More cost-effective travel insurance options
There are 1.3 million NHS pension plan members in the UK, and their demand for international travel medical insurance is significant. According to the survey, 68% of British travelers over 65 years old list medical insurance as their primary consideration. People with complex medical histories can save 30%-40% of costs by choosing exclusive insurance - a complete protection plan can make the journey of the elderly truly worry-free.
About NHS Retirement Fellowship Travel Insurance
The NHS Retirement Fellowship (NHSRF) Travel Insurance Scheme provides tailored travel insurance, underwritten by Lloyd’s Syndicate 4444 which is managed by Canopius Managing Agents Limited, to members of the NHS Retirement Fellowship.
What the NHS covers
✅ Full Worldwide Cover
✅ No medical screening required
✅ No limit to the number of journeys
✅ Single trip duration: Up to 65 days (45 days for Caribbean/USA/Canada)
✅ Winter sports cover: Up to 17 days
✅ Family inclusion: Partners, spouses, and children (under 21) can be added
✅ Pre-existing conditions covered (if fit to travel, no chronic breathing conditions, not terminally ill)
The package of benefits at a glance
| Insurance items | Amount/coverage |
|---|---|
| Cancellation | Up to £5,000 |
| Curtailment | Up to £5,000 |
| Medical and additional expenses | Up to £5,000,000 |
| Emergency dental treatment | Up to £750 |
| Overseas local burial/cremation | Up to £2,000 |
| Repatriation of mortal remains to UK | Covered |
| Emergency medical repatriation and evacuation | Covered |
| Compassionate overseas visit | Covered |
| Personal accident benefit (death, loss of limbs, loss of sight, or permanent total disablement resulting from bodily injury caused by an accident) | £15,000 |
| Personal baggage | Up to £1,500 |
| Single item/set of items limit | Up to £350 |
| Delayed baggage (more than 12 hours) | Up to £150 |
| Personal money (e.g. cash, travellers cheques, travel tickets) Cash limit | Up to £500 |
| Loss of passport | Up to £250 |
| Delayed departure every 12 hours | £50 up to maximum £200 |
| Extended delay | Up to £2,000 |
| Missed departure | Up to £1,000 |
| Catastrophe cover | Up to £300 |
| Legal expenses | Up to £25,000 |
| Personal liability | Up to £2,000,000 |
| UK travel cover | Various amounts payable |
| Winter sports cover | Various amounts payable |
About the Scheme & Eligibilit
How to get started
Follow the steps below and take advantage of available resources.
Who Can Apply?
- NHSRF members aged 40–74 and their families.
- Travel must be solely for leisure purposes.
Requirements:
✔ UK resident and NHSRF member
✔ Aged 40–74 at first coverage date (no upper limit afterward)
- For couples/families, the primary purchaser must be 40–74, but spouses/partners can be under 40.
✔ No chronic breathing conditions
✔ Medically fit to travel
Real-Life Case Study
Margaret, 68 (retired NHS nurse), suffered a heart attack in Spain. Her NHSRF insurance covered:
- £25,000 hospital bills
- Air ambulance to the UK
- Follow-up care
Without this coverage, her family would have faced severe financial hardship.
Policy Pricing
| Benefit Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Single | £356.41 |
| Couple | £495.00 |
| Family | £521.40 |
How to Apply
1.Eligibility Check: Confirm NHS pensioner status via the scheme’s portal.
2.Compare Plans: Review options on the [NHSRF Travel Insurance website].
3.Declare Medical History: Complete the health questionnaire honestly.
4.Payment: Pay online; policies are emailed instantly.
5.Emergency Contacts: Save the insurer’s 24/7 helpline and policy number.
FAQs
What if the injury or illness prevents me returning home as planned?
Please get written confirmation from the doctor who is treating you that you are unfit to travel at the scheduled time. The policy can provide cover for any additional accommodation and travelling expenses you incur (of a similar standard to what you originally booked and paid for). Please keep any receipts for such expenses as they will be needed when you make a claim.
What if l am unsure if l am Fit To Travel?
In order to be eligible for cover, any person to be insured under the policy must be medically "fit to travel" on the date of departureof your trip.
If you are in any doubt about whether you or any other person(s) are medically fit to undertake a trip, it is advisable to consult adoctor.
What if l travel against the advice of my Medical Practitioner?
lf travel is undertaken against the advice of a Medical Practitioner the policy will not pay out if you claim.
What if l have to cut short my holiday due to accident or illness?
Be sure to obtain a doctor's letter confirming that you need to curtal your trip and return home. Your holiday booking invoice and receipts will also be required to support your claim.
What if my outward or return journey is delayed for more than 12 hours?
Please obtain detailed confirmation from the carrier (or their handling agent explaining the reasons for the delay, its precise duration and the original itinerary.
