Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

As seniors set out to travel, whether for leisure, to visit family or perhaps to tick off a destination from their bucket list, having the right travel insurance is crucial. This demographic often faces unique health considerations, increased risks and potentially limited budgets, making travel insurance not just a luxury but a necessity. It can offer peace of mind, protect against unforeseen medical expenses and ensure assistance in case of emergencies during their travels.

Quick Look: Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

• Best for International Travel: Faye
• Best for Preexisting Conditions: TravelSafe Insurance
• Best for Emergency Evacuation: John Hancock
• Best for High Medical Coverage: HTH Travel Insurance
• Best for Baggage Protection: Seven Corners Travel Insurance
• Best for COVID Coverage: Tin Leg

Best Seniors Travel Insurance Providers

When it comes to senior travel insurance, there is no single winner as the best provider, given the varying needs and circumstances of travelers. However, several top insurance companies stand out for their comprehensive offerings and customer satisfaction. 

1. Best for International Travel: Faye

Faye Travel Insurance is an excellent choice if you’re looking for reliable and comprehensive travel insurance coverage, such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, missed connections, baggage delay, emergency accident and sickness medical expenses and medical and non-medical evacuation coverage.

The travel insurance plan offered by Faye is also competitively priced and the coverage options are customizable to suit your needs. A week-long trip to the United Kingdom for a 65-year-old couple would cost around $500.

You can easily navigate Faye’s online platform or app to purchase a plan and file a claim. It provides 24/7 assistance and up-to-date travel alerts, making its customer service team top-notch.

Why We Love It: Faye Travel Insurance offers comprehensive coverage, including medical expenses, trip cancellation and baggage protection. It has an impressive customer satisfaction rate of over 95% and a quick claims process that averages only 24 hours. Additionally, its competitive pricing and 24/7 customer support make it a reliable choice if you're looking to protect your travel investment.

2. Best for Preexisting Conditions: TravelSafe

TravelSafe offers coverage for preexisting conditions when the policy is purchased within 21 days of booking travel, providing up to $10,000 in trip cancellation protection, making it an excellent option for seniors with existing health concerns.

Why We Love It: TravelSafe offers coverage for preexisting conditions. In addition to this specialized coverage, TravelSafe also includes benefits such as missed connection and trip delay protection. These benefits ensure that senior travelers are covered in cases where their plans are disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances.

3. Best for Emergency Evacuation: John Hancock

John Hancock offers policies that include substantial emergency medical evacuation coverage, beginning at $250,000. Its tiered plans provide a range of protection levels and price points, accommodating the diverse needs and budgets of travelers.

Why We Love It: John Hancock stands out as a reliable provider of travel insurance, offering high emergency evacuation coverage that ensures senior travelers are well-protected in case of unforeseen emergencies. Its trip interruption coverage goes above and beyond, covering costs that exceed the total cost of the trip itself. Additionally, John Hancock's coverage kicks in quickly, with benefits beginning for trip delays as short as six hours.

4. Best for High Medical Coverage: HTH Travel Insurance

HTH Travel Insurance stands out with its substantial medical benefits of up to $1 million and access to a network of English-speaking doctors in over 180 countries. Designed for seniors, it focuses on significant medical needs, such as hospital care, surgery and prescription drugs.

Why We Love It: HTH Travel Insurance provides extensive coverage with high limits for medical benefits. Additionally, the insurance company boasts a wide network of doctors and medical facilities worldwide, ensuring that senior travelers have access to quality healthcare wherever they may be. Another advantage why we love HTH Travel Insurance is the low to zero deductibles, making it more affordable for you to seek medical assistance without having to worry about substantial out-of-pocket expenses.

5. Best for Baggage Protection: Seven Corners

Seven Corners features impressive benefits for lost or delayed baggage, providing a sense of security for seniors concerned about their personal belongings during travel.

Why We Love It: Seven Corners offers daily reimbursement for delayed bags, which can help senior travelers purchase essential items while waiting for their luggage to be returned. Furthermore, its trip delay coverage takes effect after a six-hour delay, providing additional assistance to travelers who experience unexpected delays during their journey.

6. Best for COVID Coverage: Tin Leg

Tin Leg’s policies are noteworthy for its COVID-related coverage, including trip cancellation and interruption because of the pandemic at no additional cost as well as benefits for medical quarantine.

Why We Love It: Tine Leg offers comprehensive coverage limits for medical expenses and evacuation services. Additionally, Tine Leg stands out by providing an optional cancel-for-any-reason upgrade, giving senior travelers the flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason and receive a reimbursement.

What Is the Average Cost of Senior Travel Insurance?

The cost of travel insurance for seniors averages around $499 per trip, according to an analysis focused on the best policies available for senior travelers. This average is a benchmark; actual prices will vary depending on specific factors, including the age of the traveler, the duration of the trip and the overall trip cost.

Types of Travel Insurance Coverage Suitable for Seniors

The market offers a range of coverage options to cater to the diverse needs that seniors may have.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance is important for seniors who face sudden and unforeseen reasons to cancel their trip, ensuring they can reclaim the costs of prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses.

Medical Expenses/Medical Evacuation Coverage

Seniors often require a plan that offers comprehensive coverage for medical expenses incurred because of illness or injury while traveling. If specialized care is needed, medical evacuation coverage ensures transportation to a proper facility is available and affordable.

Preexisting Condition Coverage

Many seniors have preexisting medical conditions, and it is crucial to have coverage that acknowledges and insures these conditions. This option is generally available if the insurance is purchased within a certain time frame from the initial trip deposit.

Emergency Medical Coverage

Accidents or sudden medical emergencies can occur, and having coverage for these unexpected events is essential. This ensures that seniors are not left with a financial burden on top of medical issues.

Other Coverage Options

There are additional coverage aspects to consider, such as protection against baggage loss, which can be especially important for those carrying medications or medical devices, and flight delays, which can cause unexpected expenses and accommodation needs.

Choosing a Seniors Travel Insurance Plan

When selecting a travel insurance plan as a senior, there are several factors to consider to ensure you have the appropriate coverage for your needs.

Cost of the Insurance Plan

The cost can vary widely based on the duration of travel, destination and the extent of coverage. It's important to balance cost with the level of coverage you require.

Travel Insurance Providers and Policies Available

Research and compare different providers and the policies they offer. Look for companies with strong reputations and customer service that are known to handle claims fairly and efficiently.

Coverage Limits and Exclusions for Seniors

Carefully review the limits of coverage and any exclusions that may apply, particularly those related to age or preexisting conditions.

Preexisting Conditions and Senior Health Issues

Make sure the plan provides coverage for preexisting conditions, and understand the terms associated with this coverage. Some plans may cover them if the policy is purchased within a certain period after making the initial trip deposit.

Accessibility and Assistance Services

Consider plans that offer 24/7 assistance services, which can be invaluable when you encounter issues during your travel.

Understanding the Fine Print

It’s essential to read the terms and conditions thoroughly to understand what is and isn't covered. Pay special attention to the procedures for filing a claim.

Ease of Communication

Choose a company that provides easy access to support, whether through a phone call, email or online chat, especially in your preferred language.

Ratings and Reviews

Check ratings and reviews from other senior travelers to gauge their experiences with the insurance provider.

Tips for Finding the Best Senior Travel Insurance

By keeping a few things in mind, seniors can find a travel insurance plan that offers both affordability and comprehensive protection, allowing for a stress-free travel experience. Here are some tips:

Shop Around

Get quotes from multiple insurers to compare prices and coverage details.

Seek Tailored Plans

Look for plans specifically tailored to seniors or those that offer customizable options to fit your specific needs.

Consult With Travel Groups

Engage with travel groups or forums to get recommendations based on others’ experiences.

Consult a Specialist

Consider speaking with a travel insurance specialist who can help navigate the complex offerings and suggest the best options for you.

Check for Discounts

Some insurers offer discounts for seniors or for purchasing online.

Early Purchase Benefits

Buying insurance early can lead to better coverage terms, especially for preexisting conditions.

Review Medical Coverage Thoroughly

Ensure the medical coverage is sufficient, especially for countries with high healthcare costs.

Consider Annual Plans

If you travel frequently, an annual plan might be more cost-effective than purchasing separate policies for each trip.

Peace of Mind on Your Travel Adventures

As you plan for your next adventure, remember that securing travel insurance is an important step in protecting yourself and your investment in your travels. Choose a plan that provides comprehensive coverage and suits your budget, ensuring that you can focus on creating unforgettable memories. Travel with confidence and the assurance that, should the unexpected occur, you are covered. 

Frequently Asked Questions