Travel insurance is indispensable, especially for elderly travelers. Seniors are statistically more prone to health-related trip disruptions, from cancellations to unexpected medical needs abroad. As we age, the likelihood of requiring medical attention increases, making travel insurance a crucial safeguard for peace of mind and financial security.
However, securing travel insurance as a senior can present unique challenges. Policies often become pricier for older individuals, and some insurers even impose age limits. Navigating these complexities requires careful consideration to find the right coverage.
To simplify your search, we’ve curated a list of the best travel insurance companies specifically catering to seniors. This guide highlights key factors to consider when choosing a plan, ensuring you find optimal protection for your travels.
Top Travel Insurance Choices for Seniors
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Best for Pre-Existing Conditions: Travel Insured International
C&F Travel Insured International Travel Insurance
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Policy highlights
Single-trip, multi-trip/annual, and cruise policies. Optional add-ons: Cancel for Any Reason and travel inconvenience benefits.
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Cancel For Any Reason coverage
Available as an add-on to Worldwide Trip Protector Deluxe or Platinum plans, reimbursing 75% of nonrefundable costs if purchased within 21 days of the initial trip payment.
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Pre-existing condition waiver
Offered if the policy is bought within 21 days of the initial trip deposit.
Pros
- Competitive rates compared to other leading providers.
- Platinum plan includes substantial $500,000 medical coverage.
- Flexible add-ons covering event tickets and electronics.
- Job loss is a recognized reason for trip cancellation claims.
Cons
- Basic Essentials plan has limited customization.
- Restricted options in Montana, New York, and Washington state.
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Who’s it ideal for? Travel Insured International’s Worldwide Trip Protector Platinum plan is particularly beneficial for seniors managing pre-existing health conditions. Their pre-existing condition exclusion waiver can be secured within 21 days of booking, offering a more extended window than many competitors’ 14-day periods.
Key Advantages: The Worldwide Trip Protector Deluxe plan offers up to $250,000 in emergency medical coverage without a deductible, while the Platinum plan elevates this to an impressive $500,000.
Best for Family Trips: Allianz Travel Insurance
Allianz Travel Insurance
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Policy highlights
Offers single-trip, multi-trip/annual, and rental car plans. OneTrip Prime and Premier plans include coverage for one child (17 or younger) per insured adult.
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Cancel For Any Reason coverage
Reimburses 80% of nonrefundable trip costs when purchased within 14 days of the initial trip deposit.
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Pre-existing condition waiver
Included across all plans if purchased within 14 days of the initial deposit.
Read our detailed review of Allianz Travel Insurance
Pros
- OneTrip Prime and Premier plans offer free coverage for one child under 17 per adult.
- CFAR coverage offers a high 80% reimbursement of nonrefundable trip costs.
- Pre-existing condition waiver is standard with all plans.
Cons
- Premiums can be higher than the national average.
- Limited options for adventurous or extreme travel activities.
- CFAR plan purchase may require booking through a travel agent.
- No discount programs available.
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Who’s it ideal for? Allianz is an excellent choice for senior travelers vacationing with grandchildren. The OneTrip Prime plan notably extends free coverage to children aged 17 and under when accompanied by a covered adult, making it family-friendly and economical.
Key Advantages: The Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade available with OneTrip Prime and Premier plans provides up to 80% reimbursement on non-refundable trip expenses, exceeding the reimbursement rates of many competitors in the travel insurance market.
Best for Cruise Vacations: Seven Corners
Seven Corners Travel Insurance
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Policy highlights
Offers single-trip, annual, student, and travel medical insurance plans. Customizable add-ons include Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR), Interruption for Any Reason (IFAR), rental car protection, sports equipment, and event ticket coverage.
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Cancel For Any Reason coverage
Reimburses up to 75% of nonrefundable trip costs if purchased within 21 days of booking.
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Pre-existing condition waiver
Available with the Trip Protection Choice plan if purchased within 20 days of the initial deposit.
Pros
- Generous $2,000 limit for trip delays.
- High medical evacuation coverage of up to $1 million.
- Interruption for Any Reason (IFAR) coverage option.
- Broad age coverage, available up to age 99 on most plans.
Cons
- Baggage delay coverage requires a 12-hour delay to qualify.
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Who’s it ideal for? Seven Corners excels in cruise insurance, offering robust benefits tailored for cruise travelers. These include up to $250 per day for missed connections, up to $5,000 for itinerary changes, and $250 for each instance of a disabled ship or missed port of call.
Key Advantages: Seven Corners provides coverage for pre-existing conditions when policies are purchased within 20 days of the initial deposit, a slightly more lenient timeframe than the common 14-day requirement of many other insurance providers.
Best for Fast Claims Processing: Faye
Faye Travel Insurance
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Policy highlights
Offers a single, comprehensive single-trip plan with customizable add-ons for pet care, adventure sports, and vacation rental damage.
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Cancel For Any Reason coverage
Provides up to 75% reimbursement of nonrefundable trip costs if purchased within 14 days of the initial trip deposit.
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Pre-existing condition waiver
Available if the policy is purchased within 14 days of the initial trip deposit.
Pros
- Substantial trip delay coverage of $4,500 per person after just six hours of delay.
- Fully digital claims process for quick and easy submissions.
- Options to add coverage for pet care and vacation rental damage.
Cons
- Offers only one primary plan option.
- Premiums may be higher compared to some competitors.
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Who’s it ideal for? Faye is perfect for travelers who value speed and efficiency in claims processing. Approved claims, such as for lost or delayed luggage, can be instantly reimbursed to your digital wallet via Apple Pay or Google Pay. Most other claims are reportedly processed within a swift 48-hour window.
Key Advantages: Faye distinguishes itself with unique add-ons like rental car and pet care coverage, including up to $2,500 for veterinary expenses, catering to a broader range of traveler needs.
Best for Travelers Over 80: GoReady by Aegis
GoReady Travel Insurance by Aegis
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Policy highlights
Provides single-trip, multi-trip/annual, and cruise plans. Add-ons include Cancel For Any Reason, Cancel For Work Reasons, enhanced medical benefits, rental car coverage, sports equipment, and missed connection protection.
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Cancel For Any Reason coverage
Reimburses 75% of nonrefundable trip costs if purchased within 14 days of booking (GoReady Choice plan limited to $7,500).
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Pre-existing condition waiver
Included with most plans when purchased within 14 days of the initial trip deposit (available as an add-on for the basic GoReady Choice plan).
Pros
- Cancel For Work Reasons upgrade offers a 100% reimbursement rate.
- Offers specialized cruise insurance plans.
- Features a 15-day “free look” period for a full refund if unsatisfied.
Cons
- GoReady Choice plan requires purchase within one day of booking for CFAR coverage eligibility.
- Experienced a downgrade in financial strength rating by A.M. Best.
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Who’s it ideal for? GoReady by Aegis is particularly suitable for senior travelers over 80, as they do not impose age limits on their policies—unlike some insurers. Furthermore, their pre-existing condition waiver is offered as an optional add-on, providing flexibility and ensuring you only pay for necessary coverage, especially if you are outside the typical qualifying period.
Key Advantages: Aegis’s GoReady Choice plan allows for significant enhancement of medical care coverage, scaling from $50,000 to $500,000 per person, offering substantial protection for health-related emergencies.
Deep Dive into Our Top Senior Travel Insurance Companies
Travel Insured International
Travel Insured International offers a variety of plans including three single-trip options and one multi-trip policy, all available for purchase right up to the departure day. Coverage activation occurs at 12:01 a.m. the day following purchase. Notably, their Platinum and Deluxe policies often feature primary coverage, enabling direct claim submission without needing to engage with other providers first, streamlining the reimbursement process.
Travel Insured International Worldwide Trip Protector Essential
Age limit: None
Trip cancellation/interruption: Covered up to 100% of trip cost.
Trip delay: Up to $100 per day after a 12-hour delay, with a maximum benefit of $500.
Delayed/lost baggage: $200 per person for baggage delayed over 12 hours, $250 per item for lost baggage (capped at $750).
Medical coverage and evacuation: $50,000 primary medical coverage and $200,000 for emergency evacuation/repatriation.
Pre-existing conditions waiver: Available with Worldwide Trip Protector Plan if purchased within 21 days of initial deposit.
Cancel For Any Reason: Add-on to Worldwide Trip Protector plan, covering 75% of nonrefundable trip costs if bought within 21 days of booking.
Allianz Travel Insurance
Allianz provides a tiered selection of single-trip policies, multi-trip plans, travel medical insurance, and rental car coverage. Their OneTrip Prime plan includes a unique “Required to Work” upgrade, which covers cancellations and interruptions due to unforeseen job-related emergencies, offering added security for working seniors.
Allianz Travel Insurance OneTrip Prime
Age limit: Basic plan limited to travelers 75 and under; comprehensive plans have no age limit.
Trip cancellation/interruption: Coverage up to $100,000 for trip cancellation and $150,000 for interruption.
Trip delay: Up to $200 per day after a 5-hour delay, maximum of $800.
Delayed/lost baggage: $300 for baggage delayed over 12 hours, $1,000 limit for lost baggage.
Medical coverage and evacuation: Up to $50,000 in primary medical coverage, $500,000 for medical evacuation/repatriation.
Pre-existing conditions waiver: Applies if policy is purchased within 14 days of booking.
Cancel For Any Reason: Upgrade covering 80% of nonrefundable trip costs if purchased within 14 days of deposit.
Seven Corners
Established in 1993, Seven Corners offers a broad spectrum of insurance solutions including single-trip and annual plans, cruise insurance, student plans, and standalone travel medical insurance. They provide optional add-ons like Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR) coverage, as well as protection for rental cars, sports equipment, and event tickets. Policies are underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company, ensuring robust financial backing.
Seven Corners Trip Protection Elite
Age limit: 99 years
Trip cancellation/interruption: Up to 100% for cancellation (max $30,000) and 150% for interruptions.
Trip delay: Up to $1,500 per day after a 6-hour delay.
Delayed/lost baggage: $600 for baggage delayed over 12 hours, $2,500 for lost baggage.
Medical coverage and evacuation: Up to $10,000 in secondary medical coverage and $100,000 in evacuation coverage.
Pre-existing conditions waiver: Available if policy is purchased within 20 days of booking.
Cancel For Any Reason: Upgrade covering 75% of nonrefundable trip costs if bought within 20 days of booking.
Faye
Faye specializes in a single, highly customizable travel insurance plan, offering extensive add-on options for adventure activities, extreme sports, Cancel For Any Reason coverage, pet care, rental cars, and vacation rental damage. Their policies are also underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company, ensuring reliability and comprehensive protection.
Faye single-trip plan
Age limit: None
Trip cancellation/interruption: Up to 100% for cancellation and 150% for interruptions.
Trip delay: Up to $300 per day after a 6-hour delay (maximum $2,100).
Delayed/lost baggage: $2,000 per trip for lost baggage.
Medical coverage and evacuation: Up to $250,000 in primary medical coverage and $500,000 in evacuation coverage.
Pre-existing conditions waiver: If policy is purchased within 14 days of booking.
Cancel For Any Reason: Add-on covering 75% of nonrefundable trip costs if bought within 14 days of booking.
GoReady by Aegis
Aegis General Insurance Agency entered the travel insurance market in 2021 by acquiring April Travel Protection. Under the GoReady brand, they now offer five single-trip and two multi-trip plans, enhanced by add-ons such as CFAR, increased medical coverage, and protection for rental cars, electronics, and sports equipment. Note that claims processing is handled through a call center and may take up to 10 business days to finalize.
GoReady Choice Plan
Age limit: None
Trip cancellation/interruption: 100% for cancellations (up to $50,000), 150% for interruptions (up to $50,000).
Trip delay: Up to $200 per day after a 6-hour delay (maximum $2,000).
Delayed/lost baggage: $200 per day for baggage delayed over 12 hours, $500 for lost baggage.
Medical coverage and evacuation: $50,000 secondary medical coverage, $250,000 for evacuation/repatriation.
Pre-existing conditions waiver: Optional add-on if plan purchased within 14 days of the initial deposit.
Cancel For Any Reason: Add-on covering 75% of insured trip costs if bought within 14 days of booking.
Understanding the Cost of Travel Insurance for Seniors
Generally, travel insurance costs range from 4% to 10% of the total prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses. Adding optional coverages, like Cancel for Any Reason, can significantly increase this, potentially by 40% to 50%.
Seniors often face higher premiums because insurance companies consider older travelers to be at higher risk. For instance, insuring a 65-year-old for a week-long trip to the UK costing $3,000, with approximately $250,000 medical coverage and $1 million evacuation coverage, averaged around $220, or 7.3% of the trip cost among the providers listed.
In contrast, the same coverage for a 30-year-old traveler for the same trip would cost about $133, approximately 4.4% of the nonrefundable trip costs, illustrating the age-related difference in travel insurance pricing.
Key Considerations When Shopping for Senior Travel Insurance
A comprehensive travel insurance policy should offer strong protection for trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage issues. For senior travelers, it’s particularly important to prioritize plans with substantial coverage limits for:
- Travel Medical Coverage: Medicare typically does not extend coverage outside the U.S. Travel medical insurance is essential to cover unexpected medical costs such as prescriptions, doctor visits, and hospital stays. Aim for policies with at least $100,000 in medical coverage to ensure adequate protection.
- Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation: In case of serious injury or illness, you might need to end your trip prematurely. Opt for plans with at least $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage to handle potential emergency transportation needs.
Additionally, seniors should seek companies that provide:
- Pre-Existing Condition Waivers: If you manage a chronic condition or are recovering from an injury, ensure the insurance provider covers pre-existing conditions. Understand the waiver requirements, typically involving purchasing the policy within a specific timeframe after your initial trip deposit.
- Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Policies: CFAR policies offer maximum flexibility, allowing cancellation for reasons not typically covered by standard travel insurance. While they usually reimburse a lower percentage (50%-75%) of your trip cost and have cancellation deadlines (often 48 hours before departure), they provide valuable protection for unpredictable situations.
- Appropriate Age Limits: Many travel insurers have age restrictions, some starting as low as 65. Confirm that any insurer you consider offers policies suitable for your age.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Round-the-clock support is crucial for handling emergencies in any time zone. Some companies also offer assistance with finding quality medical care abroad, enhancing your safety and support network while traveling.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Travel Insurance Coverage
Standard travel insurance policies often exclude coverage for health issues related to pre-existing conditions if symptoms arose or treatment was received during a “look-back period.” This period typically ranges from 90 to 120 days but can extend up to six months prior to policy purchase.
However, many plans offer a pre-existing condition exclusion waiver, enabling coverage for ongoing conditions under specific circumstances:
- You were medically fit to travel when the policy was purchased.
- Enrollment occurred shortly after the initial trip deposit (usually within 14 to 21 days).
- All prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses are insured under the policy.
It’s important to note that even with a waiver, some conditions may remain excluded, such as pregnancy, dementia, mental health disorders, and substance abuse disorders. Always review the policy details carefully to understand specific exclusions.
Age Limits in Travel Insurance
While some travel insurance companies do impose age limits on certain policies or activities, it is entirely possible for older travelers to secure comprehensive coverage. Insurance is available to cover emergency medical expenses, travel disruptions, and cancellations regardless of age.
Age does influence the cost of travel insurance, with premiums generally increasing with age due to higher perceived risks. To effectively compare options and find the best rates, utilizing a travel insurance aggregator like SquareMouth can be very beneficial. These platforms allow you to receive and compare quotes from multiple insurers side-by-side, ensuring you make an informed decision.
SquareMouth Travel Insurance
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Cost
Request a quote for personalized cost estimates.
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Policy highlights
SquareMouth is a marketplace, not an insurer, offering comparisons of policies and costs from numerous providers, including Berkshire Hathaway, Tin Leg, and Generali. They feature both annual and single-trip policies.
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24/7 assistance available
Yes
Read our review of SquareMouth travel insurance
Pros
- Features over 30 different travel insurance companies.
- Allows side-by-side comparison of providers on their website.
- SquareMouth does not add extra fees or markups.
- Removes carriers who do not adequately resolve customer complaints, ensuring higher service quality.
Cons
- Does not underwrite or provide travel insurance policies directly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Travel Insurance
Will Medicare cover health expenses abroad?
No, Medicare coverage is limited to healthcare services received within the United States and generally does not cover medical treatments in foreign countries. Travel insurance is therefore essential to cover emergency medical expenses and potential medical evacuations when traveling internationally.
What is considered the best travel insurance for elderly individuals?
The “best” travel insurance is subjective and depends on individual trip details, health status, age, and specific needs. CNBC Select recommends Travel Insured International, Allianz, Seven Corners, Faye, and GoReady by Aegis as strong contenders for affordable and reliable travel insurance options for seniors.
When is the optimal time to purchase travel insurance?
While standard travel insurance can typically be purchased anytime from booking your trip up to the day before departure, earlier purchase is advisable to maximize the policy’s effective period. Certain benefits, such as Cancel For Any Reason policies and pre-existing condition waivers, often have time-sensitive eligibility, usually requiring purchase within 14 to 21 days of making your initial trip deposit to qualify.
What is the average cost of travel insurance for seniors?
While average travel insurance costs are between 4% and 10% of nonrefundable trip costs, seniors often experience higher premiums. For example, the average cost for a 65-year-old traveler among the insurers reviewed was approximately 7.3% of trip costs, compared to around 4.4% for a 30-year-old, reflecting the increased risk assessment for older travelers.
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Why Trust CNBC Select?
CNBC Select is dedicated to providing readers with high-quality service journalism and thorough consumer advice to facilitate informed financial decisions. Our travel insurance reviews are based on rigorous reporting by expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of travel insurance products. CNBC Select maintains strict editorial independence, creating content without influence from commercial teams or external parties, upholding high journalistic standards and ethics, even though we earn commissions from affiliate partnerships.
Our Methodology
CNBC Select’s rankings for the best travel insurance for seniors involved analyzing leading travel insurers based on policy types, reimbursement levels, coverage limits, and customer reviews from the Better Business Bureau. We also considered the presence of age restrictions, Cancel For Any Reason coverage availability, and pre-existing condition waiver policies. Additionally, CNBC Select audience data, including demographics and content engagement, was factored into our evaluations. Our recommendations are structured to highlight the best options for specific needs such as pre-existing conditions, family travel, cruises, quick claims processing, and travelers over 80. Please note that premiums and policy details are subject to change based on company policies.
Explore CNBC Select for comprehensive coverage on credit cards, banking and personal finance, and connect with us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Further Reading
The Best Travel Insurance Companies
Top Travel Insurance for Families
SquareMouth Travel Insurance Review
Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
Editorial Note: The opinions, analyses, reviews, and recommendations in this article are solely those of the CNBC Select editorial staff and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any third party.
