Senior Travel Insurance Guide: Essential Coverage for Travelers Over 70
Traveling is one of the biggest joys in life, especially for seniors who finally have the time and resources to see the world. However, medical issues become more likely as we age, which is why travel insurance is an essential consideration for seniors over 70 planning trips abroad. Travel insurance provides important financial protection in case you require medical treatment during your travels.
Types of Travel Insurance
When looking for senior travel insurance, you'll typically encounter three main types of coverage:
Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
This type of policy provides reimbursement if you need to cancel your trip before departure or cut it short due to a covered reason, such as illness or death of a family member. It will refund your prepaid, non-refundable expenses like hotel deposits, tours, and airline tickets. Some policies allow you to "interrupt" your trip by covering the cost of transportation back home if an emergency occurs. This is one of the most crucial components for travelers over 70.
Emergency Medical/Evacuation Insurance
In the event you become seriously ill or injured while traveling, emergency medical coverage pays for treatment and transports you home if necessary. Most policies have a minimum coverage amount of $50,000 but higher limits like $100,000-$250,000 are recommended for seniors. Evacuation coverage is essential for cruises and overseas trips, where local facilities may be inadequate. Some policies also cover prescriptions and recuperation expenses if you're hospitalized away from home.
Baggage Loss/Delay Insurance
If your luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed, this coverage reimburses you for necessities like clothing and toiletries to tide you over. Typical limits are $500-1500 for lost bags and $100-250 for delays over 12-24 hours. It may be worth increasing limits for expensive camera gear, medical devices, or other valuables you plan to bring. Review policy details as some items like jewelry may have special limits.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Getting travel insurance for seniors over 70 can be more difficult and expensive with pre-existing medical conditions. Insurance providers may exclude coverage for medical emergencies related to pre-existing conditions, or deny coverage altogether if the conditions are severe. This makes travel risky and stressful.
There are still options for seniors with pre-existing conditions to get coverage, but it requires some savvy shopping. Look for providers that don't outright deny applicants based on medical history. Some insurers will cover emergencies stemming from pre-existing conditions, but not routine care. Others exclude only specific conditions from coverage.
If finding an affordable plan is still a challenge, consider getting supplementary coverage just for emergency medical transportation back home. This is much cheaper than full coverage. Some credit cards also provide basic emergency medical coverage as a benefit.
In summary, pre-existing conditions don't mean you can't travel safely. But you must be diligent in finding a provider that meets your unique needs. With some effort, insurance for pre-existing conditions is possible to obtain. Don't let health issues stop you from seeing the world. Just take steps to manage the risks.
Medicare Coverage Overseas
Medicare provides limited coverage for medical services received outside of the United States. Here's what you need to know about using Medicare overseas:
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) - Covers inpatient hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and some home healthcare services overseas if the hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). But keep in mind that not many foreign hospitals meet this requirement.
Medicare Part B (medical insurance) - Covers only emergency and urgent care services outside the U.S. Routine doctor's visits and preventive care are generally not covered overseas.
Medicare Advantage plans - Most Medicare Advantage plans do not cover any services provided outside of the U.S. Some plans may cover emergency care abroad but often limit this to nearby Canada or Mexico.
Prescription drugs (Part D) - Prescriptions filled overseas are generally not covered. You'll likely need to pay out-of-pocket and request reimbursement.
The major gaps with using Medicare internationally include:
Lack of coverage for routine or preventive medical care overseas. You'll need to pay out-of-pocket.
Prescription drugs are not covered. You'll need to pay upfront and file a claim later.
Medicare Advantage plans provide little to no international coverage.
Very few foreign hospitals meet the JCI accreditation requirement for Part A coverage.
Due to these limitations, most people need to purchase additional travel medical insurance to supplement Medicare when traveling internationally. Supplemental plans cover gaps like doctor visits, medications, emergency transport, and non-urgent hospital care abroad.
