Many UK travellers in their 60s and beyond are surprised to learn that most travel insurers do not require a physical health check or medical examination before issuing a policy. Instead, providers typically rely on an online or phone questionnaire to assess medical history. With accurate declarations and the right type of policy, you can secure cover that fits your trip, even when you manage ongoing conditions, without the hassle of in-person checks.

Over 60 in the UK: getting cover without checks

“Without health checks” usually means no medical examination or doctor’s appointment is required to buy a policy. For Travel Insurance for UK Residents Over 60, insurers generally use medical screening forms to determine eligibility, apply exclusions, or price any necessary premium loadings. You answer questions about diagnoses, medications, recent tests or referrals, and whether conditions are stable. In many cases, this can be completed online in minutes.

If your conditions are stable and well controlled, standard policies may accept them with a small additional premium or, sometimes, no added cost. If your medical profile is complex, specialist providers for older travellers may still offer cover after screening. Be aware that non-disclosure or incorrect answers can invalidate claims. Always disclose hospital admissions, investigations, or changes to medication—insurers often ask about events in the last 12–24 months.

Trip type matters too. Single-trip policies can be more flexible on age limits and medical acceptance for a specific journey. Annual multi-trip cover can be cost-effective if you travel several times a year, but may have stricter age caps or trip duration limits. Check travel advisories from the UK government; travelling against official advice usually voids cover. If you prefer personal support, local services from high-street brokers can help you complete screening accurately.

Understanding policy benefits and coverage

Understanding Policy Benefits and Coverage is essential before you buy. Emergency medical expenses and repatriation are the core features for international travel. Look for limits that reflect healthcare costs in your destination, noting that the United States, Caribbean islands, and some cruise itineraries can be higher risk and more expensive for treatment and evacuation.

Cancellation and curtailment protect prepaid, non-refundable costs if you cannot travel due to covered reasons such as certain illnesses or bereavement. Baggage cover handles loss, theft, or damage, while personal liability covers accidental damage or injury to others. If cruising, check for dedicated cruise cover—this can include missed port, cabin confinement, or itinerary change benefits. For activities, confirm the policy’s sports list, altitude limits for hiking, and any exclusions for motorbikes or rental vehicles.

For European trips, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives access to state-provided, medically necessary care in many European countries, but it is not a substitute for insurance because it does not cover private treatment, mountain rescue, or repatriation. Pay attention to excess amounts, 24/7 assistance availability, claim time limits, and documentation requirements such as medical notes or police reports for theft.

Managing medical conditions on your policy

Managing Medical Conditions effectively starts with clear disclosure. Declare pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, cancer history, heart disease, or recent surgeries. Expect questions about hospital stays, referrals, investigations, and any changes to prescriptions. Some insurers require conditions to be “stable” (no changes or hospitalisations for a defined period). If a condition is excluded, you can still buy the policy, but any claim arising from that excluded condition will not be paid.

Carry a summary of your medical history, repeat prescriptions, and your GP’s contact details. Pack medications in original packaging and split supplies between cabin baggage and checked luggage to reduce loss risk. If you use devices such as insulin pens or CPAP machines, check airline rules and request necessary documentation. Consider higher medical limits for destinations with costly care and look for policies that cover the replacement of essential prescriptions abroad.

Lifestyle considerations can affect cover. Many policies restrict claims linked to alcohol or drug use. Adventure activities may require an add-on; ensure you are medically fit for participation. Keep receipts for medical expenses and report incidents promptly to the assistance line. If you need to declare a new diagnosis or medication change after purchase but before departure, inform your insurer to maintain validity.

Travel Insurance for UK Residents Over 60: quick checklist

• Confirm no medical examination is required and complete the questionnaire honestly.
• Verify emergency medical and repatriation limits meet destination risks.
• Match cancellation cover to your non-refundable trip costs.
• Check age limits, maximum trip durations, and any cruise or activity add-ons.
• Review exclusions, excesses, and claims documentation requirements.
• Ensure you have GHIC for eligible European trips, understanding its limitations.
• Keep medical proof, prescriptions, and assistance numbers accessible during travel.

Common pitfalls to avoid

Relying only on bank account travel cover without reading the small print can leave gaps, especially for age limits or undeclared conditions. Buying too late means cancellation protection might not apply to early issues. Assuming a long-standing condition is “obvious” to the insurer is risky—if it is not declared, a related claim may be rejected. Travelling against official government advice or failing to obtain required vaccinations or documents may also void parts of your policy.

How to read your policy wording

Focus on definitions: what counts as a pre-existing condition, what “medically necessary” means, and the timeframes for notification. Examine general exclusions, the emergency assistance process, and the evidence needed for cancellation or baggage claims. If any clause is unclear, ask the insurer or a broker to confirm in writing. Keeping a digital copy of the wording on your phone helps you reference it quickly while abroad.

In summary, UK travellers over 60 can generally arrange travel cover without undergoing a physical health examination. By completing medical screening accurately, choosing benefits that reflect your destination and activities, and managing pre-existing conditions with thorough documentation, you can secure practical, reliable protection for your journey.