over 70 travel insurance with pre existing medical conditions

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Travel insurance

Best travel insurance for seniors in June 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

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

Updated 5:35 a.m. UTC June 3, 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, what you should know.

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.

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 20 points. Travel insurance plans that cover pre-existing medical conditions if the policy is purchased within a required timeline received 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 COVID travel insurance
• 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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What's the Best Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions?

You may think that a pre-existing condition means anything you’re being treated for at the time you purchase your travel insurance. The definition is actually broader than that. Allianz Global Assistance defines a pre-existing medical condition as:

An injury, illness, or medical condition that, within the 120 days prior to and including the purchase date of your policy:

• Caused a person to seek medical examination, diagnosis, care, or treatment by a doctor;
• Presented symptoms; or
• Required a person to take medication prescribed by a doctor (unless the condition or symptoms are controlled by that prescription, and the prescription has not changed).

It’s important to know that the illness, injury, or medical condition does not need to be formally diagnosed in order to be considered a pre-existing medical condition.

Let’s consider a few scenarios:

• Sudden, debilitating pain in an arthritic knee forces you to cancel your planned trekking tour of Iceland. Because you consulted your doctor about knee twinges three months ago, it’s considered a pre-existing condition.
• While sightseeing in Shanghai, you suffer a mild heart attack. Because you were diagnosed with coronary heart disease three weeks before purchasing travel insurance, this is considered a pre-existing condition.
• You were diagnosed with lupus many years ago, but it’s been in remission. You feel pretty good when you book your cruise to Bermuda, except for some fatigue and a rash. Then the Caribbean sun triggers a serious lupus flare, sending you to the hospital. Because you had symptoms when you booked your trip, this is considered a pre-existing condition.

2. Travel insurance requirements for covering pre-existing medical conditions 

If you’re dealing with a pre-existing medical condition, that does not mean you can’t get travel insurance, or that you shouldn’t travel at all. You just have to read the insurance policy documents very carefully to make sure you meet all the requirements. As Conde Nast Traveler puts it , “it’s best not to make assumptions. Returning home in pain is bad enough. Don’t intensify it by unnecessarily paying thousands of dollars you could use on your next trip.”

Certain Allianz Global Assistance plans can include pre-existing medical condition coverage as long as you:

• Your policy was purchased within the time frame specified in your plan (usually 14 days of the date of the first trip payment or deposit.) In other words, don’t dawdle! Buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, so you don’t forget.
• Are a U.S. resident.
• Make sure you’re medically able to travel on the day you purchase the plan. Don’t assume you’re cleared to travel just because you feel OK that day. If you’re living with a chronic condition, or if you’ve recently had surgery or cancer treatment, it’s wise to get written approval to travel from your doctor.
• On the policy purchase date, insure the full non-refundable cost of your trip with Allianz Global Assistance — including trip arrangements that will become non-refundable or subject to cancellation penalties between the policy purchase date and the departure date. Make sure you include your airfare, hotel reservations, tour bookings and any other nonrefundable costs when you’re insuring your trip. If you incur additional non-refundable trip expenses after you purchase your policy, you must insure them with us within 14 days of their purchase. If you do not, those expenses will still be subject to the pre-existing medical condition exclusion.

3. What’s excluded from travel insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions

While most pre-existing conditions are covered by Allianz Global Assistance travel insurance, there are a few exceptions. Mental and nervous health disorders and normal pregnancy aren’t covered, for instance. If you want to make sure your particular condition is covered, speak with an insurance specialist before you buy.

Also, check the cap on trip costs. For the OneTrip Prime Plan , for instance, the total cost of your trip must be no more than $50,000 per person.

Why Allianz Global Assistance offers the best travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions 

If you have any kind of chronic health problem, travel insurance can save your vacation — or even your life. The best travel insurance for pre-existing conditions is the OneTrip Prime Plan from Allianz Global Assistance, which includes abundant coverage for covered emergency medical expenses overseas (up to $50,000). You also get emergency medical transportation benefits up to $500,000 to travel to the nearest appropriate medical facility or to return home. This is huge, especially if you suffer from a serious condition that might require advanced treatment. The OneTrip Premier Plan doubles these amounts.

Travel insurance from Allianz Global Assistance also can include trip cancellation and interruption benefits to reimburse you for non-refundable trip payments, in case you have to cancel your travel because of your covered pre-existing medical condition or another covered reason. You also get personalized, one-on-one help in emergencies from our hotline staff. Every day they help travelers who are suffering medical emergencies, lost documents, travel delays and other crises, all around the globe. But, our hotline experts say, the toughest thing they deal with is having to tell a customer who’s seriously ill that their pre-existing medical condition's not covered. That’s why it’s so important to follow the rules and meet the requirements.

Have questions about how to choose the best travel insurance for your covered pre-existing medical condition? Call our travel insurance advisers anytime at 1-866-884-3556. Travel happy!

Related Articles

• Trip Cancellation Insurance: Covered Reasons Explained
• When Does Travel Insurance Cover Existing Medical Conditions?
• Travel Insurance 101: Covered Illnesses

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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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Best Travel Insurance for Seniors in June 2024

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. 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 .

Traveling at any age can be a stress-inducing event, especially when you’re leaving the country. For that reason, many travelers opt to purchase travel insurance before they go.

Depending on your age, you may want to consider different types of coverage, whether that’s one oriented to emergency medical care or one refunding you in the event your plans change.

To make sure you’re covered, we’ve compiled a list of the best travel insurance for seniors. Here’s which companies made the cut:

Trawick International . 

Nationwide .

Travel Insured International .

Factors we considered when picking a travel insurance policy

Choosing the right travel insurance plan can be overwhelming, especially when there are so many options. To whittle down the choices for top dog, we took a few factors into consideration:

Available policy types . Depending on the type of plan you’re interested in, not all insurance companies may work for you. Some won’t offer emergency medical coverage, while others provide only a fixed amount of reimbursement. 

Policy coverage limit . Are you interested in comprehensive coverage or the bare minimum? If you’re heading out on a longer trip, a higher maximum may be more prudent. 

Exclusions . Many travel insurance companies will exclude pre-existing conditions as well as coverage for risky activities. 

Cost . With a huge range in costs, we focused on plans that provided value for money. 

Website usability . Nothing is more frustrating than trying to make a claim through a clunky website, which is why we’ve included this. 

Customization . Cancel For Any Reason, rental car, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), sports coverage, rented electronics coverage — the more customizations a plan offers, the better. 

Of course, the most important thing is that you find a plan that suits your needs. If you’re not planning on taking a cruise, then choosing a plan with cruise coverage makes no sense.

What to know before you shop

No matter your age, you’ll want to make sure you compare a variety of plans before purchase. However, as an older adult, this advice is more pertinent than ever. As you’ll see below, coverage levels and costs can vary hugely between insurance companies.

Policy premiums can vary widely based on the length of coverage and your age. If you frequently travel, buying an annual policy instead of policies for each trip may make more sense. Additionally, your premiums may be much different as a new retiree at 65 compared with someone in their 70s or 80s.

A simple way to compare multiple quotes at once is through a travel insurance aggregator, such as Squaremouth. This website allows you to type in your details just once, then spits out plan options from multiple businesses so you can peruse them easily.

You may be able to save money on your travel insurance policy by taking advantage of credit card benefits. For example, many travel cards include trip cancellation, delay and interruption benefits, luggage protection and rental car coverage at no additional charge when using the card to book flights and rent cars.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

An overview of the best travel insurance for older adults

To find the best travel insurance for seniors, we generated quotes from a variety of companies. Our sample trip consisted of a 65-year-old from California heading to Spain for 10 days in August 2024. The total trip cost was $8,000.

Among our top companies, the average cost for a plan cost $389. However, that number is skewed slightly by Travelex Insurance Services, whose Travel Med program offers medical protection but is otherwise limited.

Here is the basic coverage cost, broken down by provider.

There are various coverage options and price points when comparing travel insurance policies for older adults. While the lowest-priced options in the chart are the most affordable, their policies offer different levels of coverage.

Comparing these coverage limits and exclusions when selecting a policy is important so you are satisfied when making a claim.

Top travel insurance options for older adults

Let's look at our six travel insurance policy recommendations for older adults.

1. Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex Insurance Services

• Top-tier plan doesn’t break the bank and provides more customization opportunities.
• Offers a plan specifically for domestic travel.
• Sells a post-departure medical coverage plan.
• Fewer customization opportunities on the Basic plan.
• Though perhaps a plus for domestic travelers, keep in mind the Travel America plan only covers domestic trips.

What makes Travelex great:

Plan is much cheaper than average.

Offers emergency medical insurance. 

Medical coverage is primary. 

Here’s a snippet from our Travelex review :

“Travelex’s primary goal is to provide travel insurance protection that’s personalized to the type of trip you’re taking and the style of traveler you are. And regardless of which plan you choose, you’ll always have 24/7 access to travel assistance.”

Since Medicare doesn't cover healthcare needs when traveling outside the United States, some travelers purchase healthcare-only policies such as this one from Travelex. However, keep in mind that its Travel Med plan doesn’t include trip cancellation insurance , and its policy limits are fixed rather than a percentage of what you’ve paid. This means you’ll get up to $1,000 for trip interruption and a maximum of $10,000 in emergency medical.

If you want insurance for things like baggage delay, you'll need to purchase a different plan.

» Learn more: Is Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance worth it?

• Annual or single-trip policies are available.
• Coverage available for adventure travelers.
• Offers direct billing.
• Claim approval can be lengthy.

What makes IMG great:

100% reimbursement for trip cancellation.

125% reimbursement for trip interruption.

Lower-than-average cost.

Here’s a snippet from our IMG review :

“Some policies provide emergency medical evacuation coverage, while others skip this benefit entirely. This benefit may be more important to you if you travel to a remote location or engage in physical activity such as trekking.

“More comprehensive plans may include other benefits such as assistance with acquiring a new passport, reimbursing reward mile redeposit fees or coverage for pre-existing conditions. If these are something you’re interested in, be sure to check that your policy includes these options.”

Be aware that IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Essential plan, which we looked at, doesn’t include any emergency medical coverage , so you’ll want to make sure you’re protected elsewhere.

3. Trawick International

• Many different plan options.
• CFAR available as an add on.
• Specialty coverage for adventure sports (SafeTreker Basic).
• Reports of long resolution processes.
• Low customer service rating on SquareMouth.

What makes Trawick great:

Primary medical coverage.

High limit for medical evacuation .

Pre-existing conditions covered.

Here’s a snippet from our Trawick review :

“Trawick International has been in business for about 25 years and is a legitimate travel insurance provider. Trawick International reviews on Trustpilot and Squaremouth are generally good, with scores around 4.5/5 and 4.15/5, respectively.”

For those who aren’t familiar with these terms, primary coverage means this entity is the first one to pay out; secondary means the insurance will only cover costs not already paid for by other policies.

At the lower end of costs for our quote — though still above average — Trawick still provides a hefty $50,000 in primary medical coverage with its Safe Travels Defend plan.

• Lowest-cost plan includes some medical coverage.
• Pre-existing conditions waiver add-on available for higher-cost plans.
• No add ons are available for Silver-level policyholders.
• CFAR upgrade is only available for highest-cost plan.

What makes AXA great:

$100,000 emergency medical limit.

Here’s a snippet from our AXA insurance review :

“The Gold and Platinum levels are also the two plans that offer Schengen zone coverage and a collision damage waiver . The Platinum plan is the only one that offers a Cancel For Any Reason add-on, so keep that in mind if you need more protection.”

With $100,000 in primary medical coverage and the inclusion of pre-existing conditions , those who have ongoing health issues may want to opt for AXA Gold’s comprehensive coverage.

5. Nationwide

What makes Nationwide great:

Reimburses cruise excursion changes.

150% reimbursement for trip interruption. 

Eligible sports and other activities covered. 

Here’s a snippet from our Nationwide review :

“Are you looking for strong coverage over a wide range of incidents? Nationwide could be a good travel insurance option for you, but only if you’re willing to shell out for its more expensive policy.”

Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan includes comprehensive coverage for all your trip needs. However, it’s at its best for those who plan to cruise, since it offers unique insurance should problems arise. This even includes a payment for you if you’re inconvenienced by a ship breakdown.

» Learn more: Is cruise travel insurance worth the cost?

6. Travel Insured International

Travel Insured International

• Higher-level plan include optional add-ons for event tickets and for electronic equipment
• Rental car protection add-on for just $8 per day, even on lower-level plan.
• Many of the customizations are only available on the higher-tier plan.
• Coverage cost comes in above average in our latest analysis.

What makes Travel Insured International great:

Multiple customizations available.

Offers a Cancel for Work Reasons upgrade option.

Rental car insurance is included in the quote, but is generally sold as an upgrade. 

Here’s a snippet from our Travel Insured review :

“Plan benefits offered by Travel Insured International include trip cancellation or interruption, mileage or rewards reimbursement, Interrupt For Any Reason, travel delay, missed connection, change fee coverage, itinerary change, accident & sickness medical expense, baggage delay, rental car damage and more. Each plan is different and has the option for add-ons.”

Travel Insured International’s Worldwide Trip Protector Edge plan offers a great deal of flexibility. Along with full-scale trip protections and medical coverage, you can also choose to double your policy limit for medical care or add on Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage for your flight.

Check your card for existing travel insurance

Many travel rewards cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express , offer some kind of trip protection, see more on their benefits in the comparison module below. Terms apply.

Having one of these in your wallet is a good start to protecting your trip-related investments and preventing expensive accidents; however, savvy travelers check card terms closely and sometimes supplement with a third-party policy, like from one of the companies above, to better protect themselves.

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Best travel insurance for older adults recapped

We’ve done the work for you to figure out the best travel insurance for seniors, whether you’re looking to hop on a cruise or want comprehensive coverage for the trip you’re about to take.

American Express travel insurance disclosures

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Insurance Benefit: Baggage Insurance Plan

Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g., plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

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: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

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

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market.  See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our  credit card rating methodology .

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

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

311 Published Articles

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

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

35 Published Articles 3257 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

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. Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card  is known for its comprehensive travel insurance benefits, including primary car rental insurance .

To learn more about which credit cards come with travel coverage, check out our article on the best credit cards for travel insurance benefits.

Bottom Line: The travel insurance benefits that come with U.S.-issued credit cards do not generally have age limits for coverage. However, many credit card travel benefits may be secondary to other insurance you might have. This means that you might first have to file a claim with your own insurance before the credit card insurance is valid. 

As seniors, purchasing travel insurance should be a priority for protecting your investment and preventing losses you might incur due to unexpected medical expenses during your travels.

With wide availability, regardless of age, it’s not only a prudent economic move, but it’s also a move that delivers peace of mind before and during your trip.

Finally, always make sure to compare policies as coverages and prices vary widely between travel insurance providers.

You can learn more about the best travel insurance companies for travelers  and the basics of travel insurance in our informative articles.

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best travel insurance for seniors over 65.

Since travel insurance is widely available, even for seniors over 65, the best policy can be found by comparing companies and policies.

Using a travel insurance comparison site such as SquareMouth, InsureMyTrip, or TravelInsurance.com can assist you in comparing coverages and costs between only highly-rated financially stable travel insurance companies.

If you travel more than once per year, consider an annual, multi-trip, policy that covers any trip you take during the policy period.

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Travel insurance is meant to cover unforeseen events. Once COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, it became a known event and is not covered as a reason for canceling your trip plans.

However, there are situations where COVID-19-related claims can be covered. If you become ill with the virus before or during your trip, you may be covered for trip cancellation, trip interruption, or emergency medical.

Does travel insurance cover preexisting medical conditions?

A standard travel insurance policy does not cover ongoing preexisting health conditions. However, many companies will insure you if you have a condition that is stabilized with medicine and no recent treatment has been sought. Requirements vary by travel insurance provider.

Also, many companies allow you to purchase a waiver that will then cover you for preexisting conditions.

Does credit card travel insurance cover flight cancellations?

The trip cancellation, interruption, or delay coverage that comes with your credit card does not cover voluntary flight cancellations.

The coverage does cover some flight cancellations due to unforeseen events such as becoming ill prior to, or during your trip. Coverage varies by credit card issuer but you will find a list of specific covered events in your card’s guide to benefits.

You can also call the number on the back of your card and speak with the claim administer.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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Medical travel insurance, seniors travel insurance, europe travel insurance, worldwide travel insurance, coronavirus travel insurance, over 70s travel insurance.

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At InsureandGo, we want to make it easy for as many people as possible to travel worry-free. That’s why our travel insurance for over 70s has got you covered. It’s one less thing to think about when planning your next holiday! 

What is over 70s travel insurance and how does it work?

Travel insurance for over 70s is a type of travel insurance policy that covers the specific needs of older travellers, including any pre-existing health conditions. We believe that your age shouldn’t stop you from having the type of holiday you want, which is why we cover more than 1300 pre-existing conditions.

It’s important to have the right type of travel insurance before you set off. If you’re travelling without insurance, you may be stung with a nasty bill as a result of any holiday mishaps. For example: 

• The NHS estimates a third of all people over 65 will have at least one fall a year . 
• The World Health Organisation estimates that falls are a contributing factor for 50% of all hospital visits for people aged over 65.
• In the US, the it can cost as much as $10k a night to stay in hospital .
• If you fall on holiday, it’s important to make sure that your hospital visit is covered by your insurance. 

Planning a cruise? Then all you need to do is add our cruise travel insurance to your policy. Just like our standard over 70s travel insurance, we can consider any pre-existing medical conditions on our cruise travel insurance, which also has no upper age limit.

• Cover for cancellation of your trip.
• Over 100 sports and activities covered (see your policy wording for a full list of activities).
• Emergency dental treatment.
• Personal belongings and baggage cover.
• Personal money, passports and travel documents cover.
• Accommodation cover.
• Legal expenses cover.

What does InsureandGo’s over 70s travel insurance cover?

What’s covered.

All our over 70s travel insurance policies include:

Find out about our optional add-ons for activities like extreme sports , winter sports , hiking , cruises and golf .  We will consider all pre-existing medical conditions, find out more about medical travel insurance .  The excess and amount of cover available varies depending on the level of travel insurance you buy. Make sure you have a look at our policy wording to see the full terms and conditions, including what is and isn’t covered.

What’s Not Covered

While each policy and provider will have different things it can and cannot cover, there are some general things no travel insurance will cover. For example:

Events or reasons to claim which took place before you booked the trip or the insurance was purchased cannot be covered. Insurance exists to cover unexpected events outside of the insured’s control.

Claims which are less than the excess for that section of cover. For example, you cannot claim a £40 lost item if your baggage excess is £60.

All of our travel insurance policies include cover for cancellation of your trip, but there may be some exclusions. For example, you won’t be covered to cancel if you simply decide not to go.

Age restrictions

We think yearly holiday insurance should be available to as many people as possible, that’s why our annual multi-trip policies have no upper age limit. While most of our policy options cover all ages, we do not cover anyone over the age of 65 for winter sports like skiing or snowboarding. 

Trip length

Our annual multi-trip travel insurance covers you for gives you cover to travel as many times as you like during the year. Each individual trip can last up to 31 days for Budget policies, 45 days for Silver and Gold policies, and up to 55 days for Black policies. If you want to be abroad longer than this, you’ll need our long-stay travel insurance .

The amount of valuables cover available depends on the policy you choose. Our Budget level multi-trip travel insurance covers valuables up to £100, Silver policies cover £200, Gold £400, and a Black annual policy will insure £600 of your valuables.

If you’ll be taking away something a bit more expensive you can add our valuables extension, giving you £2,000 of cover for your sports equipment, camera, laptop and much more. Check the policy wording for full details of what’s covered with this add-on, and note that there’s a limit of £1,000 per individual item.

The best travel insurance for over 70s

Our travel insurance policies have no upper age limit, so there’s no reason not to do what you love abroad. We can provide additional cover for a range of activities:

• Love cruising? We’ve got you covered with our cruise insurance . 
• Taking multiple trips this year? It might work out better to get annual travel insurance if you’re heading abroad multiple times.
• Touring a few countries? Depending on your destinations, you might need worldwide travel insurance or travel insurance for Europe . 
• Heading off to engage in a hobby? We’ve got travel insurance specifically for golf holidays or hiking trips , or you could even get travel insurance for extreme sports . 

Travel insurance for over 70s with pre-existing medical conditions

With our over-70s travel insurance, you’ll be covered for your trip, even if you have a pre-existing health condition.

You’ll just need to declare your pre-existing conditions when you set up your policy, which means we’ll need to ask you some questions to see if any additional premium is required.

Examples of medical conditions we can cover include:

• Heart-related conditions
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Disabilities
• Epilepsy or Stroke

To find out more, please read our page about travel insurance for medical conditions or take a look at our policy wording documents . 

Which destinations are covered by our over 70s travel insurance?

We offer over 70s travel insurance policies based on the following destination groupings:

• Europe (plus countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, plus Madeira and The Azores)*
• Worldwide (except the USA , Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean).

*Europe includes: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Azores, Balearics, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madeira, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine.

If you’ve already bought annual multi-trip travel insurance for a particular area but are now going to be travelling further afield, we can upgrade your cover to include the new destination. Alternatively, you could purchase separate single-trip cover instead, but upgrading your annual travel insurance policy to include worldwide cover can often work out cheaper.

If you’d like to discuss these options, or you’re still unsure which area your trip falls into, please contact us .

How much does over 70s Travel Insurance cost?

There is no standard cost for over 70s travel insurance. Our travel insurance policies have no upper age limit, and we’ll consider most pre-existing medical conditions too. 

The exact cost of your travel insurance for over 70s will vary, depending on the length of the trip you’re taking, where you’re going, whether or not you have any pre-existing medical conditions, any activities you’ll be doing, and any additional extras you might need. 

When purchasing travel insurance, be sure to check the policy wording. You’ll need to make sure it covers everything you need to – including any medical expenses or activity cover you might need. Each policy is different, so be sure you check yours. 

How to book our travel insurance for over 70s

We know your holiday planning to-do list can be a long one, so we make getting over 70s insurance as simple as possible:

1 . Let us know about your trip

We need to know a bit about your trip, who you want to cover and when you want the policy to start. We will also ask you for information regarding any pre-existing medical conditions so that we can provide you with the right level of cover. 

It’s quick and easy to give us this information, either online or by calling our team:

2 . Get your quote

Once we have all the details we need, we will send you your quote. At this stage, you can go ahead and buy your policy, or save the quote for the future. 

“There may be a few extra challenges when going on holiday later in life, but your travel insurance policy shouldn’t be one. Our travel insurance has no upper age limit, so Just pick the type of policy that suits your travel plans, whether that’s a single or annual trip, cruising, golfing, or even extreme sports.“ Letitia Smith MSc, Travel Insurance Expert

F requently asked questions

What is the maximum age you can insure up to.

InsureandGo offers travel insurance with no upper age limit . Our policies always include cover for over 100 sports and activities, no matter what your age. Please note that our additional winter sports cover is only available up to age 65.

Will my policy be more expensive if I’m over 70?

Unfortunately, the costs of travel insurance rise because of the increased risk of claims when older people travel. This is because providers consider you more at risk of needing medical treatment while you’re away. This is normal with all travel insurance policies so you may pay slightly more. 

Does my over 70s travel insurance change depending on where I’m going?

Yes, but this isn’t because you’re over 70. Typically, policy prices change depending on where you’re going because different countries have different costs for medical treatment. For example, high medical expenses in the US means that travel insurance for the USA is more expensive than travel insurance to go to Spain .

How long can I travel for if I’m over 70?

As long as anyone else! There’s no reason your age should hold you back. Our annual multi trip  policies do have trip limits, but these don’t depend on your age. With single-trip travel insurance , you can be abroad for 365 days if you choose to! 

Our annual multi-trip travel insurance allows you to travel as often as you like but with a duration limit on each individual trip. Budget policies would cover you for 31 days at a time, Silver or Gold for 45 days, and Black policies can cover unlimited trips of up to 55 days.

Do I need a GHIC card as well as travel insurance?

As a British citizen, it is recommended to carry a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) whenever you travel to Europe. Doing so means that you will have the costs for most medical procedures covered while away. 

However, it’s vital to remember that you still need European travel insurance to cover the costs of any unexpected medical treatment the EHIC or GHIC might not cover. This includes things like transport to and from hospital or even repatriation back to the UK. 

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

We consider it a pre-existing condition if any person insured on this policy has:

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

You must let us know of any pre-existing medical conditions you have before buying insurance. To do so, you can use our quick and easy online medical screening system.

What happens if I don’t declare a pre-existing condition on my travel insurance?

If you don’t declare your pre-existing condition before getting your travel insurance policy, you may find that your policy becomes invalid. This will mean that you will end up having to pay extensive medical bills if the need arises, along with other costs that would previously be covered by your policy. 

How far in advance should I get travel insurance?

Experts advise that you get your cover as soon as you book your trip . Failing this, you should arrange cover as soon as possible. Remember that your travel insurance will only be valid if you have bought it before you leave the UK.

It’s especially important to ensure you have travel insurance if you’ve pre-booked any activities or excursions for while you’re on holiday. Policies differ, so be sure to check the wording of your policy if you have a specific activity in mind. 

Frequently asked questions

If you’ve got more questions about how our single trip travel insurance works, or more general travel insurance queries, have a read through our FAQs .

Travel advice

Our travel advice section offers handy tips and guides to specific countries, from what documents you need to what you might visit while you’re there.

Travel insurance reviews

If you want to know what our customers think of us, and why they rate us so highly, have a read through some of the reviews they’ve left us.

Who can buy an InsureandGo over 70s travel insurance policy?

Our annual travel insurance policies are available to UK residents (someone who has been living in the UK or the Channel Islands for at least six months, has a UK address and is registered with a GP) who are in the UK at the time of purchase. 

To choose the right annual multi-trip travel insurance policy for you, get a quote online or read our policy documents for more information.

• Unlimited emergency medical expenses available on Black level policies.
• InsureandGo’s Gold achieved a Which? Best Buy.

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Travel Insurance for over 70s

Travel insurance for over 70s with pre-existing medical conditions.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, our Over 70s Travel Insurance aims to provide cost-effective, high-quality cover.

Finding over 70s Travel Insurance can be difficult and costly. At Just Travel Cover, we believe everyone should be able to enjoy their holiday and find high-quality cover that enables them to travel with peace of mind – no matter their age. Just Travel Cover works with a range of specialist insurers to provide over 70s Travel Insurance with cover for hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions,  including short and long stay Travel Insurance within a single trip policy and annual Travel Insurance policies for seniors over 70.

Medical Travel Insurance for over 70s you can rely on

Just Travel Cover is here to help you find the right seniors Travel Insurance with medical conditions cover and compare policies. We will only show you policies that meet your age over 70, and any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. We compare multiple providers to help find the right Medical Travel Insurance for over 70s policy at the best price. The cost of medical treatment abroad can be extremely high, so to avoid any unexpected expenses, it is essential that you declare all pre-existing conditions when taking out an over 70s Travel Insurance policy.

We will usually show you bronze, silver and gold policies, so you can compare Travel Insurance over 70 and pick the best medical Travel Insurance option for you.

Medical Conditions Travel Insurance: Compare and Choose

Our online quote and medical screening engines enable you to compare medical Travel Insurance for over 70s quickly and easily. We want you to look forward to your holidays without the stress of finding a well-suited policy. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or need medical treatment abroad, Just Travel Cover is here to help provide cover and we will only show you over 70s Travel Insurance options that are suitable for your medical history, duration of trip, destination, and age. The comparison is done for you, so you can have peace of mind knowing you’re Over 70s Travel Insurance is tailored to your needs and offers protection should something go wrong.

Why Just Travel Cover

At Just Travel Cover, we understand that age is just a number and shouldn’t limit your ability to explore the world. Our commitment goes beyond offering affordable over 70 Travel Insurance for pre-existing medical conditions. We are award-winning and work diligently with a vast network of insurers to ensure our clients, including those over 70 with pre-existing medical conditions, find the best medical Travel Insurance for medical conditions tailored to their unique needs. Our transparent comparison process, dedicated to providing a range of Travel Insurance policies, sets us apart. Whether you’re seeking long-stay or short-stay Travel Insurance for over 70s, trust Just Travel Cover for unparalleled service and peace of mind.

Over 70 Travel Advice

Compare over 70 travel insurance, over 70s travel insurance faqs.

Frequently asked questions about Travel Insurance for people over 70 .

What is over 70s Travel Insurance?

Travel Insurance for over 70s is designed to keep you protected while you are on holiday, and leading up to your trip.

Standard Travel Insurance policies may have upper-age limits and not cover certain age groups, especially those over 70 with pre-existing medical conditions .

Just Travel Cover works with a wide range of Travel Insurance providers to provide policies with no upper age limit for those over 70 as we believe age should not be a barrier to travel.

How much does over 70s Travel Insurance cost?

How much you pay for over 70 Travel Insurance is not just based on your age, but also on where you’re going, for how long, whether the trip includes a cruise and your medical history. It also depends what level of cover you want/need – for example if your holiday costs £5,000 you only need £5,000 cancellation cover, but if the holiday costs £30,000 you’re likely going to want to ensure your insurance covers it.

When you get a quote from Just Travel Cover you will see a list of policies, sorted by price, based on your own circumstances, so we’re comparing prices for you to find the best possible deal from our insurers. If you do require a higher cancellation limit for example, you would need to speak to a member of our team directly to arrange. It may be the case that over 70s Travel Insurance is more expensive, but it depends on a case-by-case basis. Reach out to one of our experts to discuss your options today.

When should you purchase your over 70s Travel Insurance?

As Martin Lewis recommends, you should buy over 70s Travel Insurance ASAB, as soon as you have booked your trip – that’s because on single trip policies, cancellation cover starts immediately, so if something happens that means you can no longer go on your holiday, you may be able to claim back the money you have paid. On annual policies cancellation cover starts on the day your policy starts, which can be up to 90 days in the future. Terms apply.

Do pre-existing medical conditions affect the cost of my over 70s Travel Insurance?

You should declare all pre-existing medical conditions when arranging Travel Insurance . The policy will then cover the cost of care for any pre-existing medical condition you have had in the past or suffer from now.

Where can I go with over 70s Travel Insurance?

We know retirement often means more time to explore the world, and if you’re over 70 we can help find Travel Insurance that enables you to travel anywhere, as long as the FCDO does not advise against travel. Having the right policy in place will provide peace of mind that you’re protected should something not go to plan. Depending on where you’re travelling, you can get a single-trip policy for holidays:

• up to 180 days if you’re aged between 71-75
• 124 days if aged 76-79.

Annual multi-trip Travel Insurance is available if you’re over 70 too, with a maximum trip length of 45 days.

When you’re over 70, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions , it’s important you have the right cover in place, so always look at what’s covered, as well as the price – this is not the same for all insurers.

When calculating the price of a Travel Insurance policy insurers will take a range of factors into consideration including your age and medical history, as well as where you’re going, how long for and whether you’re going on a cruise.

The price can also be impacted by the amount of cover you want/need, for example, if your holiday costs £30,000 you will need more cover than if it was £3,000.  We’ll compare prices from a range of insurers with bronze, silver and gold options,

Can I get Travel Insurance if I’m over 70 with a heart condition?

Yes, at Just Travel Cover we specialise in seniors Travel Insurance with pre-existing medical conditions and can provide cover for most heart conditions, including if you have had a heart attack. If you’re over 70 and have ever had a heart condition such as angina or an irregular heartbeat it is important you declare these when getting a quotation to ensure you’re properly covered while away.

Can I get Travel Insurance over 70 with diabetes?

Yes, our over 70s Travel Insurance policies can provide cover for type 1 and type 2 diabetes as long as this is declared when getting a quotation, alongside your age, any other medical conditions, destination, and length of trip. We will ask you a few questions regarding insulin and hospital visits before presenting several options to you from multiple insurers so you can compare Travel Insurance for over 70 and diabetes and choose the best policy for you.

Can I get Travel Insurance if I’m over 70 and living with cancer?

Yes, at Just Travel Cover we can help those over 70 and living with various types of cancer find over 70 Travel Insurance whether you’re in remission or not. We are able to provide cover for a wide range of cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer and skin cancer. You should make sure the exact type of cancer is declared on your policy, and you answer all questions appropriately – we will then show you a list of providers that can provide Over 70s Travel Insurance with cancer cover. Find out more on our Travel Insurance with pre-existing condition page.

If I’m over 70, can I get Travel Insurance to cover mental health conditions?

Yes, if you’re over 70 and living with a mental health condition such as anxiety and depression, it’s important to be covered for these when you travel. Mental Health Conditions fall under the bracket of pre-existing medical conditions and should be declared when getting a quote. Our over 70s Travel Insurance policies provide up to £15m medical cover and will provide the peace of mind you’ve got the right support if the unexpected happens. When answering our medical questions, you may be asked to call us – this is so we can explain the different terms for psychiatric conditions for each insurer and provide you with some options.

Do Just Travel Cover provide home insurance for over 70s?

While we specialise in Travel Insurance, we partner with Quotezone.co.uk to provide home insurance , including options for those over 70.

I am over 70 and need Ski Insurance for my holiday. Can Just Travel Cover help?

Yes, just add the ‘winter sports extension’ when getting a quote online or tell one of our sales advisors that you need winter sports ski cover when getting an over 70s Travel Insurance policy. Please note that we only offer the winter sports extension to travellers under 75. Quotes are based on your age, medical history, duration of trip and destination.

What should travellers over 70 look for in Travel Insurance, according to Martin Lewis?

Travellers over 70 should look for the following in Travel Insurance, based on financial expert Martin Lewis’ advice:

• Medical Cover: High limits for medical emergencies and pre-existing conditions.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Ensure all conditions are declared and covered.
• Cancellation/Curtailment: Cover for trip cancellations due to health issues.
• Age Limits: Policies that cover those over 70 without high premiums.
• Repatriation: Cover for medical repatriation if needed.
• Activities: Ensure coverage for any planned activities, especially if high-risk.
• Emergency Assistance: 24/7 support in emergencies.

At Just Travel Cover, we can provide Travel Insurance for over 70s that fits this criteria.

Over 70s Travel Insurance

• Compare multiple insurers
• Bronze, Silver and Gold are available
• Hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions covered
• Emergency medical expenses up to £15 million per person
• Cancellation cover up to £12,500 per person
• Increased cancellation up to £32,500 available up to 74 and £27,500 between 75-79)
• Baggage cover up to £3,000 per person

Compare Over 70s Travel Insurance Prices From These Insurers

Click here to download the Policy Wording and Insurance Product Information document for all over 70s insurers

Medical Travel Insurance can save you a small fortune, particularly when it comes to cruising, where it’s not uncommon for unwell passengers to be taken on to dry land for medical treatment. Subsequent transportation to mainland hospital facilities and treatment can result in huge medical bills. Declaring all pre-existing medical conditions will ensure you have the correct insurance to cover you for unexpected costs.

We’re Here to Help

Our online quote and medical screening engine enables you to compare and Travel Insurance for over 70s quickly and easily. Cancellation cover starts immediately from the moment of purchase  (on single-trip policies ) for you and all the travel companions you insure under the policy, so you no longer need to worry about the unexpected and focus on getting ready for your next holiday.

Instant Cancellation Cover

Whether you’re over 70 or not, your cancellation cover (single trip policies) will start immediately.

Our online quote and medical screening engine enables you to compare and buy Travel Insurance quickly and easily.

Introducing Smart Luggage – a Just Travel Cover exclusive

Take the sting out of lost or delayed luggage with Smart Luggage: real-time payment of £50 if your luggage is delayed by 30 mins, and £500 if it is deemed lost after 48 hours – straight into your bank or PayPal account. Terms apply.

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Understanding pre-existing conditions and travel insurance

Choosing the right insurance policy for pre-existing conditions, purchasing travel insurance with pre-existing conditions, pre-existing conditions and travel insurance faq, how to get travel insurance with pre-existing condition coverage.

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• Most travel insurance companies offer waivers for pre-existing stable medical conditions.
• To qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver, you must buy insurance within a certain timeframe.
• Keep in mind that not all policies cover pre-existing conditions, so always double-check your policy.

Medical travel insurance is a great way to protect your health and finances when traveling. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you might assume you can't get coverage. Luckily, many travel insurance companies offer pre-existing condition coverage in the form of a pre-existing condition waiver.

Here's everything you need to know about pre-existing conditions and travel insurance, including how to find coverage options if you have a pre-existing condition.

Most travel insurance companies define pre-existing conditions as a change in your medical record that includes tests, examinations, treatment, or changes in medication. The changes in your medical record usually result in a diagnosis, which becomes a pre-existing condition. But you do not have to receive a formal diagnosis for it to be considered a pre-existing condition.

Travel insurance companies consider medical conditions within a specified look-back period, or length of time. The medical condition must be stable to qualify for a claim. Conditions are stable if you do not need additional treatment, medication, or diagnoses.

But even if your medical condition is stable, you likely need a pre-existing condition waiver to get coverage if it suddenly worsens while you're traveling. 

Travel insurance look-back periods for pre-existing conditions

If you file a claim, the insurance company has a right to review your medical record and ensure that you did not have a condition related to the claim. This process is known as a "look-back" period since the insurance looks back through your records. 

The look-back period usually includes 60 to 180 days before you buy the policy. Before approving your claim, the insurance company wants to determine if the condition already existed.

The insurance company may approve or deny your claim based on what it discovers. To avoid dealing with the risk of denial, you can qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver instead. 

Many travel insurance companies offer coverage for travelers with pre-existing conditions. For example, Tin Leg Travel insurance , listed in our guide on the best travel insurance for best pre-existing conditions coverage, offers pre-existing condition waivers for all its plans except Tin Leg Economy. 

While there are many options for pre-existing condition coverage, the challenge is finding the right one for you. 

Comparing policy terms and benefits

When comparing insurance policies, you should pay attention to the coverage limits for emergency medical and acute onset of a pre-existing condition. You should also assess the time window in which you must purchase insurance to receive coverage for pre-existing conditions. If you've already waited a week before purchasing, you may already be ineligible for a waiver with certain companies. 

You can contact individual companies for quotes or work with a travel insurance comparison site like TravelInsurance.com, SquareMouth, or InsureMyTrip . Comparison sites allow you to review multiple quotes at once. You can usually filter results based on companies that offer pre-existing medical condition waivers. 

Regardless of which company you choose, it's important to understand the policies regarding pre-existing conditions and adhere to the requirements.

With a pre-existing medical condition waiver, you disclose your medical conditions to your insurance provider and ensure that the condition does not impact your ability to file a claim. If you have a waiver, you can even bypass the look-back period.

The waivers are set up through the travel insurance company and should not impact the cost of your policy.

Application process and documentation

You must meet the following criteria to qualify for a pre-existing medical condition waiver:

• Stable medical condition: Conditions are stable if you do not need additional treatment, medication, or diagnoses. You also need a letter from your doctor tho confirm that you are medically fit to travel on the day of your trip.
• Get coverage within a certain timeframe: You typically need to establish coverage shortly after you make your first payment towards the trip, but timelines vary by provider. 
• Coverage must equal nonrefundable costs: If there are nonrefundable parts of your trip, your travel insurance coverage must equal or exceed that amount. 

For example, if you were diagnosed with high blood pressure a few years ago, but the condition has been stable since — your medication manages the symptoms, and you have not needed additional medical support — then you likely qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver. 

Some companies do not provide coverage if you have certain health conditions, such as depression, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease, but it varies based on the provider. The coverage details of your policy depend on the plan you select. But comprehensive travel insurance usually covers baggage delays, trip cancellations, and emergency medical care. 

No, many of the best travel insurance companies offer pre-existing condition waivers, so you can get coverage with a pre-existing condition as long as you buy ahead of time. 

A company can deny your travel insurance claim based on what it discovers in the look-back period if you do not have a pre-existing condition waiver.

Obtaining travel insurance for a pre-existing condition at the last minute is unlikely, as most insurers require purchasing the policy within a set time frame from your initial trip deposit.

Disclose your pre-existing condition during the application process by providing detailed and accurate medical information as required by the insurer.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Travel Insurance For Over 70s

Relax and enjoy your holiday with cover including:

• No upper age limit
• All pre-existing medical conditions
• Medical emergencies

Our Over 70s Travel Insurance is designed to help you travel confidently. It can provide full medical cover for complete peace of mind.

This includes specialist cover for all pre-existing medical conditions and medical emergencies while abroad, as well as cover for trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other common travel mishaps.

What is Over 70s Travel Insurance – and do you need it?

Over 70s Travel Insurance is a type of policy that offers peace of mind and protection for older travellers during and leading up to your trip. 

With the risk of falls and injury increasing as we get older , there’s a higher chance of needing some medical help while travelling. With our specialised medical cover, you can travel in the knowledge you’re fully protected.

Our Over 70s Travel Insurance:

• Provides specialist medical cover: As a specialist Medical Travel Insurance provider, we offer tailored Travel Insurance policies to suit you and your needs, no matter your age or medical conditions
• Is tailored to you: Nearly 95% of adults over 60 are living with at least one chronic condition, which can make finding and buying Travel Insurance more difficult. We’ll help you find a policy tailored to your needs
• Offers peace of mind: Travelling can be stressful, particularly as you get older. Over 70s Travel Insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing that you’re protected if you have an accident or emergency. You will also have access to our 24/7 helpline should you have a medical emergency your trip

What does AllClear’s Over 70s Travel Insurance cover?

We specialise in cover for over 70s with pre-existing medical conditions , so you can travel with confidence.

What’s covered?

• Medical expenses – We can cover emergency medical treatment you need while travelling, including pre-existing medical conditions you’ve declared
• Medical aids – We will protect your essential medical equipment and accessories from loss or damage
• Medication – We’ll help you get a replacement for your vital prescription medication if you lose it during your trip.
• Repatriation – This covers the cost of emergency medical transport back to the UK
• Lost luggage – We will pay out if your baggage is stolen or damaged, so you can replace your important items.
• Cancellation and curtailment – Provides cover if you have to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency or reasons beyond your control
• Travel disruption – We will help you cover alternative transport or accommodation if your travel plans are disrupted

What’s not covered?

• Undeclared medical conditions – We need to know your full medical history to give you the best cover possible in a medical emergency
• High-risk activities – These are not covered by our standard policy, but you can add Optional Extras for some activities if you want to
• Accidents under the influence of drugs or alcohol – While we want you to have fun on your trip, safety is paramount. If you have an accident because of drugs or alcohol, your claim won’t be covered.
• Missed flights within your control – We understand that sometimes things go wrong, but we can’t cover missed flights that were under your control.
• Choosing not to travel – We know that plans change from time to time, but cancellation cover is provided only for specific reasons like illness, injury, or bereavement. Refer to your policy documents for complete cover details

AllClear’s Travel Insurance for Over 70s with pre-existing medical conditions

It is common to be travelling with pre-existing medical conditions in your 70s. 

In fact, a recent Which? study revealed that over a third (36%) of respondents living with pre-existing conditions struggled to find affordable insurance, with 7% opting to travel uninsured due to high premiums.

The risks of travelling without Over 70s Travel Insurance can be extremely costly. For example, without repatriation cover, you would have to pay air ambulance costs upfront. This can cost anywhere from £12,000 to £18,000 in Europe, to upwards of £50,000 from the USA , Caribbean and South America.

If you’re over 70 and living with a pre-existing medical condition, you must declare them so we can provide you with the most appropriate cover. 

Below are some of the most common medical conditions we cover for over 70s:

• Heart conditions – We cover all cardiovascular issues affecting heart function. This includes high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation .
• Chronic illnesses –  Nearly 95% of adults 60 and older are living with at least one chronic condition. We provide cover for cancer , Crohn’s disease , gallstones and other long-lasting chronic conditions.
• Respiratory problems – Respiratory conditions include asthma , and COPD , leading to airflow obstruction and breathing difficulties.
• Neurological conditions – These are disorders affecting the brain and nervous system. This includes strokes , epilepsy and multiple sclerosis .
• Diabetes – Disruptions in insulin production or usage affecting blood sugar levels, including diabetes .
• Musculoskeletal conditions – Conditions that affect your bones, muscles, and joints, including back problems and osteoporosis .
• Mental health – We provide cover for mental health too, including anxiety and depression.

Find the best over 70s Travel Insurance for your trip

AllClear offers many types of Travel Insurance so you can choose one that’s right for your trip. 

Examples include:

• Single Trip Travel Insurance offers full protection extending for up to 45 days, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey.
• Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance covers you if you’re planning on taking two or more holidays over 12 months. It may also be more cost-effective than buying Single Trip Travel Insurance for each holiday.
• Group Travel Insurance covers between two to ten travellers. This makes it a fantastic option if you’re travelling with friends and family.
• Cruise Travel Insurance provides essential cover for all aspects of your cruise. This includes onboard medical emergencies, cruise cancellations, cabin confinement and lost luggage. Around 30% of UK cruise customers are over 70 years old, with a further 33% between 60 and 69 years old, and it’s important to be covered for any unexpected issues you could face.
• Looking to enjoy some activities during your travels? Optional Sports and Activity cover is also available for pastimes like golfing . We’ll even cover your electronics with our gadget cover .

Countries covered by over 70s Travel Insurance

We provide Over 70s Travel Insurance for every destination. However, the region of cover you need will depend on where you’re heading.

Here’s what we cover:

• UK Travel Insurance provides cover for your UK trips for baggage and cancellation. However, we do not cover medical treatment in the UK
• European Travel Insurance will cover you on trips to European countries, as well as Egypt , Morocco and Tunisia.
• Worldwide Travel Insurance provides essential cover across the globe. You can also choose whether to exclude the USA , Canada and the Caribbean

How our Travel Insurance for Over 70s works: A simple 3 step quote process

You’ll first need to complete our quick and simple 3-step screening process.

Here’s how it works.

1. Get a quote online or by phone

Once you’re ready to start the quote process, the first step is to provide your personal details and information about your holiday plans. This can be completed over the phone with one of our team members or online.

Get your quote

2. Complete our simple medical screening process

Here, you need to declare any medical conditions you have. This way, we can provide the cover that best suits your needs.

3 . Get your quote

You’ll then get your quote(s) and can either proceed to buy or save your quote at this stage.

Our experts say…

“We believe that everyone should be able to travel, and the over 70’s are no exception. There’s an assumption that older people are either unwilling or unable to see the world. Our data shows that this is wrong, and that there are plenty of holidaymakers exploring well into their 70s, and beyond. However, more than any other group, senior travellers need to make sure they have comprehensive cover in place for their trip.”

Letitia Smith MSc, Travel Insurance expert

What our customers say

Our dedication to customer satisfaction has helped us understand our customers. 

With over 123,000 reviews on Trustpilot, it’s easy to see what our over 70s customers think about us.

What our Customers Say

Getting quotes for travel insurance… painless.

“Getting quotes for Travel Insurance when you are over 70 and with pre-existing medical conditions can be a painful experience. It, therefore, came as a ray of sunshine to be helped through the process by an incredibly helpful and lucid young woman. No jargon, hard sell or questions that I (doctor) didn’t understand. From start to getting the quote took a fraction of the time with other insurers and was also very competitive. Highly recommended.” – Dr Henderson

Frequently Asked Questions on Over 70s Travel Insurance

Why does travel insurance cost more when you turn 70.

Travel Insurance premiums are calculated based on several different factors. These include

• The destination you’re travelling to
• The length of your trip
• The type and severity of your medical conditions
• The level of benefits being offered to you

Does Travel Insurance have upper age limits?

AllClear Travel Insurance cover has no upper age limit. This means any traveller, regardless of their age, can buy a specialist policy.

Do you need to declare all your medical conditions for over 70s Travel Insurance?

Yes, you must declare all pre-existing medical conditions you have and that are fully within the medical warranty, even if you consider them minor or they are controlled with medication. Not declaring your medical conditions may lead to lack of cover during your trip. This could result in costly expenses if you have an accident while travelling.

For example, if you need an air ambulance from the USA back home, it could cost you between £80,000 – £100,000 without appropriate medical cover.

When should you buy over 70s Travel Insurance?

Financial expert Martin Lewis firmly believes that you should arrange Travel Insurance “ASAB” – “As Soon As you Book” to avoid being out of pocket if a medical condition forces them to cancel a trip.

You can buy your Over 70s Travel Insurance before or after you’ve booked your trip, but it must be before you travel.  Additionally, our Single Trip Travel Insurance policies can be bought 12 months before your holiday. As soon as you have secured your policy, the cover begins immediately if you have included the cancellation cover.

Alternatively, our Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance can be bought up to 31 days before your first trip.

Do you need Over 70s Travel Insurance if you have a GHIC card?

Yes, you will still need Over 70s Travel Insurance even if you have a GHIC (previously EHIC) card. 

While a GHIC card gives you access to healthcare throughout the EU for medically necessary treatment, it will not cover you for repatriation costs (which can be extortionate) or complications relating to a pre-existing medical condition. Additionally, GHIC will not cover you for lost luggage, passports, documents, travel delays or personal liability.

What factors will affect the cost of Over 70s Travel Insurance?

In addition to your age and medical history, trip duration, destination, planned activities, personal items, and optional extras impact may impact the cost of your Over 70s Travel Insurance.

Longer trips and distant destinations often result in higher costs, while specialised cover for activities like golfing may require extra fees. 

It’s important to consider these factors when selecting your policy to make sure you have the right cover in place for your trip.

Can someone else join your Travel Insurance policy if they're under 70?

Yes, you can add someone else to your Over 70s Travel Insurance policy, even if they are under 70. 

You can find out how to add someone to your policy through our Group Travel Insurance cover or by speaking to one of our friendly members of staff .

Get the most out of your trips with our helpful guides

Where are you visiting?

Explore our helpful guides for tips to ensure you remember everything you need when travelling to one of the below destinations:

Which activities do you have planned?

Whether you’re teeing off on a golf trip or setting sail on a cruise, remember to add extra cover to your policy for a worry-free trip

• United Kingdom
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Golf Travel Insurance

Written by: Letitia Smith | Travel Insurance Expert Last Updated: 7 June 2024

† Based on Trustpilot reviews of all companies in the Travel Insurance Company category that have over 70,000 reviews as of January 2024. AllClear Gold Plus achieved a Which? Best Buy.

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Free Spirit

Medical Travel Insurance With No Age Limits

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Travel insurance for over 70s

While advancing in years can give you more time and opportunity to explore the world, the irony is that older travellers can often struggle to find the travel insurance that would enable them to do so. Holiday and travel insurance for over 70s can be hard to secure, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or disability, or if you want to travel further afield than Europe.

Many standard policies exclude customers over 70 simply due to their age. Even if a policy is offered, some travel insurance providers will omit cover for existing health conditions or disabilities.

Specialist holiday insurance over 70

Here at Free Spirit, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to travel wherever they want to, no matter what age they are, which is why we designed our over 70s travel insurance policy.

Our specially trained team will be more than happy to assist you in arranging over 70s travel cover suited to your individual requirements. We have no age limits on either single trip or annual multi-trip travel insurance policies so, if you’re over 70, there’s nothing to stop you from travelling the world and seeking out new holiday destinations.* Long stay travel insurance if you’re over 70 is possible too!

For example, we can offer specialist travel insurance for a week in Majorca or, if you’re planning on visiting relatives in Australia for a month, our cover for the over 70s can provide for that as well. Our single trip policy has a maximum trip duration of up to 115 days, or 45 days if you’re aged 76 or over.

You can even take more than one trip with our annual multi-trip cover. In fact, you can travel as many times as you like throughout the year! With Super cover you can travel for a maximum of 31 days per trip and 45 days per trip if you select Super Duper cover.

*In certain cases we can only offer single trip policies.

Each of our policy options for travel insurance over 70 includes cover for cancellation and emergency medical expenses as well as many additional features to ensure cover is as comprehensive as possible.

You are covered for aftercare at home following hospitalisation, personal accident, personal liability, the loss or theft of money and/or documents, missed or delayed departure, legal expenses and even a winter sports option .

One of the key benefits to our over 70s travel insurance is cover for the loss of or damage to your medical aids and prescribed medication. Should this happen while you are away you can be safe in the knowledge our 24-hour medical emergency assistance helpline will be on hand to help.

Cover for you and your travelling companions too

One of the best aspects of our travel insurance for over 70s is that you can cover whoever you’re travelling with on the same policy, including family, friends and carers, whether or not they have a pre-existing medical condition. With your whole travelling party included under your specialist over 70s insurance, everyone would be covered if you had to cancel your holiday due to your medical condition, which may not be the case if they each took out travel cover elsewhere.

Why choose Free Spirit for travel insurance over 70?

• Single trips covered up to 115 days (45 days if you’re aged 76 years or over)
• Annual multi-trip cover provides unlimited number of trips – travel up to 32 days per trip (Super) or 45 days (Super Duper)
• Fully interactive website including online medical screening
• Extended journey disruption cover (Super Duper cover only)
• Cover for loss or damage to medical aids and prescribed medications

Click here to read a full list of reasons to choose Free Spirit.

Please read the insurance policy for the full terms and conditions of our over 70s travel insurance to make sure it’s suitable for your needs.

Travel insurance for over 70s with pre-existing medical conditions

On top of all the aspects of cover we’ve already mentioned, we can also tailor our travel insurance to cover a huge range of existing medical conditions and disabilities. Unlike many other travel insurance providers, cover with our over 70s travel insurance with medical conditions includes:

• Heart Conditions
• Mental Health Conditions
• Cerebral Conditions
• HIV and AIDS
• Circulatory Conditions
• Central Nervous System Disorders
• Breathing Conditions
• Joint Conditions
• Kidney Conditions
• Liver Conditions
• Disabilities
• Bowel Conditions
• Terminal conditions considered – please call us on 02392 419 080 to discuss further

How can I get over 70s travel insurance?

At Free Spirit, we customise each travel insurance policy we offer to suit the unique health needs of our customers. This means that we need to ask you about your existing medical conditions or disabilities and about your holiday plans in order to create an over 70s travel insurance policy specifically for you.

You can apply for a free, no-obligation quote for over 70s holiday cover via our website , which includes an easy-to-use online medical screening process.

Please let us know about all of your existing medical conditions when you contact us so that you can be fully protected should you need to make a claim. We recommend having all relevant medical information to hand when you are applying for a quote so you can accurately answer all the questions.

Always remember, we provide travel insurance for all ages . So when you reach your 80’s we can continue to give you the freedom to travel with confidence.

Further advice on travel insurance for over 70’s

Do you want to know more about travel insurance for the over 70s? We’ve found and put together some extra resources all about over 70s travel insurance with medical conditions, or if you’d prefer, please contact us to find out more.

Take look at our top tips for specialist travel insurance for over 70s.

Over 70 and looking to go on a cruise? Take a look at our cruise travel cover .

Plus, find some useful information from agespace to understand why travel insurance is important .

Also, from guides to buying travel insurance online, through to the best times to buy medical travel cover – this over 70s travel resource has everything you need to know before you go on holiday.

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Testimonials

Obtaining quotes for travel insurance over the ‘phone is usually a long, drawn-out and miserable experience. What a difference with Free Spirit Travel…

I found the operators to be very knowledgeable and sympathetic and I would certainly recommend you to others. It is about more than just insurance to …

I used Free Spirit for the first time this year. After phoning several Travel Insurance Companies from adverts I had seen my husband found the web sit…

We were pleased with our Free Spirit travel insurance quote as we thought it would be more expensive with our medical conditions.

The website is very easy to navigate and to enter details of previous medical conditions, and the premiums seem reasonable. The documents always arriv…

Just to say how wonderful to speak to an operator who was efficient and very pleasant. It was a pleasure to do business with you today.

It is heartening to find an insurance company which does not discriminate against older travellers. We are extremely pleased with the insurance we hav…

I wanted to thank Free Spirit for dealing with my travel insurance quote quickly and efficiently. It’s lovely to deal with someone who phones you ba…

I couldn’t find any record of my mum’s insurance and Mary helped me by sending several emails and by forwarding me the documents. I must commend Mary …

I use Free Spirit for both my business and personal travel and have always found its service to be of a very high standard.

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Travel Insurance for Over 70s

Compare cover from as little as £17.50*.

Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.

What is over 70s travel insurance?

Over 70s travel insurance is specialist cover for people aged 70 and above - and with Medical Travel Compared, people within this age range can compare quotes across a range of leading providers offering this type of cover for senior citizens. 

Instead of trawling through multiple websites looking for the best travel insurance for over 70s, we compare quotes from over 30 reliable travel insurance providers in an instant to bring you all your available options – all in one place.

Choosing the right over 70s travel insurance policy takes minutes with Medical Travel Compared, so you’re free to get back to preparing for your holiday!

Specialist Medical Cover

We only work with providers who specialise in covering pre-existing conditions.

No discounts. No pressure. We’ll always show you the best prices from providers.

What does travel insurance for over 70s typically cover?

Different providers will offer different things, but generally speaking, holiday insurance for those over 70 will still cover you for: 

• Cancellation
• Medical expenses & repatriation
• Theft/loss of belongings
• Personal accident

Some providers may include cover for mobility aids like crutches and wheelchairs - so it’s always worth checking whether this is the case before purchasing.

Travel insurance for over 70s with a pre-existing medical condition

The delights of travelling don’t stop as you get older. If anything, retirement gives you the perfect excuse to explore the world and visit new and exciting places.

That said, as you age you become more prone to health issues, meaning the price of your travel insurance policy is likely to go up. However, without the correct cover you could end up paying an even heftier price tag if you need medical attention while you’re abroad. 

We give you the opportunity to declare any pre-existing medical conditions you have, so you can ensure you’re always fully covered. 

We work with a range of providers who specialise in medical travel insurance - so once you tell us about your conditions we can provide the most relevant quotes for you to compare.

It’s that simple.

What is a pre-existing medical condition?

Dr Sarah Jarvis is the Clinical Director of the Patient Platform, an active medical writer, broadcaster, and the resident doctor for BBC Radio 2.

A pre-existing medical condition means a condition that you have been diagnosed, or treated for, prior to you taking out your travel insurance policy. This may be a health condition you have now or one that you no longer suffer from, but have had in the past. Whilst you’ll need to tell us about most pre-existing health conditions if you have been diagnosed or treated for them (including repeat prescriptions) within the last 2 years, some conditions, such as heart or respiratory-related conditions, we’ll need to know if you’ve ever had them.

Over 70s annual multi trip or single trip cover

There are two types of policies you can purchase - single trip insurance covers only one trip per policy, whereas annual multi-trip insurance can cover you for multiple trips across the year. 

It all depends on how frequently you travel.

Are there different levels of over 70s insurance cover?

Levels of cover vary from provider to provider.

What you’ll generally find is that the more expensive policies tend to have the most comprehensive level of cover. 

By the time you start comparing your ideal cover with us, you’ll have already told us about your age, destination(s) and any medical conditions you have so each quote will already be relevant to your requirements. 

It’s important to favour the cover provided over cost when you buy travel insurance. If you know your travel insurance covers all of your potential needs (especially when it comes to medical cover) then you can have peace of mind that whatever happens on your holiday, you’re protected.

You’ll also have the opportunity to select any optional extras to add to your policy. These include:

• Gadget cover
• Cruise cover
• Winter sports cover

What isn’t covered by over 70s travel insurance?

When it comes to over 70s travel insurance there may be a few notable exclusions to be aware of. 

This includes: 

• Undeclared medical conditions (before purchasing, ask yourself - which medical conditions do I need to declare? ) 
• Undeclared activities (for example, are you likely to need winter sports cover?)
• Substance abuse

Over 70s travel insurance tips

Tip 1: It pays to be organised

You can start looking for a great value insurance policy with Medical Travel Compared as soon as you know about your trip. That way, you’ll be covered in the event you have to cancel before the start of your holiday.

Tip 2: Don’t forget to add your travelling companions

If you add members of your group to your policy too, it means you’ll be covered in the event you have to cancel or cut your trip short due to a pre-existing medical condition from anyone on the policy. What’s more, they’ll have security too, meaning you can all relax knowing medical attention is there for you if you need it – you’re all covered.

Tip 3: Check the length of trip duration on annuals

The maximum number of days per trip allowed in your annual policy can sometimes vary, so make sure you check with your provider how many days you’re allowed per holiday, so you know you’re fully covered.

Tip 4: Cruise cover for over 70s holiday insuranc e

Travel agents and cruise ships will usually require you to have adequate cover before boarding. This offers you protection if you miss your departure or need medical attention while on the cruise – for example, if you fall ill and need to be airlifted to a mainland hospital.

Compare deals to get the best over 70s cover

If you don’t fancy trawling around multiple websites looking for competitive insurance quotes, we don’t blame you! That’s why Medical Travel Compared does the hard work for you by browsing over 30 leading insurance providers to bring you the best quotes from across the board.

Compare cover in minutes by filling in the application form today. The process is quick and easy and you’ll get all the information you need to make an informed decision about your policy.

We want you to feel excited about your holiday – not spend hours researching insurance online – so our service is made with you in mind. But don’t just take our word for it, see what our happy customers are saying for yourself!

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Frequently Asked Questions

A pre-existing is any medical condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received before applying for a travel insurance policy. For some conditions, we'll need to know if they have ever been present, whilst for others if they occurred within a certain period.

* Price is based on 1 traveller aged 73, who has no medical conditions and is travelling to France for 7 nights. The price is correct as of April 2024. Prices may vary according to your individual requirements.

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If we're unable to help you find cover for a pre-existing medical condition , the Money Helper Directory has listings of companies that may be able to assist you. Further details can be found on their  website.

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Travel insurance for a pre-existing medical condition

How to secure cover for your next trip if you're dealing with existing medical conditions..

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Need to know

• You must declare a pre-existing medical condition if you want it covered by insurance
• Insurance cover for pre-existing medical conditions varies widely
• You may have to pay more to get cover for your pre-existing medical condition

Travel insurance is essential in the case of illness or injury while travelling. Overseas medical costs can be extortionate, and if you have an existing medical condition, it increases the chance you may need medical attention on your trip – that's why insurers charge you extra. 

So if you can get cover for your pre-existing medical condition, it'll take a bit of worry out of your trip. But even if you're willing to pay extra, getting cover for an existing condition isn't always easy.

On this page:

What is a pre-existing medical condition?

What's covered, and what's not, comprehensive policies that may cover your pre-existing medical condition, travel insurance for seniors with pre-existing medical conditions, pregnancy and travel insurance, credit card travel insurance and pre-existing medical conditions,  what to do if you can't get cover for a pre-existing medical condition.

A pre-existing medical condition is a medical condition that you had before you bought your travel insurance.

Different travel insurers will have their own specific definitions, but it's usually a diagnosed medical condition that you've had or received any form of medical advice, treatment or medication for, in a specified time period before you bought your policy.

Most insurers would cover a condition if it hadn't led to treatment in the one to two years before you booked your trip, but others may specify five years or longer

The 'specified time period' wording is worth paying attention to. If, for example, your condition last showed symptoms 18 months ago, but the time period specified by the insurer is 12 months, then you'll be covered subject to the other conditions of the policy.

The insurance contract regulations set the time period as six months by default. Unfortunately, insurers can get around this six-month rule and exempt themselves simply by burying an exclusion or limitation in the product disclosure statement (PDS).

Insurers' definitions vary as to what the specified time period is. Most insurers would cover a condition if it hadn't led to treatment in the one to two years before you booked your trip, but others may specify five years or longer.

There are often a lot of hoops to jump through to get cover for pre-existing conditions. 

Insurers can:

• exclude pre-existing medical conditions altogether
• include a list of accepted pre-existing medical conditions (specified in the PDS)
• restrict cover for generally accepted conditions depending on other conditions you might have, or only cover some symptoms (for example, allergies may be covered, but not anaphylaxis)
• subject you to an assessment for cover of your medical condition and charge a fee to complete this assessment (whether you get cover or not)
• deny you cover for a medical condition on application.

Even if you survive that minefield, you may then have to fork out several thousand dollars for the privilege of getting cover for your condition.

Below is a list of conditions that might usually be covered, with specific restrictions. 

• Allergies 
• Blindness and low vision
• Corneal graft
• Coeliac disease
• Ear grommets
• Gastric reflux
• Hiatus hernia
• High cholesterol/hypercholesterolaemia
• High blood pressure/hypertension
• Hip replacement
• Knee replacement
• Macular degeneration
• Underactive thyroid/overactive thyroid
• Chronic lung conditions
• Cardiovascular disease
• Reduced immunity
• Cancer (some policies automatically cover skin cancer but not melanoma)
• Heart-related medical conditions
• Medical conditions you're travelling to seek medical treatment or review for
• Conditions involving drug or alcohol dependency
• Conditions for which you're awaiting surgery, treatment, investigation or procedures
• Conditions with a terminal prognosis

This also includes any travel booked or undertaken against the advice of a medical practitioner.

Check the insurer's PDS for a specific list of conditions. If a condition is not listed as automatically covered, then you may be able to apply to the insurer to cover your condition.

For the specified time period, the lower the number, the better. Read on below the table for more information.

* The time period before booking your trip that a medical condition, that isn't specifically excluded, would be covered if it has not given rise to symptoms or required medication or treatment. 

If your medical condition is on the insurer's 'Covered Conditions' list, then the time period might be longer than what's specified above. 

For example, Go Insurance's specified time period is 90 days (3 months), but if your condition is on their 'Covered Conditions' list, and you've been hospitalised for that condition within 24 months of booking the trip, then it may not be automatically covered. You'll need to fill out a form to apply for cover.

CHOICE tip: Filling out assessment forms for your medical condition can be time-consuming and frustrating, but try at least three different insurers because premiums and cover vary widely.

How you're assessed for a pre-existing medical condition

Many Australian insurers use a 'black box' risk rating system to assess your condition, such as that provided by insurance technology firm Verisk.

The systems may contain a list of health conditions, each of which is assigned a risk factor. Depending on how high this risk factor is, the insurer can choose to rule out cover, or offer cover for an extra premium.

Older and wiser travellers with pre-existing medical conditions can still get travel insurance for their international travel. The drawback is that you'll have fewer policies to choose from, and you'll pay more for it. 

Many travel insurance policies have age limits, over which they either don't offer cover, or they may offer restricted cover with lower benefit limits or a higher excess. 

Cost of travel insurance for seniors

Our analysis of premiums across age groups shows that an older single traveller going to Bali for around 11 days to two weeks will on average pay more for their cover as they age, with premiums generally increasing more noticeably from age 50. 

Travellers aged over 70 could pay up to 3.5 times more for their travel insurance than people in their 60s

In particular, travellers aged over 70 could pay up to 3.5 times more for their travel insurance than people in their 60s, prior to further underwriting and premium adjustments by insurers for coverage of pre-existing medical conditions.

Visit our travel insurance comparison and use the filter to find travel insurance policy options for people across a range of ages up to 100 or even unlimited.

Pregnancy cover will protect you in circumstances such as if you need to cancel your trip due to doctor's advice, or if you're on holiday and incur medical costs that are a result of unexpected complications (something that you weren't already being treated for or had no history of).

Note that travel insurance won't usually cover you for childbirth or for medical costs relating to your newborn if you give birth while on holiday.

Different policies will cover you up to different stages of your pregnancy, so which provider you go with will depend on when you plan to travel (and return home). Not all policies will cover IVF or similar medically assisted pregnancies.

CHOICE tip: Check with your airline before you travel – many airlines will only let you fly up to a certain stage in your pregnancy, and may require medical certificates or other documentation.

Some credit cards come with travel insurance policies that may cover pre-existing medical conditions. 

However, policies that come with credit cards vary just as much as standalone travel insurance policies, so you need to read the terms and conditions carefully to understand whether you're automatically covered, whether you need to apply for cover, or if there's no cover at all for pre-existing medical conditions.

Bear in mind that some credit card travel insurance policies require you to activate your insurance before you leave. Some people may find this a bit of a pain, but with pre-existing medical conditions it may actually be an advantage, since it will prompt you to check your cover.

If you're denied cover for your pre-existing medical condition, or if you can't afford the extra premium, you may still be able to buy a travel insurance policy. 

You'll need to declare your condition to your insurer. They may then offer you travel insurance cover, but will issue a certificate that says you won't be covered for any claim that arises because of your pre-existing medical condition.

Stock images:  Getty, unless otherwise stated.

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The Best Travel Medical Insurance of 2024

Allianz Travel Insurance »

Seven Corners »

GeoBlue »

WorldTrips »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Medical Insurance Plans.

Table of Contents

• Allianz Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners

Buying travel insurance is a smart move for any type of trip, but you may not need a policy that covers everything under the sun. If you don't need coverage for trip cancellations or delays because you're relying on your travel credit card to offer these protections, for example, you may find you only need emergency medical coverage that works away from home.

Still, travel medical coverage varies widely based on included benefits, policy limits and more. If you're comparing travel insurance plans and hoping to find the best option for unexpected medical expenses, read on to learn which policies we recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions

The term travel insurance usually describes a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes coverage for medical expenses as well as trip cancellations and interruptions, trip delays, lost baggage, and more. Meanwhile, travel medical insurance is coverage that focuses on paying for emergency medical expenses and other related care.

Travelers need international health insurance if they're visiting a place where their own health coverage will not apply. This typically includes all international trips away from home since U.S. health plans limit coverage to care required in the United States.

Note that if you don't have travel health insurance and you become sick or injured abroad, you'll be responsible for paying back any health care costs you incur.

Many travel insurance policies cover emergency medical expenses you incur during a covered trip. However, the included benefits of each policy can vary widely, and so can the policy limits that apply.

If you're looking for a travel insurance policy that offers sufficient protection for unexpected medical expenses, you'll typically want to choose a plan with at least $100,000 in coverage for emergency medical care and at least that much in protection for emergency medical evacuation and transportation.

However, higher limits can provide even more protection from overseas medical bills, which can become pricey depending on the type of care you need. As just one example, Allianz says the average cost of emergency medical evacuation can easily reach up to $200,000 or more depending on where you’re traveling.

Your U.S. health insurance policy almost never covers medical expenses incurred abroad. The same is true for most people on Medicare and especially Medicaid. If you want to ensure you have travel medical coverage that applies overseas, you should purchase a travel insurance plan with adequate limits for every trip. Read the U.S. News article on this topic for more information.

The cost of travel medical insurance can vary depending on the age of the travelers, the type of coverage purchased, the length of the trip and other factors. You can use a comparison site like TravelInsurance.com to explore different travel medical insurance plans and their cost.

• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall
• Seven Corners: Best for Families
• GeoBlue: Best for Expats
• WorldTrips: Best Cost

Coverage for preexisting conditions is available as an add-on

Easy to purchase as needed for individual trips

Relatively low limits for medical expenses

No coverage for trip cancellations or trip interruption

• Up to $50,000 in emergency medical coverage
• Up to $250,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage loss and damage
• Up to $600 in baggage delay insurance
• Up to $1,000 for travel delays
• Up to $10,000 in travel accident insurance
• 24-hour hotline assistance
• Concierge services

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Purchase comprehensive medical coverage worth up to $5 million

Coverage for families with up to 10 people

Low coverage amounts for trip interruption

Medical coverage options vary by age

• Up to $5 million in comprehensive medical coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency evacuation coverage
• Up to $10,000 in coverage for incidental trips to home country
• Up to $25,000 in coverage for terrorist activity
• Up to $500 in accidental dental emergency coverage
• Up to $100 per occurrence in coverage for emergency eye exams
• $50,000 in coverage for local burial or cremation
• 24/7 travel assistance
• Up to $25,000 in coverage for accidental death and dismemberment per traveler
• Up to $500 for loss of checked baggage
• Up to $5,000 for trip interruptions
• Up to $100 per day for trip delays
• Up to $50,000 for personal liability

Qualify for international health insurance with no annual or lifetime caps

Use coverage within the U.S. with select providers

Deductible from $500 to $10,000 can apply

Doesn't come with any nonmedical travel insurance benefits

• Up to $250,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation
• Up to $25,000 for repatriation of mortal remains
• $50,000 in coverage for accidental death and dismemberment

High limits for medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation

Covers multiple trips over a period of up to 364 days

Deductible of $250 required for each covered trip

Copays required for medical care received in the U.S.

• Up to $1,000,000 of maximum coverage
• Up to $1,000,000 for emergency medical evacuation
• Up to $10,000 for trip interruptions
• Up to $1,000 for lost checked luggage
• Up to $100 per day for travel delays
• Up to $25,000 in personal liability coverage
• Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19
• Ability to add coverage for your spouse and/or child(ren)
• Repatriation of remains coverage up to overall limit
• Up to $5,000 for local burial or cremation 
• $10,000 to $50,000 for common carrier accidental death

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

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5 Things You Must Know Before Ever Buying Travel Insurance

Whether you are a frequent traveler or someone who only takes one long vacation a year, having travel insurance is always a good idea, especially if you plan to go abroad. Travel insurance can help you cover any unexpected expenses like medical care and lost or delayed baggage. 

However, before buying travel insurance there are five key things you should keep in mind to ensure the best coverage for your needs:

Always Understand Properly What You Are Getting 

Not all insurance policies are equal. The coverage usually includes trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. However, picking the cheapest insurance may come with certain exclusions and claim limits. For instance, some policies also cover natural disasters, while others don't.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Matter

Declaring pre-existing medical conditions is required for every insurance, including travel. Checking things like whether the policy covers any necessary doctor visit or hospital stay related to a previous condition is included in the policy or not, will help you immensely later.

Check The Claim Process To Avoid Any Hassle Later 

Before purchasing a policy, check how the claims are processed and the documentation you will require. While some insurers have a straightforward online process, others may need more legwork. To get a better understanding, checking reviews of past customers can be helpful.

Where You Plan To Go Will Affect Your Insurance Needs 

Whether you plan to go to one place or more, your destination will play a role in determining the travel insurance policy needed. For example, if you plan to go to a place with a history of political upheaval or terrorism, choosing a policy with evacuation coverage would be wise.

Don't Settle For The First Policy You Find

Doing research, comparing notes of customer reviews, cost and coverage, and shopping around for different plans, helps you tailor the best policy for your need. Create a checklist of what are your requirements, and then compare policies. Websites with aggregated insurance options can be a good starting point.

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