New data from travel insurance provider Staysure reveals a sharp rise in the number of over-50s declaring ADHD or autism on their policies, with figures jumping 79% in just seven months.
The number of over-50s with these conditions rose from 2,613 in 2025 to 4,676 between January and July 2026. Across all ages, ADHD declarations more than doubled in the last year, with 21,620 cases recorded between January and July 2026, compared with 9,938 across the whole of 2025.
Mental health declarations surge
Mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions were declared 335,739 times in the first seven months of 2026, a 72% rise on the previous year.
The figures coincide with the release of an independent review by the Department of Health and Social Care into the diagnosis and overdiagnosis of neurodivergent conditions.
Experts comment on later-life diagnoses
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.”
He added: “People are finally receiving a diagnosis including those in later life and having the good foresight to declare it on their cover.”
McCulloch emphasised the importance of declaring all medical conditions to insurers, warning that leaving anything out risks not being financially protected from costly medical bills should emergency treatment be needed abroad.
Growing recognition of neurodivergence
The figures come as the number of neurodiversity assessments across the UK has surged, with an estimated one in seven Brits thought 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.”
She noted that increased awareness and changes in diagnostic criteria have led to better recognition of presentations in adults, encouraging them to seek help and assessment even at a later stage.
