medical travel insurance for over 70s

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The Best Travel Insurance Options for Seniors [Ages 65, 70, and Over 80]

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

306 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 98 U.S. States Visited: 45

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

34 Published Articles 3158 Edited Articles

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Why Purchase Travel Insurance

The cost of travel insurance, preexisting conditions, travel insurance and medicare, covid-19 and travel insurance, world nomads — best for active seniors, allianz — best for annual multi-trip policies, best for covering covid-19 cancellations, best for preexisting conditions, best travel insurance options — age 80 and above, credit card travel insurance, final thoughts.

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Our senior years can be some of the most exciting years of our lives. If we’re fortunate, we’ll now have the time, and hopefully, the resources, to make our travel dreams come true.

As we age, however, traveling may pose some additional risks. We may be more likely to have health-related issues and therefore the need to seek medical attention during our journey. We may also have occasions where we need to cancel our plans due to health issues or the health of those around us.

Now, more than ever, we need to think seriously about purchasing travel insurance. The good news is that comprehensive travel insurance, regardless of your age, is widely available and relatively affordable. With that being said, chances are you could use a little help getting started with the process of finding and purchasing the right plan.

If you’re 65 years of age or older and thinking about purchasing travel insurance, don’t pull the trigger without reviewing the information in today’s article on travel insurance options for seniors.

Travel insurance can protect you from financial loss due to unforeseen events that can cause you to cancel your trip or disrupt your trip once it’s in progress. As we age and our health declines, we may be more likely to experience such an event.

Travel insurance can cover the following situations:

• You, a family member, or travel companion becomes seriously ill and you must cancel your trip
• You slip and fall while traveling abroad, require medical care, and are forced to stay in a foreign city until you can travel again
• You are on safari and break your ankle, requiring emergency evacuation to the nearest hospital

The types of coverage you can expect to find on travel insurance policies include the following:

• Emergency medical coverage
• Emergency evacuation
• Trip cancellation, trip interruption , and trip delay
• Baggage insurance and personal effects coverage
• Travel accident and accidental life insurance

You may also elect to add coverage such as cancel for any reason insurance (CFAR) , a waiver for preexisting conditions, or car rental insurance.

What You Need to Know About Age and Travel Insurance

It’s possible to purchase travel insurance at just about any age. If you’re healthy enough to travel, you’ll generally be able to find coverage. You’ll normally be paying more to purchase coverage as you get older, however, and most policies may have preexisting health stipulations.

As age increases, so does the cost of purchasing travel insurance . The good news, however, is that premiums tend to vary widely between companies who offer policies for older travelers, so it pays to compare.

The easiest way to compare policies is via insurance comparison sites such as SquareMouth , InsureMyTrip , or TravelInsurance.com . Travel comparison sites make it easy to compare travel insurance policy pricing and coverage options for all ages.

We’ve used these sites to find most of the comparison quotes provided in this article.

As we age, we’re more likely to have preexisting health conditions, which can be excluded from most travel insurance policies. Once again, the good news is that preexisting condition exclusions are generally limited to a specified timeframe previous to the effective date of your policy.

If you have shown symptoms or been treated within a specified time period before your trip, usually 90 to 120 days, your condition may not be covered for certain coverages such as trip interruption, cancellation, or emergency medical. Each company’s requirements may differ.

Also, on a positive note is that many insurers allow you to purchase a preexisting condition waiver when you purchase your policy.

Health insurance may or may not cover medical costs abroad. And even if there is coverage, evacuation costs may not be included. The same scenario exists with Medicare.

Medicare will not cover medical expenses incurred abroad . There are very limited situations where Medicare may grant coverage, such as if you reside in the U.S. and a foreign hospital (such as a Canadian hospital) is closer to your residence than the U.S. hospital, or you’re traveling through Canada to reach another U.S. state or territory. Also, several terms and conditions apply.

There are Medicare supplement policies you can purchase that can cover you while traveling abroad. You’ll pay a standard $250 deductible, have coverage for 80% of eligible expenses beyond that amount, and have a lifetime cap of $50,000 in coverage.

So even if you have Medicare, a Medicare supplement, or other health insurance policy, there can still be plenty of gaps in coverage when you’re traveling abroad.

For this reason, and the need for additional coverage such as trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage coverage, and more, it’s prudent to purchase travel insurance.

Bottom Line: Medicare will generally not cover medical expenses when you’re traveling outside of the U.S. and its territories and Medicare supplement and Advantage policies provide limited coverage. Travel insurance is a wise choice for covering medical expenses and for other travel-related events that could cause you to cancel your trip or disrupt your journey in progress. 

As we advance in age, the chance we will need to cancel a trip due to health-related issues increases. Fortunately, most travel insurance policies cover trip cancellations due to illness. However, travel insurance policies do not cover voluntary cancellations such as canceling your trip due to the fear of getting sick.

Cancel for any reason insurance (CFAR), when added to a travel insurance policy, will allow you to cancel your trip for any reason you deem necessary. It will even cover you if you simply decide not to go.

While CFAR insurance allows you to cancel your trip for any reason, including COVID-19-related issues, the coverage will not reimburse 100% of your costs. The coverage can only be purchased when you purchase your travel insurance or for a short window following the purchase. CFAR insurance can also be expensive.

Our article on COVID-19-related trip cancellations goes into a lot more detail.

Best Travel Insurance Options — Ages 65 to 69

Priorities change as we change and as a result, we may have different insurance needs at age 65 than we do at age 80. Here are some examples of travel insurance plans that might be a fit for travelers age 65-69.

If you’re under age 70, you’ll find comprehensive travel insurance coverage with World Nomads . What sets World Nomads apart from other insurance providers is that they’re experts at insuring active travelers who participate in adventurous activities.

While World Nomads does not offer CFAR insurance, COVID-19 is not excluded as an illness for trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage.

World Nomads only insures those travelers under age 70 and refers older travelers to its partner TripAssure .

For a traveler 68 years of age, traveling to the Netherlands for 8 days, with a total trip cost of $3,000, here are some sample costs.

The main differences in these plans are that the Explorer Plan covers an expanded collection of over 200 covered adventurous activities, has higher limits for trip interruption/cancellation/delay and emergency evacuation, and includes rental car insurance.

Secure your own quote from World Nomads .

Allianz simplifies purchasing travel insurance with its offerings of travel insurance package policies. You can select from single trip policies with several levels of coverage options or annual multi-trip policies that cover every trip you make during the policy period, even ones you haven’t yet planned.

If you travel frequently, or even a few times each year, purchasing an annual, multi-trip plan could be a cost-effective way to protect all your trips.

To learn more about Allianz and its policy offerings , you’ll want to check out our review for details.

Hot Tip: Be sure to compare the price of an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy to a single-trip plan, even if you are only currently planning 1 trip. You may find a better value in the annual multi-trip policy and not have to purchase additional coverage if you should decide to travel again during the policy period. 

Many policies will cover trip cancellation due to getting the virus, but none will cover cancellation due to the fear of getting the virus. To cover cancellations based on the fear of COVID-19, you’ll need a policy that allows you to add CFAR insurance .

The following are just a sampling of companies that offer this option on their policies.

• John Hancock
• Seven Corners

Please note that not every policy these companies offer allows you to add CFAR coverage.

For more information on travel insurance covering COVID-19 , we’ve put together an informative article.

Best Travel Insurance Options — Ages 70 to 79

There are a lot of reasons to embrace the wanderlust and travel in your 70s. By then, many have retired and perhaps have more money to spend on travel. There can also be a sense of urgency to travel while we’re still healthy.

As we’ve mentioned, however, as we age we are more apt to have health issues. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean we’ll be unable to purchase travel insurance. Even into our 70s, we’ll have plenty of travel insurance options, and coverage can still be affordable.

Since travel insurance is meant to protect you from unforeseen events, having a preexisting health condition may rule out any chance of coverage for that issue. However, several companies allow you to purchase a waiver so that preexisting health conditions can be covered.

Here are just a few companies that offer this waiver:

• Travel Guard
• Travel Insured

Each company has its own requirements for adding a preexisting condition waiver to your policy. You must purchase the policy within a specific time period, such as within 14 to 30 days after making your first trip deposit payment. You may also be required to insure the entire cost of your trip and your health must be medically stable when purchasing the coverage.

As a senior, it becomes more and more likely that we will actually have to use our travel insurance coverage as we age. However, even at age 80 or beyond, you’ll still find travel insurance widely available and relatively affordable. Some companies are willing to insure older travelers but charge higher premiums , so it’s wise to compare the pricing of several providers.

Above you’ll find a sampling of 4 SquareMouth quotes for single-trip travel insurance policies that include CFAR insurance for a traveler 80 years of age. The trip’s total cost was stated at $3,000 and was 8 days in length. Quotes ranged from $382 (Seven Corners) to well over $1,000 to insure the trip (not all quotes are shown). Coverage limits can also vary greatly, so it can be beneficial to compare policy limits.

If you’re looking to purchase travel insurance and you’re 80 years of age or older, it’s imperative to compare policies for the best pricing and coverage.

Hot Tip: Seniors ages 65 to 99 who are not interested in CFAR (cancel for any reason) insurance, may consider an annual multi-trip travel insurance plan. Allianz is a company that charges the same premium, regardless of age, for its annual plans for travelers ages 65 to 99 . 

There is 1 type of travel insurance that will cover you, regardless of age . U.S.-issued credit cards come with various types of travel insurance coverages that apply to all primary cardholders.

Typical travel insurance coverage found on credit cards includes the following:

• Lost, stolen, or damaged luggage insurance
• Car rental insurance
• Roadside assistance
• Travel accident insurance
• Travel assistance hotline

Premium credit cards such as The Platinum Card ® from American Express and Chase Sapphire Reserve ® also come with valuable emergency evacuation coverage. Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card  is known for its comprehensive travel insurance benefits, including primary car rental insurance .

To learn more about which credit cards come with travel coverage, check out our article on the best credit cards for travel insurance benefits.

Bottom Line: The travel insurance benefits that come with U.S.-issued credit cards do not generally have age limits for coverage. However, many credit card travel benefits may be secondary to other insurance you might have. This means that you might first have to file a claim with your own insurance before the credit card insurance is valid. 

As seniors, purchasing travel insurance should be a priority for protecting your investment and preventing losses you might incur due to unexpected medical expenses during your travels.

With wide availability, regardless of age, it’s not only a prudent economic move, but it’s also a move that delivers peace of mind before and during your trip.

Finally, always make sure to compare policies as coverages and prices vary widely between travel insurance providers.

You can learn more about the best travel insurance companies for travelers  and the basics of travel insurance in our informative articles.

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best travel insurance for seniors over 65.

Since travel insurance is widely available, even for seniors over 65, the best policy can be found by comparing companies and policies.

Using a travel insurance comparison site such as SquareMouth, InsureMyTrip, or TravelInsurance.com can assist you in comparing coverages and costs between only highly-rated financially stable travel insurance companies.

If you travel more than once per year, consider an annual, multi-trip, policy that covers any trip you take during the policy period.

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Travel insurance is meant to cover unforeseen events. Once COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, it became a known event and is not covered as a reason for canceling your trip plans.

However, there are situations where COVID-19-related claims can be covered. If you become ill with the virus before or during your trip, you may be covered for trip cancellation, trip interruption, or emergency medical.

Does travel insurance cover preexisting medical conditions?

A standard travel insurance policy does not cover ongoing preexisting health conditions. However, many companies will insure you if you have a condition that is stabilized with medicine and no recent treatment has been sought. Requirements vary by travel insurance provider.

Also, many companies allow you to purchase a waiver that will then cover you for preexisting conditions.

Does credit card travel insurance cover flight cancellations?

The trip cancellation, interruption, or delay coverage that comes with your credit card does not cover voluntary flight cancellations.

The coverage does cover some flight cancellations due to unforeseen events such as becoming ill prior to, or during your trip. Coverage varies by credit card issuer but you will find a list of specific covered events in your card’s guide to benefits.

You can also call the number on the back of your card and speak with the claim administer.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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Travel Insurance for Seniors & Retirees: 5 Top Picks

Allianz Travel Insurance »

Trawick International »

GeoBlue »

IMG Travel Insurance »

WorldTrips »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors and Retirees.

Table of Contents

• Rating Details
• Allianz Travel Insurance
• Trawick International

While anyone planning a trip overseas can benefit from having a travel insurance plan in place, older travelers need to prioritize this coverage more than others. The fact is, senior travelers and retirees have unique worries and risks to think about any time they travel far from home. These risks increase their need for travel health insurance and emergency medical coverage, as well as coverage for emergency medical evacuation that applies anywhere in the world.

Which travel insurance options work best for seniors? There are many travel insurance plans that were created with retirees in mind, although you'll want to compare them side by side. For example, you may want to look at coverage limits for medical expenses and coverage for preexisting conditions above all else.

U.S. News editors compared more than 20 of the top travel insurance companies to find the best plans for seniors. This list does the heavy lifting for you as you search for the best senior travel insurance of 2023, so read on to learn about the top picks.

• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Annual Coverage
• Trawick International: Best Premium Travel Insurance for Seniors
• GeoBlue: Best Travel Medical Coverage for Expats
• IMG Travel Insurance: Best for Short-Term Travel Medical Coverage
• WorldTrips: Best for Flexibility

Best Travel Insurance for Seniors and Retirees in Detail

Available to senior travelers of all ages

Coverage for preexisting conditions is offered

Relatively low limits for emergency medical expenses

• Coverage for COVID-19
• Trip cancellation coverage up to $3,000
• Trip interruption coverage up to $3,000
• Emergency medical coverage up to $20,000
• Emergency medical evacuation coverage up to $100,000
• Baggage loss coverage up to $1,000
• Baggage delay insurance up to $200
• Travel delay coverage up to $600 ($200 daily limit)
• Rental car damage and theft coverage up to $45,000
• Travel accident coverage up to $25,000
• 24-hour hotline for assistance
• Concierge service
• Preexisting condition coverage (must be added to plan within 14 days of first trip deposit or payment)

Customize plan with optional CFAR coverage

Incredibly high limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation

Coverage is for trips up to 30 days if you're age 80 and older

• Up to $15,000 in trip cancellation insurance
• Up to $22,500 in trip interruption coverage
• Up to $1,000 for trip delays ($200 daily limit for delays of 12-plus hours)
• Up to $1,000 for missed connections
• Up to $150,000 for emergency medical expenses
• Up to $1 million in emergency medical evacuation coverage
• $750 in emergency dental coverage
• $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects
• $400 in baggage delay coverage
• 24/7 noninsurance assistance services

Get comprehensive health insurance that applies overseas

Preventive and routine care included

Age limits apply for new applicants and renewals

• Preventive and routine care
• Professional services like surgery
• Inpatient medical care
• Ambulatory and therapeutic services
• Rehabilitation and therapy

Get overseas medical coverage for single trips or multiple trips

Plans were created with seniors and retirees in mind

Lower maximum coverage limits for travelers ages 80 and older

Limited nonmedical travel insurance benefits

• Inpatient and outpatient medical coverage such as for physician visits, hospitalization and surgery
• Emergency and nonemergency medical evacuation coverage
• Coverage for emergency reunions
• Return of mortal remains
• Trip interruption coverage worth up to $5,000
• Lost luggage coverage worth up to $250 (up to $50 per item)
• Coverage for terrorism worth up to $50,000
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage worth up to $25,000

Customize your deductible and premiums

Generous medical limits for travelers ages 65 to 79

Limited medical coverage for travelers older than 80

• Up to $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage
• Medical benefits like hospital room and board, chiropractic care, and more
• Coverage for repatriation of remains
• Up to $25,000 in personal liability coverage
• Up to $10,000 in trip interruption insurance
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost checked luggage
• Up to $100 per day in coverage for travel delays of 12-plus hours
• Up to $1,500 in coverage for bedside visits
• Up to $100,000 in coverage for emergency reunions

Frequently Asked Questions

You can purchase some travel insurance plans (but not all) if you're older than 80 years old. However, your premiums may be higher and you'll typically qualify for lower coverage limits overall. Make sure you compare the best travel insurance plans for seniors to find the right fit for your needs.

Since seniors and retirees are more likely to face a medical emergency during a trip, most travel insurance plans for seniors include coverage for emergency medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation. Coverages vary among plans, as do limits, so make sure to compare options before you book a trip overseas.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered international travel and travel insurance for more than a decade. Johnson has researched and compared all the top travel insurance options for her own family for trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and she has successfully filed claims during that time. Johnson lives in Indiana with her two children and her husband, Greg, a travel agent who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states.

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Travel Insurance

Best travel insurance for seniors in May 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 4:00 a.m. UTC April 1, 2024

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Tin Leg and Trawick International offer the best travel insurance for seniors, according to our analysis of plans’ cost and coverage limits.

Best senior travel insurance plans of 2024

• Tin Leg: Gold
• Trawick International: Safe Travels First Class
• Seven Corners: Trip Protection Choice
• Generali Global Assistance: Premium
• Nationwide: Prime

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of insurance products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

• 840 coverage details evaluated.
• 84 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Top-rated travel insurance for seniors

Best plan for seniors

Average cost for seniors, covers covid, medical & evacuation limits per person, what you should know.

For the amount of coverage you get, Tin Leg’s Gold plan is competitively priced. It includes $500,000 in emergency medical benefits and another $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage.

Pros and cons

• Excellent $500,000 per person in primary emergency medical coverage.
• Very good emergency medical coverage of $500,000 per person.
• Eligible for pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver if conditions are met.
• “Cancel for any reason” coverage of 75% available.
• No “interruption for any reason” upgrade available.
• Hurricane and weather coverage kicks in only after a 48-hour delay.
• Lowest baggage and personal item loss coverage of our top-rated senior plans.
• Lowest travel delay coverage of our top-rated senior plans.
• No rental car coverage option.

Trawick International

Trawick International’s Safe Travels First Class policy is a relatively inexpensive option that comes with $1 million in emergency medical evacuation coverage and a high per person limit for baggage and personal items loss.

• Second-cheapest of our best senior plans.
• Best-in-class medical evacuation coverage of $1 million.
• Pre-existing condition coverage available if conditions are met.
• Baggage loss coverage of $2,000 per person is the best among our top senior plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage upgrade available.
• Travel delay benefit takes 12 hours to kick in.
• Lower emergency medical benefit of $150,000 is secondary coverage.

Seven Corners

Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Choice plan has high emergency medical and medical evacuation limits, as well as rare coverage for non-medical evacuation. In addition to “cancel for any reason” coverage, you can also pay extra for “interruption for any reason” coverage.

• Excellent $1 million emergency medical evacuation coverage plus $20,000 for non-medical evacuation.
• Great “interruption for any reason” coverage of 75% available.
• The most expensive of our top-rated senior travel insurance plans.

Generali Global Assistance

Generali Global Assistance’s premium plan offers trip interruption coverage of up to 175% of your trip cost. Most top-rated competitors offer a maximum of 150%.

• Top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Solid baggage loss coverage of $2,000 per person.
• “Cancel for any reason” coverage of 75% available.
• Baggage must be delayed for 12 hours before benefits kick in.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,000 per person only applies to cruises and tours.
• Emergency medical expense benefit is secondary coverage.

Nationwide Prime travel insurance offers an exceptional 200% coverage for trip interruption.

• If you need to cut your trip short for a covered reason, you can be reimbursed up to 200% of your prepaid trip cost.
• High travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person ($250 per day limit).
• “Cancel for any reason” coverage of 75% is available.
• Low missed connection benefit of $500 per person for cruises and tours only.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage available.

Compare the best travel insurance for seniors

Via TravelInsurance.com’s website

Methodology

Our insurance experts analyzed cost and coverage data from 21 plans to determine the best senior travel insurance. For this rating, we only scored travel insurance plans that offer the option to buy “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage .

The benefits we scored out of a possible 100 points include:

Cost: 50 points. We scored the average cost for each travel insurance policy for a variety of international trips and traveler profiles.

Medical expenses: 15 points. Travel insurance plans that offer travel medical expense benefits of $500,000 per person were given the highest amount of points.

Medical evacuation: 15 points. Travel insurance plans with emergency medical evacuation benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest number of points.

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 20 points. Travel insurance plans that cover pre-existing medical conditions if the policy is purchased within a required timeline received points.

What is covered by travel insurance for seniors?

The best travel insurance bundles several types of insurance to provide financial protection before and during your trip. 

A comprehensive senior travel insurance plan will include the following coverage types: 

• Trip cancellation insurance . 
• Trip delay insurance.
• Trip interruption insurance. 
• Travel medical insurance. 
• Emergency medical evacuation .
• Baggage loss and delay coverage.

What’s the most important travel insurance coverage for senior travelers?

Health is a top concern for older travelers. Travel insurance for senior citizens should have high coverage limits for trip interruption, travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation. 

“Since Medicare doesn’t provide coverage abroad, it’s important for senior travelers to pay close attention to policies’ medical benefits, including emergency medical, medical evacuation and pre-existing conditions,” said James Clark, a spokesperson for the travel-insurance comparison site Squaremouth, the company behind Tin Leg travel insurance.

Older travelers should also pay attention to whether a travel insurance plan’s emergency medical coverage is primary or secondary.

“When traveling outside the U.S., seniors should know that it’s recommended to purchase a travel insurance plan that includes primary emergency medical coverage,” said Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection vice president, Carol Mueller.

 “Senior travelers on Medicare who purchase a travel insurance plan with secondary medical coverage will need to first try to get Medicare to cover their emergency travel medical expenses, which in many cases is limited to no coverage,” said Mueller. “Avoid the hassle and choose a travel insurance plan with primary medical coverage.”

How to choose the best senior travel insurance

Senior travelers shopping for travel insurance should look for plans with these benefits:

• Emergency medical expense coverage of at least $250,000. This pays for emergency medical expenses you incur during your trip and includes medical coverage for COVID-19 . 
• Emergency medical evacuation coverage of at least $500,000. This pays to transport you to the nearest adequate medical facility for you to get the care you require when a physician says your illness or injury is severe enough to warrant it. Emergency medical evacuation coverage may also pay to fly a loved one to be with you and to fly you home for further treatment or recovery. 
• Preexisting condition coverage. Some plans include a preexisting condition waiver as long as you buy travel insurance within a certain number of days of making your first trip deposit, you insure the full value of your trip and you are medically able to travel at the time of departure. Having a waiver will give you coverage for medical conditions documented in your health history in the 60 to 180 days before you buy your plan, with some exclusions.
• Trip interruption coverage of 150%. Trip interruption insurance reimburses you for unused, prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses if your trip is unexpectedly interrupted while you’re in transit or at your destination. It can also cover travel costs associated with having to change your plans, such as needing to buy a last-minute economy ticket for a one-way flight home. Buying an extra ticket can push your claim over 100% of your original trip expenses, so it’s wise to look for a plan that reimburses up to 150%. 
• “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade available. For an additional cost, you can sometimes add “cancel for any reason” coverage to your travel insurance plan. This typically reimburses up to 75% of nonrefundable trip expenses if you decide not to travel for a reason not covered by your policy, as long as you cancel at least two days before you’re scheduled to travel.

How much does senior travel insurance cost?

The average cost of senior travel insurance is $434 per trip , based on our analysis of rates for older travelers. For senior trips with “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage, the average cost of travel insurance increases to $629.

Travel insurance for seniors typically costs around 7% to 9% of your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses. Adding CFAR coverage can add 45% or more to that cost.

How much you pay for travel insurance will depend on the age of you and your fellow travelers, the length of your trip and the total of your nonrefundable trip costs.

Compare senior travel insurance rates

Average senior travel insurance costs are based on rates for international trips for travelers ages 65 and 70, with CFAR coverage and without. Travel insurance plans have different levels of benefits, which can account for price differences.

Travel smart: Find cheap travel insurance that meets your needs.

How to save money on travel insurance for seniors

Travel insurance companies don’t typically offer discounts. But if you can get a senior discount on any of your travel itself, you’ll have a smaller trip cost to insure. This will lower the cost of your senior travel insurance.

Getting quotes from multiple travel insurance providers is also a great way to save money. Every policy offers more coverage in some areas and less in others. Depending on what coverage is most important to you, certain policies will give you more value than others. 

Get the coverage you need: What does travel insurance cover?

Is CFAR worth it for senior travelers?

CFAR coverage adds to the cost of your plan, but older travelers may want to consider a travel insurance policy with both trip cancellation insurance and “cancel for any reason” coverage, said Clark.  

CFAR benefits offer maximum flexibility to cancel your plans due to illness, injury or any other reason and will reimburse a percentage of your nonrefundable trip costs, usually 50% or 75%. The only caveat is that you’ll need to cancel at least two days before you plan to travel.

When shopping for travel insurance, look for CFAR-related fine print. You often must buy CFAR within a certain number of days of making your first trip deposit, such as 14 days. You are also usually required to insure the full value of your nonrefundable trip expenses.

More travel insurance for seniors resources

• What is travel insurance?
• What does travel insurance cover?
• Average cost of travel insurance
• Is travel insurance worth it?
• Best COVID travel insurance
• Best cruise travel insurance  

Best senior travel insurance FAQs

If you rely on Medicare for health insurance and you’re traveling internationally, buying senior travel insurance with excellent emergency medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation benefits is a good idea.

“One of the most important considerations for travelers with existing health issues is to find a plan that offers a preexisting condition exclusion waiver,” said Stan Sandberg, cofounder and CEO of TravelInsurance.com. 

To qualify for the waiver, you’ll usually need to purchase your trip insurance policy within seven to 14 days of making your initial trip payment. Some premium policies may extend this coverage if you buy them before or within 24 hours of making your final trip payment, he said.

Even with a waiver, medical bills related to certain excluded conditions such as dementia or depression may not be covered, so read the policy carefully to see if your preexisting conditions qualify.

More: Is travel insurance worth it?

Tin Leg’s Gold plan and Trawick International’s Safe Travel First Class plan provide the best travel insurance for seniors for the price, according to our analysis. These are the only plans to merit 5 stars in our rating.

Yes, you can get travel insurance over 80, but it will cost you more.

Yes. If you’re shopping for travel insurance over 80, for instance, you’ll pay an average of 18% of your total trip cost. That is considerably higher than the average cost of travel insurance for a 30-year-old, which is only 5%.

Travel insurance for the elderly varies by insurer when it comes to upper age limits . If you are concerned about finding the best travel medical insurance for seniors over 7 0 , start with an online comparison site like Squaremouth where you only have to enter your age and trip details once to see which policies are available to you.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Amy Fontinelle has more than 15 years of experience helping people make informed decisions about their money, whether they’re refinancing a mortgage, buying insurance or choosing a credit card. As a freelance writer trained in journalism and specializing in personal finance, Amy digs into the details to explain the products and strategies that can help (or hurt) people seeking greater financial security and wealth. Her work has been published by Forbes Advisor, Capital One, MassMutual, Investopedia and many other outlets.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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Table of Contents

The best senior travel insurance options

Tips for selecting travel insurance for seniors, what else seniors need to know about travel insurance, travel insurance for seniors, recapped.

Travel insurance is a smart way to protect the money you have invested in a big trip in case unforeseen hurdles stop you from traveling. Seemingly now more than ever, last-minute changes can disrupt a trip, and in some cases, the money spent on nonrefundable purchases is at risk. There are numerous travel insurance options for people older than 65, but it is important to understand the nuances of senior travel insurance.

Medical issues or situations at (or en route to) your destination can stifle even the best-laid plans. Many credit cards include travel insurance as one of their benefits. These plans can assist in the event of lost or delayed baggage, flight delays and cancellations, and other adjustments to a trip paid for with that particular card.

When buying supplemental senior citizen travel insurance, don’t rely on the default option presented by your travel provider. There are many considerations to take into account, like how far from home you plan to be, the potential for injury or sickness (including your pre-existing medical conditions), and what may already be covered by other insurance plans you have.

For example, medical evacuation may not be covered, but local transportation to a hospital may be. And remember that U.S. health plans or Medicare coverage are especially limited outside of the country.

Here are some options worth reviewing from a handful of insurance providers: Allianz, Medjet, Travelers and your specific travel provider.

Here are a select few senior travel insurance options for people 65 and older.

Allianz offers excellent coverage for travelers over 65. It can help make payments for medical treatments overseas, even in the local currency and their preferred payment methods, to keep you from paying out of pocket.

For longer trips, it offers an AllTrips Prime Plan in increments of three, six or 12 months (ideal if you plan to vacation elsewhere during the winter months, for example). This plan covers emergency medical transport. The company takes into account certain pre-existing medical conditions so be sure to read the fine print.

If you fall ill or need assistance during your travels, Medjet ’s supplemental coverage for medical transportation helps you get to your home or the hospital of your choice. It includes air medical transport. This is a membership program that covers emergencies and can be tacked onto trips or purchased annually. While not technically travel insurance, this company offers an additional medical transport option for emergencies.

This coverage can be helpful if you're planning to travel in remote or unfamiliar areas, such as on safaris, to secluded islands and other far-flung destinations.

» Learn more: Does travel insurance cover medical expenses?

Most other travel insurers might only get you to the nearest appropriate hospital facility. For travelers younger than 75, Medjet offers no pre-existing medical condition exclusions and it doesn't rule out the same number of activities that other providers might.

3. Travelers

With the option to buy an annual, multi-trip protector, Travelers insurance covers a whole year of trips with the option to upgrade several features. The add-ons include “Cancel For Any Reason” insurance and trip interruption coverage.

4. Your travel provider’s own plan

On certain types of trips, say a cruise or a Caribbean resort that is prone to hurricanes, using the travel provider’s recommended insurance can be a good bet. This coverage is usually offered as an add-on during the booking process, but it can also be added after the reservation.

Most likely, these policies are designed to cover delay or cancellation issues, but be sure to read the fine print to see if medical transportation or trip interruption is also included.

Choosing a provider of your own can make sense when planning your own travel (let’s say a honeymoon to Paris or the Maldives). If a cruise line or safari outfitter offers insurance of its own, that might be the most comprehensive when it comes to that particular provider’s operations.

» Learn more: The best cruise insurance

Deciding if you need travel insurance is the first hurdle. Next comes the task of selecting the right one without spending more than the cost of what you are actually trying to protect. These are some important tips to consider.

Compare plans

It is wise to compare the options available using aggregator websites like SquareMouth (a NerdWallet partner) and InsureMyTrip.com. These sites compare the options from dozens of different providers detailing what they do and do not cover.

Seeing the exclusions as well as considering them within the framework of your trip can help you select the best plan for your travel needs.

Consider existing coverage

Review your existing coverage, whether that is via your health insurance or any credit card protections you may have. Some of the benefits you might be paying extra for when getting supplemental travel insurance may already be covered.

Read the fine print

Don’t base your final decision on price, as sometimes the cheapest policy may be the most restrictive — and the most expensive policy may give you coverage for activities you won't even be doing.

What may seem like an inclusion may actually be disallowed due to a technicality (terrorist attack or war). If you’re not sure, pick up the phone and ask if your specific situation is covered.

Timing is key. The sooner you buy your travel insurance coverage, the more time you have to benefit from it. The price could also rise the closer you get to departure. If you wait until the departure date to buy it, you would be out of luck if the week before you get sick or the destination closes its borders. Buying insurance after an issue arises won't help you.

Travel insurance is a safe way to protect that sunken cost. Spending money on travel, even with the benefit of loyalty program miles and points to offset some of the cost, can be a significant investment. Chances are that you won’t even need it, but like other insurance policies, it can pay off in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Weigh the cost of potential expenses with the insurance plan. Canceling a rental car for a road trip may not be a big deal, but business class flights and a nonrefundable cruise might be.

Credit card coverage only protects you if you use that card to pay for your travel. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express also offer travel insurance benefits when paying with points, too. Terms apply. Using the right card for your trip can help save money on other potential travel insurance costs.

» Learn more: Best travel insurance options for older adventurers

What may seem like an unnecessary extra cost can actually help save the day in certain circumstances.

It can pay dividends to understand what your existing coverage includes (especially via a particular credit card) so that travelers over 65 make the most advantageous insurance decision for their trips.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

The best travel insurance plans for seniors offer comprehensive, specialized coverage, affordable rates, and helpful customer service.

SeniorLiving.org is supported by commissions from providers listed on our site. Read our Editorial Guidelines

• Additional coverage for preexisting conditions with select plans
• Wide variety of customizable plans
• High coverage limits

• Plans available for seniors up to 99 years old
• Can be purchased as close as one day prior to departure
• Affordable plans and group discounts

• 14-day refund in most states
• Comprehensive coverage for baggage and personal items
• Excellent customer service

• Free online quotes
• Affordable cruise insurance
• Hassle-free claims process

• Our Top Picks
• 2. International Medical Group
• 3. John Hancock
• 4. Nationwide
• 5. Travel Guard
• Our Methodology

If you plan on traveling abroad or domestically , we recommend purchasing travel insurance for some added peace of mind. Travel insurance offers protection when you find yourself in an unexpected situation, such as an injury that requires emergency medical care, lost luggage, or canceled flights.

If you’re on the fence about purchasing travel insurance, we’ll go over some of the reasons why you might benefit from it. With affordable rates you’ll find that travel insurance can help reduce the stress of traveling and incurring unexpected out-of-pocket costs. Our team spent over 50 hours researching and comparing plans. We evaluated each plan using important factors like cost, customer service, plan options, amount of coverage, and more.

Let’s take a closer look at the best travel insurance providers for seniors.

Best Travel Insurance for Seniors in 2024

What we like most.

Allianz Global Assistance has been a trusted travel insurance provider for over 100 years. We chose Allianz because many of their policies offer protection for those with preexisting medical conditions. If you’re a senior with a preexisting condition, you’ll be covered if you need care or services while traveling. This coverage is only available with select plans, and there are some exclusions.

Fun Fact: Allianz is best known for their role in insuring the Wright Brothers’ first flight and the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, among many other historical milestones.

Allianz offers 24/7 assistance and a variety of plans, whether you’re planning a single trip or annual trip with many destinations. One of their most popular plans is the OneTrip Prime, which provides free coverage for children 17 and under when traveling with a parent or grandparent.

Allianz offers 10 different plans depending on how often you travel, or if you’re traveling for leisure or business. For example, their OneTrip Prime plan offers the following coverages:

• Epidemic coverage endorsement
• Trip cancellation (up to $100,000)
• Trip interruption (up to $150,000 per insured)
• Emergency medical (up to $50,000 per insured)
• Emergency medical transportation (up to $500,000 per insured)
• Baggage loss/damage up to $1,000 (per insured)
• Baggage delay up to $300 (per insured)
• Travel delay up to $800 (per insured)
• 24-hour hotline assistance
• Concierge services
• OneTrip Rental Car Protector optional upgrade
• Required to work optional upgrade
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available

Pros About Allianz

• Over 21 million insured travelers
• High coverage amounts
• High trip cancellation amounts
• Rental car coverage
• 24/7 hotline assistance for travel emergencies and assistance
• Preexisting medical condition coverage on select plans
• Wide range of travel insurance plans for leisure or business
• Free Allianz TravelSmart app for iPhone and Android

Cons About Allianz

• Up to 30 days for claim reviews
• Rental car damage and theft coverage not available to KS, TX, NY, and WA residents on an annual plan

Final Thoughts

Along with a vast selection of travel insurance plans and high coverage amounts, Allianz is great for seniors who are planning single or multiple trips throughout the year. Keep in mind that select coverages and benefits may not be available to residents in some states.

Overall, Allianz offers exceptional coverage for seniors with preexisting medical conditions, emergency medical benefits up to $50,000, and 24/7 hotline assistance for any travel emergencies or questions you may have.

Established in 1990 in Indianapolis, Indiana, International Medical Group (IMG) is known for offering quality global insurance benefits and assistance for seniors who travel internationally. One of the benefits of this company is that they offer a wide range of international medical insurance and 24/7 emergency medical assistance for travelers.

Fun Fact: IMG’s GlobeHopper Senior travel health insurance plan offers an option for the extension of coverage for seniors who wish to extend their trips. 

IMG earned our pick as the best international travel insurance for their affordable rates for longer trips, as well as comprehensive coverage for medical expenses and evacuation. We appreciate that IMG offers the GlobeHopper Senior, temporary health insurance for travelers ages 65 and up traveling internationally. This plan offers travel medical insurance coverage for as little as five days up to one year, along with maximum limits up to $1 million. Additionally, IMG offers travel medical insurance for individuals, families, and groups, including coverage for seniors with preexisting conditions. Many of the policies also have maximum limits of up to $8 million — which is one of the highest limits we’ve seen for travel insurance.

IMG offers four comprehensive plans for vacationers and business travelers. Their most popular package is the iTravelInsured Travel LX, which offers the following coverages.

• Trip cancellation: 100 percent of the nonrefundable insured trip cost
• Trip interruption: 150 percent of the nonrefundable insured trip cost
• Cancel for any reason: 75 percent of the nonrefundable insured trip cost
• Trip interruption for any reason: 75 percent of the nonrefundable insured trip cost
• Trip delay (up to $250 per day)
• Change fee (up to $300 per person)
• Frequent traveler reward (up to $75 per person)
• Rental car damage and theft coverage (up to $40,000 per covered vehicle)
• Missed trip connection (up to $500 per person)
• Traveling companion/bedside companion (up to $200 per day)
• Pet kennel ($100 per day)
• Search and rescue (up to $10,000)
• Political or security evacuation and natural disaster evacuation ($50,000 per event per person)
• Baggage and personal effects ($2,500)
• Sports equipment rental (up to $500 daily)
• Baggage delay of at least 12 hours (up to $500)
• Accident and sickness medical and dental expense (up to $500,000 per person)
• Accident death and dismemberment (up to $100,000)

Pros About International Medical Group

• Plans offered to travelers up to the age of 99
• Can be purchased up to one day before departure
• Affordable minimum trip cost to be insured
• 24/7 assistance
• Lowest price guaranteed
• Affordable plans for international travel
• Group discounts
• Higher coverage limits
• Claims filed via website or mail

Cons About International Medical Group

• Some travel insurance plans can only cover 90-day trips
• Might need to purchase separate travel medical insurance and international health insurance

IMG offers travel insurance plans for seniors up to age 99 who want to travel internationally. IMG is ideal for both vacationers and business travelers. Additionally, IMG offers 24/7 emergency travel assistance and a preexisting condition review period of 60 days. If you’re a senior going on a cruise or guided tour internationally, we recommend purchasing travel medical coverage through IMG.

As an insurance provider for over 160 years, many people trust John Hancock for their investment, retirement, financial , and insurance products. John Hancock offers streamlined travel insurance packages for older adults who plan to travel internationally with ample protection. Although on the pricier side, older adults can choose from three plans ranked Gold, Silver, and Bronze depending on how much coverage they’d like for their travels. Currently, John Hancock’s plans feature comprehensive coverage including trip cancellation, trip delays, emergency accident and sickness medical coverage, and more. They also offer high coverage options and greater protection for seniors who want 24/7 assistance.

FYI: If you purchase a travel insurance plan through John Hancock within the first 14 days of booking your trip, you can get the best coverage options. 

Depending on your unique situation, age, and duration of travel, you can customize a quote online and choose from three different plan tiers: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The Silver plan offers the following coverages:

• Trip cancellation (up to 100 percent of trip cost)
• Trip interruption (up to 150 percent of trip cost)
• Trip cancellation for any reason (up to 75 percent of nonrefundable trip cost)
• Airline ticket change fee (minimum 1-hour delay $200)
• Missed connections ($750)
• Trip delay ($150 per day; maximum $750)
• Baggage delay (maximum $500; daily limit of $500)
• Baggage/personal effects (up to $1,000; per article: $250; maximum for property: $1,000)
• Accidental death and dismemberment (up to $100,000)
• Emergency accident and emergency sickness medical expense (up to $100,000)
• Emergency medical evacuation and medically necessary repatriation (up to $500,000)
• Repatriation of remains (up to $500,000)
• Preexisting conditions waiver
• Frequent travel loyalty (up to $200)

Pros About John Hancock

• Coverage for travelers with preexisting conditions
• Frequent travel loyalty perks
• Trip cancellation and trip interruption coverages
• 24/7 travel assistance

Cons About John Hancock

• Limited plans
• Some of the travel insurance plans can be expensive
• Need to speak with a licensed agent to get more information
• 14-day refund not available in states like IN, NH, and UT

John Hancock offers peace of mind and solid travel insurance plans for older adults who plan to travel alone or with their families. If you’re not satisfied or change your mind, you can call to cancel the purchase within 14 days of the effective date. John Hancock offers streamlined travel insurance coverage options — perfect for that cruise or international trip you’ve been dreaming about! Keep in mind that all travelers must reside in the same U.S. state to share a John Hancock policy.

Nationwide has been around since 1925, offering insurance, investing, and retirement products for individuals and businesses. Nationwide offers some of the best affordable cruise travel insurance plans for older adults that we’ve seen. If you’re planning a cruise with your family or friends, we recommend looking into three of their cruise plans: the Universal Cruise, Choice Cruise, and Luxury Cruise plans.

Did You Know? If you’re looking into other insurance policies for dental, vision, life insurance, check out our guide to insurance for seniors in 2024 .

The Choice and Luxury Cruise plans offer coverage for preexisting conditions. Plus, you can easily modify and add coverage even if you’ve already purchased a plan. One thing to remember: Not all coverage is available in all states, so you’ll have to check with a local travel insurance agent.

Nationwide offers single trip, annual trip, and cruise insurance. For cruise insurance, we recommend the Choice Cruise plan, as it’s flexible and affordable. Here’s what the plan covers:

• Trip cancellation (up to 100 percent of nonrefundable trip costs)
• Trip interruption (up to 150 percent of nonrefundable trip costs)
• Interruption for any reason ($500)
• Missed connection/trip delay ($1,500/$750)
• Itinerary changes ($200-$500)
• Emergency accident and sickness medical expense ($100,000)
• Accidental death and dismemberment ($25,000)
• Preexisting condition waiver (if purchased within 14 days of trip)
• Baggage and personal effects ($2,500 maximum, $600 maximum for special items, $300 per article limit of $500)
• Key cancellation/interruption covered reasons
• Cancel for any reason
• Non-medical evacuation ($25,000)
• Refund policy: 10-day review period

Pros About Nationwide

• Member of the US Travel Insurance Association
• Travel insurance plans for cruises, single- and multi-trips
• Hassle-free claims
• Affordable travel insurance rates
• Flexible annual trip plans start at $59

Cons About Nationwide

• Cruise plan refund policy not available in NY or WA
• Lower trip interruption limits compared to other providers (125 percent for Essential plan single trip)
• Some plans may have nonrefundable processing fees

Nationwide provides a variety of options for senior travelers, whether you’re flying to a new destination or cruising. The company has high coverage amounts, including a 10-day review period for refunds on some of its cruise plans. If your trip is canceled, you’ll be reimbursed for up to 100 percent of the nonrefundable trip cost.

As one of the world’s leading travel insurance companies, Travel Guard provides specialized coverages for older adults at affordable prices. Along with travel medical and concierge assistance, Travel Guard has responsive customer service and optional add-on coverages.

FYI: To get a preexisting medical conditions exclusion waiver through Travel Guard, you’ll have to purchase it within 15 days of the initial trip payment.

The provider offers three travel insurance plans: the Essential, Preferred, and Deluxe plans, with high coverage amounts up to $1 million. Coverage offerings include trip cancellation, baggage coverage, and travel medical expenses, along with specialized coverages such as car rental, medevac, and lodging expenses.

Travel Guard offers the following coverage for their Preferred plan — one of their most popular plans.

• Cancel for any reason (optional add-on)
• Baggage coverage (up to $1,000)
• Baggage delay (up to $300)
• Travel medical expense (up to $50,000)
• Travel inconvenience
• Medevac (up to $500,000)
• Car rental (optional add-on)
• Lodging expense (optional add-on)
• Trip exchange
• Security evac (optional add-on)
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusion waiver

Pros About Travel Guard

• One of the world’s leading travel insurance companies
• Specialized coverages
• Easy and fast claim process
• Family coverage options
• Preexisting medical condition exclusion waiver
• Cancel for any reason (up to 48 hours prior to departure)
• Travel insurance plans currently available in all states

Cons About Travel Guard

• Some plans don’t offer flight guard, security evacuation, trip saver, trip exchange, or other specialized coverages

Travel Guard offers a variety of affordable travel insurance plans for families, seniors, and those who frequently travel. If you’re looking for specialized coverages with higher coverage limits up to $1,000,000, we’d recommend looking into Travel Guard’s three travel insurance plans. Keep in mind that if you think you may need a preexisting medical conditions exclusion waiver, you’ll need to purchase it within 15 days of the initial trip payment.

Money-Saving Tip: Looking for ways to save on an upcoming trip? Check out our senior discounts guide to learn how you can save on hotels, cruises, transportation, and more!

For travelers looking for higher coverage limits, you can get up to $750 to $2,500 for baggage coverage and up to $100,000 for travel medical expense coverage. One of the perks of purchasing travel insurance through Travel Guard is that they are available in all states. You can also purchase an annual plan if you are looking for coverage for multiple trips throughout the year.

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Seniors Travel Insurance

When choosing the best travel insurance providers, we considered the following criteria.

• Coverages: We chose travel insurance providers that offer the best comprehensive coverage with higher limits for trip cancellations, emergency medical transportation, and baggage delay.
• Specialized coverages: We focused on companies that have optional or additional specialized coverages like car rentals or accidental death and dismemberment.
• Preexisting medical conditions: Our list features some providers that offer preexisting medical condition waivers.
• Cruise coverage: The companies on our list offer cruise coverage along with traditional travel insurance.
• Financial standing: It’s important to choose a provider with an excellent financial portfolio. We selected providers with above-average ratings by reputable ranking agencies.
• Customer service: We assessed the ease of use of navigating each insurance provider’s mobile app and claims processing center. We also evaluated how easy it was to obtain free online quotes and contact customer service.
• Affordability: The providers on our list offer budget-friendly coverage for seniors over the age of 65 and their families.

Comparing the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

To give you a better idea of prices, we researched the average costs of travel insurance for older adults from each of our top providers. We obtained quotes for 65-year-olds on a two-week trip to Italy with an $8,000 travel budget.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Many travel insurance plans cover the following benefits, with options for specialized or add-on coverages:

• Trip cancellation: Receive a reimbursement if you need to cancel your trip.
• Trip interruption: If your trip is interrupted, you can get reimbursed for the nonrefundable amount of your trip and the cost of transportation per insured person.
• Travel delay: You can get reimbursed a certain amount per day if your trip is delayed for a specified period of time.
• Cancel for any reason: Receive a refund for a portion of your trip expenses if you need to cancel your trip due to a death in the family or other situation.
• Baggage delay: If your baggage is delayed for a specified period of time, you may receive reimbursement for the hours delayed and if you need to purchase specific items due to the delay.
• Emergency medical: If you have dental or medical emergencies while traveling, this benefit can cover these expenses.
• Car rental: As an add-on, you can get car rental insurance to help cover the cost of rental car damages and other expenses if you get into an accident.
• Medical evacuation: Also known as medevac, this optional coverage provides emergency medical transportation if you need to be airlifted.
• Accidental death and dismemberment: If you die during your travels as a result of accidental death or dismemberment, your beneficiary would receive certain benefits.
• Repatriation of remains: If a traveler passes away during your trip, this benefit will cover the cost of returning them home.
• Preexisting medical condition waiver: Some insurance carriers offer coverage for those with preexisting medical conditions.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for Seniors?

Based on our research after obtaining online quotes from five different travel insurance providers, we found that the average cost of travel insurance is $655.23 per insured person when you plan to spend around $8,000 for an international trip. While this might seem steep, travel insurance can help you avoid thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses during an emergency. According to Forbes, the average cost of travel insurance is roughly six percent of your overall trip costs and is dependent on the amount you plan to spend on your trip.

Tips for Choosing the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

When planning a trip, it’s important to compare travel insurance quotes to make sure you get the best deal. It’s better to plan ahead and enjoy the rest of your trip knowing you’ve purchased the best travel insurance for your needs. We’ve compiled a list of tips on how to choose the best travel insurance below:

• Coverage: Many insurance providers will highlight one of their best value plans to help you stay under budget. If cost is your main concern, choose a plan that offers the minimum coverage with the option of adding additional coverage if needed.
• Preexisting conditions: Not all providers offer preexisting conditions waivers, so it’s important to research and inquire about this if you’re so affected.
• Discounts: Agencies like AARP may offer senior discounts and travel savings if you’re a member. Consider these discounts on top of your travel insurance purchases.
• Medical expenses: Look into comprehensive travel insurance plans that offer substantial medical coverage. Some plans may require you to purchase separate travel medical insurance.
• Compare providers: Get quotes from multiple providers and compare rates and coverage. Think about the benefits that are the most important to you, along with your budget, and choose a plan accordingly
• 24/7 assistance: Some companies offer 24/7 assistance, which is essential when traveling in different time zones. Also, check to see if your provider offers concierge services.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seniors Travel Insurance

Travel insurance helps protect you and your loved ones if you experience a health emergency while traveling. It can also protect and help reimburse you if your trip gets canceled, or you lose your baggage during the trip.

Medicare does not offer health care services that you receive outside of the U.S. This is why it’s important to purchase a travel insurance policy for more coverage.

Some insurance providers won’t offer coverage for preexisting conditions, losses due to war, or inability to afford the trip.

AAA. (2021). Pandemic Prompts More Americans to Consider Travel Insurance .

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• Best overall
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for annual plans

How we reviewed travel insurance for seniors

Best travel insurance for seniors of may 2024.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Reaching your golden years doesn't mean your adventures have to end. In fact, in this stage of life, you'll hopefully have more time and resources to travel. But as a senior citizen, you'll want to ensure you have travel insurance that covers any health-related issues arise while you travel.

Our top picks for the best senior travel insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic trips: World Nomads Travel Insurance

Best for annual plans: Travel Guard

How we rate the best senior travel insurance companies »

Compare travel insurance for seniors

Your health gets more unpredictable as you age, which makes travel insurance more important for seniors. Unfortunately, it's also more expensive. The best travel insurance for seniors won't have too steep of a price hike compared to rates for younger travelers. It will have high coverage limits for emergency medical coverage, trip cancellations, and and emergency medical evacuation. It's also important that your travel insurance offers pre-existing condition waivers , ideally at no extra cost to the traveler. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance coverage for seniors in 2024.

Best overall: Allianz

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
• Single and multi-trip plans available
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the most widely recognized names in travel insurance, and it stands out as one of the top travel insurance providers for seniors. It offers a wide range of policies covering medical treatments overseas and emergency medical transport.

Allianz also provides options for varying trip lengths. Its annual multi-trip policies , for example, cover any trip you make during your policy period, even if they aren't yet planned, making it an excellent option for seniors who vacation multiple times per year.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for expensive trips: John Hancock

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 3 travel insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason rider available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable travel insurance premiums
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews of claims process are mixed
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers may not get specialty coverage for sports equipment and other high value items
• Trip cancellation for 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000 per person
• Medical evacuation coverage of up to $1,000,000

John Hancock Travel Insurance plans for seniors offer some of the best coverage available. It provides generous maximum benefit amounts while still offering affordable prices.

Each plan includes coverages like trip cancellation, emergency accident, and emergency medical, with the option to add benefits like CFAR (cancel for any reason) . Plus, getting a free online quote is a quick and straightforward process.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance is a great choice for active senior citizens under 70 who want comprehensive travel insurance. The key difference between World Nomads and many other providers is that it covers 200+ adventurous activities like scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing, skiing, and even bungee jumping. In addition, World Nomads' trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage includes COVID-19-related issues. Many other insurers are excluding that type of coverage now.

For adventurous senior citizens over the age of 70 years, World Nomads suggests working with its partner, TripAssure .

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard  offers comprehensive insurance plans for shorter and longer trips. One of its more unique offerings is its Travel Guard Annual Plan.

This annual travel insurance comes with standard coverage benefits (trip delay, baggage loss, etc.) and substantial coverage amounts, which is important for seniors who travel multiple times per year. Travel Guard also offers a preexisting medical condition waiver, meaning those with certain medical issues can still gain coverage.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review here.

Understanding travel insurance for seniors

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what travel insurance is and why it's particularly important for senior travelers. The best travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events affecting your trip, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Types of coverage

• Medical Coverage: Ensures your medical expenses are covered in case of illness or injury.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Provides reimbursement if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Coverage: Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal items during your trip.

Benefits of travel insurance for seniors

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered in case of emergencies can make your travel stress-free.
• Financial Protection: Shields you from potentially overwhelming medical costs and trip cancellations fees.
• Assistance Services: Many plans offer 24/7 assistance services, providing help whenever and wherever you need it.

Making the most of your plan

After choosing a plan, it's crucial to understand your policy fully and know what services are available to you in case of an emergency.

Understanding your policy

• Read the fine print and understand the claims process to avoid surprises.

Emergency assistance services

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency assistance services offered by your plan and keep all necessary contact information handy.

How to pick senior travel insurance

It's wise to compare several different travel insurance policies for the best coverage and pricing, as premiums vary widely between insurers and depend on factors like your age and travel destination.

That said, some of the more essential coverages to look for if you're a senior citizen include:

• Travel medical coverage - This coverage will pay for your medical bills outside the US.
• Medical evacuation coverage - If you're injured or become sick while traveling, this coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if your condition necessitates it.
• Preexisting conditions - Coverage for known health conditions. You'll need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time period from when you book your trip to qualify for a preexisting condition waiver .
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) - The name says it all! It'll cost extra and you'll need to purchase insurance early, but it's the most comprehensive trip cancellation coverage you can get. Note that CFAR insurance usually only covers up to 75% of your trip fees.
• Trip cancellation insurance - This coverage provides reimbursement for your prepaid and nonrefundable costs if you cannot make your trip due to an unforeseen event.
• Baggage delay insurance - This coverage will reimburse you for essentials like toiletries and clothes if your bags are delayed.
• Lost luggage insurance - This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount if your bags get lost en route.

Of these, the most critical to note are whether or not your policy covers preexisting conditions and the limits for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.

Some insurance companies offer a waiver that will cover preexisting conditions. You'll have to follow the requirements for adding a waiver to your policy, like insuring the entire cost of your trip. Or purchase the policy within a specific time after making your first trip deposit payments.

You'll also want to find a policy with high maximum limits for travel medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage. These types of expenses can be substantial, so you want to have appropriate coverage.

When comparing senior travel insurance options, we looked at the following factors to evaluate each travel insurance provider:

• Coverage limits: We looked at each travel insurance company's coverage amounts for benefits like medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
• Flexibility: We looked at how customizable a policy is, so you can choose what your travel insurance policy covers .
• Coverage for preexisting conditions: Preexisting conditions are one of the more critical factors for travel insurance for senior citizens, so we looked at travel insurance companies that offer the best coverage for preexisting conditions.
• Price: We compared travel insurance providers offering reasonable basic and comprehensive coverage rates.
• Benefits geared towards seniors: We compared travel insurance companies that offer solid coverage for senior citizens, like medical evacuation, COVID-19 coverage, and trip cancellation.

You can read more about our insurance rating methodology here.

Seniors should look for travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive medical coverage, including for preexisting conditions and emergency medical evacuation. They should also consider policies with higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection. Additionally, seniors should seek travel insurance plans that provide 24/7 assistance services, as well as coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage protection.

The cost of senior travel insurance coverage can vary depending on your age, overall health, state of residence, travel destination, and length of your trip. However, assuming all other factors are the same, you'll pay more for travel insurance at 70 than at 30.

All travel insurance companies, except World Nomads, included in this guide offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as long as you buy your policy within the qualifying period from when you placed your trip deposit.

Allianz is the best travel insurance for seniors due to its wide array of medical coverages and emergency medical transport. Allianz also offers multi-trip insurance policies , which could make sense for seniors who travel frequently.

In some instances, travel insurance companies will have age eligibility restrictions, often only insuring people 80 years old and younger.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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65 or Older? Here Are The Best Travel Insurance Plans for Seniors

The top-rated plans all have at least $100,000 in travel medical coverage and at least $250,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage., erica lamberg, erica lamberg's most recent stories.

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With more than a year of travel adventures lost, it’s time to consider how you’ll explore the world again. Whether you’re going across the country or around the world, travel insurance for seniors can provide a valuable safety net if a trip goes wrong. Here are the best senior travel insurance plans based on our ratings of two dozen travel insurance policies.

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All the winning travel insurance plans below include coverage for Covid in trip cancellation and travel medical benefits

Nationwide Cruise Choice Plan

Why we picked it: Nationwide Cruise Choice Plan offers superior benefits at excellent prices for senior travelers.

This plan provides $100,000 per person for emergency medical expenses and $500,000 per person for emergency medical evacuation . You will also get non-medical evacuation coverage of $25,000 per person, which covers transportation if you have to move to a safe location due to a natural disaster or civil/political unrest.

Nationwide’s Cruise Choice Plan has top-notch baggage loss coverage of $2,500 per person. Other highlights include missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person after only a three hour wait and the option to add “cancel for any reason” coverage.

If you are looking for an upgrade, it’s worth taking a look at Nationwide’s Cruise Luxury plan.

Potential drawbacks: Travel delay coverage of $750 per person is low compared to top competitors.

Trawick International Safe Travels First Class Plan

Why we picked it: Trawick’s International Safe Travels First Class plan has excellent prices for seniors and a wide range of solid benefits.

The plan comes with $150,000 per person in emergency medical expenses and $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage. You’ll also get $2,000 per person in baggage loss coverage and $1,000 per person for missed connections (cruises and tours only).

The plan has good travel delay coverage of $1,000 per person but only after a 12-hour delay. And if you’re the type of traveler who wants the ultimate flexibility, you can add “cancel for any reason” coverage to your policy.

Potential drawbacks: Baggage delays and travel delays are only reimbursed after a 12-hour delay. That’s a long time compared to some top competitors that require only six hours (or less).

Related: Best Senior Travel Insurance Plans Of 2021

AXA Assistance USA Gold Plan

Why we picked it: Great prices for senior travelers make AXA’s Gold plan an attractive option.

The plan comes with $100,000 per person in emergency medical expenses and $500,000 per person for emergency medical evacuation. You’ll also get non-medical evacuation coverage of $50,000 per person in case you need to move to safety because of a natural disaster or civil/political unrest.

AXA’s Gold plan has good baggage loss coverage of $1,500 per person. It has generous missed connection coverage of $1,000 per person if you miss your cruise or tour. The plan also includes concierge services.

Potential drawbacks: AXA’s Gold plan does not offer optional “cancel for any reason” coverage.

Cat 70 Travel Plan

Why we picked it: Superior coverage for medical expenses at very competitive prices for seniors makes the Cat 70 plan a solid choice for senior travelers.

Cat 70’s Travel plan pairs a whopping $500,000 per person in emergency medical expenses with $500,000 per person in emergency medical evacuation coverage. Travelers seeking trip cancellation flexibility can add “cancel for any reason” coverage.

Potential drawbacks: Compared to some top competitors, reimbursement is on the lower end for travel delay ($500 per person), lost baggage ($500 per person) and baggage delay ($200 per person after 24 hours).

HTH Worldwide TripProtector Classic Plan

Why we picked it: Excellent prices for seniors make the TripProtector Classic plan worthy of consideration.

TripProtector Classic comes with $250,000 per person in emergency medical expenses and $1 million per person in emergency medical evacuation coverage. The plan includes good travel delay benefits at $1,000 per person after a six-hour delay.

Senior travelers looking for even better benefits (at a higher cost) may want to upgrade to the Worldwide TripProtector Preferred plan.

Potential drawbacks: Baggage delay benefits might be insufficient at $200 per person after a 12-hour delay and you won’t have the option of adding “cancel for any reason” coverage.

Tin Leg Gold Plan

Why we picked it: Tin Leg’s Gold plan offers ample medical benefits at competitive prices for seniors.

With $500,000 per person for emergency medical expenses and $500,000 per person for emergency medical evacuation coverage, Tin Leg’s Gold plan has some of the highest medical benefits among top competitors.

You will also have the option to add “cancel for any reason” coverage.

Potential drawbacks: Reimbursement is low compared to top competitors for travel delay ($500 per person), baggage delay ($200 per person after a 24-hour delay) and baggage loss ($500 per person).

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services Ruby Plan

Why we picked it: USI Affinity’s Ruby plan has solid medical benefits and very competitive prices for seniors who are traveling.

The plan comes with $250,000 per person in emergency medical expenses and $500,000 per person for emergency medical evacuation. If you want the flexibility to cancel your trip, you’ll have the option to add “cancel for any reason” coverage.

Potential drawbacks: Baggage delay ($300 per person) and baggage and personal items loss ($1,000 per person) are lower than top competitors and might be insufficient for senior travelers looking for higher coverage amounts.

Tips for Seniors Buying Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can be essential for many types of trips, but seniors are particularly vulnerable to travel-related problems. Most notably, travelers age 65+ should consider a travel insurance policy with medical insurance and medical evacuation benefits.

Understand Insurance Needs When Traveling Abroad

With the vaccine rollout and countries relaxing border restrictions, you may be thinking about taking that river cruise to Portugal or a wine tour in France.

It’s important to know that when you travel outside the United States a domestic health insurance plan will not generally travel with you. This includes Medicare.

A key focus for seniors should be travel insurance with high limits of travel medical insurance, says Jeremy Murchland, president of travel insurance company Seven Corners. “Some plans on the market limit coverage to only $25,000 or $50,000,” he says. “Depending on the type of care needed, this may not be enough to cover the cost.”

“Most Medicare plans will not cover a person outside of the U.S. or U.S. territories,” explains Gail Manganite, lead customer advocate for InsureMyTrip, a travel insurance comparison provider. She notes that there are some Medigap and supplemental plans that offer health coverage outside the U.S., but deductibles and copayments will still apply.

Find out if your current health insurance includes emergency medical coverage outside the country and what restrictions apply. Then you’ll know how much travel medical insurance you need to fill the gap.

If you want top-notch coverage, look for travel insurance plans that offer $500,000 in medical coverage.

Get Medical Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions

You don’t want a pre-existing condition to flare up during a trip, but in case it happens, have a travel insurance plan that covers it. You do this by getting a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver.

The availability of this important waiver is time-limited:  You’ll have to add it to a travel insurance plan within a specified number of days from the date you make your first trip payment. For example, Seven Corners’ RoundTrip Choice plan covers pre-existing conditions if you buy it within 20 days of the date of your initial trip payment.

But your plan might have a window of only 14 days to get pre-existing conditions covered.

Plan for Medical Evacuation Coverage

If you require an emergency airlift back to the United States, it could easily cost $100,000 or more for private, emergency transport. Emergency medical evacuation insurance pays to move you to a medical facility with appropriate and necessary care if the facility where you are located is unable to provide the level of care needed for your medical condition, says Murchland.

You can find travel insurance plans with up to $1 million in coverage for emergency medical evacuation.

Be Aware of “Cancel for Any Reason” Coverage

“Cancel for any reason” coverage is an add-on that you can tack on to some travel insurance plans. It will add about 40% to your travel insurance cost but gives you the widest flexibility to cancel the trip for any reason and get some reimbursement (typically 50% or 75%).

Without it, you’ll receive trip cancellation reimbursement only if you cancel for a reason listed in the base policy, such as an illness or injury that forces you to abandon travel plans. “Cancel for any reason” coverage will give you the option to cancel for reasons like a sudden fear of flying or simply changing your mind.

Consider Customer Service Options

Murchland says to pick a travel insurance company that has services that match your comfort level.

“For example, Seven Corners has found that a higher percentage of seniors wish to discuss a travel insurance plan over the phone and, in some cases, want assistance selecting a plan and executing a purchase,” he says. “In today’s world of chat bots and email, this is an important consideration for seniors who would prefer to talk with a person.”

Stay on Top of Your Insurance Timeline

Buying a travel insurance plan early and taking the time to read it can pay off later. In addition, a travel insurance agent can help you understand what the policy covers and find plans that fit your travel insurance concerns. It’s wise to:

• Buy your plan early (shortly after you make your first trip deposit) so you don’t miss out on key benefits like pre-existing conditions coverage.
• Review your plan information well before your trip . Understand what reasons are covered for trip cancellation insurance claims. If you want broader coverage, consider adding “cancel for any reason” coverage, which also needs to be added shortly after your first trip payment.
• Feel comfortable asking questions to ensure you understand your plan and how it works.
• Keep in mind that travel insurance plans offer 24/7 travel assistance help . If you run into trouble during your trip, make use of the professional help available for language translation, finding a pharmacy and much more.

Methodology

Using data provided by Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison provider, we evaluated 24 travel insurance plans that have at least $100,000 in travel medical coverage and at least $250,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage. Scores were based on:

• Travel insurance rates (50% of score) for a range of travelers age 65 and older, for trips in a variety of lengths, destinations and costs.
• Coverage benefits (50% of score) including travel medical expenses, cancel for any reason availability, Covid coverage, medical evacuation, baggage delay, baggage loss, missed connection, non-medical evacuation, travel delay.

Erica Lamberg is a personal finance and travel writer based in suburban Philadelphia. She is a regular contributor to USA Today, and her writing credits include NBC News, U.S. News & World Report, Business Insider, Oprah Magazine and Creditcards.com . 

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What Older Travelers Need to Know About Getting Travel Health Insurance

While most of us tend to feel younger than we are — and are likely to be healthier and more fit than our parents were at our age — there's no denying that it's prudent for older travelers to think about purchasing travel health insurance coverage before taking a trip, especially when venturing outside the US. The odds of getting sick or having to address a chronic medical issue while traveling increase as we age.

At age 65 and older, many US citizens are eligible for Medicare (read about the eligibility requirements here ). Medicare, however, does not cover health care services or supplies for recipients traveling outside the country, except in rare cases.

There are three ways Medicare-eligibles can get health coverage while traveling abroad. Some specific Medigap policies (Medicare supplement insurance) provide this type of coverage. Travelers need to assess the type of Medigap policy they have and the specific circumstances under which coverage is provided. There's also Medicare Advantage and other Medicare programs (as opposed to Original Medicare) that may provide such coverage. Again, travelers need to determine the specifics of the coverage offered by their plans. But if neither of the above applies, older travelers should consider purchasing a travel insurance policy that provides health coverage.

We asked Stan Sandberg, co-founder of the travel insurance comparison site TravelInsurance.com , some health insurance questions that commonly arise for older travelers. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Related: Is Credit Card Travel Insurance Sufficient?

In general, how does age affect the cost of travel insurance?

Stan Sandberg: Similar to other actuarial-based insurance products, the older you are, the more costly your insurance will be. This is true both for medical-only plans and for trip cancellation insurance. The good news is that the travel health insurance cost increases related to age aren't as great as you might expect — especially if you are healthy with no pre-existing conditions.

A sample of 23 products we offer on TravelInsurance.com shows an average price increase of just under $85 for an 85-year-old versus an 80-year-old. For healthy buyers the same ages without a pre-existing condition , the increase is less than $35. And based on a $2,000 trip (looking across the same 23 products), the average premium for a comprehensive travel insurance plan, including trip cancellation coverage, is $109.25 for a 50-year-old; $140.90 for a 60-year-old; and $183.99 for a 70-year-old. So the increase is about 30% from ages 50 to 60, and about 30% from ages 60 to 70.

Do all, or some, policies have age limits?

Some policies, in particular travel medical policies, have an age limit. But for most trip cancellation policies, travelers won't start seeing fewer plans until they celebrate their 101st birthday!

What is the difference between annual travel insurance policies and single trip insurance for older travelers?

Annual plans cover multiple trips taken during a one-year period. Irrespective of age, however, the coverage limits of annual plans are cumulative, so a traveler could theoretically exhaust the benefits with a single claim on a first trip. Since seniors often have more time to travel, annual plans can be attractive to those who travel more than four times a year. But potential purchasers should carefully compare the costs and coverage of an annual plan with those offered as Medicare supplements.

What about obtaining insurance when you have pre-existing medical conditions? Is there any way around such exclusions?

Most policies exclude losses that stem from a pre-existing condition. (A pre-existing condition is defined as any prior injury, illness, disease or other type of medical condition for which a person sought care in the six to 12 month period prior to the effective date of the policy.) However, some policies offer a "pre-existing condition exclusion waiver" that allows coverage of pre-existing conditions. To qualify, purchasers must meet certain requirements. These typically include:

• Purchasing the travel insurance policy within a defined time period (usually seven to 21 days from when the initial payment for the trip was made. )
• Travelers need to insure 100% of their pre-paid and nonrefundable trip costs.

We recommend that travelers speak to a licensed agent and read the fine print before purchasing a policy with an exclusion waiver.

What do travelers who do a lot of cruising need to know about travel health insurance?

Most travel insurance plan benefits apply to cruisers and non-cruisers alike, but some plans will have certain benefits [like] returning to land for medical evacuation that are designed specifically for cruisers.

What additional protections does trip cancellation and interruption insurance offer?

Although it adds to the cost, this option can cover the reimbursement of trip costs due to a range of unexpected circumstances — from last-minute illnesses to severe weather and natural disasters.

A Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade offers the most flexibility, reimbursing up to 75% of total trip costs for a cancellation of any reason up to 48 hours prior to trip departure. This benefit also has to be purchased within seven to 21 days of the initial trip payment and 100% of pre-paid and nonrefundable trip costs need to be insured.

What is medical evacuation insurance? What does it cover?

Generally speaking, emergency medical evacuation coverage will pay for transportation to the nearest hospital or medical facility that can treat you if one is not available at your location.

The coverage may also cover Medical Repatriation or the cost of transportation back to the US when your condition improves and you're cleared to travel home. Policies may also include coverage for transporting children home if you are hospitalized for an extended period. Or if you're traveling alone, the coverage may pay to bring someone to your bedside if you have an extended hospital stay.

In the event of a death during a trip, some plans may also include Return of Remains coverage that would cover the cost of bringing back the deceased.

What are some other caveats to keep in mind when pricing travel health insurance?

Pricing can vary somewhat between states, so the state where you reside may affect pricing. And remember, even if you have coverage from a Medigap plan, it can have deductibles, lifetime coverage limits up to $50,000 and limitations on trip length.

If you are traveling in a group, you might ask the sponsor about the availability of group travel insurance. Group plans are designed for easy administration by a group leader, who manages member sign-ups and changes — and the pricing for group plans doesn't change based on a traveler's age.

Thus, for senior travelers, group policies may be more cost-effective compared to nongroup, individual policies. However, individual policies can have higher coverage limits and more options available if travelers want to tailor their coverage.

Related: The Best Credit Cards With Travel Protections

Bottom Line

Buying travel health insurance is complicated under any circumstances because it's difficult to compare products (policies) from different insurers and wade through the fine print. But for older travelers — for whom the costs of insurance tends to be higher and the purchasing options fewer — these decisions can be daunting.

Of course, travelers always need to first understand the benefits and limitations of the health insurance policies they currently have in place (think: Medicare and private health insurance) to determine what additional coverage is necessary to protect their health as well as the financial investment in a trip.

Third-party insurance sites — like TravelInsurance.com , Squaremouth.com and InsureMyTrip.com — can help consumers compare the provisions and costs of different policies and, hopefully, avoid potential landmines.

Comparison sites like these offer consumers the ability to chat online, speak to agents by phone, and/or correspond by email after hours to help answer specific policy questions. In addition, the sites can help connect travelers with insurance providers in the unlikely event of the need to file a claim.

Feature photo by Hero Images / Getty Images.

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The Best Senior Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

Alex is a MarketWatch Guides team writer that covers automotive and personal finance topics. She’s worked as a content writer for over a dozen car dealerships across the U.S. and as a contributor to several major auto news websites.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

After researching and rating 20 travel insurance companies and over 40 plan options, the MarketWatch Guides team found that Faye offers the best senior travel insurance.

Based on our quotes, travel insurance plans for seniors are usually more expensive than for younger customers because companies assume an increased risk of health incidents and more costly medical expenses. We at the MarketWatch Guides team researched nearly two dozen travel insurance companies to identify the best in the industry.

Top 9 Best Senior Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

Here are our picks for the top travel insurance companies for U.S. seniors. All companies we’ve ranked as our top picks offer pre-existing conditions coverage or a waiver.

• Faye: Our top pick for seniors
• Travelex : Our pick for families
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection : Our pick for luxury travelers
• Nationwide Travel Insurance : Our pick for cruise travel
• Generali Global Assistance : Our pick for emergency assistance
• AXA Assistance USA : Our pick for leisure travelers
• Seven Corners Travel Insurance : Our pick for international travelers
• HTH Travel Insurance : Our pick for group travel
• International Medical Group : Our pick for medical coverage

Why Trust MarketWatch Guides

Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.

Companies Reviewed

Quotes Collected

Rating Factors

Compare Travel Insurance Companies for Seniors

It’s important to balance coverage with cost when searching for a senior travel insurance policy to ensure you get the best deal possible. See the table below for the average cost of a travel insurance plan based on quotes we gathered from our top company picks. We’ve also included our recommended plans for seniors and Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings across each provider.

* Average costs are based on quotes our team gathered from each provider using four different traveler profiles, ranging from 70 to 81 years old.

The Best Senior Travel Insurance Detailed

Pros and Cons

Why we picked faye for senior travelers.

We chose Faye as our top pick for senior travelers. While it offers only one plan, the company includes $250,000 worth of primary medical coverage on all its policies and has a pre-existing conditions waiver to help seniors cover chronic medical conditions. To qualify for this pre-existing coverage waiver, you must purchase your policy within 14 days of your initial trip deposit and be medically able to travel at the time of plan purchase. Faye’s policies also provide $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage, which older travelers may require if they have a complex health condition or are in a remote area.

Coverage and Cost

Faye offers the following add-on options:

• CFAR coverage
• Rental car damage or theft
• Adventure and extreme sports protection
• Vacation rental damage protection

We gathered quotes directly from Faye to better understand the cost of a travel insurance policy for seniors. Based on the quotes we gathered, the average cost of senior travel insurance is $337.

Why We Picked Travelex for Senior Travelers

Travelex is worth considering for senior travelers because of its primary medical coverage. If you become hospitalized outside of the U.S. , Medicare won’t pay for most injuries and illnesses. A travel insurance plan that offers secondary coverage may leave you with a major medical bill after a serious accident. Travelex’s Travel Select plan allows seniors to upgrade their primary medical coverage with additional medical and emergency evacuation coverage, providing peace of mind while abroad.

You can choose from the following add-on coverage with Travelex:

• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage (up to 75% of trip costs)
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) and medical benefit upgrades
• Car rental collision

We gathered quotes directly from Travelex to learn more about the average cost of a travel insurance policy for seniors through the company. Based on these quotes, Travelex’s average cost is $585.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Why We Picked Berkshire Hathaway for Senior Travelers

Berkshire Hathaway’s coverage is worth considering for seniors planning a luxury vacation or group travel, especially if premiums are too expensive elsewhere. In particular, the company’s LuxuryCare policy offers travel protection up to $100,000, ideal for travelers accustomed to more high-end accommodations. Berkshire Hathaway’s policies also include automatic coverage for pre-existing conditions if you buy a policy within 14 days of your initial deposit date.

You can add several coverage options to your LuxuryCare plan within 15 days of your trip deposit:

• Cash advance assistance
• CFAR Upgrade
• Financial default or airline or other transport covered
• Pre-existing medical conditions waiver
• Roadside assistance

We’ve gathered dozens of quotes in our review to better understand the cost of senior travel insurance. Based on quotes collected by our research team from Berkshire Hathaway, the average cost for a senior travel insurance policy is $381.

Nationwide Travel Insurance

Why We Picked Nationwide for Senior Travelers

Nationwide is one of the few travel insurance providers to offer cruise-specific coverage, based on our research, with its policies featuring several inclusions benefitting older travelers. Trip interruption coverage includes up to 200% of your trip cost, and you can qualify for a pre-existing conditions waiver up to 21 days after your initial deposit. While medical limits are lower than most competitors, Nationwide’s general and cruise-specific coverages present a viable option for older travelers.

Nationwide offers the following add-ons, but available coverage may vary by plan.

• AD&D coverage (available on all plans)
• Rental car coverage options (Essential and Prime plans)
• CFAR coverage (Prime Plan, Cruise Choice and Luxury plans)

We gathered quotes directly from Nationwide to better gauge what a travel insurance policy costs for seniors. Based on the quotes collected by our research team, a senior travel insurance plan with Nationwide costs $407 on average.

Generali Global Assistance

Why We Picked Generali Global Assistance for Senior Travelers

We named Generali Global Assistance our pick for emergency assistance, as the provider offers a team of bilingual representatives on standby to assist in an emergency. Generali’s policies include around-the-clock travel assistance, and its Premium plan offers generous medical coverage of up to $250,000. In addition, Generali’s medical coverage does not have a lower cap for dental coverage, a benefit if you experience a dental abscess or another major dental emergency on vacation.

Generali offers fewer add-on options than other insurance providers we reviewed, including:

• Rental car accident insurance (offers up to $25,000 with the Standard and Preferred plans)
• CFAR insurance (available with the Premium plan only)

Note that the Premium plan includes rental car coverage as standard so the add-on is not available to those customers.

We gathered quotes directly from Generali to learn about the cost of a travel insurance policy for seniors. Based on these quotes, seniors can expect to pay $298 for a Generali plan.

AXA Assistance USA

Why We Picked AXA Assistance USA for Senior Travelers

We chose AXA Assistance USA as our pick for leisure travelers. We think AXA is ideal for seniors planning a leisurely trip because of the added benefits it offers, including reimbursement for lost rounds of golf and sporting equipment rentals. Its upper-tier plans include identity theft coverage and 24/7 travel services. It also has the option to add coverage for pre-existing conditions. To benefit from the pre-existing conditions exclusion waiver, you must purchase your AXA Assistance USA policy within 14 days of your initial trip deposit.

AXA offers the following add-on coverage for any travel insurance policy:

• CFAR coverage (up to 75%)
• Collision waiver on a rental car (up to $50,000)

After gathering direct quotes from AXA Assistance USA, a senior traveler can expect to pay, on average, $483 for an AXA plan.

Seven Corners Travel Insurance

Why We Picked Seven Corners for Senior Travelers

As an older traveler, you may focus on comprehensive medical care and evacuation protections when buying travel insurance. Seven Corners offers a broad selection of medical insurance policies, with travelers 65 to 79 years old provided up to $100,000 in medical coverage. Travelers 80 years and older can receive $10,000 in coverage, which is an age many other providers exclude from enrollment entirely. Seven Corners also offers medical evacuation coverage up to $1 million, which can benefit those traveling to a remote area.

With Seven Corners, you can choose from the following add-ons:

• CFAR insurance
• Event ticket registration fee protection
• Interrupted for any reason (IFAR) coverage
• Rental car collision waiver ($35,000 maximum)
• Sports and golf equipment rental coverage

Our research team collected quotes from Seven Corners using various senior traveler profiles. We found that a senior traveler can expect to pay $388 on average.

HTH Travel Insurance

Why We Picked HTH for Senior Travelers

If you’re a senior traveling with a group, you might consider buying coverage through a travel insurance provider offering benefits when you purchase two or more policies at once. HTH Travel Insurance policies have a 10% discount for groups of travelers over the age of 65 and include medical limits of up to $1 million. Nationwide underwrites policies in most areas, and you may qualify for up to 200% of trip interruption coverage and primary medical benefits.

You can add the following coverage to your group insurance plan:

• CFAR insurance (must purchase within 10 days of your first trip deposit)
• Rental car damage (not available in Oregon, New York or Texas)

Based on quotes our research team gathered from HTH Worldwide,  senior travelers can expect to pay $437 on average .

International Medical Group

Why IMG Is Great for Senior Travelers

If you’re looking for more extensive medical coverage, you can find a number of policies available through International Medical Group (IMG). The company has inclusive international policies, with more than five choices and up to $8 million in medical coverage on single-trip plans. It also offers GlobeHopper Senior plans tailored specifically to senior travelers by not enforcing a maximum age restriction. IMG makes it easier for seniors to customize coverage than other companies we’ve researched, allowing you to skip baggage and delay-related coverage if you solely want medical insurance.

Rental car damage and theft coverage, which some companies offer as add-ons, is included with many of IMG’s plans. You can add the following optional coverages:

• Pet kennel (up to $100 per day with a max of $300 per pet)
• Pre-existing condition review

IMG’s medical insurance policies include some exclusions limiting when you can use your coverage. But you can purchase a waiver that extends coverage to medical issues resulting from adventure sports and terrorism.

Based on quotes we gathered from IMG using four different senior traveler profiles, a 70-year-old couple taking a 7-day, $4,000 trip to Mexico will pay around $428 .

How We Ranked the Best Senior Travel Insurance Companies

After reviewing dozens of travel insurance providers, we ranked the best options for senior travelers by cost, coverage and value. The following are the major factors that influenced how we ranked each company:

• Medical expense limits: Companies with higher medical expense limits ranked higher on our list, specifically providers offering medical benefits higher than $250,000.
• Primary medical coverage: Medicare does not cover most medical bills incurred abroad. Companies offering primary medical coverage scored higher than those that only offer secondary coverage.
• Emergency medical evacuation: Not every travel insurance company offers medical evacuation coverage. We ranked companies with at least $100,000 in coverage higher than those with a lower benefit amount or not offering coverage at all.
• Premium costs: Travel insurance is more expensive for seniors because insurance companies consider older adults more likely to run into a medical issue and file an insurance claim. To compare premium costs , we gathered quotes for a U.S. couple taking a trip to the United Kingdom and ranked companies based on average affordability.
• Travel assistance: We ranked companies offering 24/7 travel assistance higher than those with more limited customer service hours.

How Much Does Senior Travel Insurance Cost?

The average cost of travel insurance for seniors is $417. However, seniors can likely expect to pay anywhere from $159 to $745 for a policy. Our team analyzed average travel insurance policy costs for senior travelers by gathering quotes from multiple providers using four different traveler profiles. Based on these quotes, we found the average cost of travel insurance for seniors was about 9% to 18% of their trip’s total value.

See the table below for a breakdown of average policy costs across the traveler profiles we used to gather quotes during our research process.

The table below shows the average cost of senior travel insurance by provider, averaging each of their plan costs for all 4 traveler types highlighted above, from cheapest to most expensive.

Keep in mind your actual travel insurance policy cost as a senior will depend on factors such as your age, total trip cost, level of coverage and more. We recommend gathering quotes from at least three different travel insurance companies before settling on a plan.

How To Pick The Best Senior Travel Insurance

When shopping for senior travel insurance, consider the following tips to pick the right policy for your coverage needs.

Check for Pre-Existing Conditions Waivers

Most travel insurance companies exclude pre-existing conditions from medical coverage. If you’ve had changes in your health before purchasing a policy — such as a new diagnosis or new medication — a company may consider it a pre-existing condition.

Senior travelers with chronic medical conditions or a new diagnosis can see if their travel insurance provider offers a waiver for pre-existing conditions. This waiver can prevent a travel insurance company from denying medical-related reimbursements if you have a pre-existing condition, as it keeps the provider from examining your recent medical records when reviewing a claim.

Angela Borden, a product marketing specialist at Seven Corners, encourages travelers to check on medical coverage if they have pre-existing conditions.

“Contact your insurance provider to be sure you fully understand the pre-existing conditions coverage for the plan you choose,” she said, “being prepared and having the information before you need it in an emergency can make a huge difference.”

Opt for Primary Medical Coverage

If you get your health insurance through Medicare, you may consider travel insurance providers that offer primary (rather than secondary) medical coverage. Medicare does not pay for medical care provided outside the U.S., which can make travel insurance for seniors valuable. Providers like Travelex and Faye are good options for seniors who think they may need international medical care policies with primary coverage.

According to our survey of 1,000 people who have purchased a travel insurance policy in the past, over 60% recommend that a friend buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes medical coverage, cancellations, baggage, etc., over a cheaper policy with less coverage.

Choose a Plan With at Least $100,000 in Medical Coverage

Travel medical insurance can protect you if you need emergency medical care while on a trip. If you’re a senior with a Medicare policy that covers your domestic healthcare needs, your policy likely will not cover medical bills you incur in another country. If you need healthcare services due to a sudden illness or injury, a travel insurance plan with medical coverage can likely protect you financially in an emergency.

We recommend senior travelers obtain at least $100,000 in medical coverage based on our review of travel insurance companies and research into emergency medical expenses. If you experience a serious medical emergency that requires hospitalization, your healthcare bills might add up quickly. Consider your financial situation, the length of your travels and other factors when deciding on the amount of coverage you’re comfortable purchasing.

Get at Least $250,000 in Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage

When traveling to a location without an accessible or strong healthcare infrastructure, the need for medical evacuation increases if you have a severe accident. If you need transport in an ambulance, helicopter or another specialized medical vehicle, medical evacuation coverage can help cover transport-related bills. Repatriation benefits — often included alongside medical evacuation coverage — cover the cost of transporting your remains back to your home country in the event of death abroad.

We encourage senior travelers to consider at least $250,000 in medical evacuation and repatriation of remains coverage. According to Medjet , medical transport costs can range from $30,000 to over $180,000, so you’ll likely want limits that can provide you with peace of mind if you need transport during a medical crisis.

Frequent International Travelers: Consider Annual Travel Insurance

Seniors who plan to travel to multiple destinations over the course of a year might consider an annual travel insurance policy. Annual, multi-destination travel insurance covers multiple trips over a set period — typically 12 months. If you plan on traveling frequently while returning to your home base between trips, this coverage may offer a cost-effective way to protect your travels versus buying multiple single-trip policies for all your adventures. 

Keep in mind that while annual coverage is typically cheaper than buying multiple individual plans, these plans often have lower limits for emergency medical expenses. Consider what’s most important to you in a travel insurance policy before deciding on a single-trip or annual travel insurance plan.

Make Sure You Have 100% Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance and trip interruption coverage can reimburse prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is canceled or interrupted for a reason listed under your policy. Qualifying expenses can include flights, hotel reservations, rental car costs, and prepaid excursions and activities. Ensuring your trip cancellation and interruption coverages provide at least 100% reimbursement can protect your wallet and peace of mind if you experience circumstances beyond your control.

Consider a “Cancel For Any Reason” Coverage Add-On

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage is an add-on worth considering if you foresee canceling your trip for a reason not covered by a standard travel insurance policy. While a typical plan covers cancellations due to a death in the family, hospitalization, military orders or deployment, and more, CFAR coverage allows you to cancel for virtually any reason. If you use your CFAR coverage, you would receive reimbursement up to a set percentage amount of your trip as outlined in your policy.

According to the participants in our study over the age of 54, 60% purchased CFAR coverage, and 19% purchased Interruption for any reason (IFAR) coverage.

How To Save On Travel Insurance

If you’re concerned about the cost of travel insurance as a senior, there are ways to save money. For example, a travel insurance policy with lower coverage limits may suffice if you’re traveling somewhere low-risk to relax versus a more adventurous location.

Or, if you have a credit card with travel insurance benefits such as trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage, you can choose to purchase a separate plan that only includes travel medical coverage. This could be cheaper than a comprehensive policy. If you do not need medical coverage, you can choose to rely on credit card benefits alone to save even more money. 

Keep in mind that cheaper is not necessarily better. Make sure you’re comfortable with lower coverage limits if you choose a cheaper plan and, assuming your policy has lower limits, can pay out of pocket if needed in a medical emergency or other untimely situation. Considering your unique needs as you travel can help you better choose a plan that’s right for you.

What Else Do Seniors Need To Know About Travel Insurance?

The following are some things to consider if you’re a senior considering purchasing traveling insurance.  

• COVID-19 is usually treated as a typical illness: Under most travel insurance policies, COVID-19 is treated the same as any other illness covered under the policy. If you contract COVID-19 on or before your trip, you may be entitled to a reimbursement. However, fear of a new COVID strain does not qualify you for reimbursement under standard travel insurance policies. As a senior, you may want to protect your trip with CFAR coverage if your destination may be at a higher risk of COVID-related complications. 
• Preexisting conditions are often excluded: Senior citizens usually have more health concerns than younger travelers, which is partly why travel insurance costs more as you age. You may be required to provide your travel insurance provider with a list of preexisting conditions before you are approved for coverage. Compare plan options with your health insurance coverage to find the policy that provides you with the best complementary benefits.

Do Seniors Need Travel Insurance?

Deciding on a travel insurance plan as a senior is a personal decision. Considering your travel needs can help make the decision easier, and we recommend asking yourself questions such as these before purchasing a plan:

• Am I traveling to a remote area that lacks a robust healthcare system?
• Does my trip involve multiple connecting flights or destinations?
• Am I worried about unexpected events interfering with my plans?
• Are my non-refundable costs more than I can realistically afford to lose?

If you answer yes to any of the above questions, it could be worth gathering quotes from multiple providers and comparing costs. This way, you can find a plan that suits your needs and budget while providing you with peace of mind.

When To Skip Travel Insurance

Travel insurance may not be worth it for some senior travelers. For example, some countries, such as New Zealand , provide covered emergency medical care for accidental injuries or illnesses, so you may not need travel insurance strictly for medical benefits.

Other instances where you might skip travel insurance include if you booked your trip using a credit card that provides travel benefits. Several credit cards offer travel insurance benefits such as trip cancellation and trip interruption, so check with your credit card provider to see if it provides benefits that align with your needs.

Is Senior Travel Insurance Worth It?

When you compare the price of travel insurance to the price of a potential travel emergency, it usually proves worth the cost. Even if you don’t have a pre-existing medical condition, older travelers are more likely to consider travel insurance plans with medical coverage for a sudden injury or emergency evacuation. Medicare does not cover medical expenses outside the U.S. and U.S. territories. Travel insurance also offers valuable cancellation and delay benefits, potentially saving you thousands in nonrefundable trip costs like your flights and accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Travel Insurance

Can seniors over 70 get travel insurance.

Yes, plenty of travel insurance providers offer insurance plans for senior citizens. Some companies that provide trip cancellation and medical evacuation coverage for men and women over 70 include AXA, Berkshire Hathaway and Nationwide. 

What is the best travel insurance for senior citizens?

The best option to buy travel insurance as a senior citizen will vary depending on your unique needs. For example, Generali Global Assistance might be the right plan provider for you if you’re looking for an insurance provider that offers low-priced policies. On the other hand, if you have multiple health conditions and need high maximum limits on medical evacuation coverage, consider companies like Berkshire Hathaway and Nationwide. 

Do I need travel insurance if I have Medicare?

Yes, buying a travel insurance policy event is still a good idea if you have Medicare. Though Medicare might provide you with limited emergency care coverage outside the United States, it will not cover most medical evacuations. It also does not offer any reimbursement for trip costs and expenses not related to medical care. 

Can you get travel insurance with a preexisting condition?

Yes, it’s possible to buy travel insurance with a preexisting condition. However, your travel insurance may not cover injuries, symptoms, or illnesses related to conditions present before the start date of your policy.

Methodology: How We Rate Travel Insurance Companies

Our team surveyed dozens of travel insurance providers and created a scoring system to judge each company based on coverage, quality and service. We also collected sample quotes from each company, both over the phone and on the Internet, to simulate an authentic customer experience. Here are the factors we take into consideration when rating providers:

• A 70-year-old couple taking a $4,000, 7-day trip to Mexico
• A 65-year-old taking a $1,200, 5-day cruise in the Bahamas
• A 77 and 81-year-old couple taking a $5,000, 8-day trip to the Dominican Republic
• An 80-year-old taking a $3,000, 6-day cruise in Greece
• Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
• Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
• Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
• Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

AM Best Disclaimer

More Travel Insurance Resources

• What Is Travel Insurance?
• What Is Trip Cancellation Insurance?
• What Does Flight Insurance Cover?
• Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance
• Travel Insurance for a Mexico Vacation
• Travel Insurance for a Costa Rica Vacation
• Best travel medical insurance plans
• How much does travel insurance cost?

If you have questions about this page, please reach out to our editors at [email protected] .

Other Travel Resources:

June 1, 2020

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Tips for Buying Travel Insurance Over 75

How do I find affordable travel insurance for over-75 travelers?

Don’t assume travel insurance is out of reach! First, get a quote . We’ll show you the cost and benefits for multiple plans, so you can pick the best one for your trip and your budget.

The first plans you see may be OneTrip Prime and OneTrip Premier . These plans are popular for good reasons: They offer extensive benefits and high benefit limits, and they cover children 17 and under for free when they’re traveling with a parent or a grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents). If you’re planning a grand vacation overseas, these plans will give you the best protection.

But what if they’re just too expensive? Consider the OneTrip Basic plan instead. An economical choice for domestic and international travelers, OneTrip Basic includes all the benefits you need for less. There’s a $10,000 limit for emergency medical benefits and a $50,000 limit on emergency medical transportation.

If you’re not worried about losing your pre-paid trip expenses, we recommend the OneTrip Emergency Medical plan. This plan includes substantial post-departure benefits — up to $50,000 in emergency medical benefits and up to $250,000 for emergency medical transportation — but does not have trip cancellation/interruption benefits. As a result, it’s really affordable, even for senior travelers. 

Here’s the best-kept secret of all: annual travel insurance. For travelers over 75, the most cost-effective travel insurance option may be an AllTrips plan, which protects all your travel in a 365-day period. When you’re getting a quote for annual insurance, age doesn’t matter! Your cost is the same whether you’re 25, 75 or 95 years old. Seriously: Get a quote for an annual plan and see for yourself   .

One word of caution: If you’re heading overseas, do not skip emergency medical benefits just to save money on your travel insurance. If you should fall seriously ill or suffer a serious injury while traveling, the cost of treatment and transportation can be staggeringly expensive — as we saw in Anna’s case. As the U.S. State Department notes, “many foreign medical facilities and providers require cash payment up front and do not accept U.S. insurance plans. Medicare does not provide coverage outside of the United States.” iii

Can I get travel insurance if I’m over 75 and have health problems?

Here’s the good news: Medical history and/or chronic medical conditions do not affect the cost of travel insurance. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, however, you need to understand how travel insurance may or may not cover it.

We define a pre-existing medical condition as an injury, illness, or medical condition that, within the 120 days prior to and including the insurance purchase date:

• Caused a person to seek medical examination, diagnosis, care, or treatment by a doctor;
• Presented symptoms; or
• Required a person to take medication prescribed by a doctor (unless the condition or symptoms are controlled by that prescription, and the prescription has not changed). 

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, opt for a policy that includes the Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver . With this waiver, you can still be covered for losses due to a pre-existing medical condition if you meet all of the following requirements:

• Your policy was purchased within 14 days of the date of the first trip payment or deposit;
• You were a U.S. resident when the policy was purchased;
• You were medically able to travel when the policy was purchased;
• On the policy purchase date, you insured the full non-refundable cost of your trip with us. If you incur additional non-refundable trip expenses after you purchase this policy, you must insure them with us within 14 days of their purchase. (If you do not, those expenses will still be subject to the pre-existing medical condition exclusion.)

If you have questions about what any of this means, or if you’d like advice on choosing the best travel insurance plan, please contact us! Insurance advisers are available to talk you through all available options for travel insurance over 75, or at any age.

Related Articles

• Tips for Retirement Travel on a Budget
• A Guide to Hiring Travel Companions for Seniors  
• Traveling with Grandchildren: Happy Kids, Great Vacation
• JM.USEmbassy.gov
• AllianzTravelInsurance.com
• Travel.State.gov

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Travel Insurance for Over 70s

Travel is one of the great bonuses of having more leisure time in old age. One of the challenges before even packing the suitcase though may be finding the best – and best value – travel insurance for over 70s. Insurers increase the price because they perceive the risk of illness or medical emergency increases with age.

• What's covered?
• Important considerations
• Keeping the cost down
• Travel advice

We have compiled this guide to over 70s travel insurance to help make the best decisions for peace of mind and wonderful holidays. As with any financial product, consult a regulated provider, and read the fine detail. This is particularly important with something such as holiday insurance for the over 70s and we explain why.

Why Travel insurance for the over 70s is important

There is a greater focus on medical and health cover in policies for the over 70s which may include:

• Medical costs – to cover expenses for treatments, medication and equipment
• Travel adjustments – due to medical requirements you may need to extend or shorten a trip
• Caring assistance – travel with a companion/carer
• Coronavirus cover – one of the most important at the moment you may be able to insure against medical expenses, cancellations and other issues related to Coronavirus

It is worth comparing different providers. Not all the big household name insurers will be able to help, and you may end up with a policy from a specialist insurer. You should be able to review them all on any number of comparison websites: as many of us know from bitter experience, the devil really lies in the detail, but these sites can be really helpful to get you started.

10 key tips about over 70s travel insurance

Upper age limit.

Make sure any policy under consideration doesn’t have age exclusions for those OVER a certain age – eg for an 80 year old an over-70s policy only includes those aged up to 79.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

You will need to provide details of all pre-existing medical conditions as they will likely impact the level of cover available;    you can read more about pre-existing medical conditions here.

Minimum Medical Cover

Different countries and continents have different medical costs, so depending on where you are going, be sure to have the right minimum level of medical cover; check also for medical transfers included in the policy; in a similar vein there will be different policies for travel in Europe to travel in the rest of the world.

Medical Equipment & Medication

If you need to take medical equipment with you then make sure its covered in the policy as it may be difficult to replace while you’re away.  This may also be true of certain regular medication, insulin for example (take enough with you – see below).

Travel Companions

Check whether other people you are travelling with can be included on your policy - they may not then need to take out their own insurance.

Cancellation Fees

Along with illness or injury, it is a good idea to check if bereavement is included in the policy. 

Length of Travel

Some insurers limit how long you can travel for in one trip if over a certain age. The exact length of time will vary between insurers and also depending on if you choose a single or multi-trip policy. 

Cruise Insurance

You may well need to get a specific add-on to a policy for a cruise or for a skiing holiday.

Level of Excess Payments

Check the level of excess you need to make before the policy will pay out.

Exclusions or Conditions

The devil is in the detail, so read carefully what other exclusions or conditions may apply (not even age related, but for example – leaving baggage unattended will cancel a policy, or taking part in an extreme sport not included on the policy…. Whitewater rafting or skydiving granny may need different insurance….).

The average cost of an annual travel insurance policy for the over 70s is £189.70

*Compare the Market data

The most popular holiday destinations for over 70s are Spain, USA, France, Italy, Portugal & Greek Islands

*MoneySupermarket.com

Keeping the costs down on travel insurance for over 70s

The cheapest travel insurance for over 70s isn’t always the best as it might not provide the right level of cover for your holiday, and it might also require higher excess payments before a claim is paid out.

In addition to our top ten tips, here are few considerations that may help with the costs:

• Shop around and compare prices for the specific circumstances you have – pre-existing medical conditions, destination, length of holiday etc; (the dear old Post Office is also worth considering, with a long history of providing travel insurance for the over 70s)
• There may be a significant price difference between single vs annual over 70 travel insurance policies
• Beware tour operator insurance offers – some tour operators may offer insurance as part of the holiday when you book but you may find you get better value from an independent insurer
• Group policies (for more than one person) are based on the oldest traveller – so separate cover may be cheaper
• Check that in order to claim for a cancellation that you don’t need to prove the tour operator/airline won’t refund you first
• Check excess/waivers on things like car hire are not additional
• You may find that some destinations will require more expensive insurance – depending on their health care systems. Eg The USA vs European destinations
• Check if the right level of travel insurance may be included with your bank account or a credit card

Bank Accounts with Travel Insurance for Over 70s

Some bank accounts offer travel insurance (with other extras) as incentives for you to bank with them. Here are some of the better options for getting travel insurance included in bank accounts:

Where to find over 70s travel insurance

As we mentioned, comparison sites are a great starting point to get a lot of quotes in one go. Or you can visit a travel insurance provider directly for a quote. 

Here are some options you could use – click whichever takes your fancy!

Travel tips for the over 70s

Before you go.

• If travelling within Europe, apply for a UK Global Health Insurance card (GHIC) to get free or discounted medical care
• Make sure your passport is still valid; and check your destination with Government & NHS Travel pages to see if you need any vaccinations or medication to go there
• Tell your bank about your travel plans so you can use your cards abroad - some banks will stop your cards when used abroad as an anti-fraud measure
• Check the data roaming charges on your mobile phone (particularly in Europe post Brexit)
• Make a list of your medication and any other details that you might need in an emergency - and just in case, get a letter from you GP regarding medication, should you need to get more when away
• Make a list of emergency contact numbers
• Organise any airport assistance you might need through the airports you are travelling from/to
• Order enough medication to take with you for the duration of your trip, and a bit extra, just in case
• If travelling with pets, be sure they have their own passport and are up-to-date on their innoculations

Tips for travel

Put enough of any medication in your hand luggage should there be any delays etc; medication is not included in the weight allowance for each passenger so you can put the rest in your suitcase.

At your destination

Enjoy your holiday, and don’t forget to send a postcard!

FAQs on Travel Insurance for over 70s

Do all providers offer holiday insurance for over 70s.

No, not all providers offer travel insurance for over 70s because they don’t see it being profitable. However, there are still many different options for getting holiday insurance above a certain age.

Why is travel insurance for over 70s more expensive?

This is because the perceived risk of something that the insurer will need to pay out on is greater, and that the extent of any potential medical care is likely to be more than someone younger, and therefore also more expensive for the insurance company. So unfortunately, the incentive to offer over 70s competitively priced insurance isn’t there.

Can you get over 70s travel insurance if you have a medical condition?

Yes. It is really important in any holiday insurance you take out that you are clear and honest about any pre-existing medical conditions so that you can find insurance that fully covers you. Find out more about finding insurance with medical conditions here.

What is the maximum age for travel insurance?

This is entirely dependent on the provider, but for a lot of mainstream providers their cut-off will be around 70-75. However, there are plenty of other providers that have a higher threshold or none at all! SAGA, for example, has no upper limit on travel insurance.

How much does travel insurance for over 70s cost?

Travel insurance for the over 70s varies in price depending on a few factors including age, where you're going, what activities you do and for how long you are going. Generally you should expect to pay at least £60 but prices can exceed £200 for some types of cover. It is best to just think of this as part of the cost of going on holiday and to factor it in, because it is a necessary item.

Does being over 70 affect how long you can travel abroad?

Absolutely not. It may increase the price of the travel insurance you can get but it is completely up to you how long you go abroad for. That all being said you aren't as young as you used to be and your tolerance for long trips away might be less that it once was!

When should I buy travel insurance for over 70s?

Ideally you should get travel insurance as soon as you've booked your holiday. This is because you take on risk as soon as it's booked. If an aspect of your journey is cancelled you want it to be covered by your insurance.

Where is it most expensive to get travel insurance for?

Because of the cost of medical treatment, the USA, Canada, the Caribbean, China and Hong Kong are often the most expensive places to get travel insurance for. The price of travel insurance is even likely to differ a little bit in Europe with Spain, for example, being one of the pricier destinations, and Greece being less so.

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Travel Insurance for Over 70s

Compare cover from as little as £17.50*.

Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.

What is over 70s travel insurance?

Over 70s travel insurance is specialist cover for people aged 70 and above - and with Medical Travel Compared, people within this age range can compare quotes across a range of leading providers offering this type of cover for senior citizens. 

Instead of trawling through multiple websites looking for the best travel insurance for over 70s, we compare quotes from over 30 reliable travel insurance providers in an instant to bring you all your available options – all in one place.

Choosing the right over 70s travel insurance policy takes minutes with Medical Travel Compared, so you’re free to get back to preparing for your holiday!

Specialist Medical Cover

We only work with providers who specialise in covering pre-existing conditions.

No discounts. No pressure. We’ll always show you the best prices from providers.

What does travel insurance for over 70s typically cover?

Different providers will offer different things, but generally speaking, holiday insurance for those over 70 will still cover you for: 

• Cancellation
• Medical expenses & repatriation
• Theft/loss of belongings
• Personal accident

Some providers may include cover for mobility aids like crutches and wheelchairs - so it’s always worth checking whether this is the case before purchasing.

Travel insurance for over 70s with a pre-existing medical condition

The delights of travelling don’t stop as you get older. If anything, retirement gives you the perfect excuse to explore the world and visit new and exciting places.

That said, as you age you become more prone to health issues, meaning the price of your travel insurance policy is likely to go up. However, without the correct cover you could end up paying an even heftier price tag if you need medical attention while you’re abroad. 

We give you the opportunity to declare any pre-existing medical conditions you have, so you can ensure you’re always fully covered. 

We work with a range of providers who specialise in medical travel insurance - so once you tell us about your conditions we can provide the most relevant quotes for you to compare.

It’s that simple.

What is a pre-existing medical condition?

Dr Sarah Jarvis is the Clinical Director of the Patient Platform, an active medical writer, broadcaster, and the resident doctor for BBC Radio 2.

A pre-existing medical condition means a condition that you have been diagnosed, or treated for, prior to you taking out your travel insurance policy. This may be a health condition you have now or one that you no longer suffer from, but have had in the past. Whilst you’ll need to tell us about most pre-existing health conditions if you have been diagnosed or treated for them (including repeat prescriptions) within the last 2 years, some conditions, such as heart or respiratory-related conditions, we’ll need to know if you’ve ever had them.

Over 70s annual multi trip or single trip cover

There are two types of policies you can purchase - single trip insurance covers only one trip per policy, whereas annual multi-trip insurance can cover you for multiple trips across the year. 

It all depends on how frequently you travel.

Are there different levels of over 70s insurance cover?

Levels of cover vary from provider to provider.

What you’ll generally find is that the more expensive policies tend to have the most comprehensive level of cover. 

By the time you start comparing your ideal cover with us, you’ll have already told us about your age, destination(s) and any medical conditions you have so each quote will already be relevant to your requirements. 

It’s important to favour the cover provided over cost when you buy travel insurance. If you know your travel insurance covers all of your potential needs (especially when it comes to medical cover) then you can have peace of mind that whatever happens on your holiday, you’re protected.

You’ll also have the opportunity to select any optional extras to add to your policy. These include:

• Gadget cover
• Cruise cover
• Winter sports cover

What isn’t covered by over 70s travel insurance?

When it comes to over 70s travel insurance there may be a few notable exclusions to be aware of. 

This includes: 

• Undeclared medical conditions (before purchasing, ask yourself - which medical conditions do I need to declare? ) 
• Undeclared activities (for example, are you likely to need winter sports cover?)
• Substance abuse

Over 70s travel insurance tips

Tip 1: It pays to be organised

You can start looking for a great value insurance policy with Medical Travel Compared as soon as you know about your trip. That way, you’ll be covered in the event you have to cancel before the start of your holiday.

Tip 2: Don’t forget to add your travelling companions

If you add members of your group to your policy too, it means you’ll be covered in the event you have to cancel or cut your trip short due to a pre-existing medical condition from anyone on the policy. What’s more, they’ll have security too, meaning you can all relax knowing medical attention is there for you if you need it – you’re all covered.

Tip 3: Check the length of trip duration on annuals

The maximum number of days per trip allowed in your annual policy can sometimes vary, so make sure you check with your provider how many days you’re allowed per holiday, so you know you’re fully covered.

Tip 4: Cruise cover for over 70s holiday insuranc e

Travel agents and cruise ships will usually require you to have adequate cover before boarding. This offers you protection if you miss your departure or need medical attention while on the cruise – for example, if you fall ill and need to be airlifted to a mainland hospital.

Compare deals to get the best over 70s cover

If you don’t fancy trawling around multiple websites looking for competitive insurance quotes, we don’t blame you! That’s why Medical Travel Compared does the hard work for you by browsing over 30 leading insurance providers to bring you the best quotes from across the board.

Compare cover in minutes by filling in the application form today. The process is quick and easy and you’ll get all the information you need to make an informed decision about your policy.

We want you to feel excited about your holiday – not spend hours researching insurance online – so our service is made with you in mind. But don’t just take our word for it, see what our happy customers are saying for yourself!

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Frequently Asked Questions

A pre-existing is any medical condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received before applying for a travel insurance policy. For some conditions, we'll need to know if they have ever been present, whilst for others if they occurred within a certain period.

* Price is based on 1 traveller aged 73, who has no medical conditions and is travelling to France for 7 nights. The price is correct as of April 2024. Prices may vary according to your individual requirements.

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Don't just take our word for it...

If we're unable to help you find cover for a pre-existing medical condition , the Money Helper Directory has listings of companies that may be able to assist you. Further details can be found on their  website.

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Travel Insurance for seniors

A little older, a little wiser.

Travelling in your 60s and beyond is a great way to enjoy your retirement

If you’re one of the growing number of adventurers choosing to spend your retirement globetrotting, the right travel insurance policy will give you peace of mind and protection while you’re seeking new experiences.

Covid-19 - what our travel insurance covers

Our travel insurance now covers you for certain events related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), provided you have proof of a positive Covid-19 test and your cover is active at the time of the event.

What we cover

We provide cover for some costs related to Covid-19: please see Section 1 'emergency medical costs and repatriation' and Section 2 'cancelling or cutting short your trip' in your policy book for full details on what's covered.

We'll cover you if:

• you were diagnosed with Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• a close relative died or became seriously ill as a result of Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• you weren't allowed to board your pre-booked outbound travel due to symptoms of Covid-19
• an insured person or a close relative died during the trip because of Covid-19
• you couldn't take part in an excursion due to you self-isolating after getting Covid-19

What we don’t cover

You won't be covered if:

• you had reason to believe your trip may be cancelled, postponed or cut short when you booked it, purchased your policy or started your trip
• any government or public authority imposes travel restrictions or quarantine on a community, location, or vessel because of Covid-19 (this includes, but is not limited to, local lockdowns, entry requirements, being denied entry and airspace closures)
• you have to quarantine after arriving in the UK or abroad
• the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) change their advice to avoid ‘all travel’ or ‘all but essential travel’ to your destination because of Covid-19

For more information about how Coronavirus (COVID-19) affects your travel cover, see our FAQ page . And remember to check the policy booklet carefully before you buy to make sure our cover meets your needs.

Travel insurance for over 60s

As travel insurance isn’t compulsory, it can seem like an unnecessary expense – especially as we never think things will go wrong when we’re on holiday.

But it provides cover for a wide range of scenarios, including:

• Your belongings being lost, damaged or stolen
• Needing legal assistance while you’re away
• Travel delay

Choose from three levels of cover

Most significantly, travel insurance covers you if you need medical treatment on your trip. This includes cover for:

• Loss of medication
• To bring you home following emergency medical treatment

It's always best to buy cover well in advance of your trip in case your travel plans have to be cancelled. Our policy summary booklet sets out in detail what is and isn’t covered.

Travel insurance for over 60s with pre existing conditions

You don’t need specialist over 60 travel insurance with medical conditions, as long as you’re honest about any conditions when you’re buying your cover.

A pre-existing condition is a short or long term illness or injury you have or have had before you buy travel insurance, whether that’s having symptoms, tests, diagnosis or medical treatment.

Pre-existing conditions  include:

• Heart disease

You can declare your pre-existing conditions during the quote process to see if we can offer cover. If you’re unsure what needs to be declared or if you're unable to find your condition on the medical conditions list, please contact us on 0333 234 9913 .

Your pre-existing conditions won’t be covered unless you’ve:

• Declared them all on your policy
• Received written confirmation that we’ll cover your medical condition
• Paid any additional premium in full

Policy terms and conditions apply. Please note, if you’ve had a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 and been prescribed medication, received treatment, or had a consultation with a doctor or hospital specialist for any medical condition in the past two years, this needs to be declared on your policy.

If you don’t tell us about your pre-existing conditions or give us incorrect information, your policy may be invalid, and we may refuse all or part of any claim you submit.

For a quote with us, click the green button above.

The MoneyHelper directory

If you require cover for more serious medical conditions, MoneyHelper may be able to help you find specialist travel insurance through their medical directory.

If you wish to get in touch with them you can call them on 0800 138 7777 or find them online . (Monday to Friday 8:00-18:00, closed on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.)

Registering for free treatment

If you’re travelling in the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you should apply for a  GHIC  (Global Health Insurance Card) before you go. This gives you access to medical care in member countries. Not all treatment is free, however, and you may have to contribute towards medical expenses.

Some countries, such as New Zealand, Australia and the Falkland Islands, also have  reciprocal health care agreements  with the UK but, again, these don't cover all medical services. For example, if you need to be transported back to the UK following illness or injury, you’ll need a travel insurance policy in place to cover the costs.

To find out the true costs of getting ill abroad, check out our interactive globe where you can  explore the cost of medical treatment  in the most popular travel destinations for UK holidaymakers.

Cruise travel insurance for over 65s

A cruise is a great way to combine the luxury of a top hotel with the excitement of experiencing a different country every few days. If you’re going on a cruise, you must add Cruise cover to your policy.

Adding the  Cruise upgrade  means your travel insurance is valid while you're on board the cruise ship. You won’t be covered for any part of a cruise holiday without the add-on.

As well as standard travel cover, this kind of policy includes cruise-specific cover such as missed port departure (for reasons set out in the policy guide only) or cabin confinement, where you’ve been asked to stay in your cabin for medical reasons by the ship's medical officer.

Cover for sports and leisure activities

It’s true that sports have no age limit – but when it comes to travel insurance for over 65s, you may not be able to get cover for certain sports.

These might include general sporting activities, or those that pose more risk such as winter sports, where the average age cut off is around 65 years for cover.

If you’re planning any sporting activities on your trip, you may have to pay an extra premium. Always check your  policy book  or  contact us  to clarify what you will and won’t be covered for.

Your questions answered

Is travel insurance more expensive for older people.

Not necessarily. The cost of policies is dependent on a range of factors including the location, duration and nature of your trip.

Most travellers in their 60s find there's little to no difference in the cost of cover, but there may be restrictions as to what's included in the cover.

However, travel insurance for over 70s can cost a bit more. This is because a person over 70 requires more advanced medical cover due to the increased probability of health issues while travelling.

Is there a maximum age for Admiral Travel Insurance?

The maximum age limit for Admiral Travel Insurance is up to 75 years for annual multi trip policies – and up to 85 years for single trip policies.

However, the age limit and level of cover we can offer will depend on your personal information and details of your holiday.

Please get a quote or contact us to find out more.

Do you cover travellers over the age of 70 for Single Trip policies?

Yes, we can provide worldwide cover for customers up to the age of 75 years for annual multi trip policies – and up to 85 years for single trip policies.

Can you get winter sports insurance for over 70s?

Our winter sports insurance covers people up to and including the age of 75 if you’re travelling in Europe.

We don’t cover anyone over the age of 70 for winter sports if you’re travelling outside Europe.

Do you cover travellers over the age of 70 for Annual Multi-Trip policies?

Getting the most out of your trip, going anywhere nice.

Off to one of the destinations below? Take a look at our guides for some hints and tips on what you need to remember.

Travel insurance that suits you

Whether you're travelling solo, with your family, or with a little one on the way, read our guides to make sure our cover is right for you.

Family Travel Insurance

Student travel insurance, travelling while pregnant, travel insurance over 65, travelling with medical conditions, travel insurance upgrades.

Whether you want the adrenaline rush of a skiing holiday, or fancy taking to the seas on a cruise, you'll need to add extra cover to your policy.

Cruise Travel Insurance

Ski travel insurance, gadget travel insurance, adventurous sports insurance, single trip insurance, annual trip insurance.

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Travel Insurance For Over 70s

Relax and enjoy your holiday with cover including:

• No upper age limit
• All pre-existing medical conditions
• Medical emergencies

Our Over 70s Travel Insurance is designed to help you travel confidently. It can provide full medical cover for complete peace of mind.

This includes specialist cover for all pre-existing medical conditions and medical emergencies while abroad, as well as cover for trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other common travel mishaps.

What is Over 70s Travel Insurance – and do you need it?

Over 70s Travel Insurance is a type of policy that offers peace of mind and protection for older travellers during and leading up to your trip. 

With the risk of falls and injury increasing as we get older , there’s a higher chance of needing some medical help while travelling. With our specialised medical cover, you can travel in the knowledge you’re fully protected.

Our Over 70s Travel Insurance:

• Provides specialist medical cover: As a specialist Medical Travel Insurance provider, we offer tailored Travel Insurance policies to suit you and your needs, no matter your age or medical conditions
• Is tailored to you: Nearly 95% of adults over 60 are living with at least one chronic condition, which can make finding and buying Travel Insurance more difficult. We’ll help you find a policy tailored to your needs
• Offers peace of mind: Travelling can be stressful, particularly as you get older. Over 70s Travel Insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing that you’re protected if you have an accident or emergency. You will also have access to our 24/7 helpline should you have a medical emergency your trip

What does AllClear’s Over 70s Travel Insurance cover?

We specialise in cover for over 70s with pre-existing medical conditions , so you can travel with confidence.

What’s covered?

• Medical expenses – We can cover emergency medical treatment you need while travelling, including pre-existing medical conditions you’ve declared
• Medical aids – We will protect your essential medical equipment and accessories from loss or damage
• Medication – We’ll help you get a replacement for your vital prescription medication if you lose it during your trip.
• Repatriation – This covers the cost of emergency medical transport back to the UK
• Lost luggage – We will pay out if your baggage is stolen or damaged, so you can replace your important items.
• Cancellation and curtailment – Provides cover if you have to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency or reasons beyond your control
• Travel disruption – We will help you cover alternative transport or accommodation if your travel plans are disrupted

What’s not covered?

• Undeclared medical conditions – We need to know your full medical history to give you the best cover possible in a medical emergency
• High-risk activities – These are not covered by our standard policy, but you can add Optional Extras for some activities if you want to
• Accidents under the influence of drugs or alcohol – While we want you to have fun on your trip, safety is paramount. If you have an accident because of drugs or alcohol, your claim won’t be covered.
• Missed flights within your control – We understand that sometimes things go wrong, but we can’t cover missed flights that were under your control.
• Choosing not to travel – We know that plans change from time to time, but cancellation cover is provided only for specific reasons like illness, injury, or bereavement. Refer to your policy documents for complete cover details

AllClear’s Travel Insurance for Over 70s with pre-existing medical conditions

It is common to be travelling with pre-existing medical conditions in your 70s. 

In fact, a recent Which? study revealed that over a third (36%) of respondents living with pre-existing conditions struggled to find affordable insurance, with 7% opting to travel uninsured due to high premiums.

The risks of travelling without Over 70s Travel Insurance can be extremely costly. For example, without repatriation cover, you would have to pay air ambulance costs upfront. This can cost anywhere from £12,000 to £18,000 in Europe, to upwards of £50,000 from the USA , Caribbean and South America.

If you’re over 70 and living with a pre-existing medical condition, you must declare them so we can provide you with the most appropriate cover. 

Below are some of the most common medical conditions we cover for over 70s:

• Heart conditions – We cover all cardiovascular issues affecting heart function. This includes high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation .
• Chronic illnesses –  Nearly 95% of adults 60 and older are living with at least one chronic condition. We provide cover for cancer , Crohn’s disease , gallstones and other long-lasting chronic conditions.
• Respiratory problems – Respiratory conditions include asthma , and COPD , leading to airflow obstruction and breathing difficulties.
• Neurological conditions – These are disorders affecting the brain and nervous system. This includes strokes , epilepsy and multiple sclerosis .
• Diabetes – Disruptions in insulin production or usage affecting blood sugar levels, including diabetes .
• Musculoskeletal conditions – Conditions that affect your bones, muscles, and joints, including back problems and osteoporosis .
• Mental health – We provide cover for mental health too, including anxiety and depression.

Find the best over 70s Travel Insurance for your trip

AllClear offers many types of Travel Insurance so you can choose one that’s right for your trip. 

Examples include:

• Single Trip Travel Insurance offers full protection extending for up to 45 days, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey.
• Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance covers you if you’re planning on taking two or more holidays over 12 months. It may also be more cost-effective than buying Single Trip Travel Insurance for each holiday.
• Group Travel Insurance covers between two to ten travellers. This makes it a fantastic option if you’re travelling with friends and family.
• Cruise Travel Insurance provides essential cover for all aspects of your cruise. This includes onboard medical emergencies, cruise cancellations, cabin confinement and lost luggage. Around 30% of UK cruise customers are over 70 years old, with a further 33% between 60 and 69 years old, and it’s important to be covered for any unexpected issues you could face.
• Looking to enjoy some activities during your travels? Optional Sports and Activity cover is also available for pastimes like golfing . We’ll even cover your electronics with our gadget cover .

Countries covered by over 70s Travel Insurance

We provide Over 70s Travel Insurance for every destination. However, the region of cover you need will depend on where you’re heading.

Here’s what we cover:

• UK Travel Insurance provides cover for your UK trips for baggage and cancellation. However, we do not cover medical treatment in the UK
• European Travel Insurance will cover you on trips to European countries, as well as Egypt , Morocco and Tunisia.
• Worldwide Travel Insurance provides essential cover across the globe. You can also choose whether to exclude the USA , Canada and the Caribbean

How our Travel Insurance for Over 70s works: A simple 3 step quote process

You’ll first need to complete our quick and simple 3-step screening process.

Here’s how it works.

1. Get a quote online or by phone

Once you’re ready to start the quote process, the first step is to provide your personal details and information about your holiday plans. This can be completed over the phone with one of our team members or online.

Get your quote

2. Complete our simple medical screening process

Here, you need to declare any medical conditions you have. This way, we can provide the cover that best suits your needs.

3 . Get your quote

You’ll then get your quote(s) and can either proceed to buy or save your quote at this stage.

Our experts say…

“We believe that everyone should be able to travel, and the over 70’s are no exception. There’s an assumption that older people are either unwilling or unable to see the world. Our data shows that this is wrong, and that there are plenty of holidaymakers exploring well into their 70s, and beyond. However, more than any other group, senior travellers need to make sure they have comprehensive cover in place for their trip.”

Letitia Smith MSc, Travel Insurance expert

What our customers say

Our dedication to customer satisfaction has helped us understand our customers. 

With over 123,000 reviews on Trustpilot, it’s easy to see what our over 70s customers think about us.

What our Customers Say

Getting quotes for travel insurance… painless.

“Getting quotes for Travel Insurance when you are over 70 and with pre-existing medical conditions can be a painful experience. It, therefore, came as a ray of sunshine to be helped through the process by an incredibly helpful and lucid young woman. No jargon, hard sell or questions that I (doctor) didn’t understand. From start to getting the quote took a fraction of the time with other insurers and was also very competitive. Highly recommended.” – Dr Henderson

Frequently Asked Questions on Over 70s Travel Insurance

Why does travel insurance cost more when you turn 70.

Travel Insurance premiums are calculated based on several different factors. These include

• The destination you’re travelling to
• The length of your trip
• The type and severity of your medical conditions
• The level of benefits being offered to you

Does Travel Insurance have upper age limits?

AllClear Travel Insurance cover has no upper age limit. This means any traveller, regardless of their age, can buy a specialist policy.

Do you need to declare all your medical conditions for over 70s Travel Insurance?

Yes, you must declare all pre-existing medical conditions you have and that are fully within the medical warranty, even if you consider them minor or they are controlled with medication. Not declaring your medical conditions may lead to lack of cover during your trip. This could result in costly expenses if you have an accident while travelling.

For example, if you need an air ambulance from the USA back home, it could cost you between £80,000 – £100,000 without appropriate medical cover.

When should you buy over 70s Travel Insurance?

Financial expert Martin Lewis firmly believes that you should arrange Travel Insurance “ASAB” – “As Soon As you Book” to avoid being out of pocket if a medical condition forces them to cancel a trip.

You can buy your Over 70s Travel Insurance before or after you’ve booked your trip, but it must be before you travel.  Additionally, our Single Trip Travel Insurance policies can be bought 12 months before your holiday. As soon as you have secured your policy, the cover begins immediately if you have included the cancellation cover.

Alternatively, our Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance can be bought up to 31 days before your first trip.

Do you need Over 70s Travel Insurance if you have a GHIC card?

Yes, you will still need Over 70s Travel Insurance even if you have a GHIC (previously EHIC) card. 

While a GHIC card gives you access to healthcare throughout the EU for medically necessary treatment, it will not cover you for repatriation costs (which can be extortionate) or complications relating to a pre-existing medical condition. Additionally, GHIC will not cover you for lost luggage, passports, documents, travel delays or personal liability.

What factors will affect the cost of Over 70s Travel Insurance?

In addition to your age and medical history, trip duration, destination, planned activities, personal items, and optional extras impact may impact the cost of your Over 70s Travel Insurance.

Longer trips and distant destinations often result in higher costs, while specialised cover for activities like golfing may require extra fees. 

It’s important to consider these factors when selecting your policy to make sure you have the right cover in place for your trip.

Can someone else join your Travel Insurance policy if they're under 70?

Yes, you can add someone else to your Over 70s Travel Insurance policy, even if they are under 70. 

You can find out how to add someone to your policy through our Group Travel Insurance cover or by speaking to one of our friendly members of staff .

Get the most out of your trips with our helpful guides

Where are you visiting?

Explore our helpful guides for tips to ensure you remember everything you need when travelling to one of the below destinations:

Which activities do you have planned?

Whether you’re teeing off on a golf trip or setting sail on a cruise, remember to add extra coverage to your policy for a worry-free trip

• United Kingdom
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Golf Travel Insurance

Written by: Letitia Smith | Travel Insurance Expert Last Updated: 22 April 2024

3 - Based on Trustpilot reviews of all companies in the Travel Insurance Company category that have over 40,000 reviews as of September 2023.

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Not all travel insurance is the same – here's what you need to know before buying yours

D uring a cost of living crisis, it is more important than ever to make sure you are properly insured when you travel. The last thing you want is the expense of a medical claim, the cost of a missed flight, or having to replace lost or stolen baggage. But how do you pick the right policy from the myriad options available?

It’s easy to get bamboozled by impressive amounts of cover, and then – perhaps too late – find out that an activity or health condition that was important to you is excluded from the policy.

It can also be tedious going through the small print to double check on all this, so we have come up with six straightforward travel insurance tips to help make the process easier and also – with reference to research by Which? – highlighted two providers with particularly well-thought-out policies.

One final key point. Once you have found what you want, buy your insurance as soon as you book your trip. It won’t cost you anymore, and you will benefit from all the pre-departure and cancellation cover for the whole run up to your holiday.

1. Consider a multi-trip policy

These cover all the travelling you do in a calendar year, with limits on the length of each individual trip. Whether it is cheaper to buy one of these than separate policies every time you travel depends how much travelling you do in a year – three or four trips will usually mean you save with multi-trip cover. The other huge advantage of a multi-trip policy is that you are covered continuously and don’t have to shop for a new policy each time you book. You can normally choose, in order of cost, between worldwide cover, worldwide without North America, or Europe only. Some paid-for bank accounts also come with good quality travel insurance which covers all your travel during the year.

2. Cover multiple travellers

It is normally cheaper to buy cover for a couple, or a family, under one policy – the best annual policies will also allow each of the insured to travel independently.

3. Check the limits

Policy limits for different aspects of cover can be irritatingly out of balance. Insurers are often mean over baggage and cancellation, and set unnecessarily high limits (or no limit at all) for medical cover. Typical levels on a high quality policy would be: cancellation (£5,000), emergency medical cover (£10 million), baggage (£2,000), missed departure (£750), personal liability (£2 million). It is also worth checking for cover against the financial failure of an airline or travel company – a very useful extra, especially if you are booking independently.

4. Check the activities list

All policies should include a list of sports and activities that are automatically covered, and those which need an extra premium to be included. You need to check these through carefully. Note that winter sports is now usually an optional extra on multi-trip policies – typically with an extra premium for up to 17 days a year. Look out for restrictions – on off-piste skiing or boarding, or lack of cover for skis left unattended and unsecured, for example. Read our dedicated guide to ski holiday insurance here . 

5. Check for age limits

The insurance for travellers over 60  is becoming considerably more expensive.  See our online guide .

6. Where to buy

The most recent Which? report highlights policies offered by All Clear and Insure and Go among its best buys. Always check the details of the policy you are buying – they can change and may or may not be suitable for your particular needs.

This story was first published in November 2022 and has been revised and updated.

Reader Service: Learn how to get travel insurance for over 70s with the Telegraph Media Group Travel Insurance Service.

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