As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
Mark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
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Travel insurance can come in very handy for seniors who travel frequently. It provides a financial safety net that lets you recoup your money if a trip doesn’t go as planned. Policies cover various expenses, like doctor visits, ambulance services, medical treatment, lost baggage, and more.
Here’s what you need to know about the best travel insurance for seniors.
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance covers unexpected events that occur while traveling, including illnesses, injuries, lost luggage, damaged electronics, and canceled flights due to inclement weather or natural disasters. With affordable travel insurance, you can protect against financial losses and risks while away from home. It allows you to book trips in confidence during your senior years.[1]
How to find the best travel insurance
Here are some tips to help you zero in on the best senior travel insurance policy for you:
Shop around. It’s important to research and compare policies from multiple insurers before buying one since every insurer weighs risk factors differently. Consider the type of coverage and premiums of various plans.
Read the fine print. While it may be tempting to buy travel insurance as soon as you find a policy that meets your budget and needs, doing so can be risky. Take the time to understand the details so you can avoid hidden expenses and disappointments over exclusions in policies.
Check out reviews. Before you sign on the dotted line, read third-party reviews about the travel insurance company. Make sure it’s reputable and offers good customer service.
Time it right. Try to buy your travel insurance right after you book your trip. The sooner you invest in it, the better. The price may increase if you wait too close to the departure date. And many policies have a cutoff date on when they can be purchased.
Factors to consider when choosing travel insurance
Make sure to consider the below factors before purchasing a travel insurance policy.
Pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a pre-existing health condition like diabetes or arthritis, search for a travel insurance policy that covers it. Some plans come with a pre-existing condition waiver, which pays for medical bills tied to your condition during a trip. Without a waiver, your travel insurance company may exclude coverage for your condition.[2]
Duration of the trip
Travel insurance coverage will cost you more if you’re going on a two-month trip rather than a trip for only a few days or weeks. Single-trip insurance plans are ideal for one-off trips, but if you travel frequently throughout the year, an annual travel insurance plan may make more sense.
Destination
It’s important to consider whether your destination is domestic or international when buying a travel insurance policy. If you’re traveling to a different country instead of staying in the United States, robust health care coverage is essential. Medicare and most private medical insurance plans typically don't cover medical services outside the U.S.
Also, if you’re visiting a remote or high-risk destination, a travel insurance policy with high coverage amounts for emergency medical evacuation to the nearest hospital and medical costs is a must-have. Some robust plans offer emergency medical evacuation to the U.S.
How to buy travel insurance
Many travel insurance companies offer policies tailored to seniors. Travel insurance comparison sites, airlines, credit cards, travel agents, and travel reservation sites may also offer coverage. Policies can protect you from medical emergencies, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and trip interruption.
You should buy a travel insurance plan shortly after you book your flights, lodging, and activities. Be prepared to share basic information about your trip, such as the travelers’ names, destination, travel dates, non-refundable trip costs, and whether anyone in your party has a pre-existing condition.
Once you receive your policy, you’ll likely have a review period of 10 to 15 days to review the benefits, maximum limit, and the fine print, which explains exclusions. In most cases, you can cancel the policy for a full refund if you determine it’s not a good fit for your unique situation.
Below are answers to a few commonly asked questions about travel insurance for seniors.
Do you need travel insurance if you have Medicare?
Medicare and most private health insurance plans don't offer coverage outside the U.S. Travel insurance can be a smart investment if you’re traveling to a different country and want medical coverage and evacuation coverage.[3]
Can you get travel insurance with a pre-existing condition?
It’s possible. You may be able to secure a travel insurance policy that covers your pre-existing medical condition, but you’ll likely have to add a pre-existing condition waiver.
Is travel insurance more expensive for seniors?
Usually, yes. Travel insurance typically comes with a higher cost for senior citizens because they present a higher risk for health-related issues than minors and younger adults.
Anna Baluch is a Cleveland-based personal finance and insurance expert. With an MBA from Roosevelt University, she enjoys writing educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions. Her work can be seen across the internet on many publications, including Freedom Debt Relief, Credit Karma, RateGenius, and the Balance. Connect with Anna on LinkedIn.
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
Mark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
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