The Best Senior Travel Insurance for 2024
Top 9 Best Senior Travel Insurance Companies of 2024
Here are our picks for the top travel insurance companies for U.S. seniors. All companies we’ve ranked as our top picks offer pre-existing conditions coverage or a waiver.
Compare The Best Travel Insurance Companies for Seniors
It’s important to balance coverage with cost when searching for a senior travel insurance policy to ensure you get the best deal possible. See the table below for the average price of a travel insurance plan based on quotes we gathered from our top company picks. We’ve also included our recommended plans for seniors, availability of COVID-19 coverage and Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings across each provider.
*Average costs are based on quotes our team gathered from each provider using four different traveler profiles, ranging from 70 to 81 years old.
**The BBB scores for the travel insurance companies listed above are accurate as of August 2024.
The Best Senior Travel Insurance in Detail
We chose Faye as our top pick for senior travelers. While it offers only one plan, the company includes $250,000 worth of primary medical coverage on all its policies and has a pre-existing conditions waiver to help seniors cover chronic medical conditions. To qualify for this pre-existing coverage waiver, you must purchase your policy within 14 days of your initial trip deposit and be medically able to travel at the time of plan purchase. Faye’s policies also provide $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage, which could benefit older travelers if they have a complex health condition or are traveling to a remote area.
CFAR coverage up to 75% of trip value
$250,000 of primary medical coverage included
Features a 100% online application process
Offers a pre-existing conditions waiver, a benefit for seniors with existing health concerns
Higher policy pricing for seniors
Must buy coverage within 14 days of your initial trip deposit if you have pre-existing conditions
Add-ons
Faye offers the following add-on options:
- CFAR coverage
- Rental car damage or theft
- Adventure and extreme sports protection
- Vacation rental damage protection
- Pet care
Cost
We gathered quotes directly from Faye to better understand the cost of a travel insurance policy for seniors. Based on the quotes we gathered, the average cost of senior travel insurance is $337.
Travelex is our top choice for budget travelers due to its flat-rate coverage, which starts at $60 for U.S. travel. While the provider is one of the more expensive options for senior travelers, it’s worth considering because of its primary medical coverage. If you become hospitalized outside of the U.S., Medicare won’t pay for most injuries and illnesses. A travel insurance plan that offers secondary coverage may leave you with a major medical bill after a serious accident. Travelex’s Travel Select plan allows seniors to upgrade their primary medical coverage with additional medical and emergency evacuation coverage, providing peace of mind while abroad.
Offers up to $1,000 for lost or delayed luggage
Free cancellation up to 15 days after purchasing your policy
Cancel for any reason coverage up to 75%
Primary medical coverage complements Medicare benefits
Limited add-ons for base plan
Policies only available for trips up to two weeks long
Coverages
- Trip cancellation: 100% of non-refundable costs
- Trip interruption: 100%–150% of non-refundable costs
- Baggage: $100–$200 for delays and $500–$1,000 for losses
- Medical expenses: $15,000–$50,000
- Medical evacuation: $100,000–$500,000
Add-Ons
You can choose from the following add-on coverage with Travelex:
- Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage (up to 75% of trip costs)
- Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) and medical benefit upgrades
- Car rental collision
Cost
We gathered quotes directly from Travelex to learn more about the average cost of a travel insurance policy for seniors through the company. Based on these quotes, Travelex’s average cost is $585.
We named Nationwide as the best for baggage coverage thanks to its generous coverage limits across various plans. We particularly like Nationwide’s Luxury Cruise plan, as it features several inclusions that benefit senior travelers at an affordable price. Trip interruption coverage includes up to 200% of your trip cost, and you can qualify for a pre-existing conditions waiver up to 21 days after your initial deposit. While medical limits are lower than most competitors, Nationwide’s general and cruise-specific coverages present a viable option for older travelers.
Lower premium costs for older travelers
Cancel for any reason coverage up to 75% of trip value
Trip interruption coverage available up to 200% of the trip cost
Affordable plans for seasoned and new cruise-goers
Baggage delay coverage not available until after a 12-hour delay
Higher pricing on some cruise plans for senior citizens
Only offers secondary medical coverage under the Essential Plan
Coverages
- Trip cancellation: 100% of non-refundable costs
- Trip interruption: 125%–200% of non-refundable costs
- Baggage: $100–$600 for delays and $500–$2,000 for losses
- Medical expenses: $75,000–$150,000
- Medical evacuation: $250,000–$1 million
Add-Ons
Nationwide offers the following add-ons, but available coverage may vary by plan.
- AD&D coverage (available on all plans)
- Rental car coverage options (Essential and Prime plans)
- CFAR coverage (Prime Plan, Cruise Choice and Luxury plans)
Cost
We gathered quotes directly from Nationwide to better gauge what a travel insurance policy costs for seniors. Based on the quotes collected by our research team, a senior travel insurance plan with Nationwide costs $407 on average.
We named Generali Global Assistance best for trip interruption coverage, as it provides up to 175% reimbursement through its Premium plan when most insurers only offer up to 150%. This coverage could be ideal for seniors worried about cutting their trip short due to an unforeseen event. We like how Generali’s policies include around-the-clock travel assistance, and its Premium plan offers generous medical coverage of up to $250,000. In addition, Generali’s medical coverage does not have a lower cap for dental coverage, which is a benefit if you experience a dental abscess or another major dental emergency on vacation.
24/7 travel assistance hotline and emergency assistance
Higher-than-average medical coverage
Premium plan includes $2,000 per person baggage loss coverage
Offers affordable senior travel insurance policies
Must add CFAR coverage within 24 hours of purchasing your initial policy and only offers 60% of CFAR
Only covers pre-existing conditions under the Premium plan
Coverages
- Trip cancellation: 100% of non-refundable costs
- Trip interruption: 125% – 175% of non-refundable costs
- Baggage: $200–$500 for delays and $1,000–$2,000 for losses
- Medical expenses: $50,000–$250,000
- Medical evacuation: $250,000–$1 million
Add-Ons
Generali offers fewer add-on options than other insurance providers we reviewed, including:
- Rental car accident insurance (offers up to $25,000 with the Standard and Preferred plans)
- CFAR insurance (available with the Premium plan only)
Note that the Premium plan includes rental car coverage as standard so the add-on is not available to those customers.
Cost
We gathered quotes directly from Generali to learn about the cost of a travel insurance policy for seniors. Based on these quotes, seniors can expect to pay $298 for a Generali plan.
Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Choice is a top option for seniors traveling in the U.S. because it offers $1,500 in missed connection coverage, $2,000 for travel delays and $2,500 for baggage loss coverage. It also offers travel medical policies to international travelers planning a trip to the States. As an older traveler, you may focus on comprehensive medical care and evacuation protections when buying travel insurance. Seven Corners offers a broad selection of medical insurance policies, with travelers 65 to 79 years old provided up to $100,000 in medical coverage. Travelers 80 years and older can receive $10,000 in coverage, which is an age many other providers exclude from enrollment entirely. Seven Corners also offers medical evacuation coverage up to $1 million, which can benefit those traveling to a remote area.
Policies available for travelers 80 years and older
Some plans provide $100,000 in medical coverage for travelers 65 to 79 years old
Offers coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions
Cancel for any reason add-on covers up to 75% of trip value
Travelers 80 years and older receive just $10,000 in medical coverage, lower than other options on our list
Acute pre-existing condition coverage is only available for travelers 79 years and younger
Coverages
- Trip cancellation: 100% of non-refundable costs
- Trip interruption: 100%–150% of non-refundable costs
- Baggage: $500 for delays and $500–$2,500 for losses
- Medical expenses: $100,000–$500,000
- Medical evacuation: $250,000–$1 million
Add-Ons
With Seven Corners, you can choose from the following add-ons:
- CFAR insurance
- Event ticket registration fee protection
- Interrupted for any reason (IFAR) coverage
- Rental car collision waiver ($35,000 maximum)
- Sports and golf equipment rental coverage
Cost
Our research team collected quotes from Seven Corners using various senior traveler profiles. We found that a senior traveler can expect to pay $388 on average.
If you’re a senior traveling with a group, you might consider buying coverage through a travel insurance provider offering benefits when you purchase two or more policies at once. We named HTH Travel Insurance best for group travel because its policies have a 10% discount for groups of travelers over 65 and include medical limits of up to $1 million. Nationwide underwrites policies in most areas, and you may qualify for up to 200% of trip interruption coverage and primary medical benefits.
24/7 travel assistance services
$500,000 medevac coverage
up to 75% of trip value for cancel for any reason coverage available
Mental health is covered like any other medical condition under the policy
Baggage delay coverage starts after 12 hours of delay
Requires that you maintain health insurance coverage in the United States
Coverages
- Trip cancellation: 100% of non-refundable costs
- Trip interruption: 100% of non-refundable costs (up to $1,000)
- Baggage: $500 for losses and delays
- Medical expenses: $50,000–$1 million
- Medical evacuation: $500,000
Add-Ons
You can add the following coverage to your group insurance plan:
- CFAR insurance (must purchase within 10 days of your first trip deposit)
- Rental car damage (not available in Oregon, New York or Texas)
Cost
Based on quotes our research team gathered from HTH Worldwide, senior travelers can expect to pay $437 on average.
Our team named WorldTrips as the provider with the most affordable comprehensive coverage. We like how it offers three general plans with up to $250,000 in emergency medical coverage. In addition, its policies are competitively priced, with an average cost of $206 per senior traveler. This can make it a more appealing choice for seniors looking for well-rounded coverage on a budget. WorldTrips is also notable for its range of add-on options, being one of the only travel insurance companies we reviewed to offer multiple tiers of CFAR reimbursement options.
More affordable plan pricing compared to some competitors
All policies include 24/7 emergency assistance
Six unique add-on options available
Allows you to choose a CFAR reimbursement percentage
Medical expense coverage maxes out at $250,000 per traveler, lower than some other providers
Does not offer CFAR upgrades on the most affordable plan tier
Coverages:
- Trip cancellation: 100% of non-refundable costs
- Trip interruption: 125%–150% of non-refundable costs
- Baggage: $200–$600 for delays and $2,500 for losses
- Medical expenses: $50,000–$250,000
- Medical evacuation: $250,000–$1 million
Add-Ons:
WorldTrips offers the following add-on options, which vary in availability by plan choice:
- CFAR coverage (50% or 75% reimbursement rates available)
- IFAR coverage
- Adventure sports medical coverage waiver
- Pet care
- Medical evacuation (doubles the standard coverage limit)
- Rental car damage and theft
Cost:
Our team collected quotes for a variety of senior trips directly from WorldTrips to learn more about what seniors pay for travel insurance on average. In our review, we found the average senior traveler will pay a total of $276 for a travel insurance policy from WorldTrips.
Our team named Allianz Travel Insurance as the best travel insurance company for concierge services. The Allianz OneTrip Prime and OneTrip Premier plans both include access to 24/7 concierge assistance around the world. We like how this service provides personalized information about your destination as well as individual assistance communicating with emergency and medical professionals during a crisis. In non-emergency situations, Allianz’s concierge service can help you make the most of your time abroad by booking reservations, tee times and other local add-ons.
Highest policy tiers include comprehensive concierge services
Offers annual and single-trip policies
CFAR upgrade reimburses 80% of trip costs, higher than some competitor offerings
OneTrip Premier plan includes free coverage for one child under the age of 18 — ideal for grandparents
Extends lower medical limits that max out at $75,000
Most affordable plan tier does not include concierge service
Higher average pricing for seniors based on our quote process
Coverage:
- Trip cancellation: 100% of non-refundable costs
- Trip interruption: 100%–150% of non-refundable costs
- Baggage: $200–$600 for delays and $500–$2,000 for losses
- Medical expenses: $10,000–$75,000
- Medical evacuation: $50,000–$1 million
Add-Ons:
Allianz currently offers the following add-on options, with choices varying by plan:
- Rental car protection
- CFAR upgrade (reimburses up to 80% of trip expenses)
Cost:
After collecting a range of quotes from Allianz, we concluded the average senior traveler will pay about $551 for insurance. This is higher than the national average our team calculated, especially in light of Allianz’s lower medical coverage limits.
If you’re looking for more extensive medical coverage, you can find a number of policies available through International Medical Group (IMG). Named best for medical coverage by our team, the company offers inclusive international policies, with up to $8 million in medical coverage on single-trip plans. It also provides GlobeHopper Senior plans explicitly tailored to senior travelers by not enforcing a maximum age restriction. IMG makes it easier for seniors to customize coverage than other companies we’ve researched, allowing you to skip baggage and delay-related coverage if you solely want medical insurance.
Up to $8 million in medical insurance benefits for all ages
Offers the GlobeHopper Senior Single-Trip plan specifically for travelers aged 65 and older
24/7 emergency travel assistance
Offer up to 75% of trip value coverage for cancel for any reason add-on
Baggage delay coverage ($250) doesn’t kick in until 12 hours after delay
Coverage:
- Trip cancellation: 100% of non-refundable costs
- Trip interruption: 125% of non-refundable costs
- Baggage: $150–$500 for delays and $750–$2,500 for losses
- Medical expenses: $100,000–$8 million
- Medical evacuation: $250,000–$1 million
Add-Ons
Rental car damage and theft coverage, which some companies offer as add-ons, is included with many of IMG’s plans. You can add the following optional coverages:
- Pet kennel (up to $100 per day with a max of $300 per pet)
- Pre-existing condition review
IMG’s medical insurance policies include some exclusions limiting when you can use your coverage. But you can purchase a waiver that extends coverage to medical issues resulting from adventure sports and terrorism.
Cost
Based on quotes we gathered from IMG using four different senior traveler profiles, a 70-year-old couple taking a 7-day, $4,000 trip to Mexico will pay around $428.
How We Ranked the Best Senior Travel Insurance Companies
After reviewing dozens of travel insurance providers, we ranked the best options for senior travelers by cost, coverage and value. The following are the major factors that influenced how we ranked each company:
- Medical expense limits: Companies with higher medical expense limits ranked higher on our list, specifically providers offering medical benefits higher than $250,000.
- Primary medical coverage: Medicare does not cover most medical bills incurred abroad. Companies offering primary medical coverage scored higher than those that only offer secondary coverage.
- Emergency medical evacuation: Not every travel insurance company offers medical evacuation coverage. We ranked companies with at least $100,000 in coverage higher than those with a lower benefit amount or not offering coverage at all.
- Premium costs: Travel insurance is more expensive for seniors because insurance companies consider older adults more likely to run into a medical issue and file an insurance claim. To compare premium costs, we gathered quotes for a U.S. couple taking a trip to the United Kingdom and ranked companies based on average affordability.
- Travel assistance: We ranked companies offering 24/7 travel assistance higher than those with more limited customer service hours.
How Much Does Senior Travel Insurance Cost?
The average cost of travel insurance for seniors is $417. However, seniors can likely expect to pay anywhere from $159 to $745 for a policy. Our team analyzed average travel insurance policy costs for senior travelers by gathering quotes from multiple providers using four different traveler profiles. Based on these quotes, we found the average cost of travel insurance for seniors was about 9% to 18% of their trip’s total value.
See the table below for a breakdown of average policy costs across the traveler profiles we used to gather quotes during our research process.
| Trip Details | Trip Cost | Average Policy Cost | Percentage of Trip Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70-year-old couple taking a seven-day trip to Mexico | $4,000 | $363 | 9% |
| 65-year-old taking a five-day cruise in the Bahamas | $1,200 | $159 | 13% |
| 77-year-old and 81-year-old couple taking an eight-day trip to the Dominican Republic | $5,000 | $745 | 15% |
| 80-year-old taking a six-day cruise in Greece | $3,000 | $532 | 18% |
The table below shows the average cost of senior travel insurance by provider, averaging each of their plan costs for all 4 traveler types highlighted above, from cheapest to most expensive.
Keep in mind your actual travel insurance policy cost as a senior will depend on factors such as your age, total trip cost, level of coverage and more. We recommend gathering quotes from at least three different travel insurance companies before settling on a plan.
How To Pick The Best Senior Travel Insurance Plan
When shopping for senior travel insurance, consider the following tips to pick the right policy for your coverage needs.
Check for Pre-Existing Conditions Waivers
Most travel insurance companies exclude pre-existing conditions from medical coverage. If you’ve had changes in your health before purchasing a policy — such as a new diagnosis or new medication — a company may consider it a pre-existing condition.
Senior travelers with chronic medical conditions or a new diagnosis can see if their travel insurance provider offers a waiver for pre-existing conditions. This waiver can prevent a travel insurance company from denying medical-related reimbursements if you have a pre-existing condition, as it keeps the provider from examining your recent medical records when reviewing a claim.
Angela Borden, a product marketing specialist at Seven Corners, encourages travelers to check on medical coverage if they have pre-existing conditions.
“Contact your insurance provider to be sure you fully understand the pre-existing conditions coverage for the plan you choose,” she said, “being prepared and having the information before you need it in an emergency can make a huge difference.”
“Contact your insurance provider to be sure you fully understand the pre-existing conditions coverage for the plan you choose,” she said, “being prepared and having the information before you need it in an emergency can make a huge difference.”
Opt for Primary Medical Coverage
If you get your health insurance through Medicare, you may consider travel insurance providers that offer primary (rather than secondary) medical coverage. Medicare does not pay for medical care provided outside the U.S., which can make travel insurance for seniors valuable. Providers like Travelex and Faye are good options for seniors who think they may need international medical care policies with primary coverage.
Did you Know?
According to our survey of 1,000 people who have purchased a travel insurance policy in the past, over 60% recommend that a friend buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes medical coverage, cancellations, baggage, etc., over a cheaper policy with less coverage.
Choose a Plan With at Least $100,000 in Medical Coverage
Travel medical insurance can protect you if you need emergency medical care while on a trip. If you’re a senior with a Medicare policy that covers your domestic healthcare needs, your policy likely will not cover medical bills you incur in another country. If you need healthcare services due to a sudden illness or injury, a travel insurance plan with medical coverage can likely protect you financially in an emergency.
We recommend senior travelers obtain at least $100,000 in medical coverage based on our review of travel insurance companies and research into emergency medical expenses. If you experience a serious medical emergency that requires hospitalization, your healthcare bills might add up quickly. Consider your financial situation, the length of your travels and other factors when deciding on the amount of coverage you’re comfortable purchasing.
Get at Least $250,000 in Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage
When traveling to a location without an accessible or strong healthcare infrastructure, the need for medical evacuation increases if you have a severe accident. If you need transport in an ambulance, helicopter or another specialized medical vehicle, medical evacuation coverage can help cover transport-related bills. Repatriation benefits — often included alongside medical evacuation coverage — cover the cost of transporting your remains back to your home country in the event of death abroad.
We recommend getting emergency evacuation coverage of at least $250,000, ideally $500,000. According to Medjet, medical transport costs can range from $30,000 to over $180,000, so you’ll likely want limits that can provide you with peace of mind if you need transport during a medical crisis.
Frequent International Travelers: Consider Annual Travel Insurance
Seniors who plan to travel to multiple destinations over the course of a year might consider an annual travel insurance policy. Annual, multi-destination travel insurance covers multiple trips over a set period — typically 12 months. If you plan on traveling frequently while returning to your home base between trips, this coverage may offer a cost-effective way to protect your travels versus buying multiple single-trip policies for all your adventures.
MarketWatch Guides Tip
Keep in mind that while annual coverage is typically cheaper than buying multiple individual plans, these plans often have lower limits for emergency medical expenses. Consider what’s most important to you in a travel insurance policy before deciding on a single-trip or annual travel insurance plan.
Make Sure You Have 100% Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
Trip cancellation insurance and trip interruption coverage can reimburse prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is canceled or interrupted for a reason listed under your policy. Qualifying expenses can include flights, hotel reservations, rental car costs, and prepaid excursions and activities. Ensuring your trip cancellation and interruption coverages provide at least 100% reimbursement can protect your wallet and peace of mind if you experience circumstances beyond your control.
Consider a “Cancel For Any Reason” Coverage Add-On
Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage is an add-on worth considering if you foresee canceling your trip for a reason not covered by a standard travel insurance policy. While a typical plan covers cancellations due to a death in the family, hospitalization, military orders or deployment, and more, CFAR coverage allows you to cancel for virtually any reason. If you use your CFAR coverage, you will receive reimbursement up to a set percentage amount of your trip as outlined in your policy.
See the table below for a comparison of CFAR coverage between our top picks for senior travel insurance providers.
Did You Know?
According to the participants in our study over the age of 54, 60% purchased CFAR coverage, and 19% purchased Interruption for any reason (IFAR) coverage.
How To Save On Travel Insurance
If you’re concerned about the cost of travel insurance as a senior, there are ways to save money. For example, a travel insurance policy with lower coverage limits may suffice if you’re traveling somewhere low-risk to relax versus a more adventurous location.
Or, if you have a credit card with travel insurance benefits such as trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage, you can choose to purchase a separate plan that only includes travel medical coverage. This could be cheaper than a comprehensive policy. If you do not need medical coverage, you can choose to rely on credit card benefits alone to save even more money.
Keep in mind that cheaper is not necessarily better. Make sure you’re comfortable with lower coverage limits if you choose a cheaper plan and, assuming your policy has lower limits, can pay out of pocket if needed in a medical emergency or other untimely situation. Considering your unique needs as you travel can help you better choose a plan that’s right for you.
Read more on travel credit cards: AMEX Travel Insurance and Chase Sapphire Preferred travel insurance
What Else Do Seniors Need To Know About Travel Insurance?
The following are some things to consider if you’re a senior considering purchasing traveling insurance.
COVID-19 is usually treated as a typical illness: Under most travel insurance policies, COVID-19 is treated the same as any other illness covered under the policy. If you contract COVID-19 on or before your trip, you may be entitled to a reimbursement. However, fear of a new COVID strain does not qualify you for reimbursement under standard travel insurance policies. As a senior, you may want to protect your trip with CFAR coverage if your destination may be at a higher risk of COVID-related complications.
Pre-existing conditions are often excluded: Senior citizens usually have more health concerns than younger travelers, which is partly why travel insurance costs more as you age. You may be required to provide your travel insurance provider with a list of pre-existing conditions before you are approved for coverage. Compare plan options with your health insurance coverage to find the policy that provides you with the best complementary benefits.
Why Should Seniors Buy Travel Insurance?
As a senior citizen, you may rely on Medicare as your primary form of health insurance coverage. However, Medicare does not offer coverage for most medical expenses that you could incur abroad. Without medical travel insurance, seniors could face thousands of dollars in emergency medical expenses if an accident occurs on vacation.
Travel insurance also can provide benefits beyond medical protection. Most travel insurance policies will reimburse up to 100% of nonrefundable trip expenses, which helps protect your investments. Benefits for baggage loss, emergency evacuations and flight delays are also included in most plans. If you’re a senior living on a budget income, these protections can provide peace of mind as you travel.
Deciding on a travel insurance plan as a senior is a personal decision. Considering your travel needs can help make the decision easier, and we recommend asking yourself questions such as these before purchasing a plan:
- Am I traveling to a remote area that lacks a robust healthcare system?
- Does my trip involve multiple connecting flights or destinations?
- Am I worried about unexpected events interfering with my plans?
- Are my non-refundable costs more than I can realistically afford to lose?
If you answer yes to any of the above questions, it could be worth gathering quotes from multiple providers and comparing costs. This way, you can find a plan that suits your needs and budget while providing you with peace of mind.
When To Skip Travel Insurance
Travel insurance may not be worth it for some senior travelers. For example, some countries, such as New Zealand, provide covered emergency medical care for accidental injuries or illnesses, so you may not need travel insurance strictly for medical benefits.
Other instances where you might skip travel insurance include if you booked your trip using a credit card that provides travel benefits. Several credit cards offer travel insurance benefits such as trip cancellation and trip interruption, so check with your credit card provider to see if it provides benefits that align with your needs.
Is Senior Travel Insurance Worth It?
When you compare the price of travel insurance to the price of a potential travel emergency, it usually proves worth the cost. Even if you don’t have a pre-existing medical condition, older travelers are more likely to consider travel insurance plans with medical coverage for a sudden injury or emergency evacuation. Medicare does not cover medical expenses outside the U.S. and U.S. territories. Travel insurance also offers valuable cancellation and delay benefits, potentially saving you thousands in nonrefundable trip costs like your flights and accommodations.
Expert Tips and Insights
Professor in Commercial Recreation and Tourism
Pennsylvania State University
Dr. Bing Pan is a professor in commercial recreation and tourism in the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management at Penn State University. He adopts big data analytics to study visitor management and tourism marketing in national parks and destinations.
Carney Family Endowed Professor in Hospitality and Tourism Management
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Muzaffer (Muzzo) Uysal is a Carney Family Endowed Professor of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management – Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His current research interests center on tourism demand and supply interaction, tourism development, and quality-of-life research in tourism and hospitality.
Professor in the Collins College of Hospitality Management
California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Linchi Kwok, Ph.D., publishes viewpoints and refereed (peer-reviewed) articles in hospitality management and service marketing. His research work won several best paper awards at academic conferences. Linchi is now a professor at the Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona and a visiting professor at Sun Yat-Sen University. Before moving to Southern California, Linchi worked at Syracuse University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Texas Tech University and Marriott.
Associate Professor Emeritus
Kansas State University
Gayle Appel Doll, M.S., Ph.D., is an associate professor emeritus and adjunct associate dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs at Kansas State University’s Center on Aging where she coordinates and develops research, educational and training programs and outreach activities on aging. She received her Master’s in Kinesiology and her Doctorate in Life Span Human Development, both from Kansas State University. Dr. Doll teaches gerontology courses at Kansas State University, earning the Commerce Bank Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching in 2005.
Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Travel Insurance
Yes, plenty of travel insurance providers offer insurance plans for senior citizens. Some companies that provide trip cancellation and medical evacuation coverage for men and women over 70 include AXA, Berkshire Hathaway and Nationwide.
The best option to buy travel insurance as a senior citizen will vary depending on your unique needs. For example, Generali Global Assistance might be the right plan provider for you if you’re looking for an insurance provider that offers low-priced policies. On the other hand, if you have multiple health conditions and need high maximum limits on medical evacuation coverage, consider companies like Berkshire Hathaway and Nationwide.
Yes, buying a travel insurance policy event is still a good idea if you have Medicare. Though Medicare might provide you with limited emergency care coverage outside the United States, it will not cover most medical evacuations. It also does not offer any reimbursement for trip costs and expenses not related to medical care.
Yes, it’s possible to buy travel insurance with a preexisting condition. However, your travel insurance may not cover injuries, symptoms, or illnesses related to conditions present before the start date of your policy.
Methodology: How We Rate Travel Insurance Companies
Our team surveyed dozens of travel insurance providers and created a scoring system to judge each company based on coverage, quality and service. We also collected sample quotes from each company, both over the phone and on the Internet, to simulate an authentic customer experience. Here are the factors we take into consideration when rating providers:
- Cost (10%): To determine a baseline average travel insurance cost for seniors, we gathered quotes from various travel insurance companies based on four different senior traveler profiles. Specifically, we obtained quotes for the following trips:
- A 70-year-old couple taking a $4,000, 7-day trip to Mexico
- A 65-year-old taking a $1,200, 5-day cruise in the Bahamas
- A 77 and 81-year-old couple taking a $5,000, 8-day trip to the Dominican Republic
- An 80-year-old taking a $3,000, 6-day cruise in Greece
- Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
- Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
- Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
- Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
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