Travel insurance declarations of ADHD and autism surge among over-50s

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 08:29 · Archive

Travel insurance policies show declarations of ADHD and autism among over-50s rose 79 per cent in seven months.

Travel insurance declarations of ADHD and autism among people over 50 have risen sharply. Specialist travel insurer Staysure recorded 4,676 such declarations between January and July 2026, a 79 per cent increase on the 2,613 recorded in the whole of 2025.

The figures highlight an often-overlooked age group in discussions of neurodiversity. ADHD declarations across all ages have more than doubled in the last year, with 21,620 cases recorded by Staysure customers between January and July 2026, compared with 9,938 across the whole of 2025. Overall, mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions were declared 335,739 times in the first seven months of 2026, a 72 per cent rise on the previous year.

Simon McCulloch, chief growth officer at Staysure, said the data shows how conditions such as ADHD, autism, anxiety and depression have 'increased dramatically in such a short space of time'. He added that 'people are finally receiving a diagnosis including those in later life and having the good foresight to declare it on their cover'.

McCulloch noted that for some neurodivergent travellers, aspects of holidays that others barely think about can make travelling more challenging. He suggested that understanding one's own needs and planning ahead can make a real difference.

The figures coincide with the release of an independent review by the Department of Health and Social Care into diagnosis and over-diagnosis in neurodiversity.

How it is being reported

• Neurodivergent travel insurance warning as holiday declarations doubleADHD and autism are soaring among people over 50, new data has suggested.News Shopper · 15 Oct, 08:17
• Neurodivergent travel insurance warning as holiday declarations doubleADHD and autism are soaring among people over 50, new data has suggested.This Is Local London · 15 Oct, 08:17
• Neurodivergent travel insurance warning as holiday declarations doubleADHD and autism are soaring among people over 50, new data has suggested.Croydon Guardian · 15 Oct, 08:17
• Neurodivergent travel insurance warning as holiday declarations doubleADHD and autism are soaring among people over 50, new data has suggested.Wandsworth Guardian · 15 Oct, 08:17

In this story: Staysure · Department of Health and Social Care · Simon McCulloch

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