Top 9 Best Senior Travel Insurance Companies of 2024
Here are our picks for the top travel insurance companies for U.S. seniors. All companies we’ve ranked as our top picks offer pre-existing conditions coverage or a waiver.
- Faye: Our top pick for seniors
- Travelex: Our pick for families
- Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Our pick for luxury travelers
- Nationwide Travel Insurance: Our pick for cruise travel
- Generali Global Assistance: Our pick for emergency assistance
- AXA Assistance USA: Our pick for leisure travelers
- Seven Corners Travel Insurance: Our pick for international travelers
- HTH Travel Insurance: Our pick for group travel
- International Medical Group: Our pick for medical coverage
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Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.
20
Companies Reviewed
500
Quotes Collected
36
Rating Factors
Compare Travel Insurance Companies for Seniors
It’s important to balance coverage with cost when searching for a senior travel insurance policy to ensure you get the best deal possible. See the table below for the average cost of a travel insurance plan based on quotes we gathered from our top company picks. We’ve also included our recommended plans for seniors and Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings across each provider.
Company | Recommended Plan | Average Cost* | COVID-19 Coverage | BBB Rating | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Travel Protection Plan | $337 | Yes | Not Rated | GET QUOTE | |
Travel Select | $585 | Yes | A+ | GET QUOTE | |
LuxuryCare® | $381 | Yes, limited | A+ | GET QUOTE | |
Luxury Cruise | $407 | Yes, limited | A+ | GET QUOTE | |
Premium | $298 | Yes | A+ | GET QUOTE | |
Platinum | $483 | Yes, limited | A- | GET QUOTE | |
Trip Protection Choice | $388 | Yes | A+ | GET QUOTE | |
TripProtector Preferred | $437 | Yes, limited | A- | GET QUOTE | |
GlobeHopper Senior | $350 | Yes | B | GET QUOTE |
Company | BBB Rating | Recommended Plan | Average Cost* | COVID-19 Coverage | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Not Rated | Travel Protection Plan | $337 | Yes | GET QUOTE | |
A+ | Travel Select | $585 | Yes | GET QUOTE | |
A+ | LuxuryCare® | $381 | Yes, limited | GET QUOTE | |
A+ | Luxury Cruise | $407 | Yes, limited | GET QUOTE | |
A+ | Premium | $298 | Yes | GET QUOTE | |
A- | Platinum | $483 | Yes, limited | GET QUOTE | |
A+ | Trip Protection Choice | $388 | Yes | GET QUOTE | |
A- | TripProtector Preferred | $437 | Yes, limited | GET QUOTE | |
B | GlobeHopper Senior | $350 | Yes | GET QUOTE |
No results were found.
*Average costs are based on quotes our team gathered from each provider using four different traveler profiles, ranging from 70 to 81 years old.
The Best Senior Travel Insurance Detailed
Faye
OUR PICK FOR ALL-ONLINE EXPERIENCE
4.6
Our Rating
Cost: 4/5
Coverage Extras: 4.4/5
Coverage Details: 4.7/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 5/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.8/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 4.7/5
Credit Rating: 3/5
Suggested PlanTravel Protection PlanAverage Cost$337Medical Expense & Evacuation Max$250,000/$500,000
Pros and Cons
Pros $250,000 of primary medical coverage included Features a 100% online application process Offers a pre-existing conditions waiver, a benefit for seniors with existing health concerns Cons Higher policy pricing for seniors Must buy coverage within 14 days of your initial trip deposit if you have pre-existing conditions
Why We Picked Faye for Senior Travelers
We chose Faye as our top pick for senior travelers. While it offers only one plan, the company includes $250,000 worth of primary medical coverage on all its policies and has a pre-existing conditions waiver to help seniors cover chronic medical conditions. To qualify for this pre-existing coverage waiver, you must purchase your policy within 14 days of your initial trip deposit and be medically able to travel at the time of plan purchase. Faye’s policies also provide $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage, which older travelers may require if they have a complex health condition or are in a remote area.
Coverage and Cost
Add-ons
Faye offers the following add-on options:
- CFAR coverage
- Rental car damage or theft
- Adventure and extreme sports protection
- Vacation rental damage protection
- Pet care
Cost
We gathered quotes directly from Faye to better understand the cost of a travel insurance policy for seniors. Based on the quotes we gathered, the average cost of senior travel insurance is $337.
Travelex
Our pick for families
4.7
Our Rating
Cost: 4.75/5
Coverage Extras: 2.5/5
Coverage Details: 5/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 5/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.6/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 4/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 5.2/5
Credit Rating: 5/5
Suggested PlanTravel SelectAverage Cost$585Medical Expense & Evacuation Max$50,000/$500,000
Pros and Cons
Pros Offers up to $1,000 for lost or delayed luggage Free cancellation up to 15 days after purchasing your policy Primary medical coverage complements Medicare benefits Cons Limited add-ons for base plan Policies only available for trips up to two weeks long
Why We Picked Travelex for Senior Travelers
Travelex is worth considering for senior travelers because of its primary medical coverage. If you become hospitalized outside of the U.S., Medicare won’t pay for most injuries and illnesses. A travel insurance plan that offers secondary coverage may leave you with a major medical bill after a serious accident. Travelex’s Travel Select plan allows seniors to upgrade their primary medical coverage with additional medical and emergency evacuation coverage, providing peace of mind while abroad.
Coverage and Cost
Add-ons
You can choose from the following add-on coverage with Travelex:
- Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage (up to 75% of trip costs)
- Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) and medical benefit upgrades
- Car rental collision
Cost
We gathered quotes directly from Travelex to learn more about the average cost of a travel insurance policy for seniors through the company. Based on these quotes, Travelex’s average cost is $585.
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
Our pick for luxury travelers
4.6
Our Rating
Cost: 4.5/5
Coverage Extras: 3.75/5
Coverage Details: 5/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 3.5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 4.2/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.6/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 5/5
Credit Rating: 5/5
Suggested PlanLuxuryCareAverage Cost$381Medical Expense & Evacuation Max$100,000/$1 million
Pros and Cons
Pros 24/7 emergency travel assistance and concierge services Travel coverage limits up to $100,000 per person Offers automatic pre-existing condition coverage Cons Baggage delay coverage starts 12 hours after delay Plan does not cover nonmedical evacuation or repatriation of remains Lower medical limits may be insufficient for seniors
Why We Picked Berkshire Hathaway for Senior Travelers
Berkshire Hathaway’s coverage is worth considering for seniors planning a luxury vacation or group travel, especially if premiums are too expensive elsewhere. In particular, the company’s LuxuryCare policy offers travel protection up to $100,000, ideal for travelers accustomed to more high-end accommodations. Berkshire Hathaway’s policies also include automatic coverage for pre-existing conditions if you buy a policy within 14 days of your initial deposit date.
Coverage and Cost
Add-ons
You can add several coverage options to your LuxuryCare plan within 15 days of your trip deposit:
- Cash advance assistance
- CFAR Upgrade
- Financial default or airline or other transport covered
- Pre-existing medical conditions waiver
- Roadside assistance
Cost
We’ve gathered dozens of quotes in our review to better understand the cost of senior travel insurance. Based on quotes collected by our research team from Berkshire Hathaway, the average cost for a senior travel insurance policy is $381.
Nationwide Travel Insurance
Our pick for most coverage reimbursed
4.6
Our Rating
Cost: 5/5
Coverage Extras: 1.875/5
Coverage Details: 5/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 4.2/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.8/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 4.375/5
Credit Rating: 4/5
Suggested PlanLuxury CruiseAverage Cost$407Medical Expense & Evacuation Max$150,000/$1 million
Pros and Cons
Pros Affordable plans for seasoned and new cruise-goers Trip interruption coverage available up to 200% of the trip cost Lower premium costs for older travelers Cons Baggage delay coverage not available until after a 12-hour delay Higher pricing on some cruise plans for senior citizens Only offers secondary medical coverage under the Essential Plan
Why We Picked Nationwide for Senior Travelers
Nationwide is one of the few travel insurance providers to offer cruise-specific coverage, based on our research, with its policies featuring several inclusions benefitting older travelers. Trip interruption coverage includes up to 200% of your trip cost, and you can qualify for a pre-existing conditions waiver up to 21 days after your initial deposit. While medical limits are lower than most competitors, Nationwide’s general and cruise-specific coverages present a viable option for older travelers.
Coverage and Cost
Add-ons
Nationwide offers the following add-ons, but available coverage may vary by plan.
- AD&D coverage (available on all plans)
- Rental car coverage options (Essential and Prime plans)
- CFAR coverage (Prime Plan, Cruise Choice and Luxury plans)
Cost
We gathered quotes directly from Nationwide to better gauge what a travel insurance policy costs for seniors. Based on the quotes collected by our research team, a senior travel insurance plan with Nationwide costs $407 on average.
Generali Global Assistance
Our pick for emergency assistance
4.5
Our Rating
Cost: 4.5/5
Coverage Extras: 2.5/5
Coverage Details: 4.7/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 4.25/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 4.2/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.8/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 4.8/5
Credit Rating: 4/5
Suggested PlanPremiumAverage Cost$298Medical Expense & Evacuation Max$250,000/$1 million
Pros and Cons
Pros 24/7 travel assistance hotline and emergency assistance Higher-than-average medical coverage Premium plan includes $2,000 per person baggage loss coverage Offers affordable senior travel insurance policies Cons Must add CFAR coverage within 24 hours of purchasing your initial policy Only covers pre-existing conditions under the Premium plan
Why We Picked Generali Global Assistance for Senior Travelers
We named Generali Global Assistance our pick for emergency assistance, as the provider offers a team of bilingual representatives on standby to assist in an emergency. Generali’s policies include around-the-clock travel assistance, and its Premium plan offers generous medical coverage of up to $250,000. In addition, Generali’s medical coverage does not have a lower cap for dental coverage, a benefit if you experience a dental abscess or another major dental emergency on vacation.
Coverage and Cost
Add-ons
Generali offers fewer add-on options than other insurance providers we reviewed, including:
- Rental car accident insurance (offers up to $25,000 with the Standard and Preferred plans)
- CFAR insurance (available with the Premium plan only)
Note that the Premium plan includes rental car coverage as standard so the add-on is not available to those customers.
Cost
We gathered quotes directly from Generali to learn about the cost of a travel insurance policy for seniors. Based on these quotes, seniors can expect to pay $298 for a Generali plan.
AXA Assistance USA
Our pick for leisure travelers
4.3
Our Rating
Cost: 4/5
Coverage Extras: 3.1/5
Coverage Details: 4.7/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 2.9/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.6/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 4.6/5
Credit Rating: 4/5
Suggested PlanPlatinumAverage Cost$483Medical Expense & Evacuation Max$250,000/$1 million
Pros and Cons
Pros CFAR upgrade available Lost baggage coverage of $3,000 per person Trip interruption reimbursement of 150% of the trip cost Cons Delays and baggage coverage starts after 12 hours of delay Travel medical insurance doesn’t cover dental accidents Has a $25,000 medical limit on the Silver coverage
Why We Picked AXA Assistance USA for Senior Travelers
We chose AXA Assistance USA as our pick for leisure travelers. We think AXA is ideal for seniors planning a leisurely trip because of the added benefits it offers, including reimbursement for lost rounds of golf and sporting equipment rentals. Its upper-tier plans include identity theft coverage and 24/7 travel services. It also has the option to add coverage for pre-existing conditions. To benefit from the pre-existing conditions exclusion waiver, you must purchase your AXA Assistance USA policy within 14 days of your initial trip deposit.
Coverage and Cost
Add-ons
AXA offers the following add-on coverage for any travel insurance policy:
- CFAR coverage (up to 75%)
- Collision waiver on a rental car (up to $50,000)
Cost
After gathering direct quotes from AXA Assistance USA, a senior traveler can expect to pay, on average, $483 for an AXA plan.
Seven Corners Travel Insurance
Our pick for international travelers
4.5
Our Rating
Cost: 5/5
Coverage Extras: 2.5/5
Coverage Details: 4.7/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 3.75/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.6/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 4.8/5
Credit Rating: 3/5
Suggested Plan100%Average Cost$388Medical Expense & Evacuation Max$500,000/$1 million
Pros and Cons
Pros 24/7 travel assistance services Some plans provide $100,000 in medical coverage for travelers 65 to 79 years old Offers coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions Policies available for travelers 80 years and older Cons Travelers 80 years and older receive just $10,000 in medical coverage, lower than other options on our list cute pre-existing condition coverage is only available for travelers 79 years and younger
Why We Picked Seven Corners for Senior Travelers
As an older traveler, you may focus on comprehensive medical care and evacuation protections when buying travel insurance. Seven Corners offers a broad selection of medical insurance policies, with travelers 65 to 79 years old provided up to $100,000 in medical coverage. Travelers 80 years and older can receive $10,000 in coverage, which is an age many other providers exclude from enrollment entirely. Seven Corners also offers medical evacuation coverage up to $1 million, which can benefit those traveling to a remote area.
Coverage and Cost
Add-ons
With Seven Corners, you can choose from the following add-ons:
- CFAR insurance
- Event ticket registration fee protection
- Interrupted for any reason (IFAR) coverage
- Rental car collision waiver ($35,000 maximum)
- Sports and golf equipment rental coverage
Cost
Our research team collected quotes from Seven Corners using various senior traveler profiles. We found that a senior traveler can expect to pay $388 on average.
HTH Travel Insurance
Our pick for group travel
4.3
Our Rating
Cost: 5/5
Coverage Extras: 3.125/5
Coverage Details: 5/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 2.5/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.8/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 4/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 4.375/5
Credit Rating: 3/5
Suggested PlanTripProtector PreferredAverage Cost$437Medical Expense & Evacuation Max$500,000/$1 million
Pros and Cons
Pros 24/7 travel assistance services $500,000 medevac coverage Mental health is covered like any other medical condition under the policy Cons Baggage delay coverage starts after 12 hours of delay Requires that you maintain health insurance coverage in the United States
Why We Picked HTH for Senior Travelers
If you’re a senior traveling with a group, you might consider buying coverage through a travel insurance provider offering benefits when you purchase two or more policies at once. HTH Travel Insurance policies have a 10% discount for groups of travelers over the age of 65 and include medical limits of up to $1 million. Nationwide underwrites policies in most areas, and you may qualify for up to 200% of trip interruption coverage and primary medical benefits.
Coverage and Cost
Add-ons
You can add the following coverage to your group insurance plan:
- CFAR insurance (must purchase within 10 days of your first trip deposit)
- Rental car damage (not available in Oregon, New York or Texas)
Cost
Based on quotes our research team gathered from HTH Worldwide, senior travelers can expect to pay $437 on average.
International Medical Group
Our pick for medical coverage
4.4
Our Rating
Cost: 4.5/5
Coverage Extras: 3.125/5
Coverage Details: 5/5
CFAR Coverage Amount: 5/5
Claim eligibility time constraints: 3.3/5
Cancellation/Interruption Coverage Amount: 4.8/5
Delay Coverage Amount: 5/5
Customer Service and Reviews: 4/5
Credit Rating: 3/5
Average Cost$217Medical Expense & Evacuation Max$500,000Trip Cancellation %100%
Pros and Cons
Pros 24/7 emergency travel assistance Fast quoting process Up to $8 million in medical insurance benefits Offers the GlobeHopper Senior Single-Trip plan specifically for travelers aged 65 and older Cons Baggage delay coverage ($250) doesn’t kick in until 12 hours after delay Higher plan costs
Why IMG Is Great for Senior Travelers
If you’re looking for more extensive medical coverage, you can find a number of policies available through International Medical Group (IMG). The company has inclusive international policies, with more than five choices and up to $8 million in medical coverage on single-trip plans. It also offers GlobeHopper Senior plans tailored specifically to senior travelers by not enforcing a maximum age restriction. IMG makes it easier for seniors to customize coverage than other companies we’ve researched, allowing you to skip baggage and delay-related coverage if you solely want medical insurance.
Coverage and Cost
Add-ons
Rental car damage and theft coverage, which some companies offer as add-ons, is included with many of IMG’s plans. You can add the following optional coverages:
- Pet kennel (up to $100 per day with a max of $300 per pet)
- Pre-existing condition review
IMG’s medical insurance policies include some exclusions limiting when you can use your coverage. But you can purchase a waiver that extends coverage to medical issues resulting from adventure sports and terrorism.
Cost
Based on quotes we gathered from IMG using four different senior traveler profiles, a 70-year-old couple taking a 7-day, $4,000 trip to Mexico will pay around $428.
How We Selected the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors
After reviewing dozens of travel insurance providers, we ranked the best options for senior travelers by cost, coverage and value. The following are the major factors that influenced how we ranked each company:
- Medical expense limits: Companies with higher medical expense limits ranked higher on our list, specifically providers offering medical benefits higher than $250,000.
- Primary medical coverage: Medicare does not cover most medical bills incurred abroad. Companies offering primary medical coverage scored higher than those that only offer secondary coverage.
- Emergency medical evacuation: Not every travel insurance company offers medical evacuation coverage. We ranked companies with at least $100,000 in coverage higher than those with a lower benefit amount or not offering coverage at all.
- Premium costs: Travel insurance is more expensive for seniors because insurance companies consider older adults more likely to run into a medical issue and file an insurance claim. To compare premium costs, we gathered quotes for a U.S. couple taking a trip to the United Kingdom and ranked companies based on average affordability.
- Travel assistance: We ranked companies offering 24/7 travel assistance higher than those with more limited customer service hours.
How Much Does Senior Travel Insurance Cost?
The average cost of travel insurance for seniors is $417. However, seniors can likely expect to pay anywhere from $159 to $745 for a policy. Our team analyzed average travel insurance policy costs for senior travelers by gathering quotes from multiple providers using four different traveler profiles. Based on these quotes, we found the average cost of travel insurance for seniors was about 9% to 18% of their trip’s total value.
See the table below for a breakdown of average policy costs across the traveler profiles we used to gather quotes during our research process.
Trip Details | Trip Cost | Average Policy Cost | Percentage of Trip Cost |
70-year-old couple taking a seven-day trip to Mexico | $4,000 | $363 | 9% |
65-year-old taking a five-day cruise in the Bahamas | $1,200 | $159 | 13% |
77-year-old and 81-year-old couple taking an eight-day trip to the Dominican Republic | $5,000 | $745 | 15% |
80-year-old taking a six-day cruise in Greece | $3,000 | $532 | 18% |
The table below shows the average cost of senior travel insurance by provider, averaging each of their plan costs for all 4 traveler types highlighted above, from cheapest to most expensive.
Company | Average Senior Travel Insurance Cost |
---|---|
World Nomads Travel Insurance | $74 |
Generali Global Assistance | $298 |
Faye Travel Insurance | $337 |
IMG Travel Insurance | $350 |
Berkshire Hathaway | $381 |
Seven Corners | $388 |
Aegis Travel Insurance | $390 |
Nationwide | $407 |
Cat 70 Travel Insurance | $422 |
Trawick International Travel Insurance | $427 |
WorldTrips Travel Insurance | $436 |
HTH Worldwide | $437 |
AIG Travel Guard | $454 |
John Hancock travel insurance | $462 |
Tin Leg Travel Insurance | $463 |
Allianz Global Assistance | $481 |
AXA Assistance USA | $483 |
Travel Safe Insurance | $511 |
Travelex Insurance | $585 |
USI Affinity Travel Insurance | $620 |
Keep in mind your actual travel insurance policy cost as a senior will depend on factors such as your age, total trip cost, level of coverage and more. We recommend gathering quotes from at least three different travel insurance companies before settling on a plan.
How To Pick The Best Senior Travel Insurance
When shopping for senior travel insurance, consider the following tips to pick the right policy for your coverage needs.
Check for Pre-Existing Conditions Waivers
Most travel insurance companies exclude pre-existing conditions from medical coverage. If you’ve had changes in your health before purchasing a policy — such as a new diagnosis or new medication — a company may consider it a pre-existing condition.
Senior travelers with chronic medical conditions or a new diagnosis can see if their travel insurance provider offers a waiver for pre-existing conditions. This waiver can prevent a travel insurance company from denying medical-related reimbursements if you have a pre-existing condition, as it keeps the provider from examining your recent medical records when reviewing a claim.
Angela Borden, a product marketing specialist at Seven Corners, encourages travelers to check on medical coverage if they have pre-existing conditions.
“Contact your insurance provider to be sure you fully understand the pre-existing conditions coverage for the plan you choose,” she said, “being prepared and having the information before you need it in an emergency can make a huge difference.”
Opt for Primary Medical Coverage
If you get your health insurance through Medicare, you may consider travel insurance providers that offer primary (rather than secondary) medical coverage. Medicare does not pay for medical care provided outside the U.S., which can make travel insurance for seniors valuable. Providers like Travelex and Faye are good options for seniors who think they may need international medical care policies with primary coverage.
DID YOU KNOW?
According to our survey of 1,000 people who have purchased a travel insurance policy in the past, over 60% recommend that a friend buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes medical coverage, cancellations, baggage, etc., over a cheaper policy with less coverage.
Choose a Plan With at Least $100,000 in Medical Coverage
Travel medical insurance can protect you if you need emergency medical care while on a trip. If you’re a senior with a Medicare policy that covers your domestic healthcare needs, your policy likely will not cover medical bills you incur in another country. If you need healthcare services due to a sudden illness or injury, a travel insurance plan with medical coverage can likely protect you financially in an emergency.
We recommend senior travelers obtain at least $100,000 in medical coverage based on our review of travel insurance companies and research into emergency medical expenses. If you experience a serious medical emergency that requires hospitalization, your healthcare bills might add up quickly. Consider your financial situation, the length of your travels and other factors when deciding on the amount of coverage you’re comfortable purchasing.
Get at Least $250,000 in Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage
When traveling to a location without an accessible or strong healthcare infrastructure, the need for medical evacuation increases if you have a severe accident. If you need transport in an ambulance, helicopter or another specialized medical vehicle, medical evacuation coverage can help cover transport-related bills. Repatriation benefits — often included alongside medical evacuation coverage — cover the cost of transporting your remains back to your home country in the event of death abroad.
We encourage senior travelers to consider at least $250,000 in medical evacuation and repatriation of remains coverage. According to Medjet, medical transport costs can range from $30,000 to over $180,000, so you’ll likely want limits that can provide you with peace of mind if you need transport during a medical crisis.
Frequent International Travelers: Consider Annual Travel Insurance
Seniors who plan to travel to multiple destinations over the course of a year might consider an annual travel insurance policy. Annual, multi-destination travel insurance covers multiple trips over a set period — typically 12 months. If you plan on traveling frequently while returning to your home base between trips, this coverage may offer a cost-effective way to protect your travels versus buying multiple single-trip policies for all your adventures.
MARKETWATCH GUIDES TIP
Keep in mind that while annual coverage is typically cheaper than buying multiple individual plans, these plans often have lower limits for emergency medical expenses. Consider what’s most important to you in a travel insurance policy before deciding on a single-trip or annual travel insurance plan.
Make Sure You Have 100% Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
Trip cancellation insurance and trip interruption coverage can reimburse prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is canceled or interrupted for a reason listed under your policy. Qualifying expenses can include flights, hotel reservations, rental car costs, and prepaid excursions and activities. Ensuring your trip cancellation and interruption coverages provide at least 100% reimbursement can protect your wallet and peace of mind if you experience circumstances beyond your control.
Consider a “Cancel For Any Reason” Coverage Add-On
Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage is an add-on worth considering if you foresee canceling your trip for a reason not covered by a standard travel insurance policy. While a typical plan covers cancellations due to a death in the family, hospitalization, military orders or deployment, and more, CFAR coverage allows you to cancel for virtually any reason. If you use your CFAR coverage, you would receive reimbursement up to a set percentage amount of your trip as outlined in your policy.
DID YOU KNOW?
According to the participants in our study over the age of 54, 60% purchased CFAR coverage, and 19% purchased Interruption for any reason (IFAR) coverage.
How To Save On Travel Insurance
If you’re concerned about the cost of travel insurance as a senior, there are ways to save money. For example, a travel insurance policy with lower coverage limits may suffice if you’re traveling somewhere low-risk to relax versus a more adventurous location.
Or, if you have a credit card with travel insurance benefits such as trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage, you can choose to purchase a separate plan that only includes travel medical coverage. This could be cheaper than a comprehensive policy. If you do not need medical coverage, you can choose to rely on credit card benefits alone to save even more money.
Keep in mind that cheaper is not necessarily better. Make sure you’re comfortable with lower coverage limits if you choose a cheaper plan and, assuming your policy has lower limits, can pay out of pocket if needed in a medical emergency or other untimely situation. Considering your unique needs as you travel can help you better choose a plan that’s right for you.
What Else Do Seniors Need To Know About Travel Insurance?
The following are some things to consider if you’re a senior considering purchasing traveling insurance.
- COVID-19 is usually treated as a typical illness: Under most travel insurance policies, COVID-19 is treated the same as any other illness covered under the policy. If you contract COVID-19 on or before your trip, you may be entitled to a reimbursement. However, fear of a new COVID strain does not qualify you for reimbursement under standard travel insurance policies. As a senior, you may want to protect your trip with CFAR coverage if your destination may be at a higher risk of COVID-related complications.
- Preexisting conditions are often excluded: Senior citizens usually have more health concerns than younger travelers, which is partly why travel insurance costs more as you age. You may be required to provide your travel insurance provider with a list of preexisting conditions before you are approved for coverage. Compare plan options with your health insurance coverage to find the policy that provides you with the best complementary benefits.
Do Seniors Need Travel Insurance?
Deciding on a travel insurance plan as a senior is a personal decision. Considering your travel needs can help make the decision easier, and we recommend asking yourself questions such as these before purchasing a plan:
- Am I traveling to a remote area that lacks a robust healthcare system?
- Does my trip involve multiple connecting flights or destinations?
- Am I worried about unexpected events interfering with my plans?
- Are my non-refundable costs more than I can realistically afford to lose?
If you answer yes to any of the above questions, it could be worth gathering quotes from multiple providers and comparing costs. This way, you can find a plan that suits your needs and budget while providing you with peace of mind.
When To Skip Travel Insurance
Travel insurance may not be worth it for some senior travelers. For example, some countries, such as New Zealand, provide covered emergency medical care for accidental injuries or illnesses, so you may not need travel insurance strictly for medical benefits.
Other instances where you might skip travel insurance include if you booked your trip using a credit card that provides travel benefits. Several credit cards offer travel insurance benefits such as trip cancellation and trip interruption, so check with your credit card provider to see if it provides benefits that align with your needs.
Is Senior Travel Insurance Worth It?
When you compare the price of travel insurance to the price of a potential travel emergency, it usually proves worth the cost. Even if you don’t have a pre-existing medical condition, older travelers are more likely to consider travel insurance plans with medical coverage for a sudden injury or emergency evacuation. Medicare does not cover medical expenses outside the U.S. and U.S. territories. Travel insurance also offers valuable cancellation and delay benefits, potentially saving you thousands in nonrefundable trip costs like your flights and accommodations.
Country
Argentina Aruba Australia Austria Bahamas Bali Barbados Belize Bermuda Brazil British Virgin Islands Canada Chile China Colombia Costa Rica Denmark Dominican Republic Europe France Germany Greece Iceland India Ireland Italy Japan Jerusalem Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Norway Philippines Portugal Singapore Spain Sweden Switzerland Thailand Turks and Caicos United Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Travel Insurance
Yes, plenty of travel insurance providers offer insurance plans for senior citizens. Some companies that provide trip cancellation and medical evacuation coverage for men and women over 70 include AXA, Berkshire Hathaway and Nationwide.
The best option to buy travel insurance as a senior citizen will vary depending on your unique needs. For example, Generali Global Assistance might be the right plan provider for you if you’re looking for an insurance provider that offers low-priced policies. On the other hand, if you have multiple health conditions and need high maximum limits on medical evacuation coverage, consider companies like Berkshire Hathaway and Nationwide.
Yes, buying a travel insurance policy event is still a good idea if you have Medicare. Though Medicare might provide you with limited emergency care coverage outside the United States, it will not cover most medical evacuations. It also does not offer any reimbursement for trip costs and expenses not related to medical care.
Yes, it’s possible to buy travel insurance with a preexisting condition. However, your travel insurance may not cover injuries, symptoms, or illnesses related to conditions present before the start date of your policy.
Methodology: Our System for Rating Senior Travel Insurance Companies
Our team surveyed dozens of travel insurance providers and created a scoring system to judge each company based on coverage, quality and service. We also collected sample quotes from each company, both over the phone and on the Internet, to simulate an authentic customer experience. Here are the factors we take into consideration when rating providers:
- Cost (10%): To determine a baseline average travel insurance cost for seniors, we gathered quotes from various travel insurance companies based on four different senior traveler profiles. Specifically, we obtained quotes for the following trips:
- A 70-year-old couple taking a $4,000, 7-day trip to Mexico
- A 65-year-old taking a $1,200, 5-day cruise in the Bahamas
- A 77 and 81-year-old couple taking a $5,000, 8-day trip to the Dominican Republic
- An 80-year-old taking a $3,000, 6-day cruise in Greece
- Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
- Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
- Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
- Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
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