beyond, the main advantage of no-medical or no-health-check cover is convenience. You can usually complete the application in one sitting without arranging appointments or waiting for your GP to share records. This can be especially helpful if you are booking a last‑minute trip, or if you are not comfortable discussing personal details with multiple people.

Another benefit is consistency. Once your answers are recorded, some insurers allow you to buy repeat single-trip policies or an annual multi-trip plan using the same information, as long as your health does not change significantly. There may also be less paperwork, since everything is declared at the start rather than through separate medical reports. For people with controlled, long-term conditions, this approach can offer a balance between accessibility and the reassurance of having medical cover in place.

Popular destinations for British pensioners in 2026

Older UK travellers often favour destinations that combine warmer weather with familiar surroundings and good healthcare. Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Greece remain common choices, as well as city breaks to places like Amsterdam, Berlin, or Prague. Cruises in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian fjords are also popular, offering a mix of sightseeing and comfort.

Destination has a direct impact on the cost and shape of your policy. Cover for trips within Europe is usually cheaper than cover that includes the United States, Canada, or the Caribbean. Cruise cover is often a bolt-on or a separate policy type because medical treatment on board, or emergency evacuation to shore, can be costly. When comparing options, it helps to think about where you are most likely to travel over the next year, as an annual multi-trip policy focused on your usual regions can sometimes be more cost‑effective than repeated single trips.

Costs and comparison for over 60s travel cover

Premiums for UK travellers over 60 vary widely. Factors include your exact age, destination, trip length, medical history, and whether you choose single-trip or annual cover. As a rough guide, a healthy 65-year-old travelling to Europe for a one‑week holiday might find single-trip premiums starting from a few tens of pounds, while travellers with multiple or more serious conditions could pay substantially more. Annual multi-trip policies usually cost more upfront but may work out cheaper per journey if you travel several times a year.

Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.

These examples are based on publicly available online quotes for older travellers but are not guarantees of what any particular person will pay. Your own premium could fall outside these ranges. When you obtain a quote, carefully check that medical cover limits, cancellation limits, baggage cover, and any excess charges match your needs, rather than focusing only on the lowest price.

How to find reliable UK travel insurance providers

When choosing a provider, reliability matters just as much as cost. In the UK, you can look for insurers and brokers that are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This information is usually shown at the bottom of a provider’s website. You may also be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) if the firm fails, which offers an extra layer of security for your purchase.

Independent ratings and consumer reviews can add context, but they should not replace reading the policy wording. Pay attention to sections on age limits, pre-existing conditions, cancellation rules, and what happens if your health changes between booking and travel. Some providers have specialist medical screening teams who can talk through complex conditions with you, which can be reassuring if your situation does not fit standard online questions.

Comparison websites can be a useful starting point for getting a sense of price ranges and benefit levels in your area. However, not every specialist provider appears on every comparison tool, and cheaper policies may come with lower medical limits or more exclusions. It can be helpful to obtain at least one quote directly from a specialist over‑60s or medical-condition insurer and compare the detail with more general providers. Keeping written copies of your answers and the final documents makes it easier to refer back to them if you need to make a claim.

A careful, well‑informed approach can make travel in your 60s and beyond both enjoyable and more secure. Understanding what “no health checks” really involves, how your destination and health profile affect price, and how to recognise trustworthy UK insurers can help you choose cover that fits your plans and priorities with fewer surprises if you ever need to use it.