Many seniors actively looking for travel insurance may have searched for "AARP travel insurance" at some point. While AARP does not underwrite or directly sell travel insurance, seniors have many alternative options available to secure the necessary coverage for international travel.
What You Will Learn in This Guide:
- Why discounts on travel insurance premiums do not legally exist
- The AARP discount provided by Medjet, and how it can be a supplement to travel insurance
- The key benefits senior travelers should look for, including pre-existing condition waivers and emergency medical evacuation
Does AARP Travel Insurance Exist?
AARP does not directly sell travel insurance, nor do they provide discounts on travel insurance. This is because there are regulations set that prohibit organizations like AARP from offering blanket discounts on insurance premiums, so a true "AARP discount on travel insurance" doesn’t legally exist. Instead, AARP encourages its members to compare multiple providers through independent marketplaces, which leads to senior travelers comparing and finding better travel insurance coverage at a reasonable price.
Does the AARP Medjet Discount Replace Travel Insurance?
You may have seen that AARP offers a travel protection discount through Medjet. But what exactly is Medjet, and does it replace a third-party travel insurance plan? While this protection can be valuable for many seniors, it is important to understand what Medjet does and what it doesn’t do.
Medjet offers a 20% discount to AARP members on specific travel protection memberships, including the following:
MedjetAssist
MedjetAssist covers medical transfers to the senior’s hospital of choice, including all transport costs, when you’re more than 150 miles from your home. MedjetAssist offers short-term and annual plans for travelers up to the age of 75.
MedjetHorizon
Provides the same coverage as MedjetAssist, but includes a 24/7 crisis response and coverage for evacuation from events like terrorism, kidnapping, and natural disasters.
For seniors who travel internationally more than twice a year, the Medjet annual membership, especially at the AARP-discounted rate, can be a cost-effective addition to a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Travel insurance should still be considered to fill the gaps in coverage, including coverage for medical emergency treatment, trip interruption, and pre-existing conditions.
Is Travel Insurance Worth It for Seniors?
For seniors traveling abroad, having travel insurance is often considered essential. Especially since Medjet’s standard short-term and annual plans limit coverage for seniors over 75, it is important to make sure that seniors, especially in the over-75 category, are also covered.
In general, senior travel insurance can cover:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
- Pre-existing conditions
- Trip cancellations, interruptions, and delays
- Lost luggage and valuables
- Lost or stolen passport/visa
For U.S. seniors traveling overseas, travel insurance can be a vital safeguard as it covers a variety of emergency medical and travel situations.
Best Travel Insurance for Seniors Traveling Abroad
Based on customer reviews and recommendations from our licensed travel insurance experts, the following travel insurance plans best fit seniors going on an international trip:
Compare the Best Senior Travel Insurance Plans and Their Benefits
| Coverage | iTravelInsured Travel LX | Pathway Premium | Trip Protection Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Coverage | Up to $500,000 | Up to $200,000 | Up to $500,000 |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | Up to $500,000 | Up to $200,000 | Up to $500,000 |
| Trip Cancellation | Up to 100% | Up to 100% | Up to 100% |
| Trip Interruption | Up to 150% | Up to 150% | Up to 150% |
| Trip Delay | Up to $250 per day, $2,500 maximum | Up to $2,000, $300 per day, after 6 hours | Up to $2,000, $250 per day, after 6 hours |
| Baggage and Valuable Loss | Up to $2,500, $250 per item | Up to $2,000, $250 per item | Up to $2,500, $250 per item |
| Baggage Delay | Up to $500 | Up to $500 | Up to $500 |
| Non-Medical Evacuation | Up to $50,000 | Not covered | Up to $20,000 |
| Rental Car Damage | Up to $40,000 | Optional Add-on Coverage Available | Optional Add-on Coverage Available |
| 24/7 Assistance Services | Covered | Covered | Covered |
Best Overall Travel Insurance for Seniors Over 80 with High Medical Coverage: iTravelInsuredTravel LX
Best Travel Insurance for Seniors with Pre-Existing Conditions: Trip Protection Choice
Best Over 65 Travel Insurance with Medical Evacuation: Pathway Premium
How Do I Choose the Best Travel Insurance as a Senior?
Whether you choose an AARP-related option or a separate senior travel insurance policy, the most important features are strong medical coverage, emergency evacuation, and protection for pre-existing conditions. But overall, the best choice is the one that gives you reliable protection and peace of mind during your trip.
With VisitorsCoverage, you can compare travel insurance plans in less than 5 minutes. Finding the best travel insurance policy, whether you need full international coverage or are still exploring your options, can be easily accomplished using VisitorsCoverage’s quote tool.
If you have any questions along the way, do not hesitate to reach out to our licensed travel insurance experts, who are more than happy to help.
Get a Senior Travel Insurance Quote Today- AARP does not directly sell or underwrite travel insurance, nor does it provide direct discounts on insurance premiums due to regulatory restrictions
- Because there is no single "AARP travel insurance plan," senior travelers are encouraged to use independent marketplace comparison tools to find the best rates and coverage for their specific age and health needs
- For international travel, look for plans like iTravelInsured Travel LX that offer up to $500,000 in medical coverage and $1,000,000 for emergency medical evacuation
Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Insurance for Seniors
Does AARP offer travel insurance to its members?
No, AARP does not directly provide travel insurance. Instead, it promotes third-party providers such as Allianz and AARDY. Customers purchase coverage directly from these third-party companies, not from AARP.
What travel insurance does AARP recommend?
While AARP collaborates with insurance marketplaces, they do not individually recommend or endorse a travel insurance company. AARP instead provides practical advice to its members, such as not buying travel insurance from tour operators, comparing plans from multiple insurers side-by-side, and getting multiple quotes before committing to a plan.
Does AARP give travel insurance discounts?
No, AARP does not and cannot legally provide travel insurance discounts to its members. The pricing for all travel insurance is regulated by the Department of Insurance, making discounts on travel insurance unavailable.
Does Medicare cover my medical expenses internationally?
No. Standard Medicare generally does not cover your travel medical expenses if you are traveling abroad, and specifically covers the U.S. and its territories. There are some plans, like Medicare Advantage, that may cover you abroad, but have limitations on their coverage. This is why travel insurance is important for your international trip, so that you can fill the gaps in coverage that your Medicare plan may lack.
Does travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions for seniors?
Yes. While most standard travel insurance plans exclude pre-existing conditions, there are three main options for pre-existing coverage:
- Plans with a pre-existing condition waiver: Only for American citizens traveling internationally and if purchased shortly after making their first trip deposit
- Plans that cover the acute onset of pre-existing conditions: Cover sudden emergencies only
- Plans specifically designed for travelers with pre-existing conditions: Great option for seniors visiting the U.S.
Coverage varies widely between plans, so careful review of policy details is essential.
Are there any age limits for travel insurance?
Typically yes. Many insurance providers have age caps, often between 70 and 80. However, some plans cover travelers up to 89 or 99. It’s important to shop around and use a comparison tool like VisitorsCoverage, as policies and age limits vary. Some companies specialize in senior travel insurance with more flexible options.
What is the best medical-only travel insurance for seniors?
The two most popular medical-only travel insurance plans for U.S. seniors would be Single Trip Platinum and GlobeHopper Senior. Both of these insurance plans effectively cover seniors traveling abroad who need medical, evacuation, and pre-existing coverage, since their domestic health insurance, like Medicare, may not cover them abroad.
