Travel Insurance for Seniors – Frequently Asked questions
When I was a backpacker in my youth, I never gave much thought to travel insurance. I mean, I probably wasn’t going to even need it, right?
Wrong. I mean, I probably I wasn’t even going to even need it, right?
Wrong.
While most of my travels over the past seventeen years have gone smoothly, I’ve definitely had plenty of mishaps too, from missed flights to broken gear to serious medical emergencies.
That’s why, these days, I never leave home without travel insurance. Not only does it offer peace of mind (to both me and my loved ones), but it ensures I’m made whole should something unexpected happen.
Understandbly, I get a lot of questions about travel insurance. It’s an extremely complex subject (and, let’s be honest, one that is boring and most people do not want to investigate). When older travelers are trying to choose a policy, things can get complicated. I receive emails every week from travelers in their 60s and 70s asking for advice on their insurance options. It’s not just that insurance is complex (although it is). The reason is that insurance prices can skyrocket after 65 and many companies won’t cover anyone over 70. Here are some of the questions I am asked most often about travel insurance by older travelers to help you plan for your golden years.
1. What Does Travel Insurance For Older Travelers Cover?
While every policy is different, a good plan will include the following:
Medical coverage for at least $100,000 USD ($250,000 USD would be better though)
Emergency evacuation coverage (at least $250,000 USD)
Coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen possessions, like jewelry, baggage, documents, etc. Coverage for electronics
- Coverage of cancellations for flights, hotels, and other transport bookings in case you experience a sudden illness or death in your family
- Coverage against political emergencies or natural catastrophes that could cause you to return home earlier
- Financial coverage if a company you use goes bankrupt.
- 24/7 Customer Assistance
- In summary, you need a plan that covers your medical emergencies and your possessions, as well as your purchases and purchases You might not need to worry about it if you are a young, frugal traveler.
- I personally like to be covered for both my bookings and possessions, especially now that I am older and have more valuables. I’d rather be safe than sorry!
- What is the age limit for travel insurance for older travelers? ?
- Unfortunately, travel insurance companies usually have age caps on their policies: 65-69 for most, though some offer insurance for those 70-75. SafetyWing is my go-to company for travel insurance and it caps their plans at 69 years old. World Nomads is another company that I have used for years and has a 70-year-old age limit. As a result, the prices go up once you reach 65. Travel insurance costs are higher for seniors because they have more health problems than younger travelers. I know it’s unfair, but many older travelers are in good health. It’s something to consider when comparing travel insurance plans. How Much is Travel Insurance for Older Travelers?
Prices vary based on your age, destination, and where you live, so there’s no “one price fits all” answer. Travelers in their 60s and older should expect to pay at least $125 USD a month for the most basic of plans. If you need more comprehensive coverage and cancellation coverage for any reason, the price can go up to $400 USD per monthly. What Travel Insurance Company is Best?
If cruises are your primary travel style, these three companies are worth checking out:
Travel Guard
– Travel Guard has specific cruise insurance policies. This makes it easier than trying to find an add-on for another non-cruise centric policy. It is easier to add a cruise-specific policy to an existing non-cruise insurance policy than to try to find a separate cruise-specific policy. It covers any emergency travel assistance, trip interruption, delay, and cancelation.
VisitorsCoverage
– VisitorsCoverage is an insurance marketplace with a specific cruise section that compares different plans, including the popular SafeCruise plan by IMG. This plan was designed specifically for cruisers and includes all the coverage you may need. It also offers an add-on to cover cancellations for any reason.
InsureMyTrip
– InsureMyTrip is another insurance marketplace with a cruise-specific section. It will pull up plans that are priced and covered in a comparison format. You can enter your dates, your destination and your cost. The Two Best Companies for Older Travelers
Since older travelers have different needs when it comes to travel insurance, it’s important that you find a company that covers those needs. Here are what I think are the best travel insurance companies for older travelers:
InsureMyTrip
InsureMyTrip is an insurance aggregator that allows you to compare policies from over twenty companies. It is the best way for older travelers who want to compare quotes to do so. You’ll be able to search for policies that cover those your age, as well as offer “cancel for any reason” plans (an important perk for any older travelers with health concerns or who are booking expensive trips and don’t want to risk losing that money).
Additionally, IMT also offers policies that cover certain preexisting conditions (which is a huge plus and something most other companies don’t include). IMT offers a variety of policies that cover preexisting conditions. This is a huge plus and something most other companies don’t offer.
Find out more!
Medjet
Medjet isn’t an insurance company but rather a membership program that offers comprehensive emergency medical transportation. You can access hundreds of air ambulances, medical transport staff and escorts around the globe as a Medjet member.
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 facility” after an injury, Medjet ensures you get home. You won’t need to wait in a foreign hospital and you can go back to your doctor immediately. Travel insurance will not evacuate you if the government does not declare an emergency. You’ll have to pay for it yourself if you feel unsafe. Medjet will make sure that you are evacuated if you feel unsafe. Finally, it has a high age cap (with coverage up to age 84), which is rare in the travel insurance industry.
Here’s a quick overview of Medjet: Extensive medical transport coverage
Offers regular coverage up to age 74 (with extended coverage up to age 84) Coverage for COVID-19
Limited time spent in foreign medical facilities
Both short-term and annual plans
Available to residents of the US, Canada, and Mexico
Find out more!
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I never leave the house without travel insurance. This is a lesson that I learned the hard-way, and I am more insistent as I age. I believe that everyone should purchase travel insurance prior to traveling, regardless of their age. Older travelers should ensure they have adequate coverage in the event of an accident. There are affordable options to protect you as you travel in your golden years. While some policies are more expensive and sometimes less robust, there are plenty of plans that are available. Book Your Trip: Tips and Tricks for Logistical Planning
Book your Flight
Find cheap flights by using Skyscanner. My favorite search engine is Skyscanner because it searches all websites and airlines in the world, so I know that no stone will be left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
- You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. Booking.com is the best option if you don’t want to stay in a hostel. It consistently offers the lowest rates for hotels and guesthouses.
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. This is comprehensive coverage in the event of an accident. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Want to travel for free?
Travel cards let you earn points which can be redeemed for flights and accommodations for no extra cost. Visit my guide on choosing the best card to see my favorite deals and to learn how to get started. Ready to book your trip? Check out my resource page to find the best travel companies. Here are all the companies I use to travel. You can’t go far wrong with them. They are top-of-the-line and the best you can get.
