OAP Travel Insurance: Simple Guide for Over 60s, 70s & 80s
If you’re over 50 or retired, getting the right OAP travel insurance can feel confusing. This plain-English guide explains what to look for – especially if you have medical conditions – and why it matters even more if you’re travelling to meet someone special from OAP Dating.
What is OAP travel insurance?
OAP travel insurance is simply holiday cover designed for older travellers – often over 50, 60, 70 or 80. The basics are the same as standard travel insurance (medical cover, cancellation, baggage, etc.), but the insurer pays closer attention to:
- Your age
- Any pre-existing medical conditions
- How long you’re travelling for
- Where you’re going (Europe, worldwide, USA, cruises and so on)
Because OAPs are more likely to need treatment abroad, prices can be higher – but the right policy can save you thousands if something goes wrong.
Single-trip vs annual policies
Most OAPs will be offered two main types of policy:
- Single-trip insurance – covers one holiday or trip.
- Annual (multi-trip) insurance – covers multiple trips in a year, usually with a maximum length per trip (for example 30 or 60 days).
If you only travel once a year, a single-trip policy may be cheaper. If you’re retired and planning several breaks or cruises, an annual policy can work out much better value.
Medical conditions: why honesty matters
Older travellers are more likely to have existing health issues – blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, arthritis, past cancers and more. It’s tempting not to mention something to keep the price down, but that can be a very expensive mistake.
As an OAP you should always:
- Declare all ongoing conditions, even if well controlled with medication.
- Declare any major operations, heart scares or hospital stays in the time period the insurer asks about.
- Check whether you’re covered if your condition gets worse while you’re away.
If you don’t declare something and later need treatment related to it, your insurer can simply refuse to pay.
Key things to check on an OAP policy
- Emergency medical cover – look for a high limit (for example £5 million or more for worldwide travel).
- Cancellation cover – does it cover the full cost of your holiday, flights and cruises?
- Age limits – some policies stop at 70 or 75; others go higher.
- Cruise cover – some policies treat cruises differently and charge extra.
- Activities – check if you’re covered for things like walking holidays, golf, or winter sports.
Travelling to meet someone from OAP Dating
Many of our members use OAP Dating to connect with people across the UK – and sometimes abroad. If you’re travelling to meet someone new:
- Make sure your policy covers trip cancellation in case plans change.
- Keep records of bookings, flights and accommodation.
- Share your travel plans with a trusted friend or family member.
Love and adventure don’t have to stop at 50, 60 or 70 – you just need the right protection in place.
How OAP travel insurance can save you money
At first glance, specialist OAP policies can look expensive. But if they include your medical conditions and the right level of cover, they can actually save you money compared with a general policy that later refuses to pay out.
To get good value:
- Compare like-for-like cover, not just the cheapest headline price.
- Check the excess – the amount you pay towards a claim.
- Look at independent reviews for the insurer’s claims service.
Next steps
This guide is for general information only and isn’t financial advice, but it should give you a clearer idea of what OAP travel insurance actually is and what to look for as an older traveller.
And if you’re not just planning a holiday, but hoping to meet someone special too, why not join our community?
Join OAP Dating & Meet Someone to Travel WithDisclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Always read your policy documents carefully and speak to a qualified adviser if you’re unsure which cover is suitable.