So you are planning a trip to Thailand, but worried that being over 80 will mean no one will insure you?
Here is some advice for travel insurance over 80s to Thailand.
Finding affordable travel insurance for an 81-year-old in the UK, especially for a trip to Thailand, can be challenging due to age-related premium increases, but it’s definitely possible, particularly since your father has no health issues. Here’s some guidance to help you secure a suitable and cost-effective policy.
Travel insurance costs typically rise with age because insurers perceive older travelers as higher risk for medical claims, even without pre-existing conditions. For a destination like Thailand, where private healthcare can be expensive and public facilities might not meet UK standards, insurers often factor in the potential cost of emergency treatment or repatriation. However, since your father is healthy, this simplifies the process as he won’t need to declare medical conditions, which can otherwise drive up premiums significantly.
Start by comparing quotes from providers that specialize in cover for older travelers or have no upper age limit. Companies like AllClear, Staysure, and Goodtogoinsurance are known for catering to seniors, including those over 80. Since your father has no health issues, a standard single-trip policy to Thailand should suffice, rather than a more expensive annual multi-trip policy. Be sure to select a policy with robust medical coverage—aim for at least £5 million to cover potential hospital bills or emergency evacuation, which can be costly in Thailand.
To keep costs down, consider adjusting the excess—the amount your father would pay out-of-pocket before the insurer covers a claim. A higher excess can lower the premium, but ensure it’s an amount he could comfortably afford if needed. Also, check if the policy includes coverage for trip cancellation, baggage loss, and delays, though these can be trimmed if he’s willing to forgo them for a cheaper rate. Thailand-specific risks, like scooter accidents or tropical illnesses, might require additional cover if he plans adventurous activities, but if he’s sticking to a relaxed itinerary, a basic policy should do.
For a ballpark figure, a single-trip policy for someone over 80 to a long-haul destination like Thailand might range from £50 to £150, depending on trip length (e.g., one to two weeks) and coverage level. Without pre-existing conditions, your father’s quote should lean toward the lower end. Use comparison sites like MoneySuperMarket or Confused.com to get a broad view of options, then double-check directly with insurers for any senior-specific deals not listed on aggregators.
One solid option to explore is AXA Sawasdee Thailand, a policy tailored for visitors to Thailand. It offers medical coverage up to 750,000 THB (around £17,000) for accidents and illnesses, with no waiting period and direct billing at many Thai hospitals. While this might not meet the £5 million medical cover often recommended, it’s affordable and widely accepted, starting at a low daily rate—potentially under £50 for a short trip. Pairing it with a UK-based policy for extra medical top-up could balance cost and peace of mind.
Before buying, confirm the policy meets his needs: no medical screening required, coverage starts from departure, and it includes Thailand’s private healthcare system. Contact insurers directly if quotes seem high—some offer phone-based quotes for over-80s that might not appear online. With no health issues, your father’s in a strong position to find something reasonable. Shop around, and you should land a policy that keeps his trip to Thailand both safe and affordable.