Insurers report surge in ADHD and autism declarations among over‑50s
Staysure data shows a 79% increase in neurodivergent travel insurance declarations in the first seven months of 2026, prompting a Department of Health review.
Trust 74Craft 72Hype 30How this was reported ▾
Trust 74: includes named sources, specific figures from Staysure and dates, but only one outlet and no independent corroboration.
How well corroborated and evidenced the reporting is. Higher is better.
Critic 72: clear data and quotes explain relevance, yet article reads like a press release lacking original reporting.
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Hype 30: mildly sensational language and click‑bait headline, but body remains factual and not overly exaggerated.
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Staysure, a specialist travel‑insurance provider, released figures that show a substantial increase in customers declaring ADHD or autism on their policies. The company recorded 4,676 such declarations among policyholders aged over 50 between 1 January and 31 July 2026, according to the Harrow Times.
What the figures reveal
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The rise represents a 79% jump compared with the 2,613 declarations recorded for the same age group during the whole of 2025. Across all ages, Staysure logged 21,620 ADHD declarations in the first seven months of 2026, up from 9,938 in the previous year. Mental‑health and neurodevelopmental conditions were noted 335,739 times, a 72% increase on the 2025 total.
Simon McCulloch, chief growth officer at Staysure, said the data highlights how many people are receiving diagnoses later in life and choosing to disclose them when buying cover. He added that accurate declarations help insurers assess risk and protect travellers from unexpected medical costs abroad.
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Our data shows just how conditions such as ADHD, autism, anxiety and depression have increased dramatically in such a short space of time.
Simon McCulloch, chief growth officer, Staysure
Dr Asimah Hanif, a registered NHS GP who works with Staysure, explained that older adults may now be identified because symptoms that were previously hidden are better understood. She noted that travel can amplify challenges for neurodivergent individuals, making planning and routine disruption more noticeable.
Implications for Harrow residents
The figures are relevant to Harrow households because many residents travel for leisure and family visits. Declaring a condition on a policy does not affect eligibility for cover, but it ensures that any emergency treatment abroad is reimbursed. Residents are advised to answer all medical questions fully, as incomplete information could leave them exposed to out‑of‑pocket expenses.
The Department of Health and Social Care has published an independent review that examines how diagnoses are made and whether over‑diagnosis is occurring. The review aims to inform future guidance for clinicians and for insurers who rely on medical declarations.
What happens next
Staysure says it will continue to monitor declaration trends and work with insurers to refine questionnaire wording. The Department of Health review is expected to be released later in the year, after which policy makers may issue recommendations on diagnostic pathways. Harrow residents who hold travel insurance are encouraged to review their policies before upcoming holidays and to contact their insurer if they have any doubts about the declaration process.
Questions this report answers
+How many over‑50s declared ADHD or autism on travel insurance in the first seven months of 2026?
Staysure recorded 4,676 declarations of ADHD or autism among customers aged over 50 between January and July 2026. This figure reflects a sharp rise compared with the 2,613 declarations logged for the whole of 2025.
+What increase was seen in overall ADHD declarations during the same period?
ADHD declarations rose from 9,938 in 2025 to 21,620 between January and July 2026, more than doubling the previous total. The jump signals a broader trend of increased diagnosis and reporting across age groups.
+What does the Department of Health and Social Care review focus on?
The independent review released by the Department of Health and Social Care examines how neurodiversity diagnoses are made and whether over‑diagnosis is occurring. Its findings will guide future clinical practice and may affect how insurers request medical information.
+What should travellers with diagnosed conditions do when buying cover?
Travellers are advised to disclose any medically diagnosed condition, medication, ongoing investigation or symptoms during the insurance questionnaire. Full disclosure helps the insurer understand individual needs and ensures coverage for emergency treatment abroad.
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