seniors over 80 travel insurance

• Allianz Travel Insurance
• John Hancock Travel Insurance
• World Nomads Travel Insurance
• Travel Guard

Senior Travel Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Travel Insurance for Seniors of April 2024

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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 the best travel insurance in case any health-related issues arise while you travel.

Best Senior Travel Insurance

• Allianz Travel Insurance : Best Overall
• John Hancock Travel Insurance : Best for Expensive Trips
• World Nomads Travel Insurance : Best for Exotic Trips
• Travel Guard : Best for Annual Insurance

Compare the Top Travel Insurance for Seniors

• 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

• 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

• 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)

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

Best Senior Travel Insurance Reviews

Having the right travel insurance will give you peace of mind while you travel and cover any losses incurred if you need to cancel your trip due to health issues. If you're 60+ years old, check out our top picks for senior travel insurance below.

Best Overall Travel Insurance for Seniors: Allianz Travel Insurance

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 Senior Travel Insurance for Expensive Trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance

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 Senior Travel Insurance for Exotic Trips: World Nomads Travel Insurance

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.

Best Senior Travel Insurance for Annual Policies: Travel Guard Travel Insurance

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. 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 The Best Senior Travel Insurance for You

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.

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.

When it comes to saving money on senior travel insurance, you should only be covering the services that you need. For example, if your plane tickets are refundable, there's no need to insure those.

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.

Most travel insurance policies will cover travelers up to age 80, and some even offer coverage up to age 99 or 100. The older you are, the more you should expect to pay for travel insurance.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

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.

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

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

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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.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

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 ® card 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 Over 80s

Get your quote for over 80s travel insurance – find cover for hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions, we help you find an over 80s travel insurance policy that provides medical cover for unexpected and unforeseen circumstances – get your quote today..

There is no age limit to living life to the fullest, spending time with loved ones, and seeing the world. At Just Travel Cover, we believe nothing should stand in your way – including Travel Insurance over 80!

It is important to have the right level of Travel Insurance cover when you get to the age of 80, especially if you suffer from any pre-existing medical conditions. We want to ensure help and protection are available if needed during your holiday. Once you’re 80 or over, securing senior-appropriate Travel Insurance with medical conditions can be difficult due to the expensive premiums and limits on cover. Just Travel Cover offers reasonably priced, tailored over 80s Travel Insurance for all ages and hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions. We even offer Cruise Travel Insurance for over 80s! No matter your holiday, we have you covered.

Saving Time and Money on Travel Insurance for Seniors

We offer excellent, advanced over 80s Travel Insurance for seniors and OAPs, covering hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions. All we ask is for you to take a few minutes to complete our online medical screening so we can begin comparing policies. It is a fast, easy, and accurate process, ensuring your Medical Travel Insurance for over 80s quotes are tailored to your age, health and travel necessities. It is crucial that you declare your medical history, including all of your pre-existing medical conditions. If you do not declare all pre-existing conditions, your policy could be void should anything go wrong.

Travel Insurance for Pensioners with Medical Conditions

Our premium Travel Insurance for over 80s covers pre-existing conditions. Some of the medical conditions we offer cover include Heart Conditions, Type 1 and 2 Diabetes, Mental Health conditions and Cancer. We cover hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions.

Over 80 Travel Advice

Compare over 80 travel insurance, over 80s travel insurance faqs.

Frequently asked questions about our Over 80s Travel Insurance deals.

What is Over 80s Travel Insurance?

The older we get, the more important it is to get the right Travel Insurance , but the harder it can be to find, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions. At Just Travel Cover, we use a panel of insurers, some of which have no age limit, meaning we can provide Travel Insurance for over 80s or OAPs with medical conditions. We cover hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions, so you can travel with peace of mind.

What does over 80s Travel Insurance cover?

If you arrange your over 80s Travel Insurance as soon as you’ve booked your holiday, you will be covered for trip cancellation. That way, if you need to cancel your trip for an insured reason, you’re protected. When you set off on holiday, you can relax knowing you have Holiday Insurance in place. If something should go wrong, know that you’re covered for emergency medical treatment (including for your pre-existing medical conditions ) as well as cover for your baggage should they be lost, stolen or damaged. For an additional premium, we offer smart luggage which offers real-time payments to your bank account should your luggage is delayed or lost.

Where can I go with Travel Insurance that covers the over 80s age group?

It can sometimes be difficult to get Travel Insurance if you’re over 80 and travelling to certain long-haul destinations such as the USA, Canada, or Australia. At Just Travel Cover, we have policies with no upper age limit on single trips to any destination in the world, and we will only ever show you policies that will provide cover for your age, destination, duration of trip and medical history. The comparison is done for you! Note that all quotations are subject to medical screening.

How much does over 80s Travel Insurance cost?

Our over 80s Travel Insurance policies are personalised to you and your needs. Therefore, the costs will differ depending on your circumstances, destination and length of your trip, as well as how far in advance you arrange cover. It’s important to remember that Travel Insurance for those over 80 is there to cover unforeseen costs like medical expenses, should you need emergency treatment on holiday. These bills can easily run into the thousands, and it’s reassuring to know you have adequate Travel Insurance for your age and medical conditions in place. For most quotations, we will provide a bronze, silver and gold level of cover so that you have the option to compare and take a policy to best suit your needs and budget.

Can I get Travel Insurance if I’m over 80 with a heart condition?

Yes, we have insurers on our panel with no age limit that specialise in Over 80s Travel Insurance for pre-existing medical conditions , including heart conditions such as angina or an irregular heartbeat. We can also provide over 80s Travel Insurance if you have had a heart attack. To get adequate cover, you need to declare your conditions during the medical screening process and answer the questions honestly.

Can I get Travel Insurance over 80 with diabetes?

Yes, we specialise in over 80s Travel Insurance for the elderly and all pre-existing medical conditions, including travel cover for type 1 and type 2 diabetes . When getting a quote online or over the phone we will ask you a few questions regarding insulin and hospital visits as well as your age and destination and then show you a list of options from the insurers on our panel that can provide cover.

Can I get Travel Insurance if I’m over 80 and living with cancer?

It is our aim to help you find Travel Insurance at any age, including if you’re over 80, and living with pre-existing medical conditions, including cancer. We have policies with no age limit (single trip) and are able to provide cover for most types of cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer and skin cancer. You should make sure the exact type of cancer is declared on your policy, and you answer all questions appropriately – we will then show you a list of providers that can provide the cover you need.

If I’m over 80 can I get Travel Insurance to cover mental health conditions?

Yes, if you’re in your 80s and living with a mental health condition such as anxiety and depression, it’s important to be covered for these when you travel. When getting a quote online, you may be prompted to call us so we can explain the options for each insurer on our panel and provide the option to include or exclude these conditions. Our policies have up to £15m medical cover so you can travel safely knowing that you’ve got the right support if the unexpected happens. Find out more on our pre-existing medical condition page.

What options are available for life insurance for over 80 year olds in the UK?

Life insurance policies for individuals over 80 can vary, with options ranging from whole life to term insurance. It’s important to compare policies to find one that meets your specific needs and budget. At Just Travel Cover, we have partnered with the UK’s number 1 rated Life Insurance experts, iam|INSURED. They provide guaranteed life insurance if you are between 50-80 years old. Visit our life insurance page and see if there is a policy for you. Please note that over 80s life insurance is not the same as Travel Insurance, and you still need to take out a Travel Insurance policy when going on holiday.

What should old age pensioners (OAPs) consider when looking for Travel Insurance?

When seeking Travel Insurance for OAPs or old-age pensioners, you should consider a Travel Insurance policy that covers pre-existing medical conditions, an adequate cancellation cover that exceeds all expenses of the trip, and high medical cover with repatriation included. At Just Travel Cover, we will ask you a series of questions and then only show you policies that match your travel requirements, including Travel Insurance for OAPs policies tailored towards pensioners over 80.

Can I get Travel Insurance without medical cover?

No, medical cover is a crucial part of Travel Insurance, especially for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions or old age pensioners (OAPs) and those going to destinations where healthcare is expensive. At Just Travel Cover, we can offer emergency medical expenses and repatriation up to £10 million per person.

It is important to secure over 80s Travel Insurance with medical cover, as even in countries where medical expenses are covered by a UK GHIC or UK EHIC card, it is not a replacement for Travel Insurance. For example, the card will not cover being flown back to the UK (medical repatriation), treatment in a private medical facility, or ski or mountain rescue.

If you are holidaying in the UK, Staycation Travel Insurance can provide cover against loss or theft of baggage, cancellation, and curtailment.

Are cruises a good option for holidays for over 80s?

Cruises can be an excellent option for holidays for over 80s, as they offer a variety of onboard amenities and the chance to explore multiple destinations in a comfortable, accessible manner. Many cruise lines cater to older travellers with specific needs. Visit our Senior Cruise page for tips on cruise holidays over 80. 

Why Choose Travel Insurance for Over 80 Year Olds from Just Travel Cover?

At Just Travel Cover, we specialise in providing Medical Travel Insurance with no upper age limit and cover for pre-existing medical conditions (terms apply).   With our Travel Insurance for seniors with pre existing conditions, travellers over 80 can benefit from:

• Single trip cover up to 94 days with no upper age limit
• Hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions, including terminal prognosis covered
• High levels of cancellation and emergency medical expenses cover
• Lost documents, baggage, medications, and medical aids cover
• Flexibility – 3 levels of cover to suit your needs
• Travel companions can be included in the same policy
• Zero excess policies available

Travel Insurance for Over 80s – What Are You Covered For?

• Cancellation/ curtailment up to £12,500
• Missed departure up to £1,000 per person
• Baggage up to £3,000 per person
• Emergency medical expenses and repatriation up to £10 million per person
• Mobility aids up to £2,500 per person
• Lost medications and medical aids up to £300 per person
• 24/7 emergency medical assistance

Please note all cover limits are per person and vary by insurer.

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Click here to download the Policy Wording and Insurance Product Information document for all insurers

Travel Insurance for Over 80s with Pre-Existing Medical Conditions – All Ages, All Stages

Just Travel Cover offers five-star quality cover for pre-existing medical conditions at all levels of severity, including a terminal prognosis – with no upper age limit.

Just some of the pre-existing medical conditions we cover:

• Heart Conditions
• Cholesterol
• Joint Problems (arthritis, back pain)
• Mental Health Conditions
• Liver Conditions
• Breathing Conditions
• Circulatory Conditions
• Disabilities and many more

To ensure you are fully covered in the event of a claim, please declare all your pre-existing medical conditions in full and we will do the rest.

Fast, Easy, and Accurate Online Medical Screening

Our quick and easy online medical screening will take you just a few minutes to complete and allows you to compare Over 80s Travel Insurance policy quotes. You will be asked a series of multiple-choice questions to give us the information we need to provide you with Travel Insurance quotes tailored to your health and travel requirements. Please have the following at hand:

• Your medical history with important dates
• Names of all your pre-existing medical conditions

Instant Cancellation Cover

Our online quote and medical screening engine enables you to compare and buy travel insurance quickly and easily. Cancellation cover starts immediately from the moment of purchase for you and all the travel companions you include in the policy, so you can relax and focus on getting ready to have a wonderful holiday.

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Over 80 Travel Insurance

Written and researched by Michael Kays (Travel Insurance Expert) | Fact Checked by Danya Kristen (Insurance Agent).

Life begins at 80, right? When you’ve reached this golden age, you’ve amassed a wealth of knowledge, experience, and, most importantly, the time to explore this beautiful world.

But let’s get down to brass tacks: securing travel insurance when you’re over 80 can feel like a bit of a rollercoaster ride.

But fear not, we’re here to make it a breeze, so sit tight, and let’s unravel this over 80 travel insurance conundrum.

In this article...

Why Over 80 Travel Insurance is Crucial

The freedom of retirement often brings the opportunity to travel more frequently or for longer durations. But as we age, the risk of unexpected health issues increases, making travel insurance more important than ever.

Plus, let’s not forget those unforeseen travel hiccups like cancellations, delays, lost baggage, and even emergencies back home that could cut your trip short.

Recommended Plans

✅  Atlas America

Up to $2,000,000 of Overall Maximum Coverage, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19, Trip Interruption & Travel Delay.

✅  Safe Travels Comprehensive

Coverage for in-patient and out-patient medical accidents up to $1 Million, Coverage of acute episodes of pre-existing conditions, Coverage from 5 days to 364 days (about 12 months).

✅  Patriot America Platinum

Up to $8,000,000 limits, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Coinsurance for treatment received in the U.S. (100% within PPO Network), Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions covered.

Finding the Right Over 80 Travel Insurance

Navigating the travel insurance market can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, but hold your horses! You don’t have to settle for the first policy you come across.

A bit of due diligence can go a long way in finding the right coverage tailored to your needs.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions Coverage

Traveling the world in your 80s can be one of life’s greatest joys, but it can come with its own set of challenges. One of these challenges is managing pre-existing medical conditions and understanding how they impact your travel insurance coverage.

What is a Pre-existing Condition?

A pre-existing condition is any medical or health condition that existed before the start date of your travel insurance policy. This could be something you’ve received treatment for, taken medication for, or sought advice about.

Conditions could range from chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

In the context of travel insurance for those over 80, insurers consider these pre-existing conditions while evaluating the risk and the potential cost of insurance.

This is because older people are statistically more likely to need medical assistance while traveling abroad .

Declaring Your Pre-existing Conditions

Declaring your pre-existing conditions when applying for your travel insurance is a crucial step.

Honesty is the best policy here, folks. It might be tempting to omit a condition for fear of increasing the cost of your premium, but this could lead to a denied claim when you need help the most.

Be prepared to answer questions about your medical history, current treatments, and medications.

This may include specialist reports and details about hospital visits. Yes, it might take a bit of time and you may need to consult with your doctor, but it’s worth it to ensure you’re fully covered.

Coverage Options for Pre-existing Conditions

The coverage for pre-existing conditions varies greatly among insurers. Some may offer to cover your condition as part of their standard policy, particularly if your condition is under control and hasn’t required recent treatment.

Others may require an additional premium to cover the risk associated with your condition. In some cases, the insurer might exclude your condition from the coverage, meaning you wouldn’t be able to claim costs associated with it.

Travel insurance for those over 80 with pre-existing conditions may require a little more homework to find the best policy.

But remember, the peace of mind knowing you’re covered is worth its weight in gold. After all, you’re in your golden years, and your travels should reflect that.

Yes, it can be a pain to disclose your medical history, but it’s absolutely essential for your travel insurance application.

Full transparency can save you from denied claims and potential financial woes.

We promise it’s less painful than a dentist appointment.

Benefits and Limitations

Just like a good old spy movie, every travel insurance policy comes with its twists and turns.

Know your benefits inside and out, from medical and hospital costs to cancellation and curtailment. But also familiarize yourself with the limitations and exclusions , so there are no nasty surprises.

The Cost Factor

Cost is often a major consideration for those seeking travel insurance over 80. But remember, the cheapest policy might not provide adequate coverage.

It’s like buying a chocolate chip cookie only to find it’s raisin. Make sure your policy provides value for money and covers what you need.

The Best Travel Insurance Plans for Those Over 80

Finding the right travel insurance policy for those over 80 can be a bit like finding a needle in a haystack, but fear not, it’s out there.

The best plans not only cover the basics like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage, but also take into account the unique needs of the seasoned globetrotter.

Here are some recommended travel insurance plans ideal for the over 80 group:

1. VisitCover Senior

VisitCover Senior is a travel insurance policy designed specifically for those over 80.

With generous coverage for medical expenses, including those related to pre-existing conditions, this plan also offers protection for trip cancellations and delays, lost or delayed baggage, and more.

The customer service is top-notch, helping you navigate any obstacles that might crop up during your travels.

2. GlobeTrotter Platinum

GlobeTrotter Platinum is another robust policy providing high medical coverage limits.

It also includes coverage for emergency evacuations – a crucial consideration for those traveling to remote or exotic locations. GlobeTrotter has a solid reputation and a customer service team that goes the extra mile.

3. WanderWell Explorer

WanderWell Explorer offers comprehensive coverage for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and baggage issues.

This policy stands out for its optional “cancel for any reason” upgrade, giving you the flexibility to change your travel plans without worrying about losing your investment.

4. AdventureShield Diamond

AdventureShield Diamond caters to the more adventurous souls who don’t let age slow them down. Alongside standard coverage, it includes protection for adventure activities, from hiking and biking to ziplining and snorkeling.

If your bucket list still has a few thrill-seeking entries, AdventureShield might be the one for you.

When choosing a travel insurance plan, consider your health, travel itinerary, and personal comfort level. It might be worth paying a bit extra for a comprehensive policy that gives you peace of mind and lets you focus on the fun stuff – experiencing the trip of a lifetime.

Q: Why is travel insurance for those over 80 often more expensive?

Travel insurance premiums rise with age because insurers see older travelers as a higher risk due to increased health issues and medical needs.

Q: Are there any travel insurance providers that specialize in over 80 travel insurance?

Yes, several travel insurance providers specialize in insurance for older travelers. Some may even provide coverage without an upper age limit.

Q: Can I still get travel insurance if I have pre-existing medical conditions?

Yes, but it might affect the cost of your premium, and not all conditions may be covered. Be sure to disclose all pre-existing conditions to your insurer.

Q: What happens if I fall ill abroad without travel insurance?

Without insurance, you could be responsible for any medical costs incurred. This could include everything from doctor visits to hospital stays, medication, and even medical evacuation .

Q: Can I get travel insurance for a single trip or do I need to buy an annual policy?

You can get coverage for a single trip or buy an annual policy, depending on your travel plans. An annual policy may be cost-effective if you plan to travel multiple times within a year

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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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The 9 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 using our travel insurance methodology, the MarketWatch Guides team found the best senior travel insurance companies are Faye, Travelex, Berkshire Hathaway and Nationwide. 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. Read on to learn more about the benefits travel insurance can provide older adults, how to save on a policy and how to pick the best coverage for your needs.

Top 9 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
• 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 Selected the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

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 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.

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.

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 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: Our System for Rating 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

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Ageless Adventures: The Importance of Over 80 Travel Insurance

In the golden years of life, the spirit of adventure doesn’t have to dwindle. With more free time and possibly a lifelong savings account to dip into, travel becomes a highly appealing and feasible option for those over 80. However, as thrilling as the prospects of exploring ancient ruins, basking on sun-drenched beaches, or savoring the culinary delights of foreign lands may be, it's imperative to pair these dreams with the practicality of securing travel insurance. This is especially crucial for travelers over 80, whose voyages could be complicated by unforeseen medical issues or other travel-related mishaps. In this article, we dive into the world of travel insurance over 80 , exploring its benefits, and why it's not just an option but a necessity for ageless adventurers.

The Growing Trend of Over 80 Travel

In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in the demographic of international travelers. Those in their golden years are increasingly packing their bags, setting an inspiring trend that shows age is merely a number when it comes to exploring the world. This shift underscores a vital aspect of modern retirement: the pursuit of adventure and the realization of lifelong dreams. However, with this admirable zest for life comes a set of unique challenges and risks, particularly related to health and mobility, which makes the role of travel insurance critically important.

Understanding Travel Insurance Over 80

Travel insurance for those over 80 is specifically designed to offer peace of mind and security, covering a range of potential risks that are heightened with age. This can include medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more. Given the higher probability of medical issues arising – something that cannot be overlooked – having insurance that covers medical treatment abroad and, if necessary, medical repatriation, is invaluable.

Health Concerns and Insurance

One of the tariff concerns for senior travelers is health. A sudden illness or injury is not just a disruption to one’s travel plans but could also result in staggering medical bills, especially in countries where healthcare for foreigners is particularly expensive. Travel insurance that caters to the over-80 demographic often includes comprehensive health coverage, ensuring that travelers can receive the care they need without worrying about the financial implications.

Customizing Policies for Specific Needs

A significant advantage of travel insurance for those over 80 is the ability to customize policies to fit individual needs. While all travelers, regardless of age, should look for policies that match their trip type and activities, seniors need to consider coverage for pre-existing conditions, which requires disclosing medical histories to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Cost Considerations

It's no secret that travel insurance premiums increase with age, as insurers account for the elevated risks associated with older travelers. Therefore, shopping around, comparing quotes, and understanding the coverage details become even more crucial to securing a policy that offers both value and protection.

The Importance of Over 80 Travel Insurance

Embarking on travels without appropriate insurance in place can be a gamble – one that’s not worth taking, especially in later life. Here are key reasons why securing travel insurance is critical for travelers over 80:

Peace of Mind

Knowing that you have a safety net can enhance the travel experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your adventures without lingering worries about the “what ifs.”

Protection Against Unpredictable Events

The unexpected can occur no matter how meticulously one plans. From last-minute trip cancellations due to sudden illness to losing luggage during transit, travel insurance offers a buffer against the unpredictable elements of traveling.

Financial Security

For many seniors, particularly those on fixed incomes, the financial implications of an overseas medical emergency can be devastating. Travel insurance acts as a safeguard, ensuring that an unfortunate event doesn’t translate into a financial catastrophe.

Coverage Beyond Health

While health coverage is paramount, travel insurance also offers protection against other travel-related issues, such as lost passports, theft, and trip cancellations or interruptions due to emergencies back home.

Lifelong Memories Without the Worry

Travel in the later years of life is about creating memories, experiencing new cultures, and fulfilling dreams. Whether it’s revisiting cherished destinations or discovering new ones, every trip has the potential to add vibrant chapters to the story of life. Travel insurance for those over 80 ensures that these chapters aren’t marred by avoidable stress or financial burdens. It’s about embarking on each journey with confidence, knowing that you’re covered against the unforeseen.

Navigating the World of Over 80 Travel Insurance

When searching for the right travel insurance, here are some practical steps and considerations to take into account:

• Compare Providers: Use comparison websites and consult with insurance specialists who understand the needs of senior travelers.
• Read the Fine Print: Pay close attention to what is and isn’t covered, especially regarding pre-existing conditions and activities deemed high-risk.
• Seek Tailored Advice: Everyone’s health status and travel plans are different. Seek personalized advice to find the policy that best matches your circumstances.
• Consider Annual Policies: If you’re planning multiple trips in a year, an annual policy might offer better value than purchasing separate policies for each trip.

Travel is a source of joy and enrichment, a truth that remains unchanged regardless of age. For those embarking on adventures in their 80s and beyond, travel insurance offers a crucial layer of security and peace of mind. It's the companion that safeguards your health, belongings, and financial well-being, allowing the spirit of exploration to thrive unencumbered. In the pursuit of ageless adventures, the right travel insurance isn’t just beneficial – it’s essential.

Aug 5, 2023

Travel insurance for seniors over 80

by Joey Rahl

Introduction

Is buying a policy at the last-minute even allowed?

The only way to truly know which is the best travel insurance policy to buy for if you are a senior over 80, is to speak to an expert who can guide you. At Travel Defend, our brokerage has access to every travel insurance policy in America and we are experts at all of them. Our concierge service will answer all your questions, ensure you receive the perfect policy for your precise situation, take care of all the paperwork, and most importantly, ensure you get paid if you have a problem. The best part? You never pay a penny more to work with Travel Defend. All our benefits, with no downside- the ultimate win-win.

What are the coverages you lose out on if you buy at the las t moment?

Can our Quote Optimizer help?

Welcome to the Quote Optimizer

Travel Insurance Powered by Artificial Intelligence

WHY IS TRAVEL INSURANCE SO IMPORTANT?

The final word.

  Travel insurance does a number of things. It can protect the trip cost, as well as provide medical coverage on the trip, trip delay, baggage delay, baggage loss and a number of other important coverages. Any time you leave the country, travel insurance is a must. This would apply to any person of any age and on any trip. Traveling to a foreign country with no medical coverage can be a life altering devastating experience. The cost of travel insurance (when the trip cost is low) is typically very cheap but critical. Medicare and many US based health insurance plans will not provide adequate medical coverage while traveling outside of the U.S.

We are available inmediately to assist you.

This is where travel defend steps in., we are your travel insurance experts..

We have access to every policy in America and will ensure you are protected with the best policy for your specific situation.

Our brokerage provides a personalized, one on one concierge service that is immediately ready to assist. We don’t just send you to a link to figure it out for yourself – we are here to answer all your questions, guide you to the best policies for your precise situation and we will even do all the paperwork for your.

Since we bring thousands and thousands of policies to the insurance companies – they take care of our people.

Give us a call at

1.800.578.2871

We are the ultimate win-win.

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Travel Insurance for over 80s

No matter your age, we think you should be able to see the world. That’s why InsureandGo policies have  no upper age limit , and can cover over 1300 medical conditions. Bring the family and cover everyone under one policy with our family travel insurance .

However, if you’re travelling in your eighties, you may have concerns or questions about your  travel insurance . We’ve done our best to answer these for you below.

Travel insurance for over 80s with medical conditions

At InsureandGo, we’re proud to offer  travel insurance for medical conditions . We never automatically exclude a condition without talking to you about it first.

We’ll do our best to provide cover for any and all medical conditions you have, and in many cases we can cover them at no additional cost. Some conditions may require an additional premium, especially if they often lead to claims.

You can find more information about medical conditions and your travel insurance in our  policy wording booklets .

If you’d rather talk to someone with your questions, then please  get in touch with us .

How do I get cheap travel insurance if I’m over 80?

Unfortunately, insurance costs rise as you get older, as statistically there is an increased risk with mature travellers. There may also be  pre-existing medical conditions  that need to be covered, and this can increase the cost.

Cruise travel insurance for over 80s

Do you have a cruise planned? No problem, just add our  cruise travel insurance  when buying your holiday cover.

We still consider your pre-existing medical conditions on our cruise policies, and our cruise cover has  no upper age limit .

Cruise cover includes a number of cruise-specific eventualities, for example cabin confinement, interruption, itinerary changes and more.

Do you limit how long I can go on holiday if I’m over 80?

No, we don’t – you can travel for as long as everyone else! Our policies do have trip limits, but these apply to all travellers, regardless of age. On our  single trip travel insurance , you can be abroad for up to 365 days if you want to!

Our  annual multi-trip travel insurance  allows you to travel as often as you like, but there’s a maximum number of days for each trip. Budget level policies provide cover for up to 31 days at a time, while Silver or Gold covers you for up to 45 days. Black policies can cover unlimited trips of up to 55 days.

What activities are included in your over 80s travel insurance?

No matter your age, we want you to be free to enjoy sports and activities when you’re away. Cover for many activities, such as  cycling travel insurance  and  hiking travel insurance , is included as standard. In fact, we automatically cover over 100 sports and activities, regardless of how old you are. 

If you need  extreme sports travel insurance , you can add extra cover to include this.

Travel tips for over 80s

There’s nothing to stop you from seeing the world. But there are some things to bear in mind when travelling.

• Embrace the freedom of being a mature traveller.  Being older means you don’t have to take your holidays during term times. Make the most of this and book your trips off season. You’ll be able to avoid large crowds, and often save money too. 
• Plan ahead and speak with your GP.  You should always see your doctor before you travel, to make sure they are happy for you to travel. Always bring more medication than you think you’ll need, in case of any delays. You should also plan ahead and make sure you have considered things like wheelchair access, if they apply. 
• Stay mobile when travelling.  Older travellers are more likely to be affected by  DVT  (deep vein thrombosis), so it’s vital to keep your legs moving during the flight. Ideally you should try and take a walk while flying, every hour or so. If you cannot do this, there are plenty of stretches and exercises you can do on your flight.

Frequently asked questions

Do i need a ghic card as well as travel insurance.

All British citizens are entitled to a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or  Global Health Insurance Card  (GHIC). These cards will cover any necessary treatments you may require in Europe. However, these cards do not replace  European travel insurance , so make sure you arrange it before you travel.

What is considered a pre-existing condition for travel insurance?

It is considered a pre-existing condition if any person insured on a policy has:

• Taken any prescribed medication or received medical treatment within the last 2 years
• Been registered in or outpatient at a hospital, clinic or GP surgery in the last 2 years.
• Been advised of a terminal illness.

Before purchasing  travel insurance for medical conditions , you must let us know about any pre-existing conditions you have. Just call us or use our quick and easy online medical screening system.

How far in advance should I get travel insurance?

Ideally you should buy your  travel insurance  as soon as you book your holiday. This way you will be covered if you have to cancel your trip due to unexpected events.

You must ensure you arrange your cover before leaving the country, as we cannot provide a policy if you are outside of the UK.

What is the maximum age you can insure up to?

InsureandGo policies have no upper age limit. Please be aware that our extra winter sports cover is only available up to age 65.

Does travel insurance go up after 80?

While there is no upper age limit, several factors, including your age, do affect the cost of the policy. This is due to the fact that holidaymakers over 80 are more likely to need to make a costly claim.

Will my policy be more expensive if I’m over 80?

Yes, due to the increased chance of an expensive claim being made. This is normal with all  travel insurance  providers, and not unique to InsureandGo

Does my over 80s travel insurance change depending on where I’m going?

Yes. Policy premiums are affected by your destination, however this is the same for travellers of all ages. Prices differ because countries have different costs for medical treatment. For example,  travel insurance to the USA  costs more because medical treatment in America is a lot more expensive than the same treatment in Europe.

• Unlimited emergency medical expenses available on Black level policies.
• Based on 2,050 responses, correct as of 22/01/2024

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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

Cheapest travel insurance of April 2024

Mandy Sleight

Heidi Gollub

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

Updated 9:52 a.m. UTC April 11, 2024

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WorldTrips is the best cheap travel insurance company of 2024 based on our in-depth analysis of the cheapest travel insurance plans. Its Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans offer affordable travel insurance with high limits for emergency medical and evacuation benefits bundled with good coverage for trip delays, travel inconvenience and missed connections.

Cheapest travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of travel insurance experts analyzes hundreds of insurance products and thousands of data points to help you find the best travel insurance for your next trip. 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.

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Best cheap travel insurance

Top-scoring plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, medical evacuation limit per person, why it’s the best.

WorldTrips tops our rating of the cheapest travel insurance with two plans:

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheaper travel insurance plan of the two, with $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage and an optional upgrade to primary coverage. It’s also our pick for the best travel insurance for cruises .
• Atlas Journey Premier costs a little more but gives you $150,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage . This is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority.

Pros and cons

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheapest of our 5-star travel insurance plans.
• Atlas Journey Premier offers $150,000 in primary medical coverage.
• Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Each plan offers travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
• 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Cheap travel insurance for cruises

Travel insured.

Top-scoring plan

Travel Insured offers cheap travel insurance for cruises and its Worldwide Trip Protector plan gets 4 stars in our rating of the best cruise travel insurance .

• Worldwide Trip Protector offers $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and a rare $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits, which means you won’t have to file medical claims with your health insurance first.
• Cheap trip insurance for cruises.
• Offers a rare $150,000 for non-medical evacuation.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person only available for cruises and tours.

Best cheap travel insurance for families

Travelex has the best cheap travel insurance for families because kids age 17 are covered by your policy for free when they’re traveling with you.

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• $2,000 travel delay coverage per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Only $50,000 per person emergency medical coverage.
• Baggage delay coverage is only $200 and requires a 12-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for seniors

Evacuation limit per person

Nationwide has the best cheap travel insurance for seniors — its Prime plan gets 4 stars in our best senior travel insurance rating. However, Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan ranks higher in our best cheap travel insurance rating.

• Cruise Choice has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion. It also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay, for cruises or tours. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.
• Coverage for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade available.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person is only for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for add-on options

AIG offers the best cheap travel insurance for add-on options because the Travel Guard Preferred plan allows you to customize your policy with a host of optional upgrades.

• Travel Guard Preferred upgrades include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings. There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million.
• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your affordable travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Best cheap travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe has the best cheap travel insurance for missed connections because coverage is not limited to cruises and tours, as it is with many policies.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of the best cheap travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage available.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

Cheapest travel insurance comparison

How much does the cheapest travel insurance cost.

The cheapest travel insurance in our rating is $334. This is for a WorldTrips Atlas Journey Preferred travel insurance plan, based on the average of seven quotes for travelers of various ages to international destinations with a range of trip values.  

Factors that determine travel insurance cost

There are several factors that determine the cost of travel insurance, including:

• Age and number of travelers being insured.
• Trip length.
• Total trip cost.
• The travel insurance plan you choose.
• The travel insurance company.
• Any add-ons, features or upgraded benefits you include in the travel insurance plan.

Expert tip: “In general, travelers can expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 10% of their total prepaid, non-refundable trip costs,” said Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip.

Is buying the cheapest travel insurance a good idea?

Choosing cheaper travel insurance without paying attention to what a plan covers and excludes could leave you underinsured for your trip. Comparing travel insurance plans side-by-side can help ensure you get enough coverage to protect yourself financially in an emergency for the best price. 

For example, compare these two Travelex travel insurance plans:

• Travel Basic is cheaper but it only provides up to $15,000 for emergency medical expense coverage. You’ll also have to pay extra for coverage for children.
• Travel Select will cost you a bit more but it covers up to $50,000 in medical expenses and includes coverage for kids aged 17 and younger traveling with you. It also offers upgrades such additional medical coverage, “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage and an adventure sports rider that may be a good fit for your trip.

Reasons to consider paying more for travel insurance 

Make sure you understand what you’re giving up if you buy the cheapest travel insurance. Here are a few reasons you may consider paying a little extra for better coverage. 

• Emergency medical. The best travel medical insurance offers primary coverage for emergency medical benefits. Travel insurance with primary coverage can cost more than secondary coverage but will save you from having to file a claim with your health insurance company before filing a travel insurance claim.
• Emergency evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote location or planning a boat excursion on your trip, look at travel insurance with a high medical evacuation insurance limit. If you are injured while traveling, transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility could cost in the tens to hundreds of thousands. It may make sense to pay more for travel insurance with robust emergency evacuation coverage. 
• Flexibility. To maximize your trip flexibility, you might consider upgrading your travel insurance to “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage . This will increase the cost of your travel insurance but allow you to cancel your trip for any reason — not just those listed in your policy. The catch is that you’ll need to cancel at least 48 hours before your trip and will only be reimbursed 50% or 75% of your trip expenses, depending on the plan. 
• Upgrades. Many travel insurance plans have optional extras like car rental collision and adventure sports (which may otherwise be excluded from coverage). These will cost you extra but may give you the coverage you need. 

How to find the cheapest travel insurance

The best way to find the cheapest travel insurance is to determine what you’re looking for in a travel insurance policy and compare plans that meet your needs.

 “Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every trip is different, and every traveler has different needs, wants and concerns. This is why comparison is key,” said Morrow.

Consider the following factors when comparing cheap travel insurance plans.

• How often you’re traveling. A single-trip policy may be the most cost-effective if you’re only going on a single trip this year. But a multi-trip travel insurance plan may be cheaper if you’re going on multiple international trips throughout the year. Annual travel insurance policies cover you for a whole year as long as each trip doesn’t exceed a certain number of days, usually 30 to 90 days. 
• Credit card has travel insurance benefits. The best credit cards offer perks and benefits, and many offer travel insurance-specific benefits. The coverage types and benefit limits can vary, and you must put the entire trip cost on the credit card to use the coverage. If your trip costs more than the coverage limit on your card, you can supplement the rest with a cheaper travel insurance plan.
• The coverage you need. When looking for the best travel insurance option at the most affordable price, only buy extras and upgrades you really need. A basic plan may only provide up to $500 in baggage insurance, but if you only plan to take $300 worth of clothes and accessories, you don’t need to pay more for higher coverage limits.

Is cheap travel insurance worth it?

Cheap travel insurance can be worth it, as long as you understand the plan limitations and exclusions. Taking the time to read your policy, especially the fine print, well before your trip can ensure there won’t be any surprises about what’s covered once your journey begins.

“If a traveler is looking for coverage for travel delays, cancellations, interruptions, medical and baggage — a comprehensive travel insurance policy will provide the most bang for their buck,” said Morrow. But if you’re on a tight budget and are only worried about emergency medical care and evacuation coverage while traveling abroad, stand-alone options are cheaper.

Before buying travel insurance, you should also consider what your health insurance will cover. 

“Most domestic health insurance plans, including Medicare, will not cover medical bills abroad,” said Morrow. Even if you’re staying stateside, you may find value in an affordable travel insurance plan with medical coverage if you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). 

A cheap travel insurance plan is better than none at all if you end up in a situation that would have covered some or all of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance . From those top-scoring travel insurance plans, we chose the most affordable for our rating of the cheapest travel insurance.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• Cost: 40 points. We scored the average cost of each travel insurance policy for a variety of trips and traveler profiles.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

Cheapest travel insurance FAQs

When buying travel insurance, cheapest is not always the best. The most affordable travel insurance plans typically offer fewer coverages with lower policy limits and few or no optional upgrades. Add up your total nonrefundable trip costs and compare travel insurance plans and available features that cover your travel expenses. This strategy can help you find the cheapest travel insurance policy that best protects you from financial loss if an unforeseen circumstance arises.

Get the coverage you need: Best travel insurance of 2024

According to our analysis, WorldTrips , Travel Insured International and Travelex offer the best cheap travel insurance. Policy coverage types and limits can vary by each travel insurance provider, so the best way to get the cheapest travel insurance plan is to compare several policies and companies to find the right fit for your budget.

A good rate for travel insurance depends on your budget and coverage needs. The most comprehensive travel insurance plan is usually not the cheapest. But cheap trip insurance may not have enough coverage or the types of coverage you want. Comparing different levels of coverage and how much they cost can help you find the best cheap insurance for travel. 

The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% to 6% of your total travel expenses for one trip, according to our analysis of rates. However, you may find cheaper travel insurance if you opt for a plan with fewer benefits or lower coverage limits. How much you pay for travel insurance will also depend on the number of travelers covered, their ages, the length of the trip and any upgrades you add to your plan.

Travel insurance covers nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs — up to the policy coverage limits — when your trip is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason outlined in your plan documents. Even the cheapest travel insurance policies usually provide coverage for:

• Medical emergencies.
• Trip delays.
• Trip interruption.
• Trip cancellation.
• Lost, stolen or damaged luggage.

However, if you’re looking to save on travel insurance, you can shop for a policy that only has travel medical insurance and does not include benefits for trip cancellation .

Even when you buy cheap travel insurance, you can often use upgrade options to customize your policy to meet your specific needs. 

Some common travel insurance add-ons you may want to consider include:

• Rental car damage coverage. 
• Medical bundle.
• Security bundle.
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Adventure sports bundle.
• Pet bundle.
• Wedding bundle.
• “Cancel for work reasons” coverage.
• “Interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage.
• “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage .

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.

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

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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FinanceBuzz

15 Costly Mistakes Seniors Make When Traveling Solo

Posted: December 4, 2023 | Last updated: February 7, 2024

Traveling solo can be a wonderful experience. You don’t have anyone bogging you down, so you can be more spontaneous. You can also indulge your whims, such as spending all day perusing museums.

However, solo travelers need to avoid key mistakes if they want to enjoy their adventure. If you’re a senior citizen who wants to travel, grab one of the best travel credit cards , book your trip, and be sure to avoid these mistakes.

Earn Points and Miles: Find the best travel credit card for nearly free travel

Overextending yourself

Trying to see and do everything is a common mistake. The end result is often a very long, exhausting trip. That can be especially true for seniors who do not have as much energy as they once did.

Consider avoiding the foolish mistakes of solo travelers before you and plan your trip so it realistically reflects your energy levels and matches your interests. 

If you find long treks tiring, avoid walking tours. If you don’t particularly want to see a tourist destination, leave it off your itinerary.

Avoid costly repairs: Unexpected appliance breakdowns can cost $1,000s of dollars to fix.

Skipping travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance isn’t always necessary, but it can be a lifesaver for solo travelers.

If you’re in another country and you hurt yourself, you don’t want to be left without health coverage. If something pops up and you must suddenly cancel your trip, it would be nice to receive reimbursement for nonrefundable costs.

Comprehensive travel insurance can cover you in both of those instances and many others.

Expecting a repeat visit to mirror the original

Perhaps you visited a foreign country during your 20s and now you want to return to repeat the experience in your 60s. If you aren’t careful, you might be disappointed.

Places change over the years — and especially over the decades. That old travel spot could be denser with tourists, more dangerous, or simply not the same as it was all those years ago.

Do your research before booking a plane ticket, and don’t let past experiences dictate this trip.

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Picking the wrong place to vacation

Similarly, just because you used to be able to hike the sides of cliffs at your favorite coastal destination doesn’t mean you can still do that now.

Maybe a city with great public transportation and walkable sidewalks is a better option now. If you’re more susceptible now to the downside of extreme climates, perhaps a tropical trip or icy tundra tour should not be on your agenda.

Not budgeting ahead of time

Traveling can often be cheaper in a group setting, whether you split the cost of a hotel room or save money with a group tour bundle. On the other hand, traveling solo will likely involve a bit more cash, so plan accordingly.

If you’ve never budgeted for a trip by yourself, take the time to do so now. Aside from your basic plane ticket and hotel fees, you’ll also need to consider the costs of food, entertainment, shopping, last-minute emergencies, and travel insurance.

Not being aware of the single supplement

A single supplement is an additional charge single travelers pay when using a room that normally serves two people. Hotels and cruise ships may require you to pay this fee.

Seek out vacation rentals that explicitly waive the single supplement.

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Failing to brush up on technology

Technology is at the center of modern life. That means you will likely use your smartphone a lot when you travel.

These days, travel can be more difficult if you don’t know how to scan a QR code, or how to check in for your flight directly from your phone. Learn to use your phone and travel will become smoother and more pleasant.

Posting about your travels

It can be tempting to rush to social media and tell everyone about the gorgeous sites you’re seeing. Or, perhaps you simply want to boast about your solo travel accomplishment.

But try to refrain from doing this, especially if you are a senior traveling solo. Someone who lives in your city might see your post, realize you are not around, and use that fact as an opportunity to break into your home.

Or, a stranger could see you’re traveling alone and identify you as a potentially vulnerable target. Odds are that everything will be just fine, but there is no need to tempt fate.

Making yourself an easy target for scammers

Scammers and pickpockets are crafty. Always stay on your guard, and do not assume that you are an expert at detecting fraudulent or potentially dangerous situations.

Try to avoid appearing vulnerable. Know where you’re going at all times before you step foot from your hotel so you don’t appear lost. Keep your shoulders straight and stay alert.

A small crossbody purse can help you hold valuables flush against you.

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Not having a contact or point of reference

Enjoy your alone time, but be sure to check in with people at home so they know you’re OK.

If something happens — such as a medical emergency, losing your documents, or another mishap — you want the peace of mind of knowing someone at home knows where you are and can help make the situation safer and less stressful.

Doing too much at once

Without other people slowing you down, you may feel the urge to see everything you can. But don’t feel like just because you can do everything that you have to. Instead, try pacing yourself.

Also, if this is your first solo venture, try visiting someplace closer to home that you’ve always wanted to see. That way, if you need to leave early for whatever reason, you’re somewhere familiar.

Isolating yourself

One of the perks of traveling solo is that you don’t have to deal with people. But it can be a mistake to isolate yourself.

Consider booking a group tour or two. Take advantage of senior-oriented activities and try to make friends. Don’t close yourself off to new opportunities and people. Remember, there is safety in numbers.

Traveling at night

Traveling at night can be dangerous for any solo traveler, but especially for senior citizens. The dark allows pickpockets and scammers to operate in the shadows.

Try scheduling flights to arrive and depart during the day, and don’t stray far at night.

Packing too heavy

If you’re a bit of a homebody, it can be difficult to know how much to pack when you travel. Resist the urge to take everything with you. Instead, make your trip easier and less complicated by just taking what you need.

Pack the basics, and don’t fret if you forget something. After all, you can always buy whatever is missing when you get to your destination.

Avoiding solo travel

In some ways, the ultimate mistake you can make is being afraid to travel solo at all.

As long as you’re prepared and stay smart about things, there is no reason to be scared. You don’t need the presence of others to enrich your life through travel. That is something you can do entirely on your own.

Pro tip: Take advantage of as many discounts as you can along the way. Additionally, consider using a credit card where you can earn cash back or other rewards to cut down on your overall costs.

Bottom line

Life is too short not to do what you want, especially when you reach a stage where you have the time and resources to explore the world.

Planning well and avoiding some common mistakes can help you keep more money in your wallet and stay safe on your next trip. If you want to spend your time traveling, get out there and start sightseeing.

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Best life insurance for seniors

Lizzie Nealon is an insurance contributor for Bankrate and enjoys making home, auto and life insurance digestible for readers so they can prepare for the future.

• • Life insurance
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Natasha Cornelius, CLU, is an insurance editor for Bankrate, specializing in auto, home and life insurance.

Kenneth Chavis IV is a senior wealth counselor at Versant Capital Management who provides investment management, complex wealth strategy, financial planning and tax advice to business owners, executives, medical doctors, and more.

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The best life insurance companies for seniors

What type of life insurance policy is best for seniors, how to choose the best senior life insurance policy for you.

• How much is life insurance for seniors?

Frequently asked questions

Every stage of life stages with different life insurance needs. While middle-aged adults often seek coverage to settle debts and replace income in case of their passing, seniors may have different priorities, such as covering funeral expenses or fulfilling estate planning goals. Choosing the best life insurance for seniors depends on the type and amount of coverage needed. After evaluating many life insurance companies, Bankrate's insurance editorial team identified Mutual of Omaha, Mass Mutual, New York Life, Prudential and State Farm as some of the choices for best life insurance for seniors over 60. These companies stand out due to features that make them excellent options for life insurance coverage for seniors.

Compare life insurance providers quickly and easily

See which provider is right for you.

Whole life insurance combines life insurance with an investment component.

• Coverage for life
• Tax-deferred savings benefit if premiums are paid
• 3 variations of permanent insurance: whole life, universal life and variable life include investment component

Term life insurance is precisely what the name implies: an insurance policy that is good for a specific term of time.

• Fixed premium over term
• No savings benefits
• Outliving policy or policy cancellation results in no money back

Seniors looking for the best life insurance may want to consider companies with coverage options tailored to older adults. The following life insurance companies are among the best based on Bankrate’s analysis of coverage options for seniors, financial strength ratings from AM Best , customer satisfaction scores from 2023 J.D. Power Studies and digital tool availability. However, the best life insurance company for you may vary based on your preferences and priorities for life insurance and other financial considerations.

If you are looking for a good option for the best term life insurance for seniors, look no further than State Farm. It offers many term options and has a selection of coverages that do not require medical exams. The company offers a strong mix of affordable and flexible options with customizable coverage provided through local agents.

State Farm placed well above the industry average in the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Life Insurance Study, with a score of 843 out of 1,000, making it the best-rated company for customer satisfaction according to the survey. State Farm also won best insurance company for term and universal life in the 2024 Bankrate Awards .

MassMutual received an overall customer satisfaction score well above the industry average from J.D. Power. MassMutual has been in the life insurance industry since 1851 and has a great track record of paying claims and policy owner dividends. They offer term, whole, universal and variable universal life insurance for seniors.

As a mutual life insurance company, MassMutual can offer participating whole life insurance products, allowing policy owners to be eligible to receive policy dividends. While dividend payouts are not guaranteed, MassMutual boasts of having paid dividends every year since 1869 . MassMutual ranked third-highest overall in the J.D. Power study for customer satisfaction. MassMutual also won the award for Best Whole Life Insurer in the 2024 Bankrate Awards.

Mutual of Omaha underwrites its policies through United of Omaha Life Insurance Company. The company offers term , whole and universal life insurance policies. Seniors can purchase a policy up to age 80, although final expense whole life insurance is available through age 85.

Mutual of Omaha may be worth considering as a senior life insurance company thanks to its Mutual Cares program. The online resource was designed to inform seniors about the topics they may be interested in, such as combating loneliness, along with health and wellness topics specific to seniors. However, if you value digital tools, you may be disappointed that the company doesn’t have a mobile app.

Mutual of Omaha also received a high score in the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Life Insurance Study, with a score of 805 out of 1,000 for overall satisfaction, earning it fourth place in the study.

New York Life specializes in life insurance, retirement planning and long-term care. The company offers term, whole, universal and variable universal life insurance for seniors. Rider options include a living benefits option and a spouse insurance rider, which allows your spouse to purchase insurance without a medical exam if you pass away.

AARP members have access to exclusive pricing and coverage through a partnership with New York Life. Members can get term and permanent coverage up to $100,000 with no medical exam, though you still have to answer health questions to qualify for coverage.

Prudential offers two basic types of life insurance: term life and universal life. Prudential may be a great company for seniors looking to customize their policies as policyholders may be able to choose from over a dozen riders, including overloan protection and survivorship benefit access. Prudential has local agents across the country, but its 2023 J.D. Power score is below average and its complaint index from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is high, so potential customers may want to speak with existing policyholders about their customer service experience.

In addition to life insurance, Prudential offers retirement products and other financial services, which may appeal to shoppers who prefer to manage all their insurance and financial needs with a single company.

There are many different kinds of life insurance for seniors to choose from, and each option comes with potential pros and cons. It may be helpful to understand the various types of life insurance so you can make the best choice for your individual needs.

Term life insurance for seniors

Term life insurance covers you for a specified period of time, usually ranging from 10 to 30 years. If you purchased a conversion rider, you may be able to convert your policy to permanent life insurance before it ends. The older you are, the more expensive a term policy will likely be. If you are a senior and considering a term life insurance policy, you may want to think about your future budget and if you will want to renew the policy at the end of the term.

Term life insurance policies are typically much cheaper than permanent life insurance policies.

May be sufficient if you only need coverage for a set period of time

If you pass away after your policy expires, your beneficiaries will not receive a death benefit.

No cash value component

Permanent life insurance for seniors

Permanent life insurance covers you until your death (under most circumstances) or until you choose to surrender the policy, provided the terms of the policy are met and premiums are paid. Permanent life insurance comes in two main forms: whole life insurance and universal life insurance . Diving deeper, there are subtypes of each form, such as variable universal life insurance. Since it covers you until death in most cases, permanent insurance tends to be more expensive than a term life insurance policy but may provide the peace of mind that the policy will provide financial assistance to your loved ones after your death.

Comes with a cash value account that accumulates money you can access in the form of policy loans or withdrawals

Remains in effect for your whole life (under most circumstances)

Typically much more expensive than term life insurance

Guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance for seniors (Final expense insurance)

Guaranteed acceptance whole life, sometimes called guaranteed issue whole life or final expense insurance , is a whole life policy for which coverage generally cannot be denied as long as you meet the eligible age requirements. Coverage amounts are low, usually between $10,000 to $25,000, and are often used to cover funeral expenses such as headstones and funeral home fees.

No medical exam required

Coverage typically cannot be denied if between ages 50 and 80

Premium may be high for the level of coverage you’re receiving

May have a waiting period on death benefits

Low level of coverage

Seniors generally have different priorities than other age groups. They may be paying off debts and phasing into retirement, helping children and grandchildren with their finances or preparing for end-of-life costs. Before purchasing life insurance, it may be helpful to understand what factors you might need to consider at various ages.

Life insurance for seniors over 60

In your 60s, you may still be working and starting to think about retirement. It might be a good time to make sure your life insurance is in place because life insurance premiums are generally less expensive the younger you are. You may want to think about replacing your lost income if you were to pass away suddenly so that a spouse or other loved ones who depend on your income would be provided for. Additionally, if you have children or grandchildren (or anticipate that you will in the future), you may want to consider if you will leave them a financial gift when you pass away.

Life insurance for seniors over 70

If you are in your 70s, you may be well into retirement. If you are retired, replacing lost income for your spouse or loved ones may not be a factor when shopping for life insurance. However, consider what your family members will be left with when you are gone. Are you still paying off a mortgage? Do you have any other debt? Do you have enough savings for your loved ones to pay for your funeral expenses and other end-of-life costs? Life insurance may help ease the financial burden of your death for your loved ones, as well as potentially leave a financial gift for them when you are gone.

Life insurance for seniors over 80

If you are 80 or older, your life insurance options may be limited. You may be considering all the same life insurance factors that you did in your 70s, but if you did not obtain insurance at a younger age, you may have fewer choices than you would have earlier in life. A final expense policy may be the best option to obtain coverage, although the death benefit may be low and the premiums may be high. If you're having trouble finding the coverage you need, it may be helpful to speak with a licensed insurance agent or financial professional about your options. 

How much is life insurance for seniors? 

There are several factors that contribute to the cost of a life insurance policy . The main factors are age, health history, gender and lifestyle. Typically, younger people pay less for life insurance than older people. Additionally, healthy individuals will usually pay less for life insurance than people who have pre-existing health conditions or people who smoke .

When looking at senior life insurance products, it is important to keep in mind that term life insurance is typically less expensive than a permanent policy, but those costs will increase the older you are regardless of policy type. If you are buying a life insurance policy that is medically underwritten, the cost of your policy will be very personalized since we all have our own specific rating factors. The cost of policies like final expense or guaranteed acceptance that are not medically underwritten will not vary greatly in price.

Before purchasing life insurance , you may still want to shop around and get quotes from multiple life insurance companies to find the best option for you.

What is the cheapest life insurance for seniors?

Term life insurance is generally cheaper than whole life insurance, but the most affordable life insurance for seniors is going to be different for everyone. For example, a healthy 65-year-old woman will likely pay less for life insurance than a 75-year-old man who has a history of heart disease. You may want to get quotes to see how much you’d pay, but keep in mind that rates likely won’t vary much from one company to another for the same policy type.

Is it hard for seniors to get life insurance?

Although it may be more difficult for seniors to find a policy that fits their needs and budget, it likely isn't impossible. There may be additional considerations that seniors need to take when shopping for life insurance. Some product limitations, based on age and health factors, may limit seniors' policy or coverage options. However, most insurance carriers still offer coverage options for older policyholders. Although you may encounter higher premiums, shopping around and doing a bit of homework on a company you are considering may help you find a policy that works best for you.

What is the best life insurance company for seniors?

The best life insurance company for seniors depends on the price and your coverage needs. Additionally, some companies stand out for their exceptional customer service, while others are known for offering a variety of policy options or riders. To find the best company for your needs, you might consider which factors are the most important and determine the type of policy you need, which may help narrow down your search.

Do seniors need to have life insurance?

Life insurance is not required, but it may be a smart financial tool for the future. Life insurance may give seniors and their families financial peace of mind and can help provide money to cover medical debt, pay for funeral expenses and gift money to spouses and other family members. If you need help determining how much life insurance you need, you could start with Bankrate's life insurance calculator .