When researching travel insurance plans for seniors, it is often common that seniors may find standard travel insurance to fall short when it comes to coverage for elderly travelers.
However, the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Single Trip Platinum insurance plan continues to be a favored travel medical insurance option for seniors. It offers coverage for pre-existing conditions and medical expenses for international trips lasting up to 182 days.
Traveling to Europe as a senior should be enjoyable. Seniors with travel insurance can travel with less stress knowing that a travel medical insurance plan like Single Trip Platinum has their back. We will go through its benefits, eligibility, and why travel insurance is worth it for U.S. seniors traveling abroad.
What You Will Learn in This Guide:
- How Single Trip Platinum's medical coverage can extend up to $1,000,000 for senior travelers up to age 95
- Why this plan stands out by covering pre-existing conditions rather than just their acute onset
- How this plan helps U.S. seniors meet Schengen Visa requirements for extended stays in Europe
What Makes Single Trip Platinum the Best Travel Medical Insurance for U.S. Seniors Traveling to Europe?
Compared to other travel medical insurance plans, BCBS Single Trip Platinum is a great choice for seniors traveling to Europe because of its high medical coverage and ability to cover pre-existing conditions. While many options cover only the acute onset of these conditions, Single Trip Platinum provides vital protection for elderly travelers abroad.
Many domestic health insurance plans, including Medicare, do not cover senior travelers internationally. However, with a plan like Single Trip Platinum, it ensures U.S. seniors get the coverage they need in case of a medical emergency overseas.
Who is Single Trip Platinum Best For?
Single Trip Platinum is best for U.S. seniors looking for a travel medical insurance plan to supplement their medical coverage abroad. However, plenty of travelers from the U.S. can consider this plan, including:
- Travelers with pre-existing conditions like asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure who have a primary health plan in the U.S. and want those conditions covered while abroad
- Vacationers up to 95 who are traveling internationally and want a plan that uses the renowned Blue Cross Blue Shield network
- Seniors who want high medical limits (up to $1,000,000) and comprehensive coverage without the age limits often found in other travel insurance plans
If a U.S. senior ever needs assistance while in Europe, whether it is translation services at a public hospital or they need a medical evacuation, Single Trip Platinum includes a 24/7 emergency assistance number seniors can call during their trip.
How Much Coverage Does Single Trip Platinum Offer?
For general medical care, Single Trip Platinum provides up to $1 million in coverage for senior travelers up to the age of 95. The deductible options range from $0 to $500, giving travelers the flexibility to adjust based on their budget.
This plan also meets the Schengen Visa requirements for U.S. senior travelers traveling to the Schengen Area for more than 90 days.
| Benefit | Coverage Limit |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | 100% up to your selected policy maximum |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | 100% up to your selected policy maximum if you have a primary U.S. health plan |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | Up to $500,000 |
| Inpatient/Outpatient Services | 100% up to your policy maximum for hospital stays, surgery, and office visits |
| Prescription Medicine | Up to $5,000 |
| Dental Emergency | Up to $500 |
| Trip Interruption | Up to $1,000 |
| Baggage Loss | Up to $500 |
| Accidental Death (AD&D) | Up to $50,000 |
| Repatriation of Remains | Up to $25,000 |
Secure Single Trip Platinum Today
Where Can I Get the Best Travel Insurance for International Travel?
Figuring out the right travel insurance as a senior can feel stressful. However, you don't have to figure it out alone.
With VisitorsCoverage's travel insurance comparison tool, seniors can secure a quote that is tailored to their needs. This allows senior travelers to get customized travel insurance based on their individual needs, ensuring they make the right travel insurance decision.
However, if there are any questions along the way, our licensed travel insurance experts are here to help answer your questions, compare plans, and support you every step of the way.
- Since Medicare and many domestic plans do not provide international coverage, Single Trip Platinum serves as a vital medical supplement for seniors overseas
- To be eligible for this plan, travelers must have a primary health policy such as Medicare or a private employer plan. Medicaid and "accident-only" plans do not qualify
- Unlike many standard travel insurance plans that restrict coverage for older travelers, this plan provides full benefits for seniors up to age 95
- Single Trip Platinum includes significant protections for seniors to Europe, such as $500,000 for emergency medical evacuation and 100% coverage for inpatient or outpatient services up to the policy maximum
Frequently Asked Questions about Single Trip Platinum for Seniors to Europe
Can I buy Single Trip Platinum if I've already left for my trip?
No. Single Trip Platinum must be purchased while you are in the United States before your departure date. Trying to purchase this plan after your trip may result in no coverage at all, hence why it is best to buy your travel insurance as soon as you have booked your trip.
How long can Single Trip Platinum cover me while on a trip to Europe?
Single Trip Platinum can cover stays of 2 days to 182 days. This plan can also be extended for another 182 days, provided that you request the extension before your initial travel insurance plan expires and that you have no active claims.
Does my 'Medigap' policy count as a primary health plan?
No. Medigap is often a secondary insurance to a Medicare plan, which is a primary plan. If you are on Medicare, Single Trip Platinum is highly recommended for an international trip to Europe.
Will Single Trip Platinum pay the hospital directly?
Yes, the Single Trip Platinum plan can pay hospitals directly. Its "Direct Pay" feature is available for medical expenses through its global network of doctors, often removing the need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement later.
Who determines if I need a medical evacuation?
The evacuation benefit pays for a medical evacuation to the nearest hospital, appropriate medical facility or back to the U.S. Evacuations require written certification by a physician that the evacuation is medically necessary and must be approved by the BCBS Global Health and Safety team.
Is my routine medication covered under Single Trip Platinum?
No. In general, many travel insurance policies do not cover routine care. This is because it can be deemed as a foreseeable event, while travel insurance is designed to cover unexpected events like medical emergencies or trip disruptions.
Is there a waiting period with Single Trip Platinum before pre-existing condition benefits begin?
Single Trip Platinum coverage begins as soon as you depart your home country. For emergency care related to a pre-existing condition, there is no waiting period.
Who do I actually call if I'm in a hospital in Paris and don't speak French?
Single Trip Platinum offers travelers a 24/7 assistance hotline. This service can be vital in a public hospital, providing translation assistance with healthcare providers in a country like France.
