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Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

Plans for Seniors over 60, 70, and 80. Find good travel coverage at any age!
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  • Based on our research, the best travel insurance plans for seniors are from Generali, Tin Leg, and AEGIS (skip ahead to view these plans).
  • Many seniors’ travel insurance plans don’t have an age limit, so there are plenty of options for getting travel insurance over 70 and even into your 80s & 90s.
  • Age is the number one factor that influences the cost of travel insurance, therefore seniors tend to pay a slightly higher premium than younger travelers.
  • Some companies offer specific travel insurance plans tailored to senior travelers which can cover pre-existing conditions and be quite affordable.
  • The most important types of travel coverage for seniors to look for are medical coverage, emergency evacuation, and optional cancellation coverage.
  • We recommend using a comparison tool to easily find plans suited to your age and to compare prices from multiple providers at once.

Senior citizens can benefit the most from travel insurance given their advanced age and increased risk of illness and injury.

Senior travelers are more likely to become ill or injured while away from home, just as they are more likely to have pre-existing medical conditions that could flare up. Travel insurance can cover you for pre-existing medical conditions, pay for you to be treated while away or send you home to a hospital of your choice.

Additionally, Medicare and Medicaid programs don’t cover you while traveling abroad. This means without a travel insurance plan, seniors run the risk of having to pay out of pocket for any medical treatment received while abroad. This can add up quickly depending on the severity of your ailment.

Lastly, travel insurance can reimburse you for the total cost of your trip if you end up not being able to travel or need to cut your trip short. These coverages are especially beneficial to seniors who are statistically more likely to use them.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

Best Overall

Generali Global Assistance

GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
4.34
Preferred Plan
Standard
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$50,000 / $250,000
Best for Emergency Medical Coverage

Tin Leg

GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
4.6
Preferred Plan
Gold
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000 / $500,000
Best for Cancellation Coverage

AEGIS

GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
4.07
Preferred Plan
Go Ready Choice
Covers COVID
Yes
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000 / $500,000

Do seniors on Medicare/Medicaid need travel insurance?

In most cases, Medicare and Medicaid will not cover you outside of the US for any health care or medical supplies you receive. So it’s important to purchase a travel insurance policy that will cover you during your vacations abroad.

However, there are rare occasions where Medicare may cover you for any medical treatment you receive in a foreign country, these include:

  • You are traveling through the US when a medical emergency occurs and a foreign hospital is closer to you than the nearest US one.
  • You are traveling through Canada by the most direct route between Alaska and another U.S. state and a medical emergency occurs. A Canadian hospital is closer than the nearest US hospital which can treat your emergency.
  • You live in the US but a foreign hospital is far closer to your home than a US hospital.

For senior citizens taking a cruise, your Medicare may cover you if the ship is within 6 hours of a U.S. port. However, if the ship is further than 6 hours, you will not be covered - this is where a travel insurance policy can help.

Although the Medigap policy is designed to cover emergency medical care that you get outside the U.S., it is not without its drawbacks. This is seen especially in Medigap’s lifetime limit of $50,000 - costs can often run into the hundreds of thousands and having a comprehensive travel insurance policy can help cover the cost of any expensive medical bills.

Does travel insurance cover seniors with pre-existing conditions?

Certain travel insurance policies are made to cover people with pre-existing conditions. Generally speaking, to qualify for the pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver you should buy your plan right after your first trip deposit.

On average, senior citizens are far more likely to have underlying health problems and pre-existing conditions which could flare up on a trip. Ensuring your policy has a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver will remove any exclusions for illnesses or conditions you already have.

You can read our full guide to travel insurance for pre-existing conditions here.

Here are some of the top picks for plans that cover pre-existing conditions for seniors:

Key features and benefits to look for

We consider the following travel insurance benefits to be the most important ones for senior citizens:

  1. Emergency travel medical coverage of at least $250k for trips abroad
  2. Medical evacuation coverage of at least $250k
  3. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions
  4. Repatriation of remains in case of death
  5. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage

Optional coverage to consider:

  1. Cancel for Any Reason coverage (optional)
  2. Annual travel coverage (optional)

Let’s have a look at each of these in greater detail.

Travel medical insurance coverage ($250,000+)

Since US health insurance (including Medicare and Medicaid) doesn’t usually work abroad, it’s important to buy adequate medical coverage. Having a medical emergency away from home can be incredibly costly, and that’s especially true if you require hospitalization, surgery, or long-term treatment and rehabilitation. Due to the increased probability of needing complex medical interventions, we suggest that seniors opt for policies that come with at least $250,000 in coverage for medical care. Most travel insurance plans now include standard protection for COVID-19-related treatments or hospitalizations, as well as insurance that pays for quarantine if you’re required to isolate during your trip.

Medical evacuation coverage ($250,000+)

We also recommend having at least $250,000 in coverage for medical evacuation. This type of coverage ensures you make it to a facility where you can receive adequate treatment. This even means flying you back to the US for treatment at a hospital of your choice. That said, being transported in a plane, a helicopter, or an ambulance to the nearest hospital or clinic can become costly when paying out of pocket. This type of coverage typically includes the repatriation of remains if you or a travel companion pass away while traveling.

Note: this coverage is especially important for seniors planning a cruise vacation. Not all cruise insurances cover medical evacuation, so it’s best to check before buying.

Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions

it’s extremely important to know ahead of time what is and isn’t covered under your plan. If you have recently recovered from a medical condition or you have a chronic disease that requires ongoing care, you’ll want to look for a travel insurance policy that offers coverage for pre-existing conditions. Not all travel insurance covers pre-existing conditions, so make sure you read the fine print.

Insurance for repatriation of remains

Coverage for the repatriation of remains is essential if you or your travel companion unexpectedly dies during a trip. For example, this type of coverage can help pay for transporting the body back to the US from the UK. It can also pay for a basic casket used for transport, as well as third-party air and ground shipping expenses. While you may not end up using this coverage, you will likely wish you had it in the event that you need it.

Optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage

Your insurance company may also offer Cancel for Any Reason protection as an optional add-on to your plan. This type of coverage will make your travel insurance policy cost more, but it lets you cancel for any reason at all and get between 50% and 75% of your pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses back.

Optional annual insurance plans

Annual travel plans are particularly well-suited for retirees and seniors who travel frequently. Annual travel insurance plans cover multiple trips to multiple destinations for a full calendar year from the date the policy begins. If you travel regularly, this type of coverage can often work out cheaper than getting several single-trip policies for each trip you take.

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Our picks for the best travel insurance for seniors in 2024

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Best Overall

Full Policy Details

Generali Global Assistance

4.34
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Standard
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$50,000 / $250,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

The Standard plan from Generali Global Assistance is a top choice if you’re seeking a cost-effective way to protect your trip. What sets this plan apart is its budget-friendly nature, making it accessible to a variety of travelers. Despite the cheap price, this comprehensive plan still offers luxurious perks and benefits and you are protected throughout every step of your journey.

To start, the Standard plan comes with comprehensive secondary emergency medical coverage with limits of $50K per person and medevac & repatriation coverage of $250k per person. While these limits are a bit lower than other plans and offer secondary coverage, they are great for travel within the U.S. or to neighboring countries. Note: the secondary medical coverage means you will be asked to pay the bills first and wait for reimbursement, therefore this plan is ideal for domestic travel or as a supplementary plan to your existing U.S. health insurance while you travel.

Highlights of medical coverage include:

  • Emergency medical and dental assistance
  • Medical treatments relating to COVID-19
  • Medical Evacuation
  • Accidental death & dismemberment while flying (exceptionally high coverage)
  • Repatriation

Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage also come standard with this plan. If you need to cancel your trip for one of the covered reasons, you can receive reimbursement for 100% of the trip cost, or up to 125% of the trip cost if your trip is interrupted.

Examples of covered reasons for cancellation include:

  • Medical Reasons / Covid-19 Sickness
  • Weather conditions / Hurricanes
  • Employment Layoff
  • Terrorism

Other notable benefits include coverage for your pet travel companion, travel delays, missed connections (for cruises and tours), identity theft while traveling, baggage delay/damage/loss, and emergency assistance and transportation. With this plan, you have free access to worldwide 24-hour emergency phone support and concierge services that can help book events, tours, restaurants, rental cars, offer advice, organize pick-ups, etc.

Whether you need assistance with medical emergencies or require guidance during your travels, the Generali Global Assistance team is ready to help. For added peace of mind, Generali Global Assistance offers a 10-day Money Back Guarantee.

What you won’t get standard with this plan is an extension of coverage if you are delayed or fall ill while traveling, reimbursement for rental car damage, or coverage for sports or adventure activities. However, you can pay extra to customize your plan with optional coverage add-ons to include coverage for Cancel for Any Reason and Interruption for Any Reason.

PROS

  • Lowest cost of all Generali Global Assistance plans
  • 24/7 emergency travel assistance included
  • Telemedicine included

CONS

  • Lower coverage than other Generali plans
  • Pre-existing conditions are not covered by the Standard plan
  • No coverage for accidental death and dismemberment during on-land travel

Best for Emergency Medical Coverage

Full Policy Details

Tin Leg

4.6
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Gold
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000 / $500,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

The Tin Leg Gold plan continually ranks as one of the cheapest policies but offers high medical benefits and comprehensive cancellation coverage. This plan is specifically designed for travelers who want coverage for a bit of every scenario while traveling. However, it places high importance on your health while traveling.

The Gold plan’s impressive medical coverage includes a $500,000 limit for both primary emergency medical assistance and medical evacuation assistance – ensuring you can get the treatment you need and are returned home safely should anything happen while away. Best of all, the primary coverage means no deductibles or out-of-pocket expenses. Tin Leg will pay the bills for you.

Another major highlight of the Gold plan is its coverage of Pre-Existing Conditions. If you purchase Tin Leg Gold within 14 days of booking your trip and insuring the full trip cost, pre-existing conditions will be covered under the plan limits. This makes the plan great for older travelers or those who may have a flare-up.

At a glance, the following medical coverage comes standard:

  • Emergency medical assistance
  • Medical evacuation & repatriation
  • Accidental death & dismemberment
  • Medical coverage for COVID-19 sickness
  • Pre-existing conditions (when meeting waiver criteria)
  • Sports & adventure (exclusions apply)

The great coverage doesn’t stop at solely medical care. Another strong suit of the Tin Leg Gold plan is the Cancellation coverage which can reimburse you for up to 100% of the trip cost if you cancel or 150% of the trip cost if your travel is interrupted – due to reasons included in the policy.

Examples of some covered reasons for cancellation include:

  • Medical reasons
  • COVID-19 sickness
  • Inclement weather
  • Terrorism
  • and more…

Other notable travel benefits that manage to cover a bit of everything include coverage for:

  • Travel Delays
  • Missed Connections
  • Baggage delay/damage/loss
  • Sports gear/equipment delay/damage/loss
  • Optional Cancel For Any Reason cover

However, if travel delay & baggage coverage are extra important to you, it’s good to note that this plan has lower limits for reimbursement than other plans on our list when it comes to these scenarios. That said, it also offers higher medical limits at a fraction of the price of other providers. So, it’s up to you and your needs.

With a 14-day money-back guarantee and 24-hour travel assistance service, Tin Leg Gold goes above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction and support. This policy truly stands out as a top choice for travelers who prioritize their well-being and want comprehensive coverage for their trips.

PROS

  • Excellent primary coverage for medical expenses
  • High limit for emergency evacuation coverage
  • Optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage available
  • Comes with coverage for hurricanes and inclement weather
  • Coverage for pre-existing conditions is available if purchased within 14 days of the trip deposit

CONS

  • Baggage delay coverage requires a 24-hour waiting period
  • Low coverage limits for baggage and personal effects

Best for Cancellation Coverage

AEGIS

4.07
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Go Ready Choice
Covers COVID
Yes
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000 / $500,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

AEGIS offers a range of travel insurance plans geared to nearly any type of traveler, and they all have good/excellent coverage for medical evacuation depending on the plan you choose. This provider also offers annual travel plans for individuals and families, as well as a special pandemic travel insurance plan that can provide additional peace of mind for travelers worried about COVID-19.

Our top pick is the GoReady Choice plan which offers coverage for trip cancellation, medical visits, emergency evacuation, baggage delay, accidental death, repatriation, and some sports accidents. This also includes coverage for situations like COVID. For example, you can also extend your trip up to 7 days if you end up having to quarantine.

PROS

  • Affordable and budget prices
  • Cancelation & interruption coverage
  • Offers hurricane and weather coverage

CONS

  • Medical coverage is low comapred to competitors

Best Coverage for Seniors Over 70

Full Policy Details

Trawick International

4.14
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Safe Travels Voyager
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$250,000 / $1,000,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

“Several of the Trawick travel insurance plans rank among our top-selling plans for 2024. The Safe Travels Voyager plan is arguably the most popular among LA Times' readers thanks to its comprehensive coverage. With its higher-than-average coverage limits over many categories, Trawick Safe Travels Voyager is the ideal choice for travelers seeking comprehensive travel insurance with high levels of policy limits.

Starting with its medical benefits, it offers a good primary medical coverage limit of up to $250,000 per person for medical emergencies and covers up to a whopping $1,000,000 per person for medical evacuation and repatriation. The plan is not the cheapest on the list, but these levels make it ideal for global international travel and even travel to remote locations. The plan can also cover pre-existing medical conditions as long as you buy the plan within 21 days of the initial trip deposit and before the final trip payment. This means it’s also a solid option for older travelers or those with existing health conditions.

Other key benefits include cancellation coverage, which can reimburse you for up to 100% of the trip cost, and interruption coverage which can reimburse you for up to 150% of the trip cost if your trip is cut short. Cancellation and interruption cancellation for COVID-19 sickness also come standard.

As with other plans, examples of covered reasons for canceling can include:

  • Medical Reasons
  • Hurricane & Weather
  • Financial Default
  • Employment Layoff
  • Terrorism

This plan also has the highest reimbursement limits for travel delays and baggage issues of any on our list of best travel plans for . You also be reimbursed for travel delays (up to $3,000 per person) and missed connections on cruises and tours (up to $1,000 per person).

Loss or delay of baggage is always a concern while traveling, but with this plan, you can rest easy. It offers coverage for:

  • Baggage and personal items loss up to $2,500
  • Baggage delay coverage up to $600 per person

Sports and activities are covered (with some limitations), and sports fees are included in the cancellation and interruption coverage.

Trawick Safe Travels Voyager plan also includes coverage for rental car damage up to $35,000 per person, a 10-day money-back guarantee after purchase, and 24-hour assistance service should you need help during your trip. Whether you’re looking for medical coverage, trip cancellation protection, or assistance services, this plan has you covered. Travel with confidence knowing you’re protected with Trawick Safe Travels Voyager.”

PROS

  • Excellent medical coverage limits
  • Up to $2,500 baggage coverage included
  • Covers quarantine accommodation expenses

CONS

  • Baggage delay coverage only kicks in after 8 hours
  • CFAR only covers 75% of the insured trip cost

Best Coverage for Seniors Over 80

Full Policy Details

IMG

4.24
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
iTravelInsured Travel LX Basic
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000 / $1,000,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

This plan is great for travelers of any age and offers extremely robust coverage for a low price. Depending on your trip parameters, this plan can work out to be hundreds of dollars cheaper than similar plans while still offering great coverage and a 10-day money-back guarantee.

As an example, you will be covered for up to $500,000 of primary emergency medical coverage, meaning you won’t have to pay first and wait to be reimbursed should you need unexpected medical treatment while traveling. IMG will pay the bills for you up to $500,000. You also get travel cancellation, interruption, and travel delay coverage included as well as $40,000 in rental car damage protection included. Protection for baggage delays and baggage loss comes standard.

While the plan doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, per se, this plan only has a look-back period of 60 days. This means it only considers pre-existing conditions as “an illness, disease, or other condition during the 60-day period immediately prior to the date your coverage begins.” That said, this can be waived if you pay your premium at or before making the final payment of your trip. See all the plan inclusions using the button to the right.

PROS

  • 10-day money back guarantee
  • Generous limits for trip delays, emergency evacuation, and more
  • 24/7 emergency travel assistance included
  • Coronavirus-related medical expenses covered
  • Rental car coverage included

CONS

  • Recently developed pre-existing conditions may not be covered
  • CFAR and IFAR coverage only available as an add-on with premium plans

Best Cruise Insurance for Seniors

Full Policy Details

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company

4
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Cruise Luxury
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$150,000 / $1,000,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Senior travelers who love to cruise may be better off purchasing a plan that’s specific to this type of trip. We like the cruise insurance plans from Nationwide because there are three tiers to choose from — Universal, Choice, and Luxury. For senior cruisers who mostly opt for affordable cruise vacations, the Universal or Choice plans can work well. However, the Luxury Cruise Plan offers higher limits and better coverage overall.

In fact, the Luxury Cruise Plan from Nationwide comes with trip cancellation coverage as well as trip interruption protection, missed connection coverage worth up to $3,000, trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000, specialized protection for itinerary changes, up to $150,000 in coverage for medical expenses, up to $1 million in insurance for medical evacuation, and generous protection worth up to $2,500 for baggage and personal effects. Coverage for weather that often impacts cruises is also provided, as well as coverage for work-related emergencies and terrorism in an itinerary city.

PROS

  • Optional CFAR coverage is available
  • Excellent coverage for medical evacuation
  • Generous limits for baggage and personal effects
  • Specialized coverage for cruise itinerary changes
  • High medical evacuation coverage
  • Cancelation & interruption coverage
  • Inusres elderly travelers

CONS

  • Coverage for dental expenses is capped at $750
  • Coverage for medical expenses is secondary
  • Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage is capped at $75,000
  • Lower medical coverage limits

How to compare travel insurance for seniors

With all the options on the market, it can be difficult to make a decision and know if you are making the right one.

We researched all the best travel insurance providers to narrow down our shortlist of the best plans for seniors. Below you can compare coverage for the plans we mentioned above. Select the plan from the drop-down menu to compare coverage side by side.

Generali Global Assistance
Generali Global Assistance Standard
Tin Leg
Tin Leg Gold
Compare plans from providers side by side
Type of medical coverage
Secondary
Primary
Emergency Medical
$50,000
$500,000
Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
$250,000
$500,000
Covers COVID
YES
YES
Pre-Existing Conditions
NO
Waiver Available
Extension Of Coverage
NO
YES
Non-Medical Evacuation
NO
NO
Trip Cancellation
100% trip cost
100% trip cost
Trip Interruption
125% trip cost
150% trip cost
Travel Delays
10+ hours
6+ hours
Missed Connection
3+ hours Cruise & tour only
3+ hours
Baggage Loss
YES
YES
Baggage Delay
24+ hours
24+ hours
24 Hour AD&D
NO
$10,000
Flight Only AD&D
$50,000
NO
Common Carrier AD&D
NO
NO
Sports & Activities
NO
Some Sports
Sports Equipment Loss
NO
YES
Sports Equipment Delay
NO
NO
Sports Fees
NO
YES
Rental Car Damage
Optional Add-on
NO
Money Back Guarantee
YES
YES
24 Hour Assistance Service
YES
YES
Cancel For Any Reason
NO
Optional Add-on
AMBest Rating
Better Business Bureau Rating

Here are some tips to help you choose the best protection for your trip:

1

Use a comparison tool to help you choose

Using a travel insurance comparison website is the best way to compare multiple travel insurance plans from different travel insurance companies side-by-side. You’ll want to compare at least three or four travel insurance plans before you make your decision. Not only can a comparison site let you see the kinds of coverage that may be available to you, but it can help you understand pricing so you can make your decision. Our comparison tool makes it especially easy to compare plans all in one place.

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2

Look for age restrictions

Check the restrictions on the travel insurance plans you are considering. Age restrictions and pre-existing health conditions are two of the most important factors to check when buying seniors’ travel insurance. Although most companies will let you purchase any plan at any age, some may limit coverage to individuals who are under the age of 75. Travel insurance for seniors over 80 isn’t out of the question, yet there are limited polices for those of a certain age bracket.

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3

Check your existing coverage and avoid overlaps

Before you invest in a travel insurance policy, you should look at the coverages you already have. For example, if you’re on Medicare and are traveling close to home, you should already have medical insurance coverage in all 50 states as well as in U.S. territories.  Credit card coverage can also be useful if you used the card to pay for major components of your trip. Credit card travel insurance coverages and limits vary, but you may find that your card has some coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions, travel delays, and lost or delayed baggage that is enough for some trips. If you don’t have any the above coverages already in place or if you are a senior traveling internationally, opting to purchase travel insurance is often worth it to give you peace of mind.

See More See Less
4

Read the fine print and check for any exclusions

Finally, read over your entire policy from front to back including all disclosures to see if there are any restrictions that the company doesn’t emphasize. Many travel insurance policies come with a 10-day money-back guarantee, so you may be able to cancel your policy and get a refund if you don’t like what you see.

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Passport and Plane Ticket

How much does senior travel insurance cost?

The average cost of travel insurance for senior travelers depends on the type of coverage purchased, the included benefits, and the coverage limits on the plan.

We ran some cost examples below to try and get a better understanding of how much seniors’ travel insurance typically costs.

We used the insurance provider Squaremouth to compare premiums for a trip to France for two 65-year-olds in September of 2024.

The travel insurance quotes we received were for a 7-night vacation with a total trip cost of $6,000.

Travel Insurance Company Estimated Plan Costs
Tin Leg $416
IMG $449.74
Seven Corners $512
Trawick International $520.02
AXA Assistance USA $550
Generali Global Assistance $565.20

We also got a separate travel insurance quote for a trip to Ecuador for two 55-year-olds in September of 2024.

The travel insurance quotes we received were for a 14-night vacation with a total trip cost of $8,000.

Travel Insurance Company Estimated Plan Costs
Tin Leg $376
IMG $430.10
Seven Corners $450
Generali Global Assistance $482.98
AXA Assistance USA $524
Trawick International $771.58

Factors that can impact the cost of seniors’ travel insurance include:

Travel Insurance for Seniors Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need seniors' travel insurance if I have Medicare?

Even if you have Medicare, you should consider opting for a travel insurance plan because typical health plans like Medicare don’t cover you once you cross international borders. That’s where travel insurance comes in.

For example, your travel insurance policy’s Emergency Medical coverage can handle unexpected medical costs that arise during your stay abroad. Additionally, Medical Evacuation and Repatriation coverage will ensure you receive proper care during medical emergencies and can arrange urgent hospital transfers or pay to bring you back home if necessary.

Lastly, if an illness, injury, or an unforeseen circumstance forces you to cancel or cut your trip short, cancellation coverage can step in and reimburse even non-refundable trip expenses. Therefore, we highly recommend travel insurance to all seniors.

Can you get travel insurance if you are over 75?

Yes, people 75 and older can still get travel insurance from most providers. In fact, you can typically buy travel insurance at any age, but plan options may be a bit more restricted.

This question may stem from the fact that some insurance providers limit certain plans to people under the age of 75 as a way of limiting their financial risk. However, the majority of companies do not have any age requirements. With this in mind, it’s always best to double-check the fine print before you buy.

Using a comparison tool can help you filter out policies based on the age of the traveler to ensure you find a plan that is suited for your age.

Lastly, buying a dedicated seniors’ travel insurance plan may be better than buying a traditional plan if you are over the age of 80 as it can often include coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Can seniors get a discount on travel insurance?

While senior citizens often get discounts on other services, the insurance industry is highly-regulated. Therefore, it’s generally illegal for providers to offer discounts on travel insurance. That said, there are many budget-friendly insurance plans which are available to virtually anyone. Some providers also offer specific plans tailored for seniors which can help you save some money if you are looking for a cheap senior travel insurance policy. Shopping around or using a comparison tool are the best ways to ensure you get a good deal on travel insurance.

Does travel insurance cover the death of an elderly parent?

Yes, some travel insurance plans will cover death and dismemberment as well as the repatriation of remains. However, it’s important to check if there are age limitations for the plan you are choosing.

If you are worried one of your elderly parents will pass away during a trip, make sure their travel insurance plan includes coverage for the repatriation of remains. This type of insurance will pay for various expenses relating to their death charged by third parties. This can include a casket for transport, charges passed on by airports and air carriers, and transportation to your home country for proper burial.

What’s the most important travel insurance coverage for seniors?

Senior travelers should ensure they have a travel insurance policy that offers emergency medical coverage, at a minimum. They should also consider coverage for any pre-existing conditions. Secondly, medical evacuation coverage is important as this will ensure they can be transported to a hospital free of charge.

Plans that provide medical evacuation usually come with basic emergency medical coverage included. However, there are cases where emergency medical plans don’t include evacuation coverage. Therefore, it’s a good idea to confirm this before buying.

Which travel insurance is best for senior citizens?

We recommend getting a plan for seniors that includes travel health insurance, medical evacuation insurance that includes repatriation and Cancel for Any Reason insurance. This will ensure you are covered for health treatments, emergency transport to a hospital, repatriation in case of death, and canceling your trip for any reason whatsoever. Ultimately, the best travel insurance plan for seniors will depend on the types of coverage you need the most, where you are traveling to, and other specifics of your trip. Keep an eye out for any age-related exclusions when you buy, as well as pre-existing conditions.

What is the best travel insurance for seniors over 70?

Anyone over the age of 70 should look for health insurance that works in their country of destination, as well as medical evacuation coverage and insurance for repatriation of remains. These types of international travel insurance for seniors are suitable for people who may be prone to health emergencies. As an added benefit, Cancel for Any Reason insurance could be useful to add in case you need to cancel your trip for unexpected reasons.

Does AARP offer travel insurance?

Even if you’re a member, you cannot purchase AARP travel insurance. However, AARP offers normal health insurance plans through UnitedHealthcare that can help cover you for health-related claims if you are traveling within the US.

About the Author

Holly D. Johnson
Holly D. Johnson Finance Expert

Holly D. Johnson is an award-winning personal finance writer who covers topics like insurance, investing, credit and family finance. As a leading voice in the travel and loyalty space, Johnson has traveled with her family to more than 50 countries over the last decade.

The author has also written extensively on the power of household budgeting, and she even co-authored a book on the topic. Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love was originally published in 2017, and it teaches families how to use zero-sum budgeting to reach their financial goals. She is also the co-owner and founder of the family finance and travel website, ClubThrifty.com.

Johnson’s 10+ years of writing have focused on helping families make important financial decisions at each stage of their lives. The author also applies the financial principles she teaches to her own life, and she is currently on track to retire in her late 40’s with her partner. She currently lives in Central Indiana with her husband and children, and she is a regular contributor for Bankrate, CNN, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report Travel and many other notable publications.

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