Best current travel insurance plans for traveling seniors

September 1, 2011 By 1 Comment

senior travel insuranceWe get many questions about coverage for seniors and travelers concerned about their ability to get travel insurance or travel medical insurance after a certain age. So, we put together this post to list the travel insurance plans available to those who are 50 and older. Take a look at the plans for U.S. citizens and non U.S. citizens outlined here.

In addition, we heard from one of our colleagues at CheapFlights.com and they’ve put together a set of travel tips on getting senior discounts, including links, phone numbers, rules and more.

We hope this information helps all senior travelers get back on the road – safely, of course.

For U.S. and non U.S. Senior Citizens

  • Patriot executive from IMG is designed for frequently traveling executives up to age 75. It provides medical coverage with a fixed deductible (waived for accidents) and it’s available for individuals or groups of five or more. It includes some trip protections as well.
  • Reside from Seven Corners is designed to provide worldwide medical coverage for up to one year for travelers leaving their home country and those up to age 74. Up to two kids under age 9 are free with two covered parents.
  • Liaison Silver from Seven Corners is excellent travel medical coverage for active travelers over age 50, providing a few travel insurance package benefits and low premiums for dependent children and grandchildren.
  • CitizenSecure from Travel Insured International is international major medical coverage for travelers up to age 74 leaving their home country. Coverage for ages over 75 available as well.
  • CitizenSecure Economy from Travel Insured International is international major medical coverage for travelers up to age 74, and a senior option is also available.

U.S. Seniors

  • Liaison Silver from Seven Corners provides travel medical coverage up to a $1,000,000 maximum for seniors traveling abroad. It includes discounted premiums for dependent children and grandchildren too.
  • TravelGap Excursion from HTH Worldwide offers choices of medical limits and coverage for trips up to six months long for travelers up to age 85. This plan requires travelers to have a primary health plan back home.
  • TravelGap Voyager from HTH Worldwide offers single-trip travel medical for trips up to six months long for travelers up to age 75. This plan does not require a primary health plan.
  • Global Citizen from HTH Worldwide is annual international major medical health coverage for world travelers up to age 75. It includes global travel benefits such as evacuation, repatriation, and AD&D too.
  • TravMed Abroad from FrontierMEDEX offers full medical and evacuation coverage benefit limits up to age 85. This is comprehensive, short-term travel medical and evacuation coverage with worldwide travel assistance services. Available with an annual option.
  • The Complete Plan from MH Ross provides premium travel insurance coverage for travelers up to age 75 and trips costing as much as $100,000 per person.

Non U.S. Citizens

A new take on travel: house-sitting to defray travel costs

June 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

House-sitting to defray travel costsHouse-sitting can significantly reduce travel costs and give travelers a chance to settle into a real home away from their own home. House-sitting is specifically staying in another person’s residence while the owner is away. House-sitting arrangements often do not pay the sitter, but the benefits to the sitter are free accommodations, the ability to live in and experience a local community – often with the added benefit of use of a vehicle and the opportunity to commune with the owner’s pets.

House-sitting arrangement vary according to the homeowner and house-sitter, but of course a formal document outlining who will pay for what expenses and the responsibilities of the house-sitter is a must. In most cases, the homeowner will pay at least part of the utility costs (depending on the length of their trip), costs for pet care and home maintenance. In return, the house-sitter may agree to pet-sitting duties and light home maintenance and upkeep.

This type of arrangement can work well for travelers of all ages and it comes with a number of benefits:

  • Cheap living
  • Freedom to live alone
  • Greater space than a hotel room
  • Company of pets

A site called Mind My House matches homeowners to house sitters from all over the world and has indicated that there is increased demand for house-sitters who are wiling to do a bit more to earn free long-term accommodations in another location. Some of these responsibilities may include care taking duties like mowing the lawn and more.

Of course, if you are choosing this method of travel, be sure to keep in mind what you may need in travel insurance: medical coverage in a foreign country, flight protection, and repatriation are likely.

When travel suppliers refuse to refund

April 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

When travel suppliers refuse to cancel or refundTravel suppliers don’t always have their passengers’ best interests at heart. They are, after all, trying to make a business work in a time when travel can sometimes be problematic. One case in point: this recent story of a senior couple who booked travel into Egypt before the latest unrest began. While their travel supplier canceled some tours and refunded guests, later tours were deemed safe by their contacts in Egypt.

The news reports, however, were providing a different story and the U.S. State Department was warning citizens to defer all non essential travel to Egypt.

What’s a nervous traveler to do when their travel supplier leaves them high and dry by refusing to cancel and refund the travel costs? Purchasing travel insurance coverage that included trip cancellation coverage that included terrorism or mandatory evacuations as a covered reason for canceling a trip would have helped this couple.

In all likelihood, having ‘cancel for any reason’ coverage would have been the best coverage because they could cancel their trip for a refund even if the travel supplier wants to go forward with the trip.  This coverage must be purchased soon after making your initial trip deposit and in some situations (like this one), it can be worth every penny.

Senior Travel Insurance: Tips for Senior Citizen Travel

October 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment

senior-travel-insuranceWhen people retire, they have more time to pursue their interests and dreams. They also have more time to travel. Blessed with higher spending power and other incentives, more and more senior citizens are traveling. Here are some useful travel tips for senior citizens, including the purchase of senior travel insurance:

Making Plans: To have a memorable and stress free holiday, it’s necessary to make plans. For senior citizens, planning is especially important because there are many more things to consider. As time passes more quickly as one gets older, it’s also helpful to plan the itinerary in detail, allowing ample time to enjoy a certain place of interest at a leisurely pace. Make flight and hotel bookings early and ask about area attractions.

Concessions and Discounts: In an effort to reach out to senior citizens, many players in the travel industry offer special concessions and discounts to draw them in. Senior citizens aged 62 years or older can take advantage of discounted airfares from most airlines. There are also restaurants and hotels that offer special concessions for senior citizens so it’s worthwhile to seek out these places.

Identity Theft and Money Issues: According to the Federal Trade Commission, more than 10 million Americans fall victim to identity theft each year and 40% of these cases involve senior citizens. As a precautionary measure, senior citizens are advised to carry not more than two credit cards and only the identification cards that are the most important. If you lose your credit cards, call your bank and cancel the cards as soon as possible. Don’t carry too much cash or wear too much jewelry because you may be a target for crooks. Make special effort to protect your Social Security number and personal information.

Senior Travel Insurance: As with all travelers, senior citizens should not overlook the matter of travel insurance. If you are going to travel abroad, explore the option of acquiring travel medical insurance so you are covered in case medical assistance is needed. Medical bills in some countries can be unbelievably high so it’s best to be properly insured.

Maintaining Communication: It’s important to maintain communication with family and friends so they know where you are and how you are doing. To facilitate open communication, remember to bring your mobile phone along. In case of emergencies, inform your family members so they can arrange for assistance.

Pack Lightly: Don’t pack as many things into your luggage as possible. It’s not to go on vacation and drag around heavy suitcases that you cannot carry. The last thing you want to do is injure yourself with a heavy suitcase. Make sure to pack your medications preferably in a carry on, should your luggage get lost.

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/monkeyc/

Guide to Senior Travel Insurance (and a full comparison table)

July 16, 2008 By 1 Comment

As people in many countries live longer and retire with better health, more and more seniors are traveling farther and for longer periods than ever. Whether you are an experienced traveler, or you have been waiting all your life to take this one special trip, you want your trip to be as safe and enjoyable as possible.

The primary reason to purchase senior travel insurance is to protect themselves from highly expensive medical costs that can occur with a sudden illness or injury.

Over 65 senior travel insuranceOur health is more at risk when we travel, not only because our bodies are exposed to a variety of unfamiliar germs and viruses, but also because we have the opportunity to do activities we might not engage in at home.

While a handful of countries have reciprocal health care arrangements with other countries (typically in those countries where health care is subsidized by the government) health care costs are more expensive in some countries than in others.

Furthermore, emergency health care is not covered without travel insurance. So, even if you have an adequate plan at home, it’s important to cover costs that can occur while you are traveling as well.

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As with most travel insurance plans, you can choose comprehensive benefits to cover everything from medical emergencies to lost baggage and concierge services. Or, you can stick with the basics and just obtain emergency medical and evacuation, depending on your needs.


Senior travel insurance coverage that you need to consider
Of course, every plan is different, but most travel insurance plans provide a basic level of coverage including the following benefits:

  • Senior travel insurance should include emergency medical, including hospital room and board, and local ambulance services
  • Emergency medical reunion to bring a family member to your bedside if you are hospitalized
  • Acts of terrorism that occur in destinations on the traveler’s itinerary
  • Trip cancellation, interruption, and delays that can occur for a variety of reasons
  • Emergency medical evacuations and repatriation
  • Return of minor grandchildren traveling without their parents with the insured
  • Loss of baggage and personal effects
  • AD&D
  • Coverage for loss or damage to rental cars
  • Pre-existing medical conditions*

 

Senior Travel Insurance Coverage Matrix

The following table lists the providers who offer travel insurance plans to seniors. Most plans that are designed for seniors offer the same travel protection as the company’s plans for younger travelers, but in some cases with slightly reduced maximums or higher deductibles.

Company Plans Benefits Details
TravelGuard
  • Cruise, Tour and Travel (Platinum)
  • ProtectAssist (Gold)
  • Savvy Traveler
  • My TravelGuard
 The TravelGuard plans support all of the expected basic benefits for seniors.

This plan also supports the following benefits (up to the plan limit):

  • pre-existing conditions
  • financial default of travel suppliers
  • credit card protection (with the Platinum plan only)
  • adventure sports (with the My TravelGuard only)
  • AD&D (with the Platinum and Gold plans only)
  • rental car coverage (roadside assistance available with the Platinum plan)

 

 The TravelGuard plans offer some of the most comprehensive benefits, but various benefits apply to the different available plans, so check the plan details carefully to choose the right plan for you.

Some of these plans come with the popular optional ‘cancel for any reason’ or ‘cancel for any work reason’ benefits as well.

Children are covered at no additional cost with the Savvy Traveler plan only.
E-Travel Insurance Global Alert The following plans are available to seniors:

  • Global Alert Essentials
  • Global Alert Preferred
  • Global Alert Preferred Plus
 The E-Travel Insurance plans offer the expected basic travel insurance benefits for seniors.

In addition, these plans also offer the following benefits (up to the plan maximums):

  • medical evacuation and repatriation
  • loss or delay of baggage and personal effects
  • AD&D (various levels with different plans, some including flight accidents)
  • rental car damage (with the Preferred Plus plan only)
 The Preferred and Preferred Plus plan offer the optional ‘cancel for any reason’ benefit.
Mondial All plans are available to seniors. The Mondial travel plans support all of the expected basic benefits for seniors.

This plan also supports the following benefits (up to the plan limit):

  • return of minor grandchildren (with the Domestic Annual plan) in case the insured is hospitalized

 

 The Mondial family travel plans include the ‘kids are free’ advantage for grandchildren under 17.
Global Underwriters All plans are available to seniors. The Diplomat America plan offers the following plan maximums (travelers under 60 are eligible for all plans):

  • 60-69: plan maximums of $50,000, $100,000, or $250,000 depending on plan selected
  • 70+: plan maximum of $50,000 only


Diplomat International offers the following plan maximums (travelers under 70 are eligible for all plans):

  • 70-79: plan maximums of $50,000 or $100,000
  • 80+: plan maximum of $50,000 only


Diplomat Long Term offers the following plan maximums (travelers under 70 are eligible for all plans):

  • 70-79: plan maximums of  $100,000
  • 80+: plan maximum of $50,000 only

 

 The Diplomat Long Term plan also supports:

  • return of minor grandchildren (only with the Med-E-Vac plan) in case of hospitalization of the insured
  • selectable deductible amounts
HTH Worldwide The following plans are available for U.S. seniors up to age 84 (who are residents of eligible states):

  • TravelGap Excursion
  • TravelGap Multi-trip Gold and Silver
  • Trip Protector and Trip Protector Preferred
 The HTH Worldwide travel protection plans provide the basic expected benefits for seniors. Seniors must be enrolled in a primary group health plan designed as the first payer of claims (such as Medicare).

In addition, these plans also offer a variety of optional benefits (up to the plan maximums), including:

  • dental care
  • hazardous sports
  • repatriation of remains
  • medical evacuation
 You can also purchase additional travel reimbursement services for lost passports, airline tickets, luggage, and more.
International Medical Group
  • Patriot International
 Available to U.S. citizens, this plan has a $50,000 plan maximum and supports the typical coverage benefits.

This plan also supports the following benefits (up to the plan limit):

  • return of minor grandchildren in case the insured is hospitalized
  • unexpected recurrence of pre-existing condition
  • deductible amount selection
 This plan includes an optional leisure sports rider, which can be applied for senior travelers.
FrontierMEDEXWorldwide Travel Assistance The following plans are available to seniors up to age 80:

  • Single trip
  • Annual Frequent traveler
  • Annual Expatriate (for longer trips)
 The FrontierMEDEX travel plans are age-rated, so seniors will play slightly higher premiums depending on your age. These travel plans provide the basic expected benefits for seniors.

These plans also support the following benefits (up to the individual plan maximums):

  • selectable deductibles
  • dental
  • pre-existing conditions
  • emergency evacuation and repatriation
  • return of minor children
  • hazardous sports riders
  • lost baggage
  • AD&D
 This company will provide you with medical destination reports (for a fee).

Plans can also be extended, when necessary or desired.
MedJet Assist All plans are available to seniors up to age 75 (up to 85 with the Diamond Membership plan). The MedJet Assist travel plans provide medical evacuation benefits only. Various membership levels are available, depending on the duration of your trip and coverage options. A general health questionnaire and medical statement must be completed by the potential insured and their physician.
MultiNational Underwriters
  • Atlas Group Travel Series (for groups of 5 or more)
  • CitizenSecure Senior
 The MultiNational Underwriter senior plans are available to U.S. travelers starting at age 70 (75 for the CitizenSecure Senior plan) who live or work outside their home country.

These plans also support the following benefits (up to the plan limit):

  • selecting a deductible from a variety of options to suit your needs and financial capabilities
  • maximum coverage limit is reduced to $1 million
 Medical pre-certification may be required; check the plan specifics.
RBC Insurance The following packages are available to seniors:

  • Deluxe
  • TravelCare Packages
  • Travel within Canada Package (for travel isolated within Canada only)
  • Non-Medical Package
 the RBC travel insurance plans support the expected basic benefits for seniors.

This plan also supports the following benefits (up to the plan limit):

  • pre-existing conditions
  • missed connections
  • lost or damaged baggage
  • AD&D

 

 A medical questionnaire is required only with the TravelCare plan if you are 85 or over.

These plans can be renewed for multiple trips as annual coverage.
Seven Corners Insurance All plans are available to seniors. The Seven Corners travel insurance plans support the expected basic benefits for seniors.

This plan also supports the following benefits (up to the individual plan limits):

  • missed connections
  • medical evacuation and repatriation
  • lost or delayed baggage
 Optional flight accident protection can be purchased as well, along with collision damage.
Travelex Insurance Services
  • Travel Plus
  • TraveLite
  • Annual
  • Flight Plus
 The Travelex Insurance Services plan support the expected basic benefits for seniors.

This plan also supports the following benefits up to the individual plan limits:

  • financial default
  • itinerary changes
  • medical evacuation and repatriation
  • pre-existing conditions
  • AD&D
  • lost or damaged baggage
  • rental car damage
  • pre-existing medical conditions (for the TravelPlus and TraveLite plans only)
  • flight accident coverage (optional upgrade)
 Children under 16 are covered at no extra charge with the Travel Plus and TraveLite plans.
TravelSafe Insurance
  • Vacation Insurance
  • TravelSafe Custom
  • TravelSafe Premier
 The TravelSafe Insurance plans support the basic, expected benefits for seniors.

This plan also supports the following benefits (up to the plan limit):

  • baggage loss and delay
  • AD&D
  • rental car damage (with the Premium plan only)
  • medical evacuation and repatriation
 Optional ‘cancel for any reason’ benefit is available with these plans.
TravelInsured.com All plans are available to seniors. The TravelInsured.com plans support all the basic, expected benefits for seniors.

These plans also support the following benefits (up to the plan limit):

  • pet care
  • AD&D
  • missed connections
  • collision damage
  • evacuation and repatriation
  • baggage loss or delay
 The TravelInsured.com plans offer a large number of optional benefits, including the ‘collision damage waiver’, the ‘cancel for any reason’ benefit, and the ‘cancel for work reasons’ benefit among others. You’ll want to look at the list of options that apply to each plan to choose the right optional benefits to add to your coverage.
Travel Insurance Select The Travel Insurance Select plans are age-rated, so seniors can expect to pay a little more for the same coverage.

These plans support traveling seniors:

  • Basic
  • Plus
  • Elite
 The Travel Insurance Select plans support the basic, expected trip insurance benefits for seniors.

In addition, these plans also support the following benefits (up to the plan maximum):

  • emergency medical evacuation
  • baggage loss or delay AD&D
  • pre-existing conditions
  • ‘cancel for any reason’ (optional with Basic and Plus, included up to 75% for Elite)
 The availability of some benefits varies by state of residence, so be sure to check the plan before purchasing.
TripInsurance.com
  • Basic
  • Enhanced
 The TripInsurance.com travel plans are age-rated, which means the plan cost and limits vary based on the age of the insured(s). Otherwise, the plan benefits are the same for everyone.
USA-Assist Worldwide Protection All plans are available to seniors, and plans are age-rated, so seniors pay slightly higher costs for the same coverage benefits. The USA-Assist travel plans are available to seniors with the same benefits for everyone.

 The USA-Assist website displays the coverage cost by trip length and age, so it’s easy to see how much your travel coverage will cost. Plus, they guarantee the same prices for travelers over 70.



Travel Insurance 101-What does travel insurance cover?

January 10, 2007 By 2 Comments

Travel insurance policies provide many different coverages, here are the 5 main ones:

1. Trip cancellation

This provides coverage in case you need to cancel your trip or vacation. The coverage pays for non-refundable trip costs such as airfare, hotel, tour costs, etc. Covered reasons for cancellation include:

  • you or your traveling companion get sick and cannot travel
  • a death in the family prevents you from traveling
  • your home is damaged by fire
  • you or your travel companion lose your job

Travel insurance provides cancellation coverage that covers pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs up to the policy limit.

2. Medical emergencies

This provides medical coverage while you are away from home. Most people do not know that their health insurance from home does not work in foreign countries, and any medical expenses must be paid out of pocket, often even before treatment is received. An accident or illness in a foreign country can be a scary experience without the proper medical coverage. Travel insurance policies provide up to $1,000,000 of medical emergency coverage, depending on the plan and insurance company.

3. Trip interruption

When an accident or illness does effect your trip, coverage for trip interruption will help pay the unused portion of the trip as well as last-minute expenses for heading back home.

4. Lost, damaged, stolen baggage

Baggage coverage includes personal items, baggage, and travel documents. If your baggage is lost, stolen, or damaged and you need to replace items, baggage coverage will provide benefits up to the policy limit, usually between $500-$2000.

5. Medical evacuation

If you are in a foreign country and suffer an accident or illness, there will most likely be some medical evacuation expenses. From simple transportation to the nearest suitable hospital to an extensive medical flight back to the US, evacuation costs can easily cost over $100,000. Medical flights are specially staffed with trained professionals, and stocked with medical supplies and equipment. It is not as simple as hopping on the next commercial flight. Medical evacuation coverage provides up to $1,000,000 in evacuation expenses, depending on the company.

Comparison sites are the best way to shop for travel insurance

There are several websites where travelers can compare policies from all major companies (see How to Compare Quotes with a Travel Insurance Comparison Site)

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