best travel insurance over 65

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Travel insurance

Best travel insurance for seniors in September 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

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

Updated 5:55 a.m. UTC Sep. 2, 2024

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

Best senior travel insurance plans of 2024

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

Why trust our travel insurance experts

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

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

Travel insurance quotes comparison

Top-rated travel insurance for seniors.

Best plan for seniors

Average cost for seniors, covers covid, medical & evacuation limits per person, why it made our list.

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

Pros and cons

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

Trawick International

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

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

Seven Corners

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

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

Generali Global Assistance

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

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

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

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

Compare the best travel insurance for seniors

Via Compare Coverage’s website

Methodology

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

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

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

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

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

What is covered by travel insurance for seniors?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to choose the best senior travel insurance

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

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

How much does senior travel insurance cost?

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

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

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

Compare senior travel insurance rates

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

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

How to save money on travel insurance for seniors

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

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

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

Is CFAR worth it for senior travelers?

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

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

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

More travel insurance for seniors resources

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

Best senior travel insurance FAQs

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

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

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

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

More: Is travel insurance worth it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

327 Published Articles

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

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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Table of Contents

Why purchase travel insurance, what you need to know about age and travel insurance, best travel insurance options — ages 65 to 69, best travel insurance options — ages 70 to 79, 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.

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.

The Cost of Travel Insurance

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.

Preexisting Conditions

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.

Travel Insurance and Medicare

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. 

COVID-19 and Travel Insurance

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.

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.

World Nomads — Best For Active Seniors

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 — Best for Annual Multi-Trip Policies

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. 

Best for Covering COVID-19 Cancellations

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.

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.

Best for Preexisting Conditions

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

Here are just a few companies that offer this waiver:

• Travel Guard
• Travel Insured

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Premium credit cards such as The Platinum Card ® from American Express and Chase Sapphire Reserve ® also come with valuable emergency evacuation coverage. The Amex Platinum card, unlike typical credit cards, allows you to carry a balance for certain charges, but not all. 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 .

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The Guide to Senior Travel Insurance

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

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 some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

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

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ 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.

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.

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.

85,000 Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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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 Best Senior Travel Insurance for 2024

Trawick International »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

AIG Travel Guard »

Nationwide »

WorldTrips »

GeoBlue »

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

• Trawick International
• Allianz Travel Insurance
• AIG Travel Guard

Key takeaways

• Senior travelers can benefit from a plan that offers coverage for emergency medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation first and foremost.
• Other benefits to look for include coverage for lost or delayed baggage, trip delay protection, and coverage for trip cancellation and interruption.
• Older travelers may also want to look for travel insurance plans that cover preexisting medical conditions.
• Some plans for seniors let individuals add on cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage that reimburses up to 80% of prepaid travel expenses when a trip is canceled for any reason at all.

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.

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

• Trawick International: Best Overall
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Cancel for Any Reason
• AIG Travel Guard: Best Annual
• Nationwide: Best for Cruises
• WorldTrips: Best Budget
• GeoBlue: Best Medical

Incredibly high limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation

Customize plan with optional CFAR coverage

Coverage is for trips up to 30 days if you're ages 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
• Up to $750 in emergency dental coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects
• Up to $400 for baggage delays of 12-plus hours

SEE FULL REVIEW »

High reimbursement for CFAR coverage

Coverage for preexisting conditions is offered

Relatively low limits for baggage delays

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $100,000
• Trip interruption coverage up to $150,000
• Trip change protector coverage up to $500
• Emergency medical coverage up to $50,000
• Emergency medical transportation coverage up to $500,000
• Baggage loss coverage up to $1,000
• Baggage delay insurance up to $300
• Travel delay coverage up to $800 ($200 daily limit)
• $100 per day in SmartBenefits coverage per person for fixed inconvenience payments
• 24-hour hotline for assistance
• Concierge services
• Preexisting condition coverage (must be added to plan within 14 days of first trip deposit or payment)

Year-round comprehensive travel insurance coverage

Generous limits for medical and emergency medical evacuation

Does not include trip cancellation coverage

• Up to 100% of insured trip cost for trip interruptions (maximum of $2,500 per trip)
• Up to $1,500 for trip delays ($150 per day)
• Up to $500 for missed connections caused by delays of at least three hours
• Up to $2,500 for lost baggage
• Up to $1,000 for baggage delays of 12-plus hours
• Up to $50,000 for travel medical coverage ($500 dental sublimit)
• Up to $500,000 for emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains
• Up to $50,000 for accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)
• Up to $100,000 for security evacuation coverage

Cruise-specific coverages and benefits

High limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation

May be expensive compared to other coverage options

• Trip cancellation coverage up to 100% of prepaid trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage up to 150% of prepaid trip cost
• Trip interruption for any reason (IFAR) coverage worth $1,000 if conditions are met
• Missed connection coverage up to $2,500 for delays of three-plus hours
• Trip delay coverage up to $1,000 for delays of six-plus hours
• Itinerary change coverage worth $250 to $1,000 (depending on reason for change)
• Emergency medical coverage up to $150,000 (secondary with $750 dental sublimit)
• Emergency medical evacuation coverage up to $1 million
• Up to $25,000 for AD&D
• Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost or stolen baggage ($1,000 maximum for special items and $500 limit per article)
• Baggage delay coverage up to $1,000 for delays of six-plus hours
• Nonmedical evacuation coverage 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

Get comprehensive health insurance that applies overseas

Preventive and routine care included

Age limits apply for new applicants and renewals

Medical-only coverage

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

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.

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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Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Travel Insurance for Seniors in 2024

What we like most.

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

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

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

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

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

Pros About Allianz

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

Cons About Allianz

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pros About International Medical Group

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

Cons About International Medical Group

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pros About John Hancock

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

Cons About John Hancock

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pros About Nationwide

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

Cons About Nationwide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pros About Travel Guard

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

Cons About Travel Guard

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

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

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

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

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Seniors Travel Insurance

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

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

Comparing the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

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

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

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

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

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for Seniors?

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

Tips for Choosing the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Seniors Travel Insurance

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

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

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

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

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• Best overall
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for older travelers
• Best for affordability
• Best for annual plans
• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Travel Insurance for Seniors of September 2024: Travel Insurance Coverage & Tips for Seniors

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

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

Best Senior Travel Insurance Companies of 2024 Summary

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance
• Best for age limits: TravelSafe Insurance
• Best for affordability: GeoBlue Travel Insurance
• Best for annual plans: Travel Guard

Top Travel Insurance for Seniors Comparison

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

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

Best Senior Travel Insurance Overall

Allianz travel insurance.

Allianz 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 .

Best Senior Travel Insurance for Expensive Trips

John hancock travel insurance.

John Hancock 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 .

Best Senior Travel Insurance for Age Limits

Travelsafe insurance.

TravelSafe is a great choice for older travelers, even among seniors, insuring travelers up to 100 years old. TravelSafe also offers pre-existing condition waivers for all its tiers when you purchase your policy within 21 days of your initial trip deposit. With a great deal of flexibility, travelers don't have to worry about eligibility when purchasing travel insurance with TravelSafe. TravelSafe even has two tiers of coverage devoted specifically to golfers. 

Read our TravelSafe travel insurance review .

Best Senior Travel Insurance for Affordability

Geoblue travel insurance.

GeoBlue is a travel insurance provider that specializes in travel medical insurance . Because it doesn't offer much trip protection or travel inconvenience coverage, it can charge cheaper premiums than its competitors, earning it a spot among the best cheap travel insurance .

GeoBlue's policies cover travelers who are under 95 years old, offering sizeable coverage for emergency medical treatments (up to $1 million) and medical evacuations (up to $500K). It's worth noting that while coverage for pre-existing conditions are available, it costs extra.

Read our GeoBlue Travel Insurance review .

Best Senior Travel Insurance for Annual Plans

Travel guard.

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 policy 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 pre-existing medical condition waiver, meaning those with certain medical issues can still gain coverage.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review .

Understanding Travel Insurance for Seniors

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

Types of coverage

• Medical Coverage: Ensures your medical expenses are covered in case of illness or injury.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Provides reimbursement if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Coverage: Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal items during your trip.
• Pre-existing condition coverage:  Can mean two different things: coverage for trip cancellations as a result of pre-existing conditions or medical expenses as a result of pre-existing conditions. Either way, policy must be purchased within a certain time frame from when you booked your trip, usually two or three weeks.

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

When you purchase a travel insurance policy, you'll be able to see a description of benefits, which is a long document that describes the exceptions and limitations to your coverage. You should carefully review this document so you're not blindsided by unexpected claim denials. 

For example, if you're canceling a trip because unexpected work, you may not be eligible for coverage if you haven't worked at your company for long enough. Additionally, you should review your policy to ensure that your pre-existing condition is covered, as companies often have very specific language around what qualifies as a covered pre-existing condition.

Emergency assistance services

Most companies offer a 24/7 concierge service that can help you navigate situations that arise during your trip, even issues beyond the scope of your policy. They can advise you on how to navigate these situations in accordance with your policy and make sure you acquire the necessary documentation when you need to file a claim down the line.

How to Pick Travel Insurance as a Senior Traveler

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 U.S.
• 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.
• Pre-existing 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 pre-existing 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 pre-existing conditions and the limits for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.

Some insurance companies offer a waiver that will cover pre-existing 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.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Senior Travel Insurance

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 and how much coverage you receive. We also looked at the age limits for a company's policy. 
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions: Pre-existing 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 pre-existing conditions.
• Price: We compared travel insurance providers offering reasonable basic and comprehensive coverage rates. We also looked at how travel insurance companies price senior travel insurance compared to travel insurance for younger travelers.
• Benefits for 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 Business Insider's travel insurance rating methodology .

Best Senior Travel Insurance FAQ

Seniors should look for travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive medical coverage, including for pre-existing 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.

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 ticket and hotel stay are refundable, there's no need to purchase trip cancellation. Seniors can also look into multi-trip insurance, which can save you money if you're planning multiple trips in a year.

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

The best travel insurance for seniors is Allianz 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 companies will have an age limit, often only insuring people 80 years old and younger. However, many of the insurance companies in our guide have higher limits or no age limit at all.

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Best Senior Travel Insurance

Alex Carver is a writer and researcher based in Charlotte, N.C. A contributor to major news websites such as Automoblog and USA Today, she’s written content in sectors such as insurance, warranties, shipping, real estate and more.

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Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies

Top 9 Best Senior Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

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

• Faye: Our top pick for seniors
• Travelex : Best for budget travelers
• Nationwide Travel Insurance : Best for baggage coverage
• Generali Global Assistance : Best for trip interruption coverage
• Seven Corners Travel Insurance : Best for visitors to the USA
• HTH Travel Insurance : Best for group travel
• WorldTrips Travel Insurance: Most affordable comprehensive coverage
• Allianz: Best for concierge services
• International Medical Group : Best for medical coverage

Compare The Best 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 price of a travel insurance plan based on quotes we gathered from our top company picks. We’ve also included our recommended plans for seniors, availability of COVID-19 coverage 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 BBB scores for the travel insurance companies listed above are accurate as of August 2024.

The Best Senior Travel Insurance in Detail

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 could benefit older travelers if they have a complex health condition or are traveling to a remote area.

Pros and Cons

CFAR coverage up to 75% of trip value

$250,000 of primary medical coverage included

Features a 100% online application process

Offers a pre-existing conditions waiver, a benefit for seniors with existing health concerns

Higher policy pricing for seniors

Must buy coverage within 14 days of your initial trip deposit if you have pre-existing conditions

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 our top choice for budget travelers due to its flat-rate coverage, which starts at $60 for U.S. travel. While the provider is one of the more expensive options for senior travelers, it’s worth considering 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.

Offers up to $1,000 for lost or delayed luggage

Free cancellation up to 15 days after purchasing your policy

Cancel for any reason coverage up to 75%

Primary medical coverage complements Medicare benefits

Limited add-ons for base plan

Policies only available for trips up to two weeks long

• Trip cancellation: 100% of non-refundable costs
• Trip interruption: 100%–150% of non-refundable costs
• Baggage: $100–$200 for delays and $500–$1,000 for losses
• Medical expenses: $15,000–$50,000
• Medical evacuation: $100,000–$500,000

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.

Nationwide Travel Insurance

Why we picked nationwide for senior travelers.

We named Nationwide as the best for baggage coverage thanks to its generous coverage limits across various plans. We particularly like Nationwide’s Luxury Cruise plan, as it features several inclusions that benefit senior travelers at an affordable price. 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.

Lower premium costs for older travelers

Cancel for any reason coverage up to 75% of trip value

Trip interruption coverage available up to 200% of the trip cost

Affordable plans for seasoned and new cruise-goers

Baggage delay coverage not available until after a 12-hour delay

Higher pricing on some cruise plans for senior citizens

Only offers secondary medical coverage under the Essential Plan

• Trip interruption: 125%–200% of non-refundable costs
• Baggage: $100–$600 for delays and $500–$2,000 for losses
• Medical expenses: $75,000–$150,000
• Medical evacuation: $250,000–$1 million

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 best for trip interruption coverage, as it provides up to 175% reimbursement through its Premium plan when most insurers only offer up to 150%.  This coverage could be ideal for seniors worried about cutting their trip short due to an unforeseen event. We like how 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, which is a benefit if you experience a dental abscess or another major dental emergency on vacation.

24/7 travel assistance hotline and emergency assistance

Higher-than-average medical coverage

Premium plan includes $2,000 per person baggage loss coverage

Offers affordable senior travel insurance policies

Must add CFAR coverage within 24 hours of purchasing your initial policy and only offers 60% of CFAR

Only covers pre-existing conditions under the Premium plan

• Trip interruption: 125% – 175% of non-refundable costs
• Baggage: $200–$500 for delays and $1,000–$2,000 for losses
• Medical expenses: $50,000–$250,000

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.

Seven Corners Travel Insurance

Why we picked seven corners for senior travelers.

Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Choice is a top option for seniors traveling in the U.S. because it offers $1,500 in missed connection coverage, $2,000 for travel delays and $2,500 for baggage loss coverage. It also offers travel medical policies to international travelers planning a trip to the States. 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.

Policies available for travelers 80 years and older

Some plans provide $100,000 in medical coverage for travelers 65 to 79 years old

Offers coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions

Cancel for any reason add-on covers up to 75% of trip value

Travelers 80 years and older receive just $10,000 in medical coverage, lower than other options on our list

Acute pre-existing condition coverage is only available for travelers 79 years and younger

• Baggage: $500  for delays and $500–$2,500 for losses
• Medical expenses: $100,000–$500,000

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. We named HTH Travel Insurance best for group travel because its policies have a 10% discount for groups of travelers over 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.

24/7 travel assistance services

$500,000 medevac coverage

up to 75% of trip value for cancel for any reason coverage available

Mental health is covered like any other medical condition under the policy

Baggage delay coverage starts after 12 hours of delay

Requires that you maintain health insurance coverage in the United States

• Trip interruption: 100% of non-refundable costs (up to $1,000)
• Baggage: $500 for losses and delays
• Medical expenses: $50,000–$1 million
• Medical evacuation: $500,000

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 .

WorldTrips Travel Insurance

Why worldtrips is great for senior travelers.

Our team named WorldTrips as the provider with the most affordable comprehensive coverage. We like how it offers three general plans with up to $250,000 in emergency medical coverage. In addition, its policies are competitively priced, with an average cost of $206 per senior traveler. This can make it a more appealing choice for seniors looking for well-rounded coverage on a budget. WorldTrips is also notable for its range of add-on options, being one of the only travel insurance companies we reviewed to offer multiple tiers of CFAR reimbursement options.

More affordable plan pricing compared to some competitors

All policies include 24/7 emergency assistance

Six unique add-on options available

Allows you to choose a CFAR reimbursement percentage

Medical expense coverage maxes out at $250,000 per traveler, lower than some other providers

Does not offer CFAR upgrades on the most affordable plan tier

• Trip interruption: 125%–150%  of non-refundable costs
• Baggage: $200–$600 for delays and $2,500 for losses

WorldTrips offers the following add-on options, which vary in availability by plan choice:

• CFAR coverage (50% or 75% reimbursement rates available)
• IFAR coverage
• Adventure sports medical coverage waiver
• Medical evacuation (doubles the standard coverage limit)
• Rental car damage and theft

Our team collected quotes for a variety of senior trips directly from WorldTrips to learn more about what seniors pay for travel insurance on average. In our review, we found the average senior traveler will pay a total of $276 for a travel insurance policy from WorldTrips.

Allianz Global Assistance

Our team named Allianz Travel Insurance as the best travel insurance company for concierge services. The Allianz OneTrip Prime and OneTrip Premier plans both include access to 24/7 concierge assistance around the world. We like how this service provides personalized information about your destination as well as individual assistance communicating with emergency and medical professionals during a crisis. In non-emergency situations, Allianz’s concierge service can help you make the most of your time abroad by booking reservations, tee times and other local add-ons.

Highest policy tiers include comprehensive concierge services

Offers annual and single-trip policies

CFAR upgrade reimburses 80% of trip costs, higher than some competitor offerings

OneTrip Premier plan includes free coverage for one child under the age of 18 — ideal for grandparents

Extends lower medical limits that max out at $75,000

Most affordable plan tier does not include concierge service

Higher average pricing for seniors based on our quote process

• Baggage: $200–$600 for delays and $500–$2,000 for losses
• Medical expenses: $10,000–$75,000
• Medical evacuation: $50,000–$1 million

Allianz currently offers the following add-on options, with choices varying by plan:

• Rental car protection
• CFAR upgrade (reimburses up to 80% of trip expenses)

After collecting a range of quotes from Allianz, we concluded the average senior traveler will pay about $551 for insurance. This is higher than the national average our team calculated, especially in light of Allianz’s lower medical coverage limits.

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). Named best for medical coverage by our team, the company offers inclusive international policies, with up to $8 million in medical coverage on single-trip plans. It also provides GlobeHopper Senior plans explicitly tailored 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.

Up to $8 million in medical insurance benefits for all ages

Offers the GlobeHopper Senior Single-Trip plan specifically for travelers aged 65 and older

24/7 emergency travel assistance

Offer up to 75% of trip value coverage for cancel for any reason add-on

Baggage delay coverage ($250) doesn’t kick in until 12 hours after delay

Higher plan costs

• Trip interruption: 125% of non-refundable costs
• Baggage: $150–$500 for delays and $750–$2,500 for losses
• Medical expenses: $100,000–$8 million

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

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

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

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

How We Ranked the Best Senior Travel Insurance Companies

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

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

How Much Does Senior Travel Insurance Cost?

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

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

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

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

How To Pick The Best Senior Travel Insurance Plan

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 recommend getting emergency evacuation coverage of at least $250,000, ideally $500,000. 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 will receive reimbursement up to a set percentage amount of your trip as outlined in your policy.

See the table below for a comparison of CFAR coverage between our top picks for senior travel insurance providers.

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

How To Save On Travel Insurance

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

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

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

Read more on travel credit cards: AMEX Travel Insurance and Chase Sapphire Preferred travel insurance

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. 

Created with Sketch Beta. 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. 

Created with Sketch Beta. Pre-existing 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 pre-existing 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.

Why Should Seniors Buy Travel Insurance?

As a senior citizen, you may rely on Medicare as your primary form of health insurance coverage. However, Medicare does not offer coverage for most medical expenses that you could incur abroad. Without medical travel insurance, seniors could face thousands of dollars in emergency medical expenses if an accident occurs on vacation. 

Travel insurance also can provide benefits beyond medical protection. Most travel insurance policies will reimburse up to 100% of nonrefundable trip expenses, which helps protect your investments. Benefits for baggage loss, emergency evacuations and flight delays are also included in most plans. If you’re a senior living on a budget income, these protections can provide peace of mind as you travel.

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.

Expert Tips and Insights 

Professor in Commercial Recreation and Tourism Pennsylvania State University

Dr. Bing Pan is a professor in commercial recreation and tourism in the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management at Penn State University. He adopts big data analytics to study visitor management and tourism marketing in national parks and destinations. 

Carney Family Endowed Professor in Hospitality and Tourism Management University of Massachusetts Amherst

Muzaffer (Muzzo) Uysal is a Carney Family Endowed Professor of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management – Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His current research interests center on tourism demand and supply interaction, tourism development,  and quality-of-life research in tourism and hospitality.

Professor in the Collins College of Hospitality Management California State Polytechnic University Pomona

Linchi Kwok, Ph.D., publishes viewpoints and refereed (peer-reviewed) articles in hospitality management and service marketing. His research work won several best paper awards at academic conferences. Linchi is now a professor at the Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona and a visiting professor at Sun Yat-Sen University. Before moving to Southern California, Linchi worked at Syracuse University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Texas Tech University and Marriott.

Associate Professor Emeritus Kansas State University

Gayle Appel Doll, M.S., Ph.D., is an associate professor emeritus and adjunct associate dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs at Kansas State University’s Center on Aging where she coordinates and develops research, educational and training programs and outreach activities on aging. She received her Master’s in Kinesiology and her Doctorate in Life Span Human Development, both from Kansas State University. Dr. Doll teaches gerontology courses at Kansas State University, earning the Commerce Bank Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching in 2005.

Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Travel Insurance

Can seniors over 70 get travel insurance.

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

What is the best travel insurance for senior citizens?

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

Do I need travel insurance if I have Medicare?

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

Can you get travel insurance with a preexisting condition?

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

Methodology: How We Rate Travel Insurance Companies

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

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

AM Best Disclaimer

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides. com .

MarketWatch Guides may receive compensation from companies that appear on this page.
The compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear, but it does not influence the recommendations the editorial team provides. Not all companies, products, or offers were reviewed.

The Best Travel Insurance Companies for Seniors

When it comes to planning a trip, there is one expense far too many travelers overlook: travel insurance .

It’s a boring topic to research and read about — and it is an added expense many budget travelers aren’t excited about paying. Chances are nothing is going to go wrong, right? Why not just save the money and spend it on more travel?

Unfortunately, as many people have learned the hard way — myself included — things can go wrong at the drop of a hat. I’ve had my luggage lost, had brand new gear broken, and needed emergency medical help while traveling (on multiple occasions).

And these are just the “serious” incidents. I’ve also experienced countless flight delays and cancellations — events that are also covered by travel insurance.

In short, things can (and will) go wrong on the road. Why not make sure you’re prepared?

This is especially important for older travelers.

While older travelers generally have a bit more sense than younger backpackers (when was the last time you saw a 65-year-old jumping a burning skipping rope at the Full Moon Party in Thailand or bombing down Death Road in Peru?), there are often health and medical issues that need to be considered.

Even if you’re a healthy 55+ traveler, buying travel insurance is a necessary step in your planning. It will cover you for delays and cancelations, injuries, and worse. It’s a safety net for you and your loved ones that will not only help you avoid massive medical expenses but also provide you with peace of mind so you can enjoy your trip without worry.

I never leave home without it. You shouldn’t either.

Here’s everything you need to know about buying travel insurance as an older or senior traveler.  

What to Look for in a Comprehensive Insurance Policy

Insurance is a billion-dollar business, and everyone wants their hand in the cookie jar. Consequently, you face a mind-numbing number of companies and policies, some with terminology that can be confusing and overwhelming.

So, what should you do?

First, make sure your travel insurance offers a high coverage limit on your medical expenses. Most travelers can get by with $100,000 USD in coverage. However, if you’re older or have a medical condition, then you may want more ($250,000-500,000 USD would be my suggestion).

High coverage limits are important because if you get sick, injured, or need serious attention and have to seek professional care, you’ll want to make sure your high hospital bills are covered. The worst thing you can do is go cheap and get a policy with a $20,000 USD coverage limit, then break a leg and reach that limit before they are done taking care of you.

Second, you want to make sure your travel insurance policy covers emergency evacuation and care that is separate from your medical coverage. For example, if you are hiking in the woods and you break your leg, your policy should cover your evacuation to the nearest acceptable medical facility.

If a natural disaster occurs and you need to be evacuated to somewhere else, your plan should cover that as well, ideally up to $300,000 USD.

Additionally, make sure you understand if your evacuation coverage will pay for you to get home or if it will just send you to the nearest acceptable facility. For example, if you break your leg abroad, most insurance policies will pay for your hospital bills. However, they won’t pay for you to get home since it’s not a life-threatening injury requiring advanced care.

Standard emergency evacuation coverage frequently only pays for a flight home if your current facility is inadequate or if it’s “medically necessary.”

In short, double-check if your company will cover the cost of your flight back home if you need it.

If you’d prefer not to stay in a foreign hospital for treatment and recovery, you should look into a medical transport membership program like Medjet , which ensures that, should you be hospitalized abroad, you’ll be able to be repatriated — something many travel insurance policies can’t guarantee ( read more about Medjet in my comprehensive review ).

Third, great travel insurance plans always include the following provisions:

• Coverage for most countries (including the places you plan on visiting)
• Coverage for injury and sudden illnesses
• Coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen possessions, like jewelry, baggage, documents, etc.
• Some coverage for your electronics (and the option for a higher coverage limit)
• Coverage for cancelations for hotels, flights, and other transportation bookings if you have a sudden illness, death in the family, or some other emergency
• Coverage for political emergencies, natural disasters, or strife in the country that may cause you to head home early
• Financial protection if any company you are using goes bankrupt and you are stuck in another country
• 24/7 assistance (you don’t want to call to be told to call back later)

A quick note on electronics: Most companies only have a small limit (usually up to $500 USD per item), as part of their basic coverage. You can often buy supplemental insurance for more coverage. If you’re traveling with lots of expensive gear, make sure you buy supplemental coverage.

Additionally, as an older traveler, you may also want:

• Policies that cover preconditions (if you have them). Since most policies exclude these, you’ll need to shop around for a plan that will cover them.
• Insurance plans that include a “cancel for any reason” clause. If you think you may need to cancel your trip before you depart and don’t want to risk losing your money, find a policy that offers this. It’s less common (and more expensive), but it might be useful if you have a medical condition that might impact your trip.

The Best Travel Insurance Companies for Senior Travelers

Here’s a quick overview of Medjet :

• Extensive medical transport coverage
• Offers regular coverage up to age 74 (with extended coverage up to age 84)
• Coverage for COVID-19
• Limited time spent in foreign medical facilities
• Both short-term and annual plans
• Available to residents of the US, Canada, and Mexico

Learn more  

Insure My Trip

As an older traveler, this is the best place for you to shop around and get a quote. You’ll be able to find policies for travelers over 70 as well as plans that have a “cancel for any reason” clause. It also offers policies that include coverage for certain pre-existing conditions.

Here’s a quick overview of IMT :

• Comparisons of plans from over 20 different companies to ensure you get the best one
• Guaranteed low prices
• Coverage for travelers over 65
• “Anytime advocates” ask the insurer to give your claim a second look if you think it was unfairly denied

A Note on COVID-19 (and Other Pandemics)

As many travelers learned the hard way in 2020, most travel insurance policies historically did not cover pandemics. Until recently, that really wasn’t a concern for most travelers, including me. Prior to 2020, I never really gave the “pandemic clause” much thought when reading my insurance policies.

However, these days pandemic coverage is at the forefront of every traveler’s mind (and rightly so).

Fortunately, over the past few years, insurance companies adapted and most companies now provide limited coverage for COVID-19 (or other pandemics). This limited coverage usually includes trip cancellation or delay, though some also have medical coverage for COVID or transportation home (as is the case with Medjet ).

Before you buy a plan, read the fine print regarding pandemics and COVID-19. Make sure you fully understand what is and is not included so you can take appropriate action should a situation arise. When in doubt, call them and speak to a representative. Don’t risk your health on assumptions!

Everyone should buy travel insurance before they leave home — regardless of their age. While most travelers only experience minor hiccups, such as delayed flights or lost baggage, it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry should a health emergency arise.

However, older travelers in particular should make sure they have the coverage they need in case something goes awry. While their options are usually less robust (and more expensive), there are still plenty of affordable ones to ensure you are protected as you enjoy your well-earned travels.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• InsureMyTrip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are mine alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. This page does not include all card companies or all available card offers.

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13 Best Senior Travel Insurance Plans & Options

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Written by Kyle Kroeger

Are you a senior citizen who loves to travel? What are your best senior travel insurance options? Well, your age should only make your travel even more stress-free. And the following insurance options ensure that.

Travel insurance is essential for all travelers. That goes without saying! However, it is certainly more important for some people than for others. For instance, for the senior generation, travel insurance is a must-have.

Why? They are prone to more health issues than the younger generation, and anything might happen before or during the planned travel. For this reason, having the right travel insurance for seniors is paramount.

Also, hitting 65 doesn’t have to affect your love for travel. Your travels should get even more exciting and stress-free. The only question is, where do you get your senior travel insurance plan? And, what are the best senior travel insurance companies you can rely on? We’ll see that in an instant.

Summary of Top Picks

Best Senior Travel Insurance Options

Now that we know what to look for in travel insurance coverage, which are the best senior travel insurance companies to choose from?

1. InsureMyTrip

Do you wish to travel confidently with zero worries? Who doesn’t? In this case, InsureMyTrip is among your best bets. They have been in the business for over 20 years and have a good reputation.

The site offers a wide range of plans , allowing you to choose what best suits your needs. And if you need help, their customer service is always ready and willing to assist. Their insurance policies will cover the following:

• Eligible medical expenses during the trip
• Trip cancellations due to illnesses
• Accommodation coverage – in case you get quarantined at your travel destination

So, are there any pre-paid or non-refundable travel costs you won’t want to lose? InsureMyTrip offers a solution. Compare hundreds of travel insurance covers from 23 providers, and choose your best fit.

2. VisitorsCoverage

VisitorsCoverage is our go-to option for all things travel medical insurance. They offer the best coverage and rates, as well as 24/7 customer service. Plus, our customers have given them rave reviews! We highly recommend VisitorsCoverage for anyone looking to get travel medical insurance. Whether you’re traveling abroad or within the US, they have an option that’s right for you.

They are a marketplace that offers some of the best options in the entire travel industry with the widest array of plans for medical coverage, trip interruption, and health insurance coverage for travel abroad. Here are some key offerings that differentiate VisitorsCoverage from the rest of the pack:

• Plans from some of the most reputable insurers in the travel industry
• Immediate coverage
• Lowest price guaranteed
• Excellent customer service

You can’t go wrong with VisitorsCoverage and you’ll quickly find an excellent policy for your trip. Read our VisitorsCoverage review if you’d like to learn more about their insurance offerings.

3. TravelInsurance.com

Who doesn’t want some peace of mind during travel? Everyone does! And finding the best senior travel insurance is what every senior traveler needs. TravelInsurance.com is another travel insurance marketplace that you can rely on. Here, you get to compare all the plans you’ve thought of from different providers and settle for the one that suits you best.

The platform makes traveling easy and peaceful. And the process of getting your cover is also as easy. You can easily compare numerous top travel insurance providers, buy the plan online, and travel.

The best thing is that you can choose from the lowest prices. And these prices are guaranteed and regulated by law. Some of the companies included in TravelInsurance.com’s database include:

• Global Trip Protection
• Generali Global Assistance

You can get your senior travel insurance plan in these four easy steps;

• Fill in your details in the quote form
• Receive various quotes from the best travel insurance companies
• Compare these plans, prices, and benefits
• Make your purchase online and get instant cover

The platform guarantees unbiased comparisons, the best prices, and easy-cover purchases. You can get a full review of TravelInsurance.com if you want to learn more.

4. Travelex

With Travelex , you can secure the most important part of your trip! They offer the peace of mind that everyone looks for in a trip. And, with several policy plans, every old or young traveler is sorted.

Also, don’t mistake Travelex for the new firms joining the market. Travelex has been in this industry for over 25 years, doing what they do best – helping travelers dream, travel, and confidently explore the world.

The firm was born in 1996 after Travelex acquired Omaha Companies’ travel insurance distribution services. It’s among the three top travel insurance firms in the US.

The firm’s vision is to be the traveler’s eyes as they explore the world fearlessly. It offers the support you need during any travel expedition. Some of their main benefits include:

• Trip cancellation covers – protection when trips are canceled.
• Trip delays – you get reimbursed for any unexpected expenses due to trip delays.
• Baggage and personal effects – cover for lost, damaged, or stolen items during the trip.
• 24-hour travel assistance – for both medical and concierge services .
• Emergency medical coverage – covers any unexpected sickness or injury.
• Missed connection covers – Travelex covers the resulting expenses if you miss a flight connection.

Other covers include accidental death and disbursement, primary coverage, and pre-existing conditions (when there is a waiver). Like what you are hearing? Read more in our full Travelex insurance review .

5. AIG Travel Guard

Finding good travel insurance for retirees can sometimes be challenging. However, AIG Travel Guard ensures our senior generation can travel without worry. After working hard for so many years, it’s only fair to get a chance to travel, explore, and experience the coolness of life worry-free.

With AIG’s Travel Guard travel insurance , all this is possible. Whether on a solo trip or traveling with your family , AIG doesn’t discriminate. And it offers policy plans for almost every type of travel.

Whether you want a short two days getaway, a two weeks vacation abroad, or even a cruise tour, Travel Guard has your back. All you need to do is choose the best policy plan for you, and you are good to go.

Some of the benefits that come with AIG senior travel insurance covers include:

• Lost or damaged luggage
• Handling flight or trip cancellations
• Medical insurance
• medical evacuation coverage

The best thing is that AIG personnel is ready for you any time of the day, 24 days a week. Also, it doesn’t matter the part of the globe you are taking your tour to. The firm will still be there for you.

6. AXA Travel Insurance

This is another great travel insurance company that you can consider. Even better, senior citizens are not excluded from AXA Travel Insurance covers. Generally, AXA offers three major plans. These include silver, gold, and platinum plans. With these plans, everyone is considered.

Whether you are traveling alone or with a family , your needs are included in these plans. And they had your budget in mind when coming up with the covers.

For instance, all the policy plans offer 100% cost protection against trip cancellation or interruption. As for other benefits, each is determined by the type of cover. These include the following:

• Emergency medical evacuation
• Medical expenses (sickness or accident)
• Other evacuation emergencies
• Baggage loss or damage
• Activities and sports
• Generous missed connection coverage
• Death and disbursement

So, why choose AXA Travel Insurance over other providers?

• Concierge services – 24/7
• The largest international network
• Has been ranked the number one global insurance brand by INTERBRAND for 10 years in a row

In addition, you get some of the best travel tips from their site. It’s an all-around travel insurance and travel assistance firm.

7. Just Travel Cover

With Just Travel Cover , age is not a limit. And pre-existing medical conditions are not a hindrance to getting travel coverage. For this reason, if you are elderly with some pre-existing condition , Just Travel Cover makes your every trip worth it.

Just Travel Cover is not an insurance cover provider itself. However, it gives you the best chance to identify the ideal travel insurance providers. The travel policies on this platform ensure that anyone, whether a teen or senior citizen, can get as carefree travel as possible.

Additionally, it offers covers for any travel. So, if you want a one-week tour in the Caribbean or a cruise around our beautiful planet, Just Travel Cover has a solution.

By partnering with some of the world’s top travel insurance providers, the platform ensures everyone’s travel needs are sorted. You might be 20 or 85, but the travel experience doesn’t change with age.

Wherever your heart wants to go, having a cover from Just Travel Cover ensures it happens. Here, you’ll get travel coverages for:

• Single trips
• Annual multiple trips
• Cruise travel
• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Luggage loss and damage

And you get to compare over 62 cover plans and prices from top-rated travel insurance companies.

See related : Using a Travel Agent vs Booking Online

8. Allianz Travel Insurance

If you want to travel safely , travel insurance is paramount. It helps to guarantee your security and that of your luggage and gives you the calmness to enjoy every day of your trip .

Allianz is one of the world’s top travel insurance providers. It covers both local and international travel expeditions, including cruises. This wide coverage ensures that you can travel to any destination, engage in almost any fun activity, and stay for as long as you want without worry. The insurance plans here will cover issues with:

• Trip cancellation
• Rental cars
• Medical emergencies
• Change fees
• Lost baggage

And for your peace of mind, the company is legit, and it’s underwritten by Jefferson Insurance Company and BCS Insurance Company, which have A+ and A- ratings consecutively. Allianz is also rated A+ by BBB.

Even better, the company’s coverage now includes the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement. This covers some of the COVID-19-related expenses and inconveniences.

And if that’s not enough, Allianz also has a mobile app – Allianz TravelSmart App. The app is designed to make your travel effortless, from planning to maneuvering through your trip. It gives you crucial safety updates and even helps you avoid traffic.

9. World Nomads Travel Insurance

Why travel with so much baggage in your mind about what might or might not go wrong with your trip? Why not let go and enjoy your trip knowing someone has your back?

Since 2002, World Nomads have been protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travelers. They offer simple and flexible travel insurance and safety advice to help you travel. Because they believe in giving back to the places we travel to, World Nomads also enables you to make a difference with a micro-donation when you buy a policy.

And they’ll help you plan your trip with free downloadable guides, travel tips, responsible travel insights, and recommendations from their global community.

Even better, even when you travel without the cover, you can still buy it midway through your trip. Additionally, you can make any claim online and get it sorted. World Nomads Travel Insurance offers coverage for things like:

• Trip cancellations
• Unexpected medical expenses
• Luggage and gear protection
• Emergency medical transportation

Also, depending on your chosen cover, the company may cover fun activities during your trip. This might include scuba diving , skiing, mountain biking, surfing, and bungee jumping .

Get a full review of World Nomads Travel Insurance to learn how it works.

10. TravelSafe Travel Insurance

Like many other travel insurance companies, TravelSafe is meant to help you have the best travel experience. Remember, the fun starts in your mind. And, if you are bothered during the trip, you’ll probably not enjoy it to the fullest.

This company wouldn’t miss the list when looking for the best travel insurance for seniors. Firstly, it offers various plans catering to all kinds of travelers. And secondly, it is legit, with a BBB rating of A+.

Established in 1971, TravelSafe is among the oldest travel insurance companies in the US. And over the years, it has evaluated and learned the travel market, crafting the best travel insurance for seniors and other travelers.  

So, when we say you are in the right hands with TravelSafe, it’s only the truth. The company offers covers for three types of individuals, including:

• Travelers – allowing you to get a cover in just 5 minutes
• Pros – This is for travel agents who wish to help their customers get more secure travel
• Golfers – a product made specifically for golfers and all their unique travel needs

No, matter the category you fall under, your travel is safe and worry-free with TravelSafe.

11. SquareMouth Travel Insurance

SquareMouth Travel Insurance is another travel insurance broker that helps you compare hundreds of policies and plans from various providers.

With 99 plans from 22 insurance providers, you surely can’t lack one that matches your travel needs. Even better, the site features numerous customer reviews, helping you to learn from previous travelers.

All you need here is to enter your travel details, including your travel destination and dates. After this, the site goes through numerous offerings from top brands to display the best policy covers matching your travel needs.

With SquareMouth Travel Insurance , you can choose from:

• Standard single-trip plans
• Annual or multi-trip covers
• Adventure and sports covers
• Cruise insurance plans

Their comparison engine is fast, allowing you to receive quotes from the best companies and buy a cover in just minutes. Also, the site’s assistance desk is always available 24 hours a day. This means that your emergency will be handled promptly no matter the time of the day.

12. IMG Travel Insurance

If you are a senior traveler over 65 years, you need IMG to have your back. While it appears last on our list, it’s not the least desirable travel insurance provider.

The company has specially tailored two GlobeHopper Senior covers, offering seniors affordable travel medical insurance plans. These two plans help bridge the wide gap in senior travel insurance. The plans include the following options:

• GlobeHopper Senior Single-Trip – for single trips lasting between 5 days and 12 months.
• GlobeHopper Senior Multi-Trip – for frequent senior travelers who don’t want to keep purchasing a new cover whenever they want to travel.

These plans help seniors meet their international travel insurance needs and ease their travel burden. They are made to cater to the following:

• Visitors and immigrants
• Employers and business travel

And lastly, IMG has customer service reps ready for you any time of the day or night.

13. AARDY Travel Insurance

When searching for the best travel insurance plans and rates, AARDY is an excellent place to look. However, you must note that AARDY isn’t an insurance firm but a travel insurance marketplace or broker. And that’s even better.

AARDY offers the best platform to explore the various travel covers and plans in the market. This way, you can choose a plan that meets your travel needs and that is within your budget.

AARDY works almost the same way as Amazon. Instead of browsing hundreds of company websites, AARDY combines all these websites under one platform. And, before this, they will have already done the comparison themselves, displaying only the best covers to you.

So, if you are looking for the best senior travel insurance plans , look no further. As they’ve said, you’ll not get another better deal than the ones on AARDY. Generally, the platform has partnered with numerous travel insurance providers. And by doing so, they ensure that you get the best state-approved rates.

The one thing I love about AARDY is that you also get numerous reviews from previous travelers. This way, you know what to expect, even before seeking their services.  

Like what you are hearing? Read more in our full AARDY travel insurance review .

See Related: RoamRight Insurance Review

What Does Senior Travel Insurance Offer?

Travel, whether business or leisure, is prone to eventualities. And while everyone hopes to have the best trip or travel, things sometimes happen.

Travel insurance is meant to cover any unplanned occurrences when planning a trip. This way, you, your items, and your money are safe. When picking a travel insurance policy, ensure that it covers the following.

1. Trip Cancellations

Sometimes, you cannot go on that trip, even after planning it. Something just came up. This can be due to personal reasons or other unprecedented circumstances such as bad weather.

A travel insurance policy can help you get a refund in case the trip is canceled or there is some trip interruption. This way, you don’t end up losing your money.

2. Baggage Loss or Damage

Your travel luggage is important to you. They contain all your essentials and valuables for the trip. Unfortunately, they are also prone to get lost or damaged, especially during flight or transit.

A good travel insurance policy will cover the loss or damage of your baggage and even replace them if need be. Whether a senior citizen or a young traveler, this will certainly offer some peace of mind.

3. Medical Emergencies

This is one of the most important reasons for a travel insurance policy, especially for senior citizens. No one knows when they might fall sick or get injured while on a trip. But with a good cover, you can be sure of getting the best medical attention, and you won’t have to worry about the bills.

Some travel insurance policies will also cover emergency medical evacuation if you need to get back home urgently due to a health issue.

4. Pre-Existing Conditions

This is a common exclusion in many travel insurance policies. A pre-existing condition is any medical problem you had before buying the policy. It could also be a new diagnosis made before or after booking your trip but before buying the policy.

Some of these conditions include cancer, heart disease, diabetes , asthma, and pregnancy (in some cases). If you have a pre-existing condition, it’s important that you disclose this to your insurer when getting travel health insurance. Some insurers might cover the condition while others won’t.

Some will cover the condition but at an extra cost. It is important to read the fine print of any policy before buying.

5. Travel Advice and Emergency Assistance

Travel advice is another very important benefit of having a travel insurance policy, especially for senior citizens. In case of an emergency, you can contact your insurer, who will then provide the necessary assistance.

This could be in the form of legal advice, medical advice, or even evacuation services. The best travel insurance companies will have a team of experts who are always on standby to offer assistance when needed.

Related Resources

• Best Health Insurance for Travel Nurses
• Best Travel Insurance for South America
• Why Are Flights So Expensive Right Now?
• Seven Corners Travel Insurance Review

June 1, 2020

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

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Use this tool to calculate all purchases like ski-lift passes, show tickets, or even rental equipment.

Buying Annual Travel Insurance Over 65

How long is your trip?

Some annual travel insurance plans limit the length of covered trips. If you're planning an around-the-world trip or a long stay abroad in a remote area, consider purchasing an AllTrips Premier Plan that covers emergency medical transportation for trips up to 90 days.

Are you planning any high-risk adventures?

When you're shopping for annual travel insurance over 65, you should look for a plan that includes emergency medical and dental care, as well as coverage in case of a travel accident. But keep in mind that many annual travel insurance plans will not cover your medical care if you sustain injuries from high-risk activities. Examples include skydiving, caving, mountain climbing or participating in any athletic competition.

Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions?

A special consideration for people buying annual travel insurance over 65 is existing medical conditions, which many plans do not cover. What does that mean? An existing medical condition, as a travel insurance plan may define it, is an illness or injury that you were seeking or receiving treatment for, or had symptoms of, on the day you purchased the plan or at any time in the 120 days before you purchased it. Talk to your travel insurance provider about options for travel insurance with coverage for pre-existing conditions.

What's in your suitcase?

In 2012 major U.S. airlines reported nearly 1.8 million pieces of luggage as lost, stolen or damaged on domestic flights. When you're buying annual travel insurance over 65, look for a plan that offers coverage for the contents of lost, damaged or stolen baggage. Check the fine print, too. Does your yearly travel insurance plan cover actual price - the amount it would cost to buy a similar item? Or actual cash value - the item's current market value? Having receipts for your valuable property is essential. Also, some annual travel insurance plans have limits for the total dollar amount covered. So when in doubt, leave the diamonds at home.

Related Articles

• Planning and Luxury Adventure Travel For Seniors
• Senior-Friendly International Travel Destinations
• Tips for Retirement Travel on a Budget

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Popular Travel Insurance Plans

• Annual Travel Insurance
• Cruise Insurance
• Domestic Travel Insurance
• International Travel Insurance
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Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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Travel Insurance for Seniors (65+)

Seniors travel insurance for over 65 and over 80+, not sure which seniors travel insurance plan to select scroll down to see a quick summary of each plan..

We recommend our top choice of plans below:

Our Over-65 and Over-80 travel insurance plans provide medical coverage, medical evacuation coverage, repatriation, and multiple deductible options along with multiple amounts of coverage. We can find you the perfect travel insurance plan based on your age, activity, or location. 

We Recommended

Our recommended plan

Geoblue Voyager Choice Premier Health Insurance for International Travel up to Age 94

One of the best international travel medical insurance plans for U.S. residents with pre-existing conditions

IMG Patriot America Plus International Medical Travel Insurance with Telehealth Benefits

Medical insurance for international travel for non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. residents traveling globally, including to America

Scroll down to see all travel plans below

More seniors travel insurance plans

Seniors Travel Insurance – For Specific Needs

Img globehopper senior international travel medical insurance for u.s. residents.

International medical travel insurance for seniors on Medicare with no age limit

Trawick Non-U.S. Senior Travel Insurance

Excellent travel insurance for seniors over 70 for non-U.S. not traveling to the USA

Trawick Safe Travels USA Senior Insurance Plan

Travel insurance for over 65 (up to age 90) to the USA for non-U.S. seniors

Trawick Travel/Adventure sports in the USA

One of our most recommended travel plans for sports in the USA

IMG Outreach International Travel Medical Insurance with Option to Add Enhanced Accidental Death & Dismemberment Benefit

One of the most affordable international travel medical insurance options available anywhere

Atlas International Travel Medical Insurance Policy

Great choice for travelers with personal liability & crisis response

HTH Trip Protector Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance with option for ‘Cancel For Any Reason’

Travel insurance offering trip cancellation coverage, including a benefit option that covers pre-existing medical conditions for U.S. travelers

Looking for an annual travel plan – with unlimited trips?

Globehopper – annual travel insurance for seniors.

Globehopper travel insurance for over 65s – for U.S. seniors 65-80+ on Medicare

Seniors Travel Insurance for ages 65-80+

What you should know.

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Most travel insurance plans available online either limit travelers over a certain age, or they begin to severely limit benefits over a certain age in order to keep prices low. We offer plans that feature lower prices and benefits as well as full-featured plans with benefits up to 1 million USD and have no maximum age limits.

These senior travel insurance plans have all the same benefits found in our other travel insurance plans. However, always check the brochure and specific benefit amounts to make sure you are getting what you need and want before you travel. We can also help. We are here ready to make a recommendation based on your travel plans.

The GeoBlue Voyager Choice plan covers up to age 84, is part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global network and also covers pre-existing medical conditions. It is our top recommended plan for those 65+ who are residents of the U.S. traveling outside the U.S.

Globehopper

Our Globehopper plan is an excellent seniors travel insurance plan  with no age limit for U.S. residents that are on Medicare Parts A and B and carry supplemental insurance. It is affordable and has very strong benefits.

Our Trawick Safe Travels plans are good for non-U.S. travelers up to age 90 whether going to the U.S. or anywhere else in the world. You can get up to $100,000 USD in maximum medical benefits for ages 70-79 and very strong medical evacuation coverage. This plan is also renewable with uninterrupted coverage for up to 24 consecutive months.

Things to keep in mind when selecting seniors travel insurance

Benefit amounts: Many plans reduce benefits after a certain age. Ask if a particular plan reduces benefits after a certain age and by how much. Usually, depending on your age and health, you may want more coverage as you get older rather than less. You will also want to make sure emergency evacuation and/or hospitalization benefits would be enough to cover your needs. You may need an evacuation or extended stay in a hospital or surgery before being able to be released, stabilized, or transported home.

How long do you want coverage for? 

Some seniors are looking for a plan that allows them to spend part of each year in another country. Others may travel extensively and want an annual travel plan such as the GeoBlue Trekker Choice (up to age 84) or the annual version of the GlobeHopper travel plan mentioned above .

We also have long-term international health insurance for expats aged 65+ that we can help you with.

Current medical issues?

Do you need coverage for pre-existing conditions or health issues that you may have seen a doctor for in the last two years/or on-going concerns? Note that while we have plans that cover pre-existing conditions, most travel medical plans are for new illnesses and injuries, not maintenance of current medical issues when abroad. They are also not allowed to be used for medical travel or medical tourism.

Looking for Evacuation-Only Plans that do not include medical benefits?

We have a plan for those 74-84 years old , as well as plans for those under 74, with no deductibles, no claim forms, out-of-pocket expenses, or caps on emergency medical transportation. And an over 90% approval rate! On these plans evacuation does not need to be a medical necessity, or based on life and death.

Looking for trip cancellation insurance for over 65?

We can help you select between multiple options such as HTH Trip Protector, RoundTrip Elite, or iTravel Trip Cancellation.

We are here to help you with your decision, as well as answer your questions via phone , or email or even Skype or Live Chat if you prefer.

Here at Good Neighbor Insurance it is very important for us to connect with you.

As an international service provider, we want to be sure that you are taken care of while you, your family, and your friends are traveling or residing around the world. It is our honor to serve you!