Travel Insurance for Seniors

As people retire earlier and travel more they are looking for the best travel insurance deals around. Some are seasoned travellers, others are novices, but whatever your experience in travel, it is important to look for insurance that offers safety and security, as well as value for money.

 

When planning a trip your first priority, as a senior, is to review your options, as there are many varied policy’s available. It may surprise you that since more and more seniors are travelling today travel insurance options for the mature aged person has expanded. The days of high priced insurance policies has gone, so with a bit of careful homework you can tailor your insurance needs the way you want them.

 

The biggest concern for seniors when they travel would have to be their health. When travelling we are all more vulnerable to health problems. This is heightened if we travel to under developed countries with poor drinking water or exotic foods. Seasons and altitudes can also have an effect on our wellbeing. If we are caught out in any of these situations it can have devastating effects, not only on our health, but also on our finances. Many countries, such as the US, Japan, Canada and much of Europe, can charge up to $10,000 a day for a hospital bed. If you are not covered by insurance then it comes from your hip pocket.

 

Many insurance packages are age specific and often only cover up to age 70. So if you are over 70 you may find it more difficult to get coverage – but not impossible. Generally you, and your doctor, will be required to fill out a medical questionnaire before a policy can be offered. This will, in most cases, mean you will pay a higher premium for your travel insurance.

 

Another reason for seniors to have to pay higher premiums is due to any pre-existing medical condition. Again, this does not necessarily mean you will not qualify for travel insurance, but it will require you to divulge your health conditions in writing, along with a doctor’s report. Failure to divulge any pre-existing medical conditions will result in your policy being invalid if the need arises to make a claim for medical reasons.

 

Just about all travel insurance for seniors will contain the entire standard travel insurance inclusions, such as, Trip Cancellation, Theft, Loss of Belongings, Personal Liability and much more. But remember to read the product disclosure information carefully so that you are fully aware of what the policy does cover and what it doesn’t. If it is value you are looking for then don’t necessarily go for the cheapest as there may be some hidden extra’s involved, such as, a higher excess. Be discerning and make sure you compare several policies before making a decision.