Whether you are a U.S. resident with older relatives overseas or a senior traveler looking to visit the U.S., it is essential to stay safe by purchasing travel insurance. Purchasing senior travel insurance is crucial for making sure you have a safe trip in the US with protection against any potential medical expenses.
So, what's the best travel insurance for over 65? That depends on the answers to four important questions below, which will help you choose the best senior travel insurance policy based on key factors to consider.
What You Will Learn in This Guide:
- Four essential questions to ask yourself when comparing senior travel insurance plans
- How to assess insurance needs based on your elderly visitor's health condition
- How to choose appropriate coverage based on planned activities and itinerary
- Understanding policy maximums and coverage limitations for different age groups, including senior travelers over 65
4 Questions to Ask Yourself When Comparing Senior Travel Insurance Plans
In order to choose the best travel insurance policy for a senior, consider your answers to the following four questions.
1. How is their overall health?
When comparing visitors health insurance plans, think about the overall health of your elderly guests. If they're more susceptible to sickness or injury, you should consider purchasing a plan with more benefits and a higher policy maximum. Though it may be more expensive, it will give them more extensive coverage for the unexpected. However, if your relative has good health, you can consider a lower-cost coverage plan that would cover unexpected emergency issues like accidents or injuries.
In most cases, it can be beneficial to choose a comprehensive travel medical insurance plan with a higher policy maximum for senior travel insurance as it offers the greatest protection for an age group that can be particularly susceptible to injury or illness abroad.
2. What's on their itinerary?
When deciding on the right health insurance for seniors, consider what they plan to do during their U.S. visit. If the traveler is more likely to stay indoors and doesn't want to participate in strenuous activities, you may choose a limited coverage plan.
Alternatively, a visitor who's likely to be more active and plans on taking part in more activities will likely need a comprehensive coverage policy with a higher policy maximum for the best protection.
3. How long will they stay?
The longer the visit, the more important it is that your visitor has travel medical insurance with a higher policy maximum. A senior that's only visiting for a week might not need the same coverage as if they were staying for a month.
4. What can you and/or your elderly guest afford?
Based on their age and annual income, senior citizens looking for travel insurance coverage will have various plans and policy maximums to choose from which can influence the price of a travel insurance policy.
In general, you can expect policy maximums to range based on age, such as:
- For people in their 70s, the policy maximum amount is restricted to $50,000 for comprehensive plans and limited coverage plans only cover up to $75,000. For people above 80, the policy maximum is even less.
- For comprehensive coverage plans, the maximum policy amount is just $15,000, and for limited coverage plans, it's $70,000.
- Insurance premiums are higher for the elderly. Remember though, going without travel medical insurance in the U.S. may end up being much more expensive.
How Can Travel Insurance Protect Seniors Visiting the USA?
The answers to these questions will help you find the best travel insurance for your loved one. What exactly are the travel medical insurance options for seniors? Unfortunately many insurance companies are reluctant to give higher policy maximums and flexible benefits for people over the age of 70.
In general, the older a person gets, the higher their risk of illness and injury. Because of this, it's important to get good coverage even if it means paying a little more up front. The good news is that excellent travel medical insurance options for older people do exist. There are a number of exciting plans on the market.
Best Travel Insurance Plan with High Medical Coverage Limits: Atlas America
Best Travel Medical Insurance Plan for Seniors Below 70: Patriot Plus
Best Visitors Insurance for Green Card Holders to the USA: Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
What Is the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors Traveling to the U.S.?
For travelers ages 70-79, CoverAmerica-Gold is an excellent solution for a trip abroad. CoverAmerica-Gold provides comprehensive coverage including acute onset of pre-existing conditions coverage for travelers to the United States. For more information on this policy, visit our CoverAmerica-Gold insurance page.
Secure the Best Senior Travel Insurance Through VisitorsCoverage
VisitorsCoverage offers an excellent selection of senior travel insurance options to fit the needs of older travelers when visiting the United States and traveling abroad. We encourage you to compare senior travel insurance options to find a plan that offers the right coverage and benefits.
If you have any specific questions about our policies for senior travelers, don't hesitate to reach out to our Customer Success Team.
- Choose appropriate insurance based on four key factors: the traveler's overall health, planned activities during the visit, length of stay, and budget considerations
- Insurance options become more limited and expensive for travelers over 70. It is important to look at travel insurance designed for senior travelers to the U.S. with high age limits
- Plans like CoverAmerica-Gold provides comprehensive coverage including acute onset of pre-existing conditions for travelers aged 70-79 visiting the United States
Frequently Asked Questions About Visitors Insurance for Elderly Visitors to the U.S.
Is travel medical insurance mandatory for my parents visiting the USA?
Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for U.S. visitors or for obtaining a U.S. visitor visa, but it is highly recommended. Regardless of legal requirements, travel insurance still offers significant benefits, such as financial protection against potential medical emergencies while in the U.S. Even a simple ER visit can cost over $2,000. Meanwhile, a strong insurance plan is a small expense that can offer major financial protection for your parents to the U.S.
Are there age limits or restrictions for seniors purchasing visitors insurance for US travel?
Yes, age is a factor that can affect coverage for seniors visiting the USA, especially when it comes to pre-existing conditions. Some plans may have lower benefit limits or exclude coverage for travelers over a certain age. However, there are options available for older travelers with pre-existing conditions. Always check the age-specific limitations and maximum age for coverage when comparing plans, especially when insuring elderly travelers.
Can my parents use their home country’s health insurance for medical care in the USA?
Most international health insurance plans provide limited to no coverage at all when you’re in the United States. Plus, U.S. medical facilities generally don’t accept insurance from outside the U.S. directly, meaning you would need to pay out-of-pocket, which can be costly considering the U.S. healthcare system is quite expensive. Even if you already have insurance from your home country, purchasing travel insurance specifically designed for U.S. visitors is strongly recommended to ensure strong coverage. Before your trip to the U.S., you can also contact your medical insurance provider and see if you are covered in the U.S.
What coverage is typically excluded for senior visitors to the USA?
When it comes to visitors insurance, it typically does not cover the following:
- Pre-existing conditions (however, some plans are designated for pre-existing conditions coverage)
- Routine or preventative medical care
- Voluntary treatment, such as second opinions
- Routine dental and vision care
- Pregnancy
This list is not exhaustive, and coverage exclusions will depend on plan to plan.
How far in advance should I purchase visitors insurance before my parents' trip?
It is highly recommended that you purchase travel medical insurance before your parents travel to the United States. Purchasing in advance ensures they’re protected from the moment they arrive and may provide additional benefits along the way, like trip interruption insurance. Purchasing early also allows time to thoroughly review policy documents and address any questions you may have before your travel starts. Most plans allow purchase up to 12 months in advance of the trip start date, with coverage becoming active on the specified start date.
Can I get Medicare if I am visiting the U.S.?
Generally, no, visitors to the U.S. cannot get Medicare benefits. There are some instances where new immigrants could be eligible for Medicare, such as once they become permanent residents and meet the residency and work history criteria, but temporary visitors, including parents, are not eligible for Medicare.
Can my parents extend their visitors insurance if they decide to stay longer in the USA?
Before your current coverage expires, most plans allow extensions, as long as you have not filed a claim that would disqualify you. However, plans usually have a maximum coverage limit, often 364 days, and cannot be extended beyond that. To avoid future complications, it is recommended to check a plan's renewal and extension terms before purchasing, in case there is a possibility your trip might exceed its original length.
What documentation should senior travelers carry to prove their visitors insurance coverage?
Elderly travelers to the USA should carry a printed insurance ID card and emergency contact numbers to prove their visitors insurance coverage. These documents should clearly list the policy ID and coverage dates. If you buy an insurance plan through VisitorsCoverage, you’ll receive an email with your policy ID card along with your policy information and description.
