The number of ADHD and autism declarations on travel insurance policies has surged, with new data suggesting a rise in diagnoses among over-50s. Figures from travel insurance provider Staysure show that declarations of ADHD or autism have risen by 79% in just seven months.
According to Staysure, the number of over-50s with these conditions rose from 2,613 in 2025 to 4,676 between January and July 2026. ADHD declarations across all ages have also more than doubled in the last year, with 21,620 ADHD cases recorded by customers between January and July 2026, compared with 9,938 across the whole of 2025.
Mental health declarations rise sharply
Mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions were declared 335,739 times in the first seven months of 2026—a 72% rise on the previous year. This coincides with the release of an independent review by the Department of Health and Social Care into the diagnosis and overdiagnosis of neurodivergent conditions.
Simon McCulloch, chief growth officer at Staysure, said: “Our data shows just how conditions such as ADHD, autism, anxiety and depression have increased dramatically in such a short space of time. People are finally receiving a diagnosis including those in later life and having the good foresight to declare it on their cover.”
Travel challenges for neurodivergent travellers
McCulloch added: “Holidays and travelling should be something everyone can enjoy and look forward to. Being classed as neurodivergent or experiencing a mental health condition doesn't change that. For some neurodivergent travellers, elements of a holiday that others barely think about can make travelling more challenging.”
He emphasised the importance of declaring all medical conditions when buying cover: “If you've been medically diagnosed with a condition, take medication, are under investigation or experiencing symptoms make sure you answer the questions fully and accurately during the quote medical declaration process. This helps your insurer understand your circumstances and individual needs. If you leave anything out, you risk not being financially protected from costly medical bills should you need emergency treatment abroad.”
Later-life diagnoses on the rise
The figures come as the number of neurodiversity assessments across the UK has surged, with an estimated one in seven Brits estimated to be neurodivergent. Dr Asimah Hanif, a registered NHS GP working with Staysure, said: “People may be receiving a diagnosis later in life for a number of reasons. Traits may be overlooked or misunderstood especially where symptom masking has occurred. There is now increased awareness and understanding of neurodivergence as well as changes in diagnostic criteria.”
Hanif noted that travel can create additional challenges for those with neurodivergence: “The demands of travel such as planning ahead, unfamiliar environments and disrupted routines can make these challenges for those with neurodivergence even more noticeable.”
