The Best Coverage for Older Travelers
Travel should become more frequent as you reach the golden years of your life – not the other way around. When you retire, you will have the time you have always dreamed of completing your bucket list. We recommend traveling as much as you can while you are able.
To ensure you have enjoyable and safe travels, we suggest choosing the best travel insurance for seniors with international coverage. To make your selection more manageable, we will help you identify what type of senior international insurance you need and how to purchase it.
Travel should become more frequent as you reach the golden years of your life – not the other way around. When you retire, you will have the time you have always dreamed of completing your bucket list. We recommend traveling as much as you can while you are able.
To ensure you have enjoyable and safe travels, we suggest choosing the best travel insurance for seniors with international coverage. To make your selection more manageable, we will help you identify what type of senior international insurance you need and how to purchase it.
What is Senior Travel Insurance?
Senior travel insurance is designed specifically for travelers aged 65 and older, offering tailored coverage that addresses the unique needs and risks they may face while abroad. These policies often include comprehensive benefits such as medical emergency coverage, provisions for pre-existing medical conditions, trip cancellation protection, and lost baggage reimbursement.
Some plans feature higher benefit limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuations, ensuring you have the necessary protection and peace of mind during your travels.
What Coverage Do I Need as a Senior Traveler?
Because you are already in your senior years, you must get a check-up and review your health before purchasing travel medical insurance for seniors. To know what kind of senior travel insurance you will need, you should check your current health conditions, activities you will be participating in during the trip, and travel duration.
Some countries have reciprocal healthcare arrangements with other nations. They may be more expensive, though, depending on the country. Generally, Medicare or other health plans do not cover emergency healthcare, so you need travel insurance to acquire similar benefits. It would help if you considered all of these points when shopping for senior travel insurance.
Read More: Travel Health Insurance
What Are the Best Travel Insurance Plans for Seniors?
The following travel insurance plans work best for seniors traveling abroad:
- GeoBlue Voyager: An excellent option for U.S. Citizens – Learn More | Free Quote / Buy
- Trawick Safe Travels USA: A great choice for visitors to the U.S. – Learn More | Free Quote / Buy
- IMG Patriot Platinum: The best plan for internationals – Learn More | Free Quote / Buy
Through research and experience, we've compared plans that work best for more mature individuals traveling abroad. We have categorized the options based on age, citizenship, and budget to make it easier to decide which is the best travel insurance for seniors like you.
Senior Travel Insurance Plan Daily Rates: Review and Compare
| Age | U.S. Citizens Traveling Outbound | Non-U.S. Citizens Traveling Inbound | Travel Excluding the U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeoBlue Voyager | Trawick Safe Travels USA | IMG Patriot International Platinum | |
| Maximum Limit (Unless otherwise stated) | |||
| $1,000,000 | $100,000 | $1,000,000 | |
| 65-69 | $9.00 | $7.81 | $9.74 |
| 70-74 | $14.37 | $13.37 | $14.51 $100,000 maximum limit |
| 75-79 | $25.17 | $13.37 | $14.51 $100,000 maximum limit |
| 80-84 | $25.17 | $31.94 $50,000 maximum limit | $25.74 $20,000 maximum limit |
| 85+ | $31.46 | $31.94 $50,000 maximum limit | $25.74 $20,000 maximum limit |
| Quote & Buy | Quote & Buy | Quote & Buy | |
| Daily Rates were calculated using a $0 deductible and updated on March 18, 2024. | |||
Annual Travel Insurance Plans for Seniors
Annual or multi-trip travel insurance plans allow you to purchase coverage for a full 12 months and pay one premium. A yearly plan is typically more affordable if you travel three or more times per year.
Multi-Trip Plans for U.S. Citizens
The GeoBlue Trekker annual plan offers the most comprehensive coverage at surprisingly affordable rates. Older travelers often have limited coverage when traveling abroad, but the Trekker plan offers up to $500,000 in medical benefits plus emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage.
Trekker MultiTrip Travel Insurance
- Up to $500,000 for sickness and accidents
- $500,000 medical evacuation benefit
- Unlimited Trips Outside the U.S. for trips up to 70 days
Annual Plans for All Nationalities
The IMG Patriot Multi-Trip Travel Insurance plan is an affordable option for older travelers from outside of the U.S., visiting any country in the world.
Patriot Multi-Trip Insurance
- Annual travel medical coverage
- Designed for individuals and dependents
- Full year of cover for trips of 30, 60, or 90 days in length
Do you need comprehensive coverage for living abroad? Read: Medical Insurance for Seniors Retiring Abroad.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Citizens Over 65 Years Old
We recommend the GeoBlue Voyager plan from Blue Cross Travel Insurance. It offers excellent service to seniors, and the maximum limit of the plan is $1,000,000.
Insurers usually limit the maximum benefit amount to $10,000 or $50,000 for travel insurance plans for people 65 years old and older. The GeoBlue plan does better by providing an overall higher coverage limit for travelers 65 to 80+.
The Best Travel Insurance for U.S. Seniors with Pre-Existing Conditions
GeoBlue Travel Insurance is also the best option for U.S. citizens seeking medical services and medical evacuation coverage for pre-existing conditions. The GeoBlue Voyager Choice plan provides coverage for pre-existing conditions to U.S. seniors who currently have a U.S. health plan, including Medicare.
This plan is a little more expensive but well worth the cost, considering the additional coverage and their excellent service.
GeoBlue Voyager Plan
- For U.S. citizens up to age 95
- Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
- 24/7/365 service and assistance
Budget-Friendly Travel Insurance for U.S. Seniors
GlobeHopper from IMG offers senior travelers excellent benefits and services at an affordable price. U.S. seniors are eligible if they are 65 years or older and actively enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and a Medigap Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan.
It is ideal for seniors traveling abroad on a holiday or vacation and needing coverage for potential medical expenses incurred outside the U.S.
This senior travel insurance plan includes the following benefits:
- Non-Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Felonious Battery (where the client is the victim)
- Inter-Facility Transportation
- Limited to U.S. citizens currently enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B
For pricing and coverage: Request a GlobeHopper quote
Travel Insurance for Older Visitors to the U.S.
If your plans include a visit to the U.S., you will want to ensure your insurance plan covers the high costs of medical care in the country. As high-quality medical care is available throughout the U.S., medical evacuation benefits may not be as high a priority. Below are two recommended plans for seniors traveling to the U.S.
We recommend the Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive insurance plan for visitors to the U.S. who are 65 years or older. A maximum limit of $100,000 is available to senior visitors who are 65 to 79 years of age, and visitors to the U.S. who are 80 years and older are eligible for a plan with a maximum limit of $50,000.
The Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive plan covers the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. Benefits are payable up to the maximum policy limit purchased.
Request a Quote for Trawick Safe Travels USA
We also recommend the Atlas Travel Medical plan to non-U.S. senior travelers visiting the United States. It is affordable and offers excellent service to seniors with maximum medical benefit amounts of $50,000 or $100,000 for ages 65 to 79 and $10,000 if you are 80 or older.
Atlas Travel Insurance
- Emergency medical, evacuation, repatriation benefits
- Choose between the basic and more extensive coverage
- Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
- 24/7 worldwide travel and emergency medical assistance
Travel Insurance for Seniors Aged 65 to 80+, Excluding the U.S.
For those of you traveling outside the U.S., plans are typically more affordable as healthcare costs outside the United States are less expensive. At the same time, you have other considerations, as some countries have a lower standard of care or are more remote. In those cases, you would want to ensure you have access to the best doctors and hospitals, medical evacuation services, and other related benefits.
Again, the GeoBlue Travel Insurance plan is a great option for U.S. seniors traveling abroad. It provides medical services, medical evacuation, repatriation, and coverage for pre-existing conditions. This plan is a little more expensive but well worth the cost, considering the additional coverage and excellent service.
GeoBlue Voyager Plan
- For U.S. citizens up to age 95
- Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
- 24/7/365 service and assistance
The IMG Patriot Platinum plan is a great option for all seniors seeking medical coverage while traveling outside their home country.
Patriot Platinum offers a policy maximum of $2,000,000 for seniors up to age 69, $100,000 for seniors aged 70 to 79, and $20,000 for seniors aged 80 and older.
Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance
- Maximum limits up to $8,000,000
- IMG pays 100% of medical expenses in-network
- Evacuation due to Natural Disasters & Political Unrest
Travel Insurance for Seniors Over 70 Years Old
For seniors aged 70 or older, choosing travel insurance involves some extra considerations. Your priorities for coverage might differ, which can result in lower medical benefits per trip and higher costs. Check the table above for specific details on costs and coverage limits.
The Best Travel Insurance for Seniors Aged 70 and Above
For U.S. Citizens Traveling Abroad
GeoBlue Voyager Plan
- For U.S. citizens up to age 95
- Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
- 24/7/365 service and assistance
For Travel to the U.S. or Globally
Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance
- Maximum limits up to $8,000,000
- IMG pays 100% of medical expenses in-network
- Evacuation due to Natural Disasters & Political Unrest
Cruise Insurance for Senior Travelers
Planning a cruise? Here’s what you need to know about travel insurance for your next worldwide voyage.
Cruises are a popular way for older adults to travel, combining relaxation and adventure into one unforgettable trip. However, traveling by sea brings unique risks, from onboard medical issues to missed departures due to flight delays.
That’s why seniors should opt for cruise insurance that provides comprehensive protection. A solid plan will safeguard your health and trip investment and provide peace of mind throughout the entire voyage.
When selecting a plan, look for the following key benefits:
- Medical Coverage at Sea: Medicare usually doesn't cover medical expenses abroad or on cruise ships, so seniors should choose a plan with high medical limits. We recommend selecting a plan that offers between $100,000 and $250,000 to ensure you're protected onboard and in foreign ports.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Medical evacuations from a cruise ship can be extremely expensive, so look for a plan that includes at least $250,000 in evacuation coverage.
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption: Protect your prepaid cruise costs with coverage that reimburses you if you need to cancel or cut your trip short due to illness, injury, or a family emergency.
- Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions: If you have pre-existing medical conditions, we recommend buying your travel insurance plan soon after making your initial trip payment. Most insurers offer a 20-day window for travelers to qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver.
- Missed Connections and Cruise Delays: Delayed flights or transportation issues can cause you to miss your cruise departure, but a comprehensive travel insurance plan can cover the cost of transportation to the next port and may even reimburse you for missed ports or prepaid shore excursions.
Ready to find the right coverage for your next adventure at sea? Compare top-rated cruise travel insurance plans to discover the best protection for your worldwide voyage.
The Best Cruise Insurance Plans for Seniors from the US
The Seven Corners Cruise Insurance plan is an excellent choice for U.S. seniors seeking solid protection for a cruise of 30 days or less. It offers high levels of trip cancellation and interruption coverage, emergency medical care, and evacuation benefits, which are all key features for older travelers at sea.
What sets this plan apart is its cruise-specific coverage. It includes reimbursement if you miss your ship departure due to a delay, as well as compensation for inconveniences like missed ports or cruise disablement.
Seven Corners Cruise Insurance
- Cruise travel insurance for U.S. residents up to age 99 on worldwide trips up to 30 days
- Protect your cruise with Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage
- Emergency Accident and Sickness Medical coverage up to $250,000
- Pre-existing conditions are covered if you purchase the plan within 20 days of your initial trip deposit or payment date.
Don't forget to check out our Cruise Tips for Beginners and Pros article for expert advice on everything from packing to making the most of your time onboard.
The Benefits of Overseas Travel Medical Insurance for Seniors
As a senior traveling overseas, you may already have some health issues or medication you must monitor daily. If you have travel insurance and get injured or sick while on vacation, your senior travel insurance will cover your medical needs.
Seniors seeking the best Overseas Health Insurance Coverage for their upcoming trip should consider a policy that includes the following benefits:
- Emergency Medical Evacuation is crucial for travelers because it ensures you can be quickly transported to a suitable medical facility in case of a severe illness or injury. This coverage can be vital in remote or underdeveloped regions where advanced medical care may not be readily available.
- Emergency Medical and Hospitalization coverage is essential for travelers as it provides financial protection against unexpected medical expenses, including treatment and hospital stays. This ensures that you receive necessary care without facing overwhelming costs while abroad.
- Lost Baggage coverage provides compensation for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage, ensuring you can replace essential items and continue your journey without significant financial burden. This coverage offers peace of mind by protecting against the inconvenience and costs associated with baggage mishaps during travel.
- Trip Interruption coverage reimburses non-refundable expenses and additional costs incurred if a trip is cut short due to unforeseen events, such as illness, family emergencies, or natural disasters. This coverage helps protect travelers from financial losses and helps manage unexpected situations more effectively.
- Trip Cancellation coverage is an excellent benefit to have in a policy. It provides reimbursement for pre-paid, non-refundable expenses if a trip is canceled due to unforeseen events like illness, severe weather, or other emergencies. This coverage helps protect you from significant financial losses.
Please note that Medicare does not cover healthcare services outside the U.S. and its territories. There may be exceptions to this regarding Medicare benefits in Canada and Mexico, but only in certain circumstances.
A note from the CDC: "Many health plans, including Medicare, will not pay for services received outside the United States. Also, consider purchasing medical evacuation insurance, which will pay for emergency transportation to a hospital."
Travel Insurance Options for Seniors
Senior travel insurance will provide you with the security and comfort to enjoy your trip. Below are our insurance plan recommendations for travelers over 70, including trip cancellation benefits and coverage for cruises and international trips.
The Best Trip Cancellation Insurance for Seniors Going Abroad
Trip cancellation coverage provides the same great coverage found in a senior travel insurance plan and the additional benefit of covering your travel costs should an unforeseen event force you to cancel your trip.
The Best Trip Insurance Plan for U.S. Seniors Traveling Abroad
Safe Travels Voyager
- Valid for U.S. citizens/residents traveling within the U.S. and/or internationally
- Comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and post-departure travel coverage
- Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) available
Travel Medical Insurance for Seniors
Coverage with Travel Insurance if You Are Over 65
Many of our clients ask us: "What is the best travel insurance for seniors?" and "What benefits are included in a senior travel insurance plan?" People often have different priorities, so we are happy to provide a variety of options.
Frequently, trip cancellation is a priority, while others are more concerned with medical evacuation or repatriation benefits. The good news is you can have them all in one plan. None of these benefits individually add high costs to your plan, so trying to get one or the other to save a little money is not always the best option.
We advise clients to get a quality plan with comprehensive coverage for all bases. To help you choose the best travel insurance for seniors, make sure the following benefits are in your policy:
- Emergency Evacuation
- Repatriation of Remains
- Hospital Room and Board
- Ambulance Services
- Trip Interruptions or Delays
- Loss of baggage or personal items
- Accidental Death Coverage
Read More: Staying Healthy While Traveling as a Retiree
How to Compare and Buy the Right Plan
When purchasing travel insurance, seniors often have unique needs that go beyond what basic plans offer. Many companies cover seniors under standard policies, which may not provide adequate protection for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or pre-existing conditions.
Therefore, it's important to compare policies and consider the following factors before applying for a plan to ensure you are getting the coverage you need:
Age Restrictions
Age is a significant factor when choosing travel insurance, as it affects both the plans available to you and determines your premiums and benefits. As you get older, especially after age 60 or 70, the cost of insurance usually goes up as older people are seen as a higher risk for medical issues. Some plans may stop offering coverage beyond a certain age, while others are designed specifically for seniors. Knowing your age bracket is key to finding the right plan that fits your needs and budget.
Geographic Restrictions
It is also important to confirm that your travel insurance covers the countries or regions where you plan to travel. Some policies may offer coverage only in select countries or exclude certain destinations. Be sure to check if the plan includes coverage for your entire itinerary, especially for trips that involve multiple countries, so you're not left unprotected during your travels.
Maximum Coverage Limits and Deductibles
Another thing to consider when buying senior traveler insurance is the policy's maximum coverage limits and deductibles. Some companies may offer lower coverage limits or higher deductibles based on your health condition. Generally, the higher your risk of needing to claim, the more expensive the insurance will be. It's important to find a plan that balances adequate coverage with an affordable deductible, tailored to your health and travel needs.
Understanding the Three Basic Types of Travel Insurance
There are three basic types of travel insurance: emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation insurance, and 24-hour telephone assistance. Each type provides different protection, so it’s essential to understand the differences. When comparing policies, pay close attention to the fine print, including exceptions, exclusions, and the free-look period, to avoid any unexpected surprises. Make sure to compare plans side-by-side to find the best option to suit your needs.
Buying senior travel insurance can be time-consuming, but it doesn't have to be stressful. You can contact us if you have questions needing clarification, and we will gladly guide you.
Our Recommended Travel Insurance Plans for Older Travelers
Blue Cross Travel Insurance: An excellent option for U.S. citizens
Learn More | Get a Free Quote & Buy
Trawick Safe Travels USA: A great choice for visitors to the U.S.
Learn More | Get a Free Quote & Buy
IMG Patriot Platinum: The best plan for international travel
Learn More | Get a Free Quote & Buy
Atlas Travel Medical: Great for all nationalities
Learn More | Get a Free Quote & Buy
IMG GlobeHopper Senior Plan: Affordable plan for older U.S. citizens with Medicare A & B
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of travel insurance for seniors aged 65 to 85+ can vary widely, starting at $8 to $10 per day and ranging from $100 to $500 per trip, depending on the duration of the trip and the level of coverage selected.
Several factors can influence the cost of these plans, including:
- Age: Older travelers typically face higher premiums due to age and increased health risks.
- Policy Deductible: Choosing a higher deductible can lower the premium, while a lower deductible can increase it. Some plans have set deductibles for older travelers, and options are minimal.
- Destination: Traveling to countries with higher healthcare costs can increase the insurance premium.
- Trip Duration: Longer trips generally result in higher insurance costs.
- Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Pre-existing conditions may increase the cost or require a waiver for coverage. If your policy includes coverage for your pre-existing condition, your premium will be higher than that of a plan that does not.
- Travel Activities: Engaging in high-risk activities like adventure sports can raise your insurance premium.
You should purchase travel insurance as soon as you book your trip to ensure you are covered for any unexpected events that may occur before departure, such as trip cancellations or changes in health conditions.
Buying insurance early also provides time to review policy details, confirm coverage for pre-existing conditions, and take advantage of any free-look period to make adjustments if needed.
Yes, there is often an age limit for seniors on travel insurance, which can vary depending on the insurance provider and the type of coverage. Some insurers may limit coverage for travelers over a certain age, such as 85 or 90.
It's important to compare policies and providers to find the best coverage options available for your specific age and health needs.
Medicare generally does not cover healthcare services received while traveling outside the United States, with some rare exceptions for emergencies near U.S. borders or on cruise ships close to U.S. ports.
Therefore, seniors should consider purchasing travel insurance with medical coverage for international trips to ensure adequate protection against unexpected medical expenses.
Read Senior Medicare Overseas: Get the Coverage You Really Need to learn more.
Yes, you can get travel insurance with a pre-existing condition. Many travel insurance plans offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, but checking the specific terms and conditions is essential.
Some insurers may require you to purchase the policy soon after booking your trip or may have a look-back period for evaluating pre-existing conditions.
Our recommended travel medical plan, GeoBlue Voyager Choice, offers subscribers coverage for pre-existing conditions. The plan is available to those with primary U.S. insurance and will cover medical treatments for pre-existing conditions. GeoBlue does not require that insureds have primary insurance at the time of enrollment.
Furthermore, the Trawick Safe Travels USA plan provides limited coverage for an unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing condition. The maximum benefit amount provided for treatment of a pre-existing condition is $1,000.
Benefits are available for an unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing condition, subject to the following conditions:
- The recurrence must occur spontaneously and without advance warning, either from a doctor or through symptoms, must be of short duration, rapidly progressive, and require urgent medical care.
- It must happen at least 48 hours after the effective date of the policy.
- Medical treatment must be sought within 24 hours of the recurrence.
Travel insurance is worth it for senior travelers because it provides crucial coverage for unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events that could lead to significant financial losses.
Seniors may face higher health risks while traveling, making it essential to have insurance that covers medical expenses and evacuation.
Additionally, many travel insurance policies can accommodate pre-existing conditions, offering further peace of mind.
Read More
Author / Editor: Joe Cronin, Founder and President of International Citizens Insurance. Mr. Cronin, a former expat, is an authority in the areas of international travel, and global health, life, and travel insurance, with expertise in advising individuals and groups on benefits for today's global workforce. Follow him on LinkedIn or Twitter.