ADHD and autism is soaring among people over 50, suggests new data
The number of ADHD and autism declarations on travel insurance policies has surged, as a study suggests a rise in diagnoses among over-50s.
Statistics from travel insurance policies show the number of people declaring neurodivergent conditions has risen by 79 per cent in just seven months.
Specialist travel insurance provider Staysure recorded 4,676 declarations of the conditions among over-50s between January and July 2026.
This is a large increase on the 2,613 recorded among the same age group across the whole of 2025, shining a light on an often-overlooked demographic in discussions of neurodiversity and demonstrating that this not just impacting the young.
It comes as 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.
And 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.
It coincides with the release of an independent review by the Department of Health and Social care into diagnosis and over diagnosis in neurodiversity.
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. 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.
“Understanding your own needs or the people you’re travelling with as well as planning ahead can make a real difference. It’s also important to be open with your travel insurer when buying cover and declare all medical conditions.
“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.”
The figures come as the number of neurodiversity assessments across the UK has surged, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of these conditions, 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.
“This leads to better recognition of presentations in adults and encouragement to seek help and assessment even at a later stage. Travelling in itself can create many challenges and unknowns.
“The demands of travel such as planning ahead, unfamiliar environments and disrupted routines can make these challenges for those with neurodivergence even more noticeable.”