A Guide to Travel Insurance for Seniors

The years after you turn 50 offer the perfect blend of time and freedom to explore the world. You can travel at your own pace, savor new experiences, and create lasting memories – all while you enjoy a more relaxed vacation.

You've also likely accumulated wisdom and experience, which allows you to travel with a deeper understanding and appreciation for different cultures. But with this newfound wanderlust comes the need for reliable travel insurance for seniors.

This guide will explain why and how travel insurance for seniors is essential, offering insights and tips to help ensure your travels are as secure as they are enjoyable.

The Need for Travel Insurance for Seniors

There are several key reasons why seniors should strongly consider purchasing travel insurance before embarking on their next adventure:

1. Pre-existing Medical Conditions

While travel can be a healthy activity for seniors, unexpected flare-ups or emergencies can occur even for healthy seniors. This is especially true considering the high prevalence of pre-existing medical conditions among individuals over the age of 60.

However, if you have travel insurance for seniors, these costs can be taken care of as long as the conditions are covered under the policy.

Let's see how this may play out in some possible situations:

Imagine you are on your dream cruise to Alaska, and you experience some chest pain. You visit the ship's doctor, incurring unexpected medical expenses. Cruise travel insurance for seniors with medical coverage can help reimburse these expenses with less financial stress.

An unexpected blood sugar spike or drop due to unfamiliar food options on your overseas vacation could require immediate medical assistance or a trip to the doctor. Travel insurance for seniors with emergency medical evacuation coverage can arrange for proper care abroad and help you return home for further treatment if needed.

2. Increased Vulnerability to Injuries

Golden agers are more prone to falls and accidents due to factors like decreased bone density, balance issues, and slower reflexes. Travel medical insurance for seniors that covers accidental injuries may take care of the expenses incurred due to such mishaps.

Let’s take, for instance,

While exploring the cobblestone streets of Rome on a long-awaited European adventure, you misstep and take a fall. The sudden pain in your ankle makes it difficult to walk, and you end up needing medical attention at a nearby clinic. X-rays reveal a minor fracture, requiring a cast and crutches for the next few days.

Thankfully, you had travel insurance with accidental injury coverage, including costs associated with medical consultation, treatment, and transportation. It also allows you to focus on recovery and still enjoy the rest of your trip without worrying about the financial burden.

3. Your Medicare Coverage is Not Valid Abroad

Medicare generally doesn't extend coverage to healthcare received during international travel, apart from a few rare exceptions. This means that you'll be responsible for paying out of pocket for any medical care you need while traveling internationally unless you have international travel insurance for seniors with emergency medical benefits.

In addition to medical bills, Medicare also doesn't cover repatriation or evacuation if you require medical transport back to the United States for treatment. Having travel insurance with these coverages can provide much-needed assistance in these situations.

How AXA Travel Protection Plans Can Support Seniors

Travel insurance for seniors is an important consideration for older individuals who plan to travel domestically or internationally. Seniors may have specific health needs and concerns that require coverage tailored to their age group.

AXA understands that seniors have unique needs and concerns when it comes to travel insurance, and AXA Travel Protection Plans are, therefore, designed to offer the support you deserve.

Here are some key coverage options from AXA Travel Protection.

1. Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions: We understand that many seniors have pre-existing medical conditions. AXA offers plans (Gold and Platinum) with pre-existing medical condition waivers. This also includes coverage for related medical emergencies. Be sure to purchase the travel protection plan within 14 days of the first trip payment to avail this coverage.

Remember, a pre-existing medical condition is any health issue you experienced within 60 days before your travel insurance policy begins.

2. Extensive Medical Coverage: Our plans offer up to $250,000 in medical coverage domestically and internationally and cater to potential medical needs that may arise on your journey.

3. Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation: In critical situations, AXA offers emergency medical evacuation to transport you to a suitable medical facility if needed. You may also avail repatriation coverage, which will assist you in returning home for further treatment or recovery. AXA travel protection goes even beyond the itinerary. It will have you covered for up to 90 extra days if your injury or sickness first happens during your trip.

4. Trip Cancellation and Delay Coverage: Trip cancellation coverage could be a valuable addition to your travel insurance plan, especially since it can be applied even before you depart from the US. This coverage will be applicable if you have to cancel your trip due to sickness, injury, or death of yourself, a traveling companion, or a family member. It will typically reimburse you for the non-refundable trip costs, such as prepaid flights, accommodation, tours, and activities.

5. Coverage for Lost or Delayed Luggage: Missing or delayed luggage is a very common experience for many travelers. AXA Travel Protection plans offer lost or delayed baggage coverage of up to $3,000, helping you replace essential items or clothing if your luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed during your travels. Check for coverage limits when selecting travel insurance for seniors from AXA.

6. 24/7 Assistance: AXA’s global team of licensed travel agents provides 24/7 assistance services throughout your trip. The support team is available to help with various needs, from medical assistance to travel arrangements, ensuring you receive the support you need during crucial times, and most anywhere.

7. Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage: AXA also offers an optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) benefit on the Platinum Protection Plan. It allows you to cancel your trip for any reason, even if it's not covered under the standard plan, and receive reimbursement for your non-refundable trip costs up to a specified limit.

Tips for Seniors When Buying Travel Insurance

Start Early: You must purchase travel insurance for seniors right when you book your trip. This ensures coverage for trip cancellation or delay due to unforeseen circumstances, even before departure.
Review Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage: These are crucial for seniors, given the potential costs involved. So, you must carefully review plan details and possible exclusions before you purchase a policy.
Check for Age Limits: Some policies may have age restrictions, so you are advised to confirm if you're eligible.

It is also advised to carefully review the overall policy exclusions and limitations to be aware of what is covered and what is not covered by the insurance plan.

Common Misconceptions About Travel Insurance for Seniors

"It's Too Expensive": The travel insurance premiums for seniors might seem slightly higher due to factors like age and pre-existing conditions. But it's important to note that the right coverage can offer valuable protection in case of unexpected events.
"I Won't Need It": Even the healthiest individual can face unforeseen situations like sudden illnesses, accidents, or trip disruptions. It's better to have travel insurance and not need it than to need it and not have it.
"My Health Insurance Covers Me Abroad": Most domestic health plans offer limited or no coverage overseas, making travel medical insurance for seniors even more essential.

FAQs About Travel Insurance for Seniors

Q. Can seniors with pre-existing conditions get travel insurance?

A. Yes, but you must specifically look for travel insurance for seniors with pre-existing conditions waiver. You must also check the details of any policy you're considering to see if there are any specific requirements to be eligible. For instance, AXA requires policies to be purchased within 14 days of your initial trip payment to qualify for their pre-existing conditions waiver.

Q. How may I compare different travel insurance plans for seniors?

A. You may compare the coverage limits, exclusions, and prices of different AXA Travel Protection Plans (Silver, Gold, and Platinum) here. You may also request a quote for your travel needs here.

Q. Is there an age restriction for purchasing travel insurance?

A. It varies by policy and provider, but there are options available for all age groups.
AXA's travel protection is available up to the age of 99.

Q. How can I reduce my travel insurance premium?

A. You may opt for a higher deductible, limit your coverage to essentials, or consider a multi-trip annual policy if you travel frequently. For a personalized solution, you may consult an AXA travel insurance specialist.

Q. What should I do if I have a medical emergency abroad?

A. In such a situation, you must contact your travel insurance provider's emergency assistance line immediately for guidance and support.

Both domestic and international travel insurance for seniors protects your journey against both unexpected medical emergencies and interruptions. It's advisable to get a suitable travel insurance plan well in advance of your trip to ensure adequate coverage and benefits.

AXA's Travel Protection Plans offer a range of options for different needs and budgets to ensure a safe, secure, and enjoyable travel experience. So get a quote, find the most suitable plan, and be empowered to cross borders with confidence.

Disclosure: Always read the terms and conditions to understand what is covered and what is not covered by your travel insurance policy. This will help you make an informed decision that best suits your travel needs.