- Senior travel insurance offers vital coverage for emergency medical expenses for unexpected injuries or illnesses that occur during one’s travels.
- Additional benefits of senior travel insurance include emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, lost luggage coverage, and accidental death and dismemberment.
- Seniors concerned about pre-existing conditions may opt to look for a plan that offers some form of pre-existing conditions coverage.
- Most US-based health insurance plans do not offer international coverage.
- Travel insurance comes in two types: trip insurance and travel medical insurance, which seniors can choose from based on their needs.
Traveling the world is a top priority for many seniors, especially those who are now in retirement and are eager to explore new destinations and enjoy their freedom.
However, traveling far away from home as a senior can definitely bring some risks, especially when it comes to potential illnesses or injuries abroad.
The uncertainty of traveling as a senior shouldn't stop you from indulging in the wonders of the world. With comprehensive travel insurance, seniors can have peace of mind knowing that they are covered for certain unexpected situations as they venture beyond their home country.
What Is Senior Travel Insurance?
Senior travel insurance provides older travelers with vital emergency medical protection if they fall ill or have an accident during their travels.
This coverage is essential for senior travelers, as the risk of getting sick or injured increases with age. Additionally, most health insurance plans that seniors have in their home country won’t offer coverage internationally, including Medicare.
Senior travel insurance also provides additional benefits, such as emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, lost luggage coverage, travel assistance, and so much more.
Best Senior Travel Insurance for USA
These travel medical insurance plans are recommended for seniors who are traveling to the USA from abroad. Having medical coverage in the United States is essential, as medical costs in the United States are extremely high.
Best Senior Travel Insurance for International Travel
These travel medical insurance plans are ideal for US seniors who are traveling internationally. International medical insurance is crucial for seniors, as US-based health insurance plans often do not cover medical expenses incurred outside of the United States.
Best Trip Insurance for Seniors Traveling Abroad
Trip insurance is another option for US seniors who are looking to travel internationally. Trip insurance offers coverage for emergency medical expenses similarly to travel medical insurance, but also can protect your prepaid and nonrefundable trip costs.
This can come in handy if you have to cancel or delay a trip due to an unforeseen covered reason, such as a serious illness preventing you from traveling.
Additionally, trip insurance offers Cancel For Any Reason add-on coverage, which gives seniors the freedom to cancel a trip for any reason and still receive back a portion of their total prepaid nonrefundable trip expenses.
How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors
When shopping for senior travel insurance, it is important to consider a plan's overall coverage and benefits and to choose a policy that best fits your individual needs.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a senior travel insurance plan.
Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions
If you are a senior with pre-existing conditions, you should consider choosing a travel insurance plan that offers some form of pre-existing condition coverage.
This could be pre-existing condition coverage or coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
High Policy Maximum
As a traveling senior, it is important to look for a travel insurance plan that offers a high policy maximum. A policy with at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage is recommended.
Travel insurance may have some limitations when it comes to policy maximums if you are older in age, so it is best to compare plans and find a policy that offers a higher policy maximum for older travelers.
Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage
Having emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage as a senior is crucial for a trip outside of your home country.
Emergency medical evacuation coverage of at least $250,000 is recommended as this type of transportation can be extremely expensive, but also necessary for life-threatening treatment.
Repatriation of remains is another crucial benefit as it covers the return of your remains back to your home country if you were to pass away during your trip abroad.
How Much Is Senior Travel Insurance?
The cost of senior travel insurance will depend upon a number of factors. This includes your age, the type of plan you choose, the length of your trip, the destination, and the plan’s benefits.
Seniors can typically expect to pay between 5-10% of the cost of their trip on travel insurance.
To understand how much a senior travel insurance plan may cost for your particular circumstances, get a quote using your trip details and age to compare prices.
When Should Seniors Purchase Travel Insurance?
Seniors should aim to purchase their travel insurance policy as early as possible. It is recommended to secure your coverage after you make the inital deposit for your trip.
Purchasing your travel insurance early can be important if you are concerned about certain time-sensitive benefits, such as coverage for pre-existing conditions. You may only be eligible for certain benefits if you purchase your plan within a certain period of time beyond your initial trip deposit date.
Does Medicare Cover International Trips?
Most Medicare Part A and Part B plans do not offer coverage for medical expenses incurred internationally, unless under very certain circumstances.
Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer international coverage, but coverage can be extremely limited and have very specific eligibility requirements.
For coverage you can count on, travel insurance is recommended.
Have Questions?
Still have questions about senior travel insurance? Reach out to our Customer Success Team for further assistance with choosing your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much travel medical coverage is recommended for seniors?
It is recommended to have a policy with at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and $250,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage.
Is there an age limit on travel insurance?
There can be age limits on travel insurance, depending on the plan. There are many plans that offer coverage for travelers of any age, but it is important to review a plan's policy wording to understand any age restrictions before purchasing.
Can you get travel insurance if you are over 80?
Yes, there are some travel insurance plans available for those over 80. However, premiums may be higher and coverage limits may be lower. Learn more about senior travel insurance for over 80.
How are pre-existing conditions defined for travel insurance?
Pre-existing conditions are generally defined as any condition, whether known or unknown, that existing in the policyholder before the effective date of their insurance policy. Read on about how to know if you have pre-existing conditions.
How can seniors save money on travel insurance?
Since insurance is regulated in the United States, there is no such thing as discounted travel insurance. There are plenty of different policies to choose from at different price rates, but the most important thing is that seniors have adequate coverage for their trip.
Is travel insurance worth it for seniors?
Travel insurance is absolutely worth it for seniors, as it provides crucial coverage for a wide range of travel mishaps and emergency medical situations abroad.
Where can I buy senior travel insurance?
You can compare and purchase senior travel insurance in just minutes online through VisitorsCoverage.
How much does travel insurance cost for seniors traveling abroad?
The cost of senior travel insurance will depend upon a number of factors. This can include the traveler's age, destination country, length of trip, type of travel insurance plan, and more. Get a quote with your specific travel details to compare senior travel insurance costs based on your needs.
