What is the best private medical insurance for elderly people?


elderly couple
Alistair BergGetty Images

Since April 2012 it has been illegal to discriminate against anyone because of their age, so most insurers have abolished the upper age limits that previously applied to some of their policies. A range of products is now available to suit even the very elderly.

Whatever age you are, it is worth shopping around and getting quotes via price comparison sites, insurance brokers or direct from insurers. We can't recommend the best policies for individuals, but we have found some specialist policies from leading insurers that are worth consideration.


Simply Health and its Simply Cash Plan 70 Plus

This is a cash plan that helps pay back your costs for dental work, glasses or contact lenses, foot care, physiotherapy and chiropody and makes a contribution to the cost of a hearing test and hearing aid. It is specifically designed for people over 70 and there is no upper age limit. An introductory bonus offering a discount of 20% on living aids and mobility aids is currently available.

The policy has three levels of cover, with levels 2 and 3 providing cash back to cover expenses incurred during outpatient hospital appointments.

Saga's private medical insurance policies for the over 50s

Saga is the UK insurer that specialises in providing health insurance to older people. They do not have an upper age limit, so you can obtain a policy with them at any age and without the need to have a medical.

Saga has four different plan types:

  • Support: this is the basic level that provides cover for consultations, treatment, surgery and accommodation costs in hospital. Excluded are radiotherapy and chemotherapy, diagnostic tests such as CT and MRI scans, psychiatric treatment, complementary therapy, transport, home nursing and dental work and other benefits.
  • Saver Plus: this includes everything in the Support package but does cover radiotherapy, chemotherapy, diagnostic tests, scans, complementary therapy, physiotherapy and home nursing. Excluded are psychiatric treatment, ambulance transport, recuperative care and dental work.
  • Secure: includes everything except psychiatric treatment and dental work.
  • Super: all inclusive.

    Senior health insurance from WPA

    WPA offers private medical insurance to people of all ages and specialises in a range of policies for the over-65s. It has no upper age limit, although premiums do go up with age.

    Its policies for older people will cover:

    • Fees for hospital treatment.
    • Surgery, including emergency surgery.
    • Appointments with a consultant.
    • Diagnostic tests, including scans.
    • Full cancer cover that provides treatment.
    • Fees for dental work.
    • All medical treatment for conditions diagnosed when the policy is in force.

      WPA also offer NHS Top Up Cash Plans and separate Dental Insurance to the elderly.

      Want to know more?

      Why should I buy private medical insurance?

      What does private medical insurance cover?

      What does private medical insurance not cover?

      Why is private medical insurance so expensive?

      What does private medical insurance cost?

      What types of private medical insurance are available?

      What type of scheme is right for me and my family?

      Where do I go for a quote for private medical insurance?

      Should I go to a private medical insurance broker?

      How do I minimise the cost of private medical insurance?

      What questions should I ask the insurer or broker?

      What should I watch out for when buying private medical insurance?

      Who are the biggest private medical insurance companies?

      How do I compare private medical insurance providers?

      How to choose the right private medical insurance policy

      Does private medical insurance provide cancer cover?

      What are the common restrictions on private medical insurance policies?

      What are the alternatives to private medical insurance?

      Private medical insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions


      Will private medical insurance cover me if I fall ill abroad?

      What does a moratorium on private medical insurance mean?

      What does fee assured mean for patients with private medical insurance?


      How to make a private medical insurance claim

      What do I do if my claim is rejected?


      Last updated

      Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
      More From Private insurance