Health insurance for over-60s: cover matched to what you need

Why a dedicated plan for older people?

From 60 onwards, health needs change. Specialist appointments become more frequent, diagnostic tests matter more, and specific needs appear: home care, rehabilitation, cardiovascular prevention programmes.

Health insurance for older people is designed around those needs, with stronger cover in the areas that matter most at this stage of life.

What do plans for over-60s include?

Core medical cover

• Unrestricted primary care: Unlimited GP appointments.
• The specialities most in demand: Cardiology, rheumatology, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, urology, neurology and all the rest.
• Full diagnostic tests: Blood tests, ECGs, echocardiograms, bone density scans, colonoscopies and any test your doctor considers necessary.
• Hospital stays: Admission in a private room at private hospitals.
• Surgery: Cover for procedures, including joint replacements and eye surgery (cataracts).
• 24h A&E: Immediate emergency care with no waiting.

Services specifically for older people

• Home care: Medical and nursing care at home for anyone with reduced mobility or recovering from treatment.
• Telemedicine: Video consultations, particularly useful for routine check-ups without having to travel.
• Rehabilitation and physiotherapy: Extended rehabilitation sessions for recovery from fractures, joint replacements or strokes.
• Mental health: Psychological support for life changes such as retirement, bereavement or cognitive decline.
• Prevention programmes: Cardiovascular checks, early cancer detection, diabetes and osteoporosis monitoring.
• Podiatry: Foot care, particularly important for people with diabetes or circulation problems.

Common extras

• Second medical opinion: Consult another specialist when a diagnosis is complex.
• Medical transport: Ambulance for planned and emergency journeys.
• Home help after a hospital stay: Support while you recover from an admission.
• 24h telephone guidance: A medical line available around the clock.

The reality of the market over 65

It's worth being straight about this: taking out health insurance after 65 can be difficult. Some plans stop accepting new policyholders beyond a certain age, and premiums rise considerably.

That's why it matters to:

1. Take out cover as early as you can: If you don't have private cover yet, don't wait. The earlier you start, the better the terms and the more stable the premium over time.
2. Look at plans with stable premiums: Some policies raise prices more gently with age.
3. Compare thoroughly: Price differences between plans can be very large in this age bracket.
4. Ask about the maximum renewal age: Make sure your plan is renewable for life.

Advantages of taking out cover

• Quick access to specialists: Without the long public waiting lists.
• Immediate diagnostic tests: Fast results whenever something needs checking.
• Care at home: For the days when getting out is hard.
• Telemedicine: Appointments from home, quick and convenient.
• Peace of mind for the family: Your children and relatives will rest easier knowing you have private cover.
• Active prevention: Screening programmes that catch problems early.

Things to bear in mind

• Premiums are higher than for younger people.
• There may be exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
• Some plans require a health questionnaire before you take out cover.
• The maximum age to take out a policy varies (generally between 65 and 75 for new policyholders).
• If you've held a policy for years, renewal is usually guaranteed regardless of age.

Frequently asked questions

Can I be refused cover because of my age? Some plans set a maximum age for new policyholders. That said, if you're already a customer, most insurers guarantee renewal for life.

Do they cover pre-existing conditions? It depends on the plan and the condition. Some pre-existing conditions may be excluded or subject to an extended waiting period. It's essential to declare all previous conditions on the health questionnaire.

Is it worth it if I already have public healthcare? Private cover complements the public system: it removes waiting lists and gives you access to services the public system doesn't cover, or covers only after long delays.

Can I get cover if I'm over 75? There are options on the market, though they're more limited and premiums are higher. We'd suggest using our comparison tool to see what's available for your particular situation.