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What Older Travelers Need to Know About Getting Travel Health Insurance

While most of us tend to feel younger than we are — and are likely to be healthier and more fit than our parents were at our age — there's no denying that it's prudent for older travelers to think about purchasing travel health insurance coverage before taking a trip, especially when venturing outside the US. The odds of getting sick or having to address a chronic medical issue while traveling increase as we age.

At age 65 and older, many US citizens are eligible for Medicare (read about the eligibility requirements here ). Medicare, however, does not cover health care services or supplies for recipients traveling outside the country, except in rare cases.

There are three ways Medicare-eligibles can get health coverage while traveling abroad. Some specific Medigap policies (Medicare supplement insurance) provide this type of coverage. Travelers need to assess the type of Medigap policy they have and the specific circumstances under which coverage is provided. There's also Medicare Advantage and other Medicare programs (as opposed to Original Medicare) that may provide such coverage. Again, travelers need to determine the specifics of the coverage offered by their plans. But if neither of the above applies, older travelers should consider purchasing a travel insurance policy that provides health coverage.

We asked Stan Sandberg, co-founder of the travel insurance comparison site TravelInsurance.com , some health insurance questions that commonly arise for older travelers. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Related: Is Credit Card Travel Insurance Sufficient?

In general, how does age affect the cost of travel insurance?

Stan Sandberg: Similar to other actuarial-based insurance products, the older you are, the more costly your insurance will be. This is true both for medical-only plans and for trip cancellation insurance. The good news is that the travel health insurance cost increases related to age aren't as great as you might expect — especially if you are healthy with no pre-existing conditions.

A sample of 23 products we offer on TravelInsurance.com shows an average price increase of just under $85 for an 85-year-old versus an 80-year-old. For healthy buyers the same ages without a pre-existing condition , the increase is less than $35. And based on a $2,000 trip (looking across the same 23 products), the average premium for a comprehensive travel insurance plan, including trip cancellation coverage, is $109.25 for a 50-year-old; $140.90 for a 60-year-old; and $183.99 for a 70-year-old. So the increase is about 30% from ages 50 to 60, and about 30% from ages 60 to 70.

Do all, or some, policies have age limits?

Some policies, in particular travel medical policies, have an age limit. But for most trip cancellation policies, travelers won't start seeing fewer plans until they celebrate their 101st birthday!

What is the difference between annual travel insurance policies and single trip insurance for older travelers?

Annual plans cover multiple trips taken during a one-year period. Irrespective of age, however, the coverage limits of annual plans are cumulative, so a traveler could theoretically exhaust the benefits with a single claim on a first trip. Since seniors often have more time to travel, annual plans can be attractive to those who travel more than four times a year. But potential purchasers should carefully compare the costs and coverage of an annual plan with those offered as Medicare supplements.

What about obtaining insurance when you have pre-existing medical conditions? Is there any way around such exclusions?

Most policies exclude losses that stem from a pre-existing condition. (A pre-existing condition is defined as any prior injury, illness, disease or other type of medical condition for which a person sought care in the six to 12 month period prior to the effective date of the policy.) However, some policies offer a "pre-existing condition exclusion waiver" that allows coverage of pre-existing conditions. To qualify, purchasers must meet certain requirements. These typically include:

• Purchasing the travel insurance policy within a defined time period (usually seven to 21 days from when the initial payment for the trip was made. )
• Travelers need to insure 100% of their pre-paid and nonrefundable trip costs.

We recommend that travelers speak to a licensed agent and read the fine print before purchasing a policy with an exclusion waiver.

What do travelers who do a lot of cruising need to know about travel health insurance?

Most travel insurance plan benefits apply to cruisers and non-cruisers alike, but some plans will have certain benefits [like] returning to land for medical evacuation that are designed specifically for cruisers.

What additional protections does trip cancellation and interruption insurance offer?

Although it adds to the cost, this option can cover the reimbursement of trip costs due to a range of unexpected circumstances — from last-minute illnesses to severe weather and natural disasters.

A Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade offers the most flexibility, reimbursing up to 75% of total trip costs for a cancellation of any reason up to 48 hours prior to trip departure. This benefit also has to be purchased within seven to 21 days of the initial trip payment and 100% of pre-paid and nonrefundable trip costs need to be insured.

What is medical evacuation insurance? What does it cover?

Generally speaking, emergency medical evacuation coverage will pay for transportation to the nearest hospital or medical facility that can treat you if one is not available at your location.

The coverage may also cover Medical Repatriation or the cost of transportation back to the US when your condition improves and you're cleared to travel home. Policies may also include coverage for transporting children home if you are hospitalized for an extended period. Or if you're traveling alone, the coverage may pay to bring someone to your bedside if you have an extended hospital stay.

In the event of a death during a trip, some plans may also include Return of Remains coverage that would cover the cost of bringing back the deceased.

What are some other caveats to keep in mind when pricing travel health insurance?

Pricing can vary somewhat between states, so the state where you reside may affect pricing. And remember, even if you have coverage from a Medigap plan, it can have deductibles, lifetime coverage limits up to $50,000 and limitations on trip length.

If you are traveling in a group, you might ask the sponsor about the availability of group travel insurance. Group plans are designed for easy administration by a group leader, who manages member sign-ups and changes — and the pricing for group plans doesn't change based on a traveler's age.

Thus, for senior travelers, group policies may be more cost-effective compared to nongroup, individual policies. However, individual policies can have higher coverage limits and more options available if travelers want to tailor their coverage.

Related: The Best Credit Cards With Travel Protections

Bottom Line

Buying travel health insurance is complicated under any circumstances because it's difficult to compare products (policies) from different insurers and wade through the fine print. But for older travelers — for whom the costs of insurance tends to be higher and the purchasing options fewer — these decisions can be daunting.

Of course, travelers always need to first understand the benefits and limitations of the health insurance policies they currently have in place (think: Medicare and private health insurance) to determine what additional coverage is necessary to protect their health as well as the financial investment in a trip.

Third-party insurance sites — like TravelInsurance.com , Squaremouth.com and InsureMyTrip.com — can help consumers compare the provisions and costs of different policies and, hopefully, avoid potential landmines.

Comparison sites like these offer consumers the ability to chat online, speak to agents by phone, and/or correspond by email after hours to help answer specific policy questions. In addition, the sites can help connect travelers with insurance providers in the unlikely event of the need to file a claim.

Feature photo by Hero Images / Getty Images.

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If you're 60 or over or you have a disability, you might be eligible for public transport concessions – from discounts on your rail journeys to a free bus pass.

What transport concessions are available?

Can i get a free bus pass, can i get a discount on rail travel, can i get a london freedom pass, what if i have difficulty using public transport, what if i'm unable to use public transport.

There are several national public transport concessions available to older and disabled people. Some entitle you to discounts on your fares, while others allow you to travel for free.

Eligibility for these concessions depends on whether you have a disability or your age. 

Depending on your age and your circumstances, you might be able to get one of the following free bus passes, which allow you to travel free on local buses:

• an older person's bus pass
• a disabled person's bus pass

What age do I have to be to get an older person's bus pass?

You can get an older person's bus pass when you reach State Pension age, which is currently 66 for both women and men.

Apply for your older person's bus pass on GOV.UK

If you're 60 or over and live in London, then you can get free travel on buses, trains and other modes of transport in and around London with a 60+ London Oyster photocard.

Apply for your 60+ London Oyster photocard on the TFL website

How can I get a disabled person's bus pass?

There's no central provider of the disabled person's bus pass – to find out if you're eligible and how to apply, you need to get in touch with your local council.

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Are there any other discounts if I'm an older person or I'm disabled?

It's a good idea to contact individual transport operators to see if they offer discounts.

For instance, National Express offers Coachcards. These are discount cards for older or disabled customers. You buy them for a set fee of £12.50 and they get you a third off the cost of your travel across the year.

Find out more and order a Coachcard on the National Express website

Depending on your age and circumstances, you might be entitled to one of the below railcards:

• a Senior Railcard
• a Disabled Person's Railcard

Both railcards are discount cards. You buy them for a set fee to last either 1 or 3 years and they get you a third off the cost of your train travel.

Can I get a Senior Railcard?

The Senior Railcard is available for anyone aged 60 or over to buy.

You can apply on the Senior Railcard website using a valid passport or UK driving licence as ID. Alternatively, you can apply in person at most staffed railway stations.

Find out more about the Senior Railcard and apply online

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The Disabled Person's Railcard is available to you if you meet one of the following criteria:

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• you receive War Pensioner's mobility supplement

Find out more about the Disabled Person's Railcard and apply online

Freedom Passes give London residents free travel in the city – including National Rail services, the Underground, buses, river services and trams – and free local bus journeys nationally.

If you live in London, you can apply for a Freedom Pass if one of the following applies to you:

• you've reached State Pension age
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Find out more about Freedom Passes and apply on the London Councils website

National Rail has an interactive tool called Stations Made Easy, designed to help people find their way around stations and find more accessible routes, avoiding potential difficulties like stairs. This may be helpful if you have difficulty using public transport because of your health. 

Find out more and use the tool on the National Rail website

If you're disabled, you can't use public transport, or you don't have access to a car, you might also be able to use a community transport scheme – such as a social car, dial-a-ride, or taxicard scheme.

Shopmobility schemes help people shop in town centres by lending out wheelchairs and scooters. Some local councils also offer concessions on local public transport.

To find out what's available in your area, you can contact your local council or your local Age UK.

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Last updated: Apr 14 2023

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• Older persons Freedom Pass
• Travel Information
• Concessionary Travel

Older Person’s Freedom Pass  

The Older Person’s Freedom pass allows its holders to travel for free across the  TfL  Network , with some time restrictions on certain modes of transport  – please check with  TfL  prior to your journey.   The eligibility criteria  is  based on age, which rises in line with the  W omen’s state pension age .  If you  are not of the  s tate pension age yet, but you   are 60  or over  and resident in London, please check our page for the  TfL  60+  Oystercard .  

Your 60+  Oystercard  automatically transfers into an Older  Person’s  Freedom pass if you agreed for Transport for London to process your information with third parties. The third party is London Councils, who will use these de tails to issue you an Older Person’s Freedom Pass once you reach the state pension age. If you are unsure whether you agreed for your information to be shared with third parties, please contact Transport for London.   

Eligibility  

You are automatically eligible for a Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass if your sole residence is in London and you have reached the State Pension Age. You can use London Councils Calculator to determine your eligibility here:  https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/freedom-pass/older-persons-freedom-pass/eligibility    

Application  

The easiest way to apply is online. You can also apply by picking up the appli cation  form at local libraries and council customer service  centres  – please check with your council.  You will need to provide proof of ID to confirm your age and proof of address. You will also need to provide a passport size d photograph.  Please see which documents are accepted as proof on the London  C ouncils website. 

For more information:

https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/freedom-pass/older-persons-freedom-pass    

Tel:  0300 330 1433 Email:  [email protected]  

Last updated: March 2021

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• Tickets and passes

Travel pass for older people

Free travel for older people.

If you qualify for a state pension, you could be eligible for free travel across the country as part of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.

Do you qualify?

To get a travel pass for older people you must:

• live in Greater Manchester, (if you live outside Greater Manchester, apply for a pass in your own area but you cannot add tram and train travel within Greater Manchester to passes issued by other areas); and
• qualify for a state pension. It doesn't matter if you are taking your pension or still working.

The age you qualify for a state pension isn't the same for everyone. You may need to be up to 66 to qualify depending on when you were born. If you're not sure, check your state pension age .

Costs and benefits

The pass is free, and lasts for five years.

Within Greater Manchester:

• Travel for free on all buses within Greater Manchester between 9.30am and midnight, Monday to Friday, and all day at weekends and on public holidays.
• You can also choose to pay £10 to add tram and train to your pass, for a year’s unlimited off-peak travel on Metrolink and trains within Greater Manchester. You can then travel on Metrolink trams and in trains after 9.30am on Monday to Friday, and all day on weekends and public holidays.
• If you travel outside of these times you must pay the full adult fare.

Throughout England:

• Travel for free on all local buses between 9.30am and 11pm Monday to Friday, and all day at weekends and on public holidays.

How to use the pass

You must always remember to:

• touch in at the card reader when boarding buses
• touch in and touch out at a yellow smart reader on tram stops, for Metrolink
• touch in and out at train station ticket barriers, where they are in place

Please show your card, when asked, to any Transport for Greater Manchester or transport operator official during your journey.

Smart readers on tram stops now accept contactless cards and devices for travel. Please move your concessionary pass away from your payment cards when you use a smart reader.

For example, if you keep your pass in a wallet or purse, remove it before you touch-in and touch-out. This will make sure you’re not charged on a contactless card you didn’t intend to use.

Apply by post

Download an application form or get one from an Information and Ticket Office.

If you are eligible complete the relevant form and attach:

• A passport sized colour photograph of yourself
• Proof of age – a copy of either your birth certificate, medical card, passport or driving licence
• Proof of your address – a copy of either a utility bill, local council tax bill or a Department for Work and Pensions letter from within the last 12 months

You can take your form and proof to an Information and Ticket office (Travelshop) who can check it.

You can also post your documents to the address on the application form.

Your pass will be sent to you in the post within 10 working days.

Please do not send original documents .

Renew your pass

At least two weeks before your travel pass expires, we will send you a new pass, provided it has been in use.

If you use your card often then we will send you a new one two weeks before your travel pass runs out.

If you have not used your pass in the last 12 months, you will not be issued a new card and will need to contact us to request a new card after it’s expired. If you need a pass, please call our Concessionary Travel team on 0161 244 1000.

Please note: when using your pass, you must touch-in on buses and use the validators to touch-in and out on Metrolink or when using the trains.

If you don’t then your card will show as inactive.

Updating your address

You need to let us know if you change your address. There may be a £10 charge if a card is sent to an old address.

If you feel your appearance has changed since your last renewal, please send us a new photo. This can be done via post or can also be emailed to us.

If you no longer need your pass or have any other questions please call our Concessionary Travel team on 0161 244 1000.

If you need a replacement pass

It costs £10 to replace a lost, damaged or stolen pass.

To order a replacement pass you can:

• Call us on 0161 244 1000 to make a card payment (7am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 8pm at weekends).
• Visit an Information and Ticket office (Travelshop) to order and pay for a replacement pass.

Say yellow to the Bee Network

The first Bee Network buses are now running in parts of Greater Manchester.

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'Tis the (events) season

Information and guidance about travelling in Greater Manchester during the festive period.

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Buy your Senior Coachcard today

Save the cost of the coachcard or your money back*, how many coachcards would you like, year-round savings.

If you're 60 or over and love visiting family and friends or taking day trips and short breaks, our Senior Coachcard offers a great way to save 1/3 on Standard and Fully Flexible fares to hundreds of towns, cities and airports across the UK.

How much will I save?

You'll save a guaranteed 1/3 on Standard and Fully Flexible fares throughout the UK for 12 months. With your Coachcard, there's no restrictions on peak and off-peak travel times, so you can travel when it suits you and your plans. This includes public holidays, bank holidays and weekends.

• Save 1/3 on Standard and Fully Flexible fares, even at peak times.
• £15 day-return on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to anywhere in the UK (excluding airports), just book 3 days in advance of your travel.
• 15% off the price of an adult ‘Fully Flexible’ fare for coach travel to an event, as detailed on the Events page of our website.

How do I buy a Senior Coachcard?

Purchasing your Senior Coachcard is quick and easy. Simply complete your details and your Coachcard will be posted to your home address (£3 p&p will be added to your purchase).

Your Coachcard can take up to 7 days to be delivered and if it hasn't arrived 24 hours ahead of your planned journey, then call our Customer Contact Centre .

Alternatively, give us a call and we will post your Coachcard out to you (£3 p&p will be added to your purchase) or purchase from one of our travel shops.

General terms & conditions

• These terms and conditions apply to your purchase and use of a Coachcard and are in addition to the Conditions, which shall apply to Tickets purchased and your use of the Services.
• one third (1/3) off the price of an adult ‘Standard’ or ‘Fully Flexible’ fare for one of our Services;
• 15% off the price of an adult ‘Fully Flexible’ fare for coach travel to an  Event , as detailed on the “Events” page of our website. The discount does not apply to any entry to or accommodation at the Event; and
• a £15 mid-week promotional same day return or one way adult fare for one of our Services departing and/or returning the same day on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday only. This discounted fare must be booked a minimum of three (3) days prior to your date of travel and is not valid for travel on the dates   published here . Travel to and from an airport is excluded with this offer. 
• The above discounts available to Coachcard holders may not be used in conjunction with any other offer, discount or promotion offered by us.
• ‘Restricted’ fares ;
• European Services, Hotel Hoppa Services, multi-ride and season tickets purchased by telephone from Customer Contact Centre  or in person from one of our Stations , Third Party Provider services and any Event detailed on the “ Events ” page of our website;
• tickets, accommodation or ferry travel for an Event as detailed on the “ Events ” page of our website;
• the “Add Extras” options which you may purchase as part of your booking; or
• the Booking Fee; or
• the fee for receiving an SMS Ticket, if selected as part of a booking.
• You may purchase up to four (4) Coachcards for individuals satisfying the requirements for the same type of Coachcard online from our website, by telephoning our Customer Contact Centre or in person from one of our Stations or one of our selected third party agents.
• our website or by telephoning our Customer Contact Centre , we will charge you a postage fee of £3 to send your Coachcard(s) to you. If you purchased more than one Coachcard, we will send each Coachcard to the address provided as part of your application; or
• one of our Stations or third party agents, you will receive your Coachcard at the time of purchase.
• Senior Coachcard and Disabled Coachcard, as the case may be, the relevant Coachcard will be valid for the period of one (1) year from the later of the date that you have specified when purchasing the relevant Coachcard or, if you have purchased the relevant Coachcard in person and have not specified a future date, the next calendar day after purchase; or
• Young Persons Coachcard, your Coachcard will, depending on the term that you have selected, be valid for the period of one (1) or three (3) years from the later of the date that you have specified when purchasing the Coachcard or, if you have purchased the Coachcard in person and have not specified a future date, the next calendar day after purchase.
• We will notify you prior to expiry of your Coachcard and provide you with the opportunity to purchase a new Coachcard.
• online from our website, by confirming you have a Coachcard and entering the Coachcard serial number and expiry date at the time of entering the required details on the “Your Details” page of our website;
• telephone, by providing your Coachcard serial number and expiry date to a member of the Customer Contact Centre ;
• in person, by showing your Coachcard at the time of making your booking at one of our Stations or with a third party agent;
• from a driver, by showing your Coachcard at the time of purchasing your Ticket; or
• from a Ticket Machine, by entering the Coachcard serial number and expiry date after entering the passenger selection on the Ticket Machine.
• When travelling on our Services, you will be required to show your Ticket, together with your Coachcard, to the driver when boarding one of our Coaches.
• In the event that your Coachcard is defaced, damaged, tampered with, lost or stolen, you should immediately report this to the Customer Contact Centre . Please note that we are unable to replace your Coachcard and that you will be required to purchase a new Coachcard if you wish to continue enjoying the benefits of the Coachcard.
• Your Coachcard, and each Ticket purchased with it, are not transferable and must not be given, loaned or resold to anyone else.
• The Coachcard remains our property at all times and does not become your property and, if requested, must be returned to us.
• All Tickets issued are subject to our Conditions.
• These terms and conditions are in addition our Conditions and may be amended at any time.
• Coachcards are non-refundable or transferable.

£15 mid-week day return

• £15 fare applies to day return or one-way fares (excluding airports).
• Available on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday only.
• Only available when booked at least 3 days in advance of travel.
• Not valid on certain peak days.
• This offer can change or be removed at any time.
• Offer is not valid on Hotel Hoppa, European, Ulsterbus, Third Party, airport journeys or special event services.
• Not valid where accommodation, admission or ferry travel is included within the fare.
• Offer cannot be used in conjunction with Restricted fares, Multiride tickets or any other special offer fares.
• Booking fees may vary depending on booking method.
• The offer can be purchased online, by phone, at any National Express outlet and ticket machines but not direct from drivers.
• All tickets are issued and all passengers are carried subject to National Express' General Conditions of Carriage , available online and at all National Express outlets.
• Issued by National Express, National Express House, Birmingham Coach Station, Mill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham B5 6DD.

How much is a Senior Coachcard?

Our Senior Coachcard is just £15 (plus £3 p&p) a year.

About our coaches

Majority of our services offer guaranteed reclining seats, air-conditioning, plug sockets for charging your mobile, toilet facilities and free Wi-Fi onboard. Expect friendly drivers to help load your heavy luggage from a 500-strong fleet of coaches taking you to 100's of UK towns, cities, airports and events...

These are just a few reasons why more customers are making the switch from rail to coach.

Other Coachcards

National Express also offers two other Coachcards to help on travel costs:

The Young Persons Coachcard  

The Disabled Coachcard  

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Open Return Information

Book your return

Your Open Dated Return is valid for 3 months from your outbound journey. To guarantee your seat on your return you need to confirm your ticket before you travel on www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/tickets/open-returns or call 0371 781 8181

Open Dated Return Information

If your return date is not yet known, open return tickets provide flexibility. When travelling within the UK, the return journey can be made within 3 months of the outward date of travel. To guarantee your seat on your return journey you need to confirm your ticket before you travel by visiting www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/tickets/open-returns or call us on 03717 81 81 81. Lines open 7 days a week, 8am - 8pm (calls to this number are charged at local rate). Valid on any day throughout the year.

Open returns are not available on European journeys.

Wheelchair accessibility

Accessible coaches.

The majority of stops along the routes listed below are accessible to wheelchair users but are subject to change. Please call us to check the latest situation before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

To see a list of accessible coach routes please click   here

Assisted Travel Helpline

If you are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance, please call our helpline before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

03717 81 81 81 - ( option 3)  (lines open 8am - 8pm 7 days a week). Calls to this number are charged at local rate.

For more information please click here

Passengers & Wheelchair accessibility

Passenger descriptions.

Our passenger descriptions are designed to help you choose the right ticket for yourself or your fellow travellers.

Adult (16+) and Children (3-15)

Children under 14 cannot travel alone unless accompanied by an adult (16+). Please note, you may be required to show proof of age at any point during your journey. Failure to do so, may result in the full adult fare being charged.

Children (3-15)

Children under 14 cannot travel alone unless accompanied by a responsible adult (16+).

Disabled Children

Should be booked as Children. If they are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance, please call our Assisted Travel Helpline.

We strongly recommend that you bring a car seat appropriate to your child's age, but ask you to take responsibility to fit the seat.

Booster Seats

Children aged between approximately 4-11 years old, or up to 150cm tall, may use booster seats. We carry a limited number onboard most coaches.

If travelling with a child, you may be required to show proof of age when buying tickets or at any point during your journey. Failure to do so may result in the child being required to pay the full fare for the journey on that day.

Booster seats

Children aged between approximately 4 years and 11 years or up to 150cm tall may use booster seats, we carry a limited number onboard most coaches along with our comfort fit seat belts.

Disabled children should be booked as children rather than 'Disabled'. If they are travelling in a wheelchair or you wish to book assistance with travel please call our Assisted Travel Helpline before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

To see a list of accessible coach stops please click here .

Please call us 36 hours prior to travelling to check the latest status.

If you are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance we recommend that you contact us on the following local rate telephone number: 03717 81 81 81 (lines open 8am - 8pm 7 days a week) 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

Adult (26 - 59)

Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged between of 26 and 59 inclusive.

Child 0 - 12 inclusive

Children aged 12 or under travelling on any European service must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Unaccompanied children will not be carried

Young persons (13 - 25)

Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Young persons aged 16 or 17 years can travel alone on European services but only if they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

Senior (60 and over)

Passengers aged 60 and over are entitled to receive a small discount on European journeys. On European journeys a 50% discount is given to carers, please call us on 08717 818177 to book.

Please select your passenger type first and then add your coachcards.

We have three different Coachcards available, each offering savings of 1/3 on all of our Standard and Fully Flexible coach fares all year round.

Prices shown include your coachcard discount, your coachcard number will be required during the booking process.

Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged 2+. Adults under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel alone on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over or they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

Infants 0-1 Inclusive

Children aged under the age of 2, must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Unaccompanied children will not be carried.

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Replace a lost or stolen ticket or pass.

We can replace paper travel passes and season tickets. We cannot replace single or return tickets.

There are different rules if you need to replace a lost or stolen Swift card . This includes the 16-18 photocard.

Replace a pass bought on our website or through the corporate travel scheme

To replace your pass, call us on 0345 303 6760. There’s a fee of £7.50, so have a debit or credit card ready.

Your new ticket will be sent in the post. Allow up to 5 working days for it to arrive.

If you paid by Direct Debit, you can also replace your pass online .

Replace a paper nNetwork season ticket bought at a station

We can only replace paper nNetwork season tickets.

We can replace season tickets that are valid for 13 weeks or more. To replace your ticket, call us on 0345 303 6760. You’ll need to send us proof of purchase and pay a fee of £7.50.

We cannot replace rail-only season tickets. If you’ve lost a rail-only season ticket, visit the station you bought it from.

Replace a school or student term ticket

To replace a term ticket, call us on 0345 303 6760. Have a debit or credit card when you call - there’s a fee of:

• £7.50 for school & student tickets

When we’ve taken your payment, we’ll also ask you to email us one of the following:

• the tear-off from the original ticket
• your receipt
• a letter from your school confirming you’ve been issued with a ticket and how long it was valid for
• a new photo

Replace a free travel (concessionary) pass

You can use this service if you’ve lost your:

• older person’s travel pass
• disabled person’s travel pass

If you’ve lost your pass, you can:

• order a replacement online
• download, print out and fill in the replacement pass form and send it to the address on the form

Replacement passes cost £7.50. You should get your pass within 5 working days.

If your free travel pass has been stolen

If your pass has been stolen, report it to the police. They’ll give you a crime reference number.

When you have the crime reference number, you can get a replacement pass free of charge. Contact Customer Services to arrange this.

Customer Services - Ticketing Transport for West Midlands

Telephone: 0345 303 6760

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Over 85 Travel Insurance – Holiday Cover Tailored to You

A leading provider of travel insurance for seniors over 85.

Over 85’s Travel Insurance – Offering specialist, tailor-made cover for all travel and health requirements.

Finding senior Travel Insurance when you’re over 85 doesn’t have to be complicated. We understand it can be difficult to find the right policy, but with Just Travel Cover, we’re here to help.

We specialise in providing Senior Travel Insurance tailored to your needs, including those over 85. Our Over 85s Travel Insurance offers cover for hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions. The right level of cover is important for any trip, especially if you are over 85. We want to ensure you are fully covered against any unexpected medical expenses, loss of possessions, or the price of the holiday if you need to cancel for an insured reason. Whether you’re heading on a cruise, beach resort or another type of trip, we have a Senior Travel Insurance policy designed just for you. Our Over 85’s Travel Insurance aims to address all your travel and health needs, irrespective of your medical condition or prognosis.

Cruise Travel Insurance for Seniors Over 85

At Just Travel Cover, we can also provide Travel Insurance for cruises, with some of our insurers providing cruise-specific benefits such as missed port departures, cabin confinement, itinerary changes, unused excursions, and cruise interruption. Having substantial cover for your cruise as a senior is vital, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions that need to be accounted for. Many of our insurers even offer Cruise Travel Insurance for seniors with no upper age limit , so if you are over 85, we may have the policy for you. However, this is dependent on other factors, such as your medical history, the duration of your cruise, and the destinations you are visiting. When getting a quote, make sure to answer ‘Yes’ to the cruise question and list each destination you will be voyaging separately, as medical rates vary from place to place. We will then work hard to find you a Cruise Travel Insurance policy that best meets your unique travel needs.

Travel Insurance for Seniors with Pre-existing Medical Conditions

As medical specialists, we can provide Travel Insurance for hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions , including those over 85. It is important that when getting a quote, you declare any pre-existing medical conditions you have so we can provide you with policies that best fit your needs. Accidents can happen anywhere, even on holiday; it is crucial that you are prepared. If your Travel Insurance is not tailored to your medical history or age, your policy may be invalid and not cover the costs of a medical emergency abroad. 

Why Opt for Just Travel Cover’s Over 85 Travel Insurance?

Our packages offer a range of benefits tailored for every traveller. From covering hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions to having your travel companions on the same policy, we ensure you travel with peace of mind. Looking for the cheapest Travel Insurance for seniors? With three levels of cover, we have something for every budget.

Over 85 Travel Advice

Compare over 85 travel insurance, over 85s travel insurance faq’s.

Frequently asked questions about Travel Insurance for people over 85 .

Can I get Travel Insurance if I’m over 85 with a heart condition?

Yes, we have insurers on our panel that provide travel cover for over 85s with no age limit that specialise in Travel Insurance for pre-existing medical conditions including heart conditions – even if you have had a heart attack or bypass.

Can I get Travel Insurance over 85 with diabetes?

Yes, at Just Travel Cover we specialise in Travel Insurance for all pre-existing medical conditions, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We compare prices from several insurers, and there are schemes that provide Travel Insurance for over 85s. When getting a quote online or over the phone we will ask you a few questions regarding your diabetes as well as your age and destination and then show you a list of options from the insurers on our panel that can provide cover.

Can I get Travel Insurance if I’m over 85 and have cancer?

It is our aim to help people of all ages find the Travel Insurance they need, specialising in cover for pre-existing conditions, including cancer. You will need to make sure the exact type of cancer is declared on your policy and you answer all questions appropriately. We will then show you a list of providers that can provide the cover you need. 

If I’m over 85 can I get Travel Insurance to cover mental health conditions?

Yes, if you’re in your 80s and living with a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression, it’s important to be covered for these when you travel. During the medical screening process, you may be prompted to call us – this is so we can explain the terms for including or excluding these conditions and how things vary with different insurers. Our Travel Insurance policies provide up to £15m medical cover so you can travel safely in the knowledge that you’ve got the right support if the unexpected happens. All quotes are subject to medical screening.

Travel Insurance for Over 85s with Pre-Existing Medical Conditions – All Ages, All Stages

Just Travel Cover offer cover for medical conditions at all levels of severity, including a terminal prognosis – with no upper age limit.

Some of the conditions we cover:

• Heart Conditions
• Cholesterol
• Joint Problems (arthritis, back pain)
• Mental Health Conditions
• Liver Conditions
• Breathing Conditions
• Circulatory Conditions
• Disabilities and many more

To ensure you are fully covered in the event of a claim, please declare all your medical conditions in full.

Fast, Easy, and Accurate Online Medical Screening

Our online medical screening will take you just a few minutes to complete. You will be asked a series of multiple choice questions to give us the information we need to provide you with travel insurance quotes tailored to your health and travel requirements. Please have the following at hand:

• Your medical history with important dates
• Names of all your pre-existing medical conditions

Instant Cancellation Cover

Our online quote and medical screening engine enables you to compare and buy travel insurance quickly and easily. Cancellation cover starts immediately from the moment of purchase for you and all the travel companions you include in the policy, so you can relax and focus on getting ready to have a wonderful holiday.

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Justtravelcover.com is a trading style of Just Insurance Agents Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) number 610022 for General Insurance Distribution activities. Registered in England. Company No 05399196, Victoria House, Toward Road, Sunderland SR1 2QF. Our services are covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service. If you cannot settle a complaint with us, eligible complainants may be entitled to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service for an independent assessment. The FOS Consumer Helpline is on 0800 023 4567 and their address is: Financial Ombudsman Service, Exchange Tower, London E14 9SR. Website: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/

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London Bus Fares – OAP Passes For Senior Citizens Over 60

• Do seniors get cheap bus fares?
• Senior bus passes
• Freedom Pass
• Freedom Pass travel times
• How to get a Freedom Pass
• 60+ Oyster photocard
• 60+ Oyster photocard travel times
• How to get a 60+ Oyster photocard

Do senior citizens travel for free on the bus?

Senior citizens aged over 60 who live in the UK can travel for free on a London bus, provided they have one of the bus passes described below.

Senior citizens who don’t have a pass, and all foreign tourists, have to pay a normal adult bus fare .

Is a senior bus pass valid in London?

If you already have an OAP bus pass that was issued by a council outside of London then you can take advantage of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, or ENCTS (denoted by the red rose symbol on the front). This allows pensioners to travel for free on London’s buses after 9 AM Monday to Friday, or any time of day during the weekend .

Note: It only applies to buses carrying the TFL symbol:  (which is pretty much all of the buses in London). If the bus doesn’t carry the TFL symbol then you should check with the driver first. They might still allow you to travel using your pass, but you might have to travel at certain times of day, like 9:30 AM to 11 PM for example.

And OAP passes issued by a council in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland won’t work either. Only the ones issued by an English council.

Can you use an over 60 bus pass on the tube?

No. Senior bus passes can only be used on the bus. They don’t work with any other form of public transport in London, so you can’t use them on the trams or tube trains.

What is a Freedom Pass?

If your main home is in London and you’re old enough to receive a woman’s state pension (regardless of whether you’re a man or woman) then you can save on bus fares with a Freedom Pass (also known as an Older Persons Freedom Pass ).

It’s basically just a credit card-sized piece of plastic which you tap down on the big yellow Oyster readers that you find at the front of all the buses.

Where can you use a London Freedom Pass?

A Freedom Pass entitles you to travel for free on London’s buses , the London Underground , London Overground, Docklands Light Railway (DLR) , Elizabeth Line, trams, and most of the National Rail trains within London (standard class only).

Senior citizens also get a discount when buying a ticket on the Uber Thames Clipper and IFS Cloud Cable Car .

Does a Freedom Pass have travel time restrictions?

Yes. Free bus travel only applies outside of the morning peak period (4.30 AM to 9 AM, Monday-Friday). If you need to travel before 9 AM then you’ll have to pay the normal bus price instead. There are no time restrictions at the weekend.

How do pensioners apply for a Freedom Pass?

If you’re old enough to receive a woman’s state pension (regardless of whether you’re a man or woman) then you can apply online at londoncouncils.gov.uk . If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible then you can enter your date of birth into their eligibility calculator .

You will also need to provide them with an email address, a passport-style photograph, proof of age, and prove you live within a London borough. (Note: People who you work inside London but live outside are not eligible.)

Suitable documents to prove your age include a birth certificate, passport, driving licence or medical card. Documents for proof of address include a recent council tax bill, utility bill or television licence. Bank or building society statements are not accepted.

What is a 60+ London Oyster photocard?

If you’re not yet old enough to receive a state pension but you’re still aged over 60 and your principal address is in London, then you can apply for a 60+ London Oyster Photocard to tide you over before you qualify for a Freedom Pass .

It’s used in exactly the same way as a regular Oyster card . All you have to do to get a free journey is tap it down on the big yellow Oyster readers by the bus doors.

Where can you use a 60+ Oyster photocard?

A 60+ London Oyster Photocard entitles you to travel for free on the buses , trams, London Underground , London Overground, Docklands Light Railway (DLR) , Elizabeth Line (excluding the stretch that runs between West Drayton and Reading), and most National Rail trains within London.

Seniors can also benefit from a cheap discount rate when buying tickets on the Uber Thames Clipper and IFS Cloud Cable Car .

Does a 60+ Oyster photocard have time restrictions?

Yes . Free travel only applies after 9 AM Monday to Friday, or any time during the weekend . If you want to travel before 9 AM then you’ll have to pay a normal adult fare (unlike a regular Oyster card, it’s not possible to load any money onto a 60+ photocard, so you’ll have to find another way to pay ).

National Rail trains usually have a different peak period to the London Underground. Timings will differ between the train companies, but generally speaking you have to travel after 9.30 AM Monday to Friday or any time during the weekend. You can check the timings at tfl.gov.uk .

How do seniors apply for a 60+ Oyster photocard?

You can apply for a 60+ London Oyster photocard at the TFL website: tfl.gov.uk/​fares/​free-and-discounted-travel .

You will have to pay £20 and provide them with an email address, a digital passport-style photo of yourself, a valid UK driving licence or digital image of your machine-readable passport (which includes your photograph, personal details and passport number), plus a debit or credit card that is registered to your home address to prove you live in a London borough.

Other ways to provide them with proof of address include a recent utility bill, or a credit statement from your bank or building society.

If you can’t provide any of those items then they also give you the option of printing off a verification letter which you can then take into your local Post Office.

Bear in mind that you’ll have to pay an extra £10 to get it renewed every 12 months, and provide them with proof of address all over again, just in case you’ve moved outside of London.

60+ London Oyster photocards are only valid until you reach the state pension age, at which point you’ll have to apply for a Freedom Pass instead. Freedom Passes give you similar benefits, but are supplied by your local council rather than TFL.

Your comments and questions

Loz My colleagues have the 60+ freedom pass that they use before 9.30 to get to work however on the TFL site it states that it can't be used before 9.30 am? Can you confirm please

Staff Hi Loz. I'm not sure if you're talking about the 60+ Oyster card or the Freedom Pass (they are two different things). But they both used to be 9.30 AM but they've changed to 9 AM now. So you can use them after 9 AM on Mon-Fri, or anytime at the weekends.

Harry I live in Newcastle but will visit London for a couple of days in a few days time. As a pensioner I can travel free on buses. I am told that my travelcard is valid also for London buses. Can you confirm this.

Staff Hi Harry. If it has the red rose symbol on it then it will be okay (if it was issued by an English council then it should do)

Susan Shehean Can I use my North Somerset senior bus pass in London.

Staff Hi Susan. If it has the red rose symbol on it then it will be okay on TFL buses. But you won't be able to use it before 9 AM on Monday-Friday.

Noreen When can I use my 60 plus oyster before 9 am

Staff Hi Noreen. You can only travel before 9 AM at the weekend, but you have to wait until after 9 AM during the week

Ian What’s an OAP?

Staff Its just another name for a senior citizen. OAP = old age pensioner

Barbara We live in Suffolk but are down in London for 4 weeks. Our bus passes do not work. They have never worked in the 8 years we have had them

Staff Hi Barbara. Do you mean when you touch them against the yellow reader? They definitely won't work with that, but if they have the red rose symbol on them (as seen on the photo of the Freedom Pass above) then you should be able to use them if you show them to the driver

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