Travel Insurance for Seniors: Frequently Asked Questions

When I was a young traveler, I didn’t think much about travel insurance. I browsed through a few plans, bought one, and then went on my trip. I mean, I probably wouldn’t even need it, right?

mistake.

While most of my travels over the past seventeen years have gone smoothly, I have also had many mishaps, from missed flights to broken equipment to Serious medical emergencies.

That’s why I never leave home these days without travel insurance. Not only does it provide peace of mind (for me and my loved ones), it also ensures that I can recover if the unexpected happens.

Understandably, I get a lot of questions about travel insurance.It’s a complex topic (and if we’re being honest, a boring one that most people don’t want to research).

Where did things stand? especially It gets even more complicated when older travelers are trying to find a plan. Every week, I receive emails from travelers in their 60s, 70s, and beyond asking for their opinion on their insurance options. This isn’t just because insurance is complicated (although it is). It’s also because prices skyrocket once you hit 65, and many insurance companies don’t even cover travelers over 70!

So, to help you plan for your golden years of travel, here are some of the most common questions I get about travel insurance for older travelers:

1. What does travel insurance cover for older travelers?

Although every policy is different, a good plan will include the following:

• Medical coverage of at least $100,000 (although $250,000 would be better)
• Emergency evacuation coverage ($250,000 minimum)
• Coverage for lost, damaged or stolen property, such as jewelry, luggage, documents, etc.
• Some coverage for your electronics
• Covers cancellation of hotel, flight and other transportation reservations in the event of sudden illness, death of a family member or other emergency
• Coverage for political emergencies or natural disasters that may force you to return home early.
• Financial protection in the event of bankruptcy of any company you deal with
• 24/7 customer service

In short, you want a policy that covers medical emergencies, your belongings and purchases, and provides 24/7 support.

Mini plans generally cover medical emergencies, but do not cover your reservations or belongings. If you are a very frugal young traveler in your 20s, this may be right for you.

Personally, now that I’m older and traveling with more valuables (and sometimes booking better accommodations), I like to have coverage for my belongings and reservations as well. Better to be safe than sorry, if you ask me!

2. What is the maximum age for travel insurance for older travelers?

Unfortunately, travel insurance companies usually have a maximum age limit on their policies: 65-69 years for most, although some offer insurance for those aged 70-75.

For example, Safety wingMy personal travel insurance company limits their plans to age 69. Global BedouinsAnother popular company that has used it for decades, has a maximum age for employees of 70 years.

As a result, prices go up significantly once you reach the age of 65. Since older travelers tend to have more health issues than younger travelers, and since travel insurance is a lucrative industry, insurance costs are higher for older travelers. I know this isn’t fair, especially since many older travelers are in good health. But it’s just something to keep in mind when comparing plans.

3. How much is travel insurance for older travelers?

Prices vary depending on your age, destination, and location, so there’s no “one price fits all” answer. However, travelers in their 60s and older should be prepared to spend at least $125 per month for a very basic plan.

If you want more comprehensive medical coverage, in addition to “cancel for any reason” coverage, prices can rise to more than $400 per month.

4. I want to go on a cruise. Which travel insurance company is the best?

If cruises are your primary mode of travel, these three companies are worth checking out:

Travel Guard – Travel Guard Cruise insurance companies have their own policies, making it easier than trying to find an addendum to a non-cruise policy. They cover any emergency travel assistance, trip interruption, delays, and cancellations.

Visitors coverage – VisitorsCoverage is an insurance marketplace with Cruise section selected This site compares different plans, including IMG’s popular SafeCruise plan. This plan is designed for cruise travelers and includes everything you could possibly need, including the addition of “cancel for any reason” coverage.

Insure my trip – Insure my trip There is another insurance marketplace that has a section specifically for cruises. You can enter your dates, destination, and cost of your trip, and it will show you a variety of plans with prices and coverage listed in an easy comparison format.

5. Top 2 Airlines for Older Travelers

Since older travelers have different needs when it comes to travel insurance, it’s important to find a company that covers those needs. Here are what I believe are the best travel insurance companies for older travelers:

Insure my trip

Insure my trip It’s an insurance aggregator site that lets you compare policies from over twenty companies. This is the best place for older travelers to shop around for a quote. You’ll be able to search for policies that cover people your age, as well as offer “cancel for any reason” plans (an important feature for any older travelers with health issues or who are booking expensive trips and don’t want to risk losing that money).

Additionally, IMT also offers policies that cover some pre-existing conditions (which is a huge plus and something that most other companies don’t include).

Here’s a quick overview of IMT:

• Comparisons of plans offered by more than 20 companies
• Guaranteed low prices
• Coverage for travelers over 65 years of age
• “Anytime Defenders” asks the insurance company to reconsider your claim if you believe it was unfairly denied.

Learn more!

Midget

Midget Not an insurance company, but a membership program that offers comprehensive emergency medical transportation services. As a member, you have 24/7 access to hundreds of air ambulances, expert medical transport attendants and staff, located all over the world.

Why do I think this is a must-have for older travelers?

First, while most insurance companies make sure you get to the “nearest acceptable medical facility” after your injury, Medjet guarantees you a return home. This means you won’t have to spend time in a foreign medical facility and can return to your primary care physician right away.

Second, most travel insurance companies will only evacuate you in the event of a turmoil or natural disaster if the government says it is unsafe. If the government does not declare a state of emergency, your travel insurance company will not be obligated to evacuate you, leaving you to pay for your travel out of pocket if you do not feel safe.

This does not apply to Medjet. If they feel you need to be evacuated, they will make sure you get home safely.

Finally, this insurance has a high age ceiling (with coverage up to the age of 84), which is rare in the travel insurance sector.

Here’s a quick overview of Medjet:

• Comprehensive medical transportation coverage
• Offers regular coverage up to age 74 (with extended coverage up to age 84)
• Covid-19 Coverage
• Limited time spent in foreign medical facilities
• Short-term and annual plans
• Available to residents of the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Learn more!
***

I never leave home without travel insurance. It’s a lesson I learned the hard way, and one I’ve become more adamant about as I’ve gotten older. I believe everyone should purchase travel insurance before they travel—regardless of age. However, older travelers in particular should make sure they have the coverage they need in case something goes wrong. While policy options are more expensive (and sometimes less robust), there are still plenty of affordable plans to keep you protected as you enjoy your golden years of travel.