saga travel insurance over 50

Saga travel insurance review

Saga travel insurance review highlights:

• No upper age limit
• Covers most pre-existing medical conditions
• Comprehensive cover as standard with Saga's 5 Star Defaqto Expert Rated Insurance
• Insures against some coronavirus scenarios

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Who is Saga?

Saga is a British based holiday and insurance specialist for the over 50s. Having started life as a Folkestone based travel company in 1951, Saga now owns its own cruise ships, has a chartered fleet of river cruise ships and offers a wide range of insurance and financial products including car insurance, home and health insurance and equity release.

What does it cover?

Saga provide single trip and annual travel insurance for the over 50s . Their travel insurance is comprehensive, includes cruise insurance as standard and has no upper age limit. It also covers most pre-existing medical conditions and over 40 popular leisure activities.

Here’s how each option works:

Saga single trip holiday insurance

Single trip travel insurance covers you for a single trip to one or more destinations for up to 120 days. This includes the following services as standard:

• Up to £10,000 cancellation cover
• Up to £10 million emergency medical cover
• Up to £5,000 baggage cover
• Up to £1,500 for a replacement flight
• Up to £1,500 enforced stay cover
• Up to £5,000 substitute accommodation cover
• Up to £10,000 abandonment cover
• 24/7 travel helpline
• Flexibility to add family and friends under 50 years of age

Compare Saga travel insurance

Saga annual travel insurance

Annual travel insurance provides the same benefits as single trip insurance with one big difference. You are covered for multiple trips throughout the year. This includes insurance for up to 120 days per year, with a maximum of up to 45 days per trip and with an option to increase this to 60 or 90 days for some regions.

Depending on the level of cover you choose, Saga travel insurance protects you in the following regions:

• Worldwide excluding USA, Canada, Mexico and all Caribbean islands

Take a look at over 50s travel insurance

Does Saga offer coronavirus travel insurance cover for the over 50s?

Saga travel insurance now includes standard covid-19 cover should you test positive for coronavirus within 14 days of travel. It also provides cover should your holiday be cut short due to coronavirus, plus up to £10,000,000 of emergency medical expenses and repatriation fees to get you back home.

It's worth mentioning that although no cover can be provided if you travel to a country where the FCDO advise against all travel, Saga are willing to offer cover if the FCDO has advised against all but essential travel. If you travel to a country where the FCDO has advised against all but essential travel, for a non-essential reason, you’ll have no cover in place for any policy section if the reason for your claim is related to why the FCDO advice is in place, for example COVID-19. This is subject to there being no other government restrictions in place prohibiting travel. If you travel for essential reasons, then you will have full policy coverage in place.

How much does Saga travel insurance cost?

The cost of Saga travel insurance depends on the traveller’s age, health and the type of cover required.

Am I eligible for Saga travel insurance?

To be eligible as the policy holder for Saga travel insurance you must be at least 50 years of age however there is no upper age limit. You must live in the UK and disclose any pre-existing medical conditions, or your policy could be invalid.

Saga will only look to provide cover for diagnosed medical conditons therefore if you are under investigation or awaiting test results of an undiagnosed condition, no cover will be available.

Is Saga travel insurance any good?

My review of Saga travel insurance is designed to help you compare plans and find the best option for you. I would always recommend that you review all of your options to ensure you’re getting the best deal that suits your budget and needs.

Saga travel insurance has the highest possible Defaqto rating. It also has a Trustpilot score of 4.6 out of 5 for all its insurance products. This means both customers and consumer champions alike rate Saga travel insurance as excellent.  

With no upper age limit and cover for most pre-existing medical conditions, Saga offers comprehensive travel insurance as standard. This means it’s simple to arrange yet still offers flexibility to tailor the policy by changing the excess, adding additional travellers and changing the level of cancellation cover.

How to get a Saga travel insurance quote

To get a Saga travel insurance quote, visit their website for more details.

Getting a quote is easy and there is no obligation to proceed.

Travel insurance for over 50s

Frequently asked questions

Who is saga travel insurance underwritten by.

Saga Travel Insurance is underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited, which meets our high standards of quality and service.

Does Saga travel insurance cover include repatriation?

Saga travel insurance includes repatriation fees as part of the £10 million emergency medical cover. This includes your repatriation if it is medically necessary and one friend or relative if the doctor thinks it’s appropriate.

Do Saga holidays and Saga Cruises include travel insurance?

All overseas Saga Holidays and Cruises include optional comprehensive travel insurance, subject to a medical screening. However, should you prefer to choose your own travel insurance, a price reduction would be available.

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Saga travel insurance review: What do you get for your money?

Saga travel insurance is seen by many as the best option for over 50s. On the surface, it appears to offer everything from single trips to annual travel insurance, flights and cruise travel insurance and more. But what exactly does Saga travel insurance cover? Does Saga travel insurance cover pre-existing and long-term medical conditions? How much flexibility is there on premiums?

Saga travel insurance: FAQs

Does saga travel insurance cover issues relating to covid-19.

Thankfully, Saga reacted quickly to the challenges of Covid-19 and the potential for significant additional expenses. Whether you require treatment, other accommodation or repatriation, there is specific cover available .

Do Saga holidays include travel insurance?

All holidays booked directly through Saga include the option of comprehensive travel insurance . However, where you choose to take travel insurance from another third party, this will be reflected in the reduced cost of your Saga holiday.

Can I add others to my Saga holiday insurance?

There is the option to add others to your Saga holiday insurance policy . For example, where you take out a multi-trip policy, not only can you add family and friends of any age, but you don't need to travel together.

While many well-known travel insurance companies today have little history, this is not a criticism anyone can aim at Saga . Saga was founded in 1959 with a simple focus: to cater for over 50s regarding insurance, holidays, financial services and healthcare. The fact that Saga travel insurance is, for many, the first port of call today says everything about the company's reputation. While we are focusing on travel insurance, it's worth noting you can obtain other types of cover such as home and car insurance through Saga.

Let's look at  Saga travel insurance , how much it costs, how flexible cover is, and the company's approach to existing medical conditions.

Whether you're looking for single-trip, multi-trip, or specialist cover, or need assurance about pre-existing medical conditions, our panel of travel insurance providers has you covered. Click on your chosen provider below to get started.

• Some restrictions based on age

Do I qualify for Saga holiday insurance?

As we touched on above, Saga is focused on an array of different services for over 50s. Consequently, to qualify for Saga holiday insurance, you should:

• Be at least 50 years of age
• Live in the UK
• Disclose any pre-existing medical conditions

While Saga will not request a medical certificate or direct advice from your doctor, the onus is on customers to be truthful when completing the online or telephone medical questionnaire. If medical information has been withheld, this may invalidate your cover.

Unlike many travel insurance providers, Saga has been able to keep things relatively simple and avoid customers having to overcome numerous hurdles. When it comes to regulatory cover, as a provider of insurance products, Saga travel insurance is covered by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Different types of Saga travel insurance

Two central travel insurance policies are available with Saga, single trip travel insurance and annual multi-trip travel insurance. Note there is no upper age limit with Saga travel insurance products.

Saga single trip holiday insurance

While the Saga single trip policy only covers you for a single trip, this can include multiple destinations. Cover is valid for one trip a year, up to a maximum of 120 days, which may include an array of leisure activities. Compared to other insurance providers, Saga single trip policies can be a little more expensive. Still, you get what you pay for - as demonstrated by reviews on the Defaqto and Trustpilot websites.

This insurance product offers comprehensive cover that includes:

There is also a 24/7 travel helpline and the ability to add friends and family under 50 to your policy. While the above figures are standard, you can increase and reduce different types of coverage to lower the cost of your Saga insurance premiums.

Saga annual holiday insurance

As you would expect, Saga annual travel insurance policies offer precisely the same cover as the single trip policy. However, you're covered for multiple trips, up to 45 days per trip, for up to 120 days per year.

Worldwide travel insurance

When you begin to dig a little deeper, you become aware of the flexibility available with Saga travel insurance. There are three primary levels of cover:

• Worldwide excluding USA, Canada and the Caribbean

If you are travelling predominately within Europe, European-focused travel insurance is cheaper than the worldwide cover. As we go through the various elements of Saga travel insurance policies, you will become aware of the enhanced degree of flexibility.

As a side note, more relevant with the onset of Covid-19, you would not be covered for countries listed as dangerous on the UK government  travel advice website . So it is essential to keep up with the latest news.

Medical conditions

Unlike many travel insurance companies, Saga does not exclude any  pre-existing medical conditions  when offering comprehensive cover. Consequently, Saga holiday insurance is very popular with over 50s, the company's prime target market. At times, the cost of Saga travel insurance policies can sometimes appear higher than others in the marketplace. However, it is important to compare like for like. Not all travel insurance companies will offer the same level of comprehensive cover for over 50s.

When obtaining your travel insurance quote, you will be asked to complete a simple health screening review online or over the phone. This ensures Saga is aware of any potential medical issues, thereby ensuring your policy remains valid.

Awaiting results of medical tests

Unfortunately, if you are awaiting the results of medical tests, you will not be able to secure cover. However, as soon as you receive the results, you will be free to apply for cover, whatever the condition.

Am I covered for Covid-19 with Saga travel insurance?

Saga travel insurance covers you for the following scenarios:

Cancellation of holiday

In the event of a positive coronavirus test within 14 days of your travel commencing, for either:

• A close relative
• A member of your travelling party

You will receive a payment covering:

• Unused travel expenses
• Accommodation
• Planned excursions
• Prepaid charges
• Other contracted payments

Abandonment

If you are forced to cut your trip short because of a positive test for Covid-19, you will receive payment for expenses as detailed above. The test could relate to you, a family member, someone you are staying with or a member of your travelling party.

Emergency medical expenses/repatriation

We only need to look at additional expenses incurred when receiving Covid-19 related treatment in the UK to appreciate overseas fees and the cost of repatriation. For example, Saga travel insurance includes up to £10 million in medical expenses and repatriation costs should Covid-19 impact you. In addition, the traditional £5,000 health insurance-related cover for UK holidays has been increased to £2 million due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As discussed above, Covid-19 related travel insurance cover will be invalidated if you travel to a country subject to UK government restrictions. Therefore, when taking out your Saga travel insurance, it is essential to discuss your travel plans and how they may or may not be impacted by Covid-19. Take nothing for granted!

Standard features of Saga travel insurance policies

On the surface, Saga travel insurance products may seem a little more expensive than other insurance providers. As ever, the devil is in the detail. It is only when you dig a little deeper that the differences become apparent. We will now expand on the earlier list, which shows the standard features you can expect for single and multi-trip insurance cover:

Alternative accommodation

You can claim up to £5,000 for alternative accommodation and transport costs should any of the following impact you:

• Natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes
• Insolvency of the provider
• An outbreak of food poisoning
• An episode of infectious disease

The fact that this is standard for all Saga travel insurance policies should give you peace of mind.

Transport issues

If your scheduled airline goes out of business before or after departure, an additional £1,500 is available to cover alternative arrangements.

Enforced stay

In the event of an enforced stay, you can claim £100 for each 24-hour delay, up to a maximum of £1,500. This may involve difficulty:

• Reaching your destination
• Returning to pre-booked accommodation
• Returning home

If after 24 hours you're forced to make alternative arrangements, getting to your destination/returning home, you can claim expenses of up to £1,000.

Missed departure

There is also cover available if you miss your departure for any of the following reasons:

• Public transport delays
• Delay to a connecting flight
• Denied access to your flight (overbooked)
• Vehicle breakdown or accident on the way to the departure point

Up to £1,000 is available for extra accommodation or travel costs required to get you to your final destination.

If you are forced to abandon your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, Saga covers you up to £10,000. This can be used to reimburse unused travel and accommodation expenses and other prepaid charges. You are also covered for new flight tickets home.

Saga travel insurance helpline

As part of the comprehensive cover offered by Saga, you'll also have access to the Saga travel assistance helpline 24/7. This worldwide service offers assistance about an array of issues, including:

• Replacement of passports, driver licenses, air tickets and other travel documents
• Tracing luggage if lost or delayed
• Contacting your local embassy/consulate
• Sourcing additional funds from the UK if required
• Guidance and assistance for your family if you are admitted to hospital
• A "phone home" service if you are detained for medical treatment
• Translation/interpretation services if required

It is fair to say that considering the numerous elements of cover provided as standard by Saga travel insurance policies, together with the helpline, this is a comprehensive offering.

How much does Saga travel insurance cost?

One of the benefits of Saga travel insurance is that you can mix and match, and there is excellent flexibility with no upper age limit. For example, a 60-year-old individual looking at a self-catering holiday to Spain would expect to pay around £33 for single trip cover. However, this would increase to just over £60 for Saga's annual holiday insurance cover.

These two premiums are based on:

• An excess of £150
• £10,000 of cancellation cover
• No winter sports
• No additional travellers

There are also other policy elements that you can remove, increase or decrease depending upon your requirements. For example, you may not require any medical cover if you already have overseas medical insurance through another party. If you are uncertain about the level of cover you need, speak to a Saga representative on the telephone. For those who are clear about their requirements, there is an online system where you can get a quote 24/7.

Does Saga travel insurance offer value for money?

If you look at the Trustpilot and Defaqto review websites, you will see that Saga travel insurance for over 50s has received high praise indeed. Whether it is the fact that existing medical conditions are catered for, the vast range of standard cover or the flexibility available, Saga travel insurance is extremely popular. Consequently, it is safe to say that independent third-party feedback from policyholders suggests Saga offers good value for money.

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14 February 2019, 16:27

Over 50s travel insurance claims revealed

• One in five people have made a claim for medical treatment on holiday since they turned 50
• One in eight have had to abandon their holiday
• One in ten have made a claim for lost baggage

As the holiday booking season is in full swing, Saga is reminding people of the importance of taking out travel insurance as early as possible and warning people of the risks of buying insurance on price alone.

Shopping around for insurance has become the norm and can often mean people can get a better deal or more appropriate cover for their needs, but there are some inherent risks. When it comes to travel insurance it’s still all too common for people to leave it until closer to departure before buying insurance. However, with cancellation claims remaining the top reason people claim on their travel insurance leaving it late could be a very costly oversight.

Perhaps one of the more concerning trends is for people to purchase insurance purely on the basis of price alone. We all want a good deal on our insurance, but it is especially important to get the correct level of cover. With a number of insurers now offering low-cost insurance, some of the most important cover levels are being stripped out and it is therefore becoming even more important for consumers to know what they are buying. One in five people have told us that they have had to make a claim for medical expenses on their holiday, whether that is a slip by the pool or a broken leg while playing beach soccer and the cost of treatment in some countries can be exorbitant.

In addition, one in eight have sadly had to abandon their holiday part way through, mainly due to illness of them or their travelling companion, or because a loved one has fallen ill at home.  One in ten had a mishap during travelling as their baggage has been lost at the airport.

Although it is common for people to cut down on some elements of insurance such as cancellation, baggage or medical cover, it is in fact these areas of cover that are often needed most. Within the past 12 months, Saga Travel Insurance has paid out £206,000 for a claim in the USA, £73,500 in Greece and £48,500 in Turkey. It is therefore important to obtain a level of cover which reflects both an individual’s circumstances and their holiday type.

Kevin McMullan, Head of Travel Insurance at Saga, commented: “For most people, holidays are the highlight of our year and we spend a long time planning the best destination and itinerary to ensure we enjoy our break in the sun. We want people to know that they have peace of mind, so they can enjoy looking forward to their holiday, knowing that they have cover should anything happen before or after the plane takes off.  Taking out insurance at the same time as booking, goes some way to giving people peace of mind to enable them to enjoy the holiday countdown, but we would also urge them to make sure they have the right cover levels for them too.”

A new feature of Saga’s travel insurance is to give people access to an airport lounge if their flight is delayed by more than one hour.  Given 30% of travellers reported a flight delay within the last few years, with an average delay of over 3 hours, this service is proving incredibly popular with travellers.

Kevin McMullan said: “A short delay at the airport can give some extra time for a little retail therapy, however when the delay lasts a little longer it can start to really detract from that holiday feeling.  It also has an impact on your pocket, two thirds of our members said they had to spend additional money in bars and restaurants while they waited for their flight. - An airport lounge with complimentary food and drink, gives people the chance to relax and unwind away from the stresses of the departure lounge, letting even those that have suffered a delay to get their holiday off to a relaxing and luxurious start.”

Saga Travel Insurance is Which recommended and offers cover for all eventualities, including 24/7 worldwide holiday rescue, up to £10,000 cancellation cover, scheduled airline failure and delayed flight assistance.

Abbi Cummings

Notes to editors

Contact the Saga Press Office email   [email protected] or call 01303 774716

1 Populus interviewed 11,935 adults, all aged 50+ online between 17 th and 23 rd April 2018. Data was weighted to be nationally representative. Populus is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules; for more information www.populus.co.uk

2 Populus interviewed 12,623 adults, all aged 50+ online between 17 th November and  3 rd December 2018. Data was weighted to be nationally representative. Populus is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules; for more information www.populus.co.uk

Saga is a leading provider of products and services primarily tailored for customers over the age of 50 in the UK. The Saga brand has been carefully developed over the past 60 years to become one of the most recognised and trusted brands among UK consumers aged over 50. Saga is synonymous in the UK with the over 50s market and is recognised for its high quality products and services.  These include cruises and holidays, home and motor insurance, savings and share dealing and the UK’s award winning Saga Magazine. 

What's included in a Saga holiday?

Our holidays include so much more than anyone else - you'll be surprised by just how much value we pack into each holiday.

Optional travel insurance on all holidays, including cover for over 400 pre-existing medical conditions

Saga Host available throughout your European holiday

Guided orientation walks at all hotels

Hosted drinks reception

Coach transfers under 90 minutes on all beach holidays

Live entertainment

Return economy flights

All airport taxes, fees and charges

Minimum of 20kg checked luggage

Free Wi-Fi on all European hotel stays

Hotel accommodation and meals as specified

Porterage of your luggage at your accommodation

Return transfer between your overseas airport and your accommodation

Overnight accommodation in the UK before or after your holiday

The use of executive lounge at selected UK airports

Optional flight upgrades to premium economy, business or first-class cabins (where applicable)

Accommodation upgrades Travellers’ cheques and foreign currency

Alternative holiday departures from many local airports on selected holidays

VIP door-to-door chauffeur service on all our tours from 2023^

Tour Manager available throughout your holiday Return economy flights, coach or rail travel as specified

All airport taxes, fees and charges Hotel accommodation and meals as specified

All tour travel in air-conditioned transport (where applicable)

Visits to many of the must-see sights

Cruise ship facilities and hotel accommodation as described

Plus, on all-inclusive tours all meals and a free bar are included too.

^Please note: VIP door-to-door travel service is not included on our Land of the Pharoahs tour departures.

Accommodation upgrades

Travellers’ cheques and foreign currency

With the widest choice of holidays and travel experiences than ever before, you can now personalise your trip so you are in complete control. All this is backed up by the high-standards and service you’d expect from Saga.

70 years’ experience

Experienced travellers have been enjoying great value Saga holidays for over 70 years.

Peace of mind

You’re in safe hands with Saga. We’re an ABTA member and your holiday is ATOL protected.

Great value

We’re constantly monitoring prices and negotiating the best deals with our travel partners.

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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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The Guide to Senior Travel Insurance

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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.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 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.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 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.

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At absolutely no point should the information provided on overfiftiesinsurance.com   be considered to be investment advice as all information is simply intended to be illustrative. You should always seek professional investment advice from an accredited broker before making any kind of investment decision. None of the information on the over 50 site should be construed as financial advice.

• 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.

**Enrollment required.

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Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

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

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

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Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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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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Caring for the elderly? Not with Saga’s 220% price hike

Nothing had changed for contents insurance on my London flat but it raised the renewal from £78 to £251

I am 92 and live in a fifth-floor flat. The block is very secure, with a concierge and fobs for access to each floor. Last year I insured the contents of my home against fire and flood only, with Saga, for £78 (the building is insured by Islington council for £10 a month). Nothing has changed; but this year my renewal quote is £251.

I’m trying to get to the bottom of this huge rise. I thought Saga was an organisation that cared for elderly people. Apparently not.

The rising cost of insurance has become a hot topic, with motoring premiums, in particular, going through the roof.

Saga has tested your loyalty with this 220% increase (the latest official data shows house insurance costing 1.5% more than a year ago).

The Association of British Insurers’ (ABI) defence is that in 2023 the industry paid home insurance claims totalling £2.55bn, up 10% on 2022, largely because of the storms. The average payout was up 11% at £6,235. When adjusted for inflation, the ABI says average claim costs had risen, while premiums had fallen in real terms.

Saga says it looked into your case and the “price offered was as intended based on the risk details”. It says the inflationary environment “has led to increased cost pressures”, adding: “We always do everything we can to offer competitively priced products and services.”

Confused.com says the average price for the same cover on a two-bed London flat is £101 a year, so you should take your custom elsewhere.

We welcome letters but cannot answer individually. Email us at [email protected] or write to Consumer Champions, Money, the Guardian, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Please include a daytime phone number. Submission and publication of all letters is subject to our terms and conditions .

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