For seniors over 70 considering international travel, health and safety are top priorities. The best way to ensure that senior travelers stay protected during their journeys is to get a travel medical policy that caters to the needs of the older travelers.
Since senior citizen travelers are at a higher risk, it's even more crucial for travelers in this age range to have quality travel medical insurance, especially when visiting the United States. Without insurance, something as simple as a doctor visit can cost hundreds of dollars out of pocket.
Is There Travel Medical Insurance for Seniors Over 70?
There are several travel insurance plans available that seniors over 70 years old are eligible for that offer medical coverage for traveling abroad.
One thing to keep in mind as a senior over 70 getting a travel insurance policy is that travel insurance companies consider people older than 70 to be at high risk for illness and injury. Because of this, most senior travel insurance plans have restricted policy maximum options, reduced benefits and higher premiums.
What Can Travel Insurance for Over 70 Cover?
Travel insurance for seniors over 70 can offer coverage for emergency medical events that may happen while traveling outside of one’s home country.
Travel insurance coverage can include:
- Medical coverage for new incidents including accidents, illnesses, and injuries
- Emergency services including hospitalization and surgery
- Emergency medical evacuation
- COVID-19 coverage
- Repatriation of remains
Does Travel Insurance for Over 70 Cover Pre-existing Conditions?
Traveling as a senior over 70 can bring some uncertainty, especially if the traveler has or currently suffers from pre-existing conditions.
While pre-existing conditions are typically excluded from travel medical insurance plans, there are some plans that offer limited pre-existing condition coverage or coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
For seniors, pre-existing conditions coverage may be limited in the form of low benefits for the coverage of pre-existing conditions, depending on the plan. That is why it is important to compare your options if you are a senior worried about coverage for pre-existing conditions to find a policy that best fits your individual needs.
What Is the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors Over 70?
Understandably, seniors may be wary about traveling because of the potential risks, but that's exactly why good senior insurance is so important.
With travel insurance for senior citizens, older travelers can feel confident and comfortable on their adventures. There are several plans that offer benefits for seniors including 100% coverage for emergency medical care, acute onset of pre-existing conditions coverage and emergency medical evacuation.
With a comprehensive visitors insurance plan, people aged 70-79 can travel stress-free, knowing they are covered for the unexpected. Comprehensive coverage plans offer the best coverage for emergency medical events and will be the best safeguard for senior travelers.
How to Find the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors Over 70
When you are trying to understand which insurance is best for you, the best thing to do is compare and contrast your options to weigh their coverage and cost. VisitorsCoverage allows you to compare the top travel insurance plans and make your decision in minutes.
If you're not ready to select a plan just yet and have any specific questions about travel insurance for seniors 70-79 years of age, our Customer Success Team is happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for Seniors (FAQs)
Can seniors over 70 get coverage for pre-existing conditions?
While most standard policies exclude pre-existing conditions, specialized plans offer some coverage or coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. Alternatively, some travel insurance plans offer pre-existing condition waivers if purchased within a specified timeframe after making your initial trip deposit.
What medical information must I disclose when purchasing travel insurance?
Some travel insurance applications for seniors will require you to disclose pre-existing conditions or complete a medical questionnaire. More commonly, however, a transparent medical history is expected when seeking medical care during your travels and again when filing a claim. Failing to disclose relevant medical information could invalidate your coverage when you need it most.
Is there an age limit for purchasing travel insurance?
While some basic travel insurance plans have maximum age limits, there are specialized senior travel insurance plans designed specifically for older travelers, often with a limit up to 99 years. However, coverage options and premiums may change significantly after age 80 or 85. So you don’t have to worry about age eligibility, our quoting tool will automatically rule out plans you don’t qualify for.
Does Medicare cover me when traveling internationally?
Original Medicare generally does not cover healthcare costs outside the United States, with very limited exceptions. This makes travel insurance particularly important for American seniors traveling internationally.
Should I purchase travel insurance for each trip or get an annual policy?
If you travel frequently, an annual multi-trip policy might be more economical. However, for seniors over 70, individual trip policies often provide more comprehensive coverage tailored to each specific journey and your current health status.
How far in advance should seniors purchase travel insurance?
For optimal coverage and benefits, consider purchasing insurance shortly after making your initial trip deposit, especially if you want a pre-existing condition waiver. Many insurers require purchasing these waivers within 14-21 days of your first trip payment.
What's the difference between "comprehensive" and "basic" travel insurance plans for seniors?
Comprehensive plans typically offer higher coverage limits and more extensive benefits, including emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage protection, and travel delay benefits. Basic (a.k.a limited coverage) plans usually provide essential emergency medical coverage with fewer additional benefits. For seniors over 70, comprehensive plans generally offer better protection despite the higher premiums.
Does travel insurance for seniors cover adventure activities?
Coverage for adventure activities varies significantly between policies. Many standard plans exclude "high-risk" activities like scuba diving, mountain climbing, or skiing. If you plan to participate in such activities, look specifically for policies that cover them or consider adding an adventure sports rider to your policy.
