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The Best Travel Insurance Options for Seniors [Ages 65, 70, and Over 80]

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

305 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 98 U.S. States Visited: 45

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3109 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

Why Purchase Travel Insurance

The cost of travel insurance, preexisting conditions, travel insurance and medicare, covid-19 and travel insurance, world nomads — best for active seniors, allianz — best for annual multi-trip policies, best for covering covid-19 cancellations, best for preexisting conditions, best travel insurance options — age 80 and above, credit card travel insurance, final thoughts.

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Our senior years can be some of the most exciting years of our lives. If we’re fortunate, we’ll now have the time, and hopefully, the resources, to make our travel dreams come true.

As we age, however, traveling may pose some additional risks. We may be more likely to have health-related issues and therefore the need to seek medical attention during our journey. We may also have occasions where we need to cancel our plans due to health issues or the health of those around us.

Now, more than ever, we need to think seriously about purchasing travel insurance. The good news is that comprehensive travel insurance, regardless of your age, is widely available and relatively affordable. With that being said, chances are you could use a little help getting started with the process of finding and purchasing the right plan.

If you’re 65 years of age or older and thinking about purchasing travel insurance, don’t pull the trigger without reviewing the information in today’s article on travel insurance options for seniors.

Travel insurance can protect you from financial loss due to unforeseen events that can cause you to cancel your trip or disrupt your trip once it’s in progress. As we age and our health declines, we may be more likely to experience such an event.

Travel insurance can cover the following situations:

• You, a family member, or travel companion becomes seriously ill and you must cancel your trip
• You slip and fall while traveling abroad, require medical care, and are forced to stay in a foreign city until you can travel again
• You are on safari and break your ankle, requiring emergency evacuation to the nearest hospital

The types of coverage you can expect to find on travel insurance policies include the following:

• Emergency medical coverage
• Emergency evacuation
• Trip cancellation, trip interruption , and trip delay
• Baggage insurance and personal effects coverage
• Travel accident and accidental life insurance

You may also elect to add coverage such as cancel for any reason insurance (CFAR) , a waiver for preexisting conditions, or car rental insurance.

What You Need to Know About Age and Travel Insurance

It’s possible to purchase travel insurance at just about any age. If you’re healthy enough to travel, you’ll generally be able to find coverage. You’ll normally be paying more to purchase coverage as you get older, however, and most policies may have preexisting health stipulations.

As age increases, so does the cost of purchasing travel insurance . The good news, however, is that premiums tend to vary widely between companies who offer policies for older travelers, so it pays to compare.

The easiest way to compare policies is via insurance comparison sites such as SquareMouth , InsureMyTrip , or TravelInsurance.com . Travel comparison sites make it easy to compare travel insurance policy pricing and coverage options for all ages.

We’ve used these sites to find most of the comparison quotes provided in this article.

As we age, we’re more likely to have preexisting health conditions, which can be excluded from most travel insurance policies. Once again, the good news is that preexisting condition exclusions are generally limited to a specified timeframe previous to the effective date of your policy.

If you have shown symptoms or been treated within a specified time period before your trip, usually 90 to 120 days, your condition may not be covered for certain coverages such as trip interruption, cancellation, or emergency medical. Each company’s requirements may differ.

Also, on a positive note is that many insurers allow you to purchase a preexisting condition waiver when you purchase your policy.

Health insurance may or may not cover medical costs abroad. And even if there is coverage, evacuation costs may not be included. The same scenario exists with Medicare.

Medicare will not cover medical expenses incurred abroad . There are very limited situations where Medicare may grant coverage, such as if you reside in the U.S. and a foreign hospital (such as a Canadian hospital) is closer to your residence than the U.S. hospital, or you’re traveling through Canada to reach another U.S. state or territory. Also, several terms and conditions apply.

There are Medicare supplement policies you can purchase that can cover you while traveling abroad. You’ll pay a standard $250 deductible, have coverage for 80% of eligible expenses beyond that amount, and have a lifetime cap of $50,000 in coverage.

So even if you have Medicare, a Medicare supplement, or other health insurance policy, there can still be plenty of gaps in coverage when you’re traveling abroad.

For this reason, and the need for additional coverage such as trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage coverage, and more, it’s prudent to purchase travel insurance.

Bottom Line: Medicare will generally not cover medical expenses when you’re traveling outside of the U.S. and its territories and Medicare supplement and Advantage policies provide limited coverage. Travel insurance is a wise choice for covering medical expenses and for other travel-related events that could cause you to cancel your trip or disrupt your journey in progress. 

As we advance in age, the chance we will need to cancel a trip due to health-related issues increases. Fortunately, most travel insurance policies cover trip cancellations due to illness. However, travel insurance policies do not cover voluntary cancellations such as canceling your trip due to the fear of getting sick.

Cancel for any reason insurance (CFAR), when added to a travel insurance policy, will allow you to cancel your trip for any reason you deem necessary. It will even cover you if you simply decide not to go.

While CFAR insurance allows you to cancel your trip for any reason, including COVID-19-related issues, the coverage will not reimburse 100% of your costs. The coverage can only be purchased when you purchase your travel insurance or for a short window following the purchase. CFAR insurance can also be expensive.

Our article on COVID-19-related trip cancellations goes into a lot more detail.

Best Travel Insurance Options — Ages 65 to 69

Priorities change as we change and as a result, we may have different insurance needs at age 65 than we do at age 80. Here are some examples of travel insurance plans that might be a fit for travelers age 65-69.

If you’re under age 70, you’ll find comprehensive travel insurance coverage with World Nomads . What sets World Nomads apart from other insurance providers is that they’re experts at insuring active travelers who participate in adventurous activities.

While World Nomads does not offer CFAR insurance, COVID-19 is not excluded as an illness for trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage.

World Nomads only insures those travelers under age 70 and refers older travelers to its partner TripAssure .

For a traveler 68 years of age, traveling to the Netherlands for 8 days, with a total trip cost of $3,000, here are some sample costs.

The main differences in these plans are that the Explorer Plan covers an expanded collection of over 200 covered adventurous activities, has higher limits for trip interruption/cancellation/delay and emergency evacuation, and includes rental car insurance.

Secure your own quote from World Nomads .

Allianz simplifies purchasing travel insurance with its offerings of travel insurance package policies. You can select from single trip policies with several levels of coverage options or annual multi-trip policies that cover every trip you make during the policy period, even ones you haven’t yet planned.

If you travel frequently, or even a few times each year, purchasing an annual, multi-trip plan could be a cost-effective way to protect all your trips.

To learn more about Allianz and its policy offerings , you’ll want to check out our review for details.

Hot Tip: Be sure to compare the price of an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy to a single-trip plan, even if you are only currently planning 1 trip. You may find a better value in the annual multi-trip policy and not have to purchase additional coverage if you should decide to travel again during the policy period. 

Many policies will cover trip cancellation due to getting the virus, but none will cover cancellation due to the fear of getting the virus. To cover cancellations based on the fear of COVID-19, you’ll need a policy that allows you to add CFAR insurance .

The following are just a sampling of companies that offer this option on their policies.

• John Hancock
• Seven Corners

Please note that not every policy these companies offer allows you to add CFAR coverage.

For more information on travel insurance covering COVID-19 , we’ve put together an informative article.

Best Travel Insurance Options — Ages 70 to 79

There are a lot of reasons to embrace the wanderlust and travel in your 70s. By then, many have retired and perhaps have more money to spend on travel. There can also be a sense of urgency to travel while we’re still healthy.

As we’ve mentioned, however, as we age we are more apt to have health issues. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean we’ll be unable to purchase travel insurance. Even into our 70s, we’ll have plenty of travel insurance options, and coverage can still be affordable.

Since travel insurance is meant to protect you from unforeseen events, having a preexisting health condition may rule out any chance of coverage for that issue. However, several companies allow you to purchase a waiver so that preexisting health conditions can be covered.

Here are just a few companies that offer this waiver:

• Travel Guard
• Travel Insured

Each company has its own requirements for adding a preexisting condition waiver to your policy. You must purchase the policy within a specific time period, such as within 14 to 30 days after making your first trip deposit payment. You may also be required to insure the entire cost of your trip and your health must be medically stable when purchasing the coverage.

As a senior, it becomes more and more likely that we will actually have to use our travel insurance coverage as we age. However, even at age 80 or beyond, you’ll still find travel insurance widely available and relatively affordable. Some companies are willing to insure older travelers but charge higher premiums , so it’s wise to compare the pricing of several providers.

Above you’ll find a sampling of 4 SquareMouth quotes for single-trip travel insurance policies that include CFAR insurance for a traveler 80 years of age. The trip’s total cost was stated at $3,000 and was 8 days in length. Quotes ranged from $382 (Seven Corners) to well over $1,000 to insure the trip (not all quotes are shown). Coverage limits can also vary greatly, so it can be beneficial to compare policy limits.

If you’re looking to purchase travel insurance and you’re 80 years of age or older, it’s imperative to compare policies for the best pricing and coverage.

Hot Tip: Seniors ages 65 to 99 who are not interested in CFAR (cancel for any reason) insurance, may consider an annual multi-trip travel insurance plan. Allianz is a company that charges the same premium, regardless of age, for its annual plans for travelers ages 65 to 99 . 

There is 1 type of travel insurance that will cover you, regardless of age . U.S.-issued credit cards come with various types of travel insurance coverages that apply to all primary cardholders.

Typical travel insurance coverage found on credit cards includes the following:

• Lost, stolen, or damaged luggage insurance
• Car rental insurance
• Roadside assistance
• Travel accident insurance
• Travel assistance hotline

Premium credit cards such as The Platinum Card ® from American Express and Chase Sapphire Reserve ® card also come with valuable emergency evacuation coverage. Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card  is known for its comprehensive travel insurance benefits, including primary car rental insurance .

To learn more about which credit cards come with travel coverage, check out our article on the best credit cards for travel insurance benefits.

Bottom Line: The travel insurance benefits that come with U.S.-issued credit cards do not generally have age limits for coverage. However, many credit card travel benefits may be secondary to other insurance you might have. This means that you might first have to file a claim with your own insurance before the credit card insurance is valid. 

As seniors, purchasing travel insurance should be a priority for protecting your investment and preventing losses you might incur due to unexpected medical expenses during your travels.

With wide availability, regardless of age, it’s not only a prudent economic move, but it’s also a move that delivers peace of mind before and during your trip.

Finally, always make sure to compare policies as coverages and prices vary widely between travel insurance providers.

You can learn more about the best travel insurance companies for travelers  and the basics of travel insurance in our informative articles.

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best travel insurance for seniors over 65.

Since travel insurance is widely available, even for seniors over 65, the best policy can be found by comparing companies and policies.

Using a travel insurance comparison site such as SquareMouth, InsureMyTrip, or TravelInsurance.com can assist you in comparing coverages and costs between only highly-rated financially stable travel insurance companies.

If you travel more than once per year, consider an annual, multi-trip, policy that covers any trip you take during the policy period.

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Travel insurance is meant to cover unforeseen events. Once COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, it became a known event and is not covered as a reason for canceling your trip plans.

However, there are situations where COVID-19-related claims can be covered. If you become ill with the virus before or during your trip, you may be covered for trip cancellation, trip interruption, or emergency medical.

Does travel insurance cover preexisting medical conditions?

A standard travel insurance policy does not cover ongoing preexisting health conditions. However, many companies will insure you if you have a condition that is stabilized with medicine and no recent treatment has been sought. Requirements vary by travel insurance provider.

Also, many companies allow you to purchase a waiver that will then cover you for preexisting conditions.

Does credit card travel insurance cover flight cancellations?

The trip cancellation, interruption, or delay coverage that comes with your credit card does not cover voluntary flight cancellations.

The coverage does cover some flight cancellations due to unforeseen events such as becoming ill prior to, or during your trip. Coverage varies by credit card issuer but you will find a list of specific covered events in your card’s guide to benefits.

You can also call the number on the back of your card and speak with the claim administer.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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The Guide to Senior Travel Insurance

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Table of Contents

The best senior travel insurance options

Tips for selecting travel insurance for seniors, what else seniors need to know about travel insurance, travel insurance for seniors, recapped.

Travel insurance is a smart way to protect the money you have invested in a big trip in case unforeseen hurdles stop you from traveling. Seemingly now more than ever, last-minute changes can disrupt a trip, and in some cases, the money spent on nonrefundable purchases is at risk. There are numerous travel insurance options for people older than 65, but it is important to understand the nuances of senior travel insurance.

Medical issues or situations at (or en route to) your destination can stifle even the best-laid plans. Many credit cards include travel insurance as one of their benefits. These plans can assist in the event of lost or delayed baggage, flight delays and cancellations, and other adjustments to a trip paid for with that particular card.

When buying supplemental senior citizen travel insurance, don’t rely on the default option presented by your travel provider. There are many considerations to take into account, like how far from home you plan to be, the potential for injury or sickness (including your pre-existing medical conditions), and what may already be covered by other insurance plans you have.

For example, medical evacuation may not be covered, but local transportation to a hospital may be. And remember that U.S. health plans or Medicare coverage are especially limited outside of the country.

Here are some options worth reviewing from a handful of insurance providers: Allianz, Medjet, Travelers and your specific travel provider.

Here are a select few senior travel insurance options for people 65 and older.

Allianz offers excellent coverage for travelers over 65. It can help make payments for medical treatments overseas, even in the local currency and their preferred payment methods, to keep you from paying out of pocket.

For longer trips, it offers an AllTrips Prime Plan in increments of three, six or 12 months (ideal if you plan to vacation elsewhere during the winter months, for example). This plan covers emergency medical transport. The company takes into account certain pre-existing medical conditions so be sure to read the fine print.

If you fall ill or need assistance during your travels, Medjet ’s supplemental coverage for medical transportation helps you get to your home or the hospital of your choice. It includes air medical transport. This is a membership program that covers emergencies and can be tacked onto trips or purchased annually. While not technically travel insurance, this company offers an additional medical transport option for emergencies.

This coverage can be helpful if you're planning to travel in remote or unfamiliar areas, such as on safaris, to secluded islands and other far-flung destinations.

» Learn more: Does travel insurance cover medical expenses?

Most other travel insurers might only get you to the nearest appropriate hospital facility. For travelers younger than 75, Medjet offers no pre-existing medical condition exclusions and it doesn't rule out the same number of activities that other providers might.

3. Travelers

With the option to buy an annual, multi-trip protector, Travelers insurance covers a whole year of trips with the option to upgrade several features. The add-ons include “Cancel For Any Reason” insurance and trip interruption coverage.

4. Your travel provider’s own plan

On certain types of trips, say a cruise or a Caribbean resort that is prone to hurricanes, using the travel provider’s recommended insurance can be a good bet. This coverage is usually offered as an add-on during the booking process, but it can also be added after the reservation.

Most likely, these policies are designed to cover delay or cancellation issues, but be sure to read the fine print to see if medical transportation or trip interruption is also included.

Choosing a provider of your own can make sense when planning your own travel (let’s say a honeymoon to Paris or the Maldives). If a cruise line or safari outfitter offers insurance of its own, that might be the most comprehensive when it comes to that particular provider’s operations.

» Learn more: The best cruise insurance

Deciding if you need travel insurance is the first hurdle. Next comes the task of selecting the right one without spending more than the cost of what you are actually trying to protect. These are some important tips to consider.

Compare plans

It is wise to compare the options available using aggregator websites like SquareMouth (a NerdWallet partner) and InsureMyTrip.com. These sites compare the options from dozens of different providers detailing what they do and do not cover.

Seeing the exclusions as well as considering them within the framework of your trip can help you select the best plan for your travel needs.

Consider existing coverage

Review your existing coverage, whether that is via your health insurance or any credit card protections you may have. Some of the benefits you might be paying extra for when getting supplemental travel insurance may already be covered.

Read the fine print

Don’t base your final decision on price, as sometimes the cheapest policy may be the most restrictive — and the most expensive policy may give you coverage for activities you won't even be doing.

What may seem like an inclusion may actually be disallowed due to a technicality (terrorist attack or war). If you’re not sure, pick up the phone and ask if your specific situation is covered.

Timing is key. The sooner you buy your travel insurance coverage, the more time you have to benefit from it. The price could also rise the closer you get to departure. If you wait until the departure date to buy it, you would be out of luck if the week before you get sick or the destination closes its borders. Buying insurance after an issue arises won't help you.

Travel insurance is a safe way to protect that sunken cost. Spending money on travel, even with the benefit of loyalty program miles and points to offset some of the cost, can be a significant investment. Chances are that you won’t even need it, but like other insurance policies, it can pay off in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Weigh the cost of potential expenses with the insurance plan. Canceling a rental car for a road trip may not be a big deal, but business class flights and a nonrefundable cruise might be.

Credit card coverage only protects you if you use that card to pay for your travel. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express also offer travel insurance benefits when paying with points, too. Terms apply. Using the right card for your trip can help save money on other potential travel insurance costs.

» Learn more: Best travel insurance options for older adventurers

What may seem like an unnecessary extra cost can actually help save the day in certain circumstances.

It can pay dividends to understand what your existing coverage includes (especially via a particular credit card) so that travelers over 65 make the most advantageous insurance decision for their trips.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

June 1, 2020

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Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

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The Best Travel Insurance Plans for Seniors

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Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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Travel Insurance

Medical travel insurance, seniors travel insurance, europe travel insurance, worldwide travel insurance, coronavirus travel insurance, long stay travel insurance.

• Unlimited medical emergency expenses¹
• Up to £10K cancellation cover
• 24/7 emergency medical helpline

Covered 27 million+ travellers

Trusted for 20+ years

24/7 emergency helpline

With long stay travel insurance from InsureandGo, your holiday doesn’t have to stop at a fortnight. We can cover trips of up to a whole year in length, whether you’re planning to travel the world or spend a season on the slopes.

What is long stay travel insurance?

Long stay travel insurance can cover your longer-than-average holiday, whether an extended 3 week stay or an epic round the world trip. If you’re going away for three or four weeks instead of the traditional one to two, then you’ll be pleased to know our standard   single trip policies will still cover you. In fact, they’ll cover a trip of up to 365 days!

This isn’t the same as annual travel insurance , which covers you for multiple trips during the year, rather than one long trip.

What does long stay travel insurance cover?

All of our long stay travel insurance policies include:

• Cover for cancellation of your trip
• Over   100 sports and activities covered (See   policy wording   for a full list)
• Emergency medical expenses
• Personal belongings and baggage cover
• Personal money, passports and travel documents cover
• Accommodation cover
• Legal expenses cover

The excess and cover limits will vary depending on the level of cover purchased. Find out more in our   policy wording . Further items and activities can be added to your travel insurance policy, making sure you are covered for any specific needs.

Who is long stay travel insurance suitable for?

Long stay travel insurance is suitable for anyone! Our single trip policies can cover trips of up to a year, and have no upper age limits . So if you’re planning to travel around Southeast Asia on your   gap year   or volunteering for some charity work abroad, you’re in the right place to get a quote.

Does long stay travel insurance cover several countries?

It can! Just let us know the countries you’ll be travelling through and we’ll quote you a price for the whole trip. To choose the right long stay travel insurance policy for you,   get a quote online .

Does long stay travel insurance cover multiple trips?

No, it covers one long trip, and ends when you get back to the UK. If you want cover that will cover multiple trips for a whole year, check out our annual travel insurance instead.

Can I buy long stay travel insurance after booking a trip?

Some travel operators may require you to buy your insurance at the same time as booking your trip. Others are more flexible as long as you obtain your travel insurance before you depart.

Long stay travel insurance with medical conditions

We cover a wide range of medical conditions on our Silver, Gold and Black level policies, however long you’re travelling for, and we will never refuse to cover a   pre-existing medical condition   without prior consideration. We can usually cover any medical conditions with an additional premium, and medical cover on your long stay holiday is no exception.

You can check through our insurance   policy documents  for further details on long stay travel insurance with medical conditions we cover, or  get in touch  today for more information.

Does a long stay travel insurance cover me while working abroad?

If you’re working with hand tools, then conservation or charity work is included as standard under all our policies. We can insure you for manual labour too, but you would need to add our hazardous activities cover to your policy.

• Unlimited emergency medical expenses available on Black level policies.
• Based on 2,050 responses, correct as of 22/01/2024

Long stay travel insurance for over 70s: The biggest myth in the industry?

While the UK travel insurance market continues to develop, numerous myths might stop you from travelling. One such myth surrounds long stay travel insurance for over 70s, with many thinking this is impossible to secure. Fortunately, this is not the case!

• While historically challenging to find affordable long stay travel insurance for those aged over 70 - the market has changed.
• Many insurance companies include long stay travel cover as part of single trip and multi-trip policies.
• There is a growing trend for standalone long stay travel insurance cover for those into their 70s, 80s and 90s.
• As competition continues to grow we have seen a significant tightening of premiums, benefiting consumers over 70 years of age.

Long stay travel insurance for over 70s: FAQs

Is it possible to buy long stay travel insurance if i am over 70 years of age.

Yes. As you can see from the above list, many insurance companies recognise the growing number of people over 70 years of age looking towards extended travel.

Are there age restrictions on long stay travel insurance?

While the conditions will vary from company to company, you may find there are age and/or trip duration restrictions on some policies .

Do these policies cover pre-existing medical conditions?

The vast majority of long stay insurance policies will cover pre-existing medical conditions where the insurer has been informed. However, it is important to clarify the situation prior to paying for travel cover.

What if my trip is extended over the maximum insurance term?

If you have travel insurance for 90 days , or another specified period, and your trip ends up being longer, you would not be covered unless you negotiated an extension or new policy.

When looking for travel insurance for over 70s , there appear to be several restrictions at first glance. You will notice that some of the leading travel insurance companies reduce the maximum cover for single travel and annual policies for older clients. So, where do you start if you are over 70 and looking to take an extended break? 

Thankfully, there are a growing number of insurance companies offering extended travel cover for over 70s . Let’s look at what’s available and from what providers.

While there are no age restrictions with Free Spirit, there are limitations on extended travel. On the surface, it would appear that Free Spirit does not offer extended travel insurance for those over 76. 

However, if the duration of your trip extends beyond the time or age limit restrictions, you can contact the company directly. They will be able to quote you for single trip cover for an extended duration, moulded around your particular requirements.

Whether you're looking for single-trip, multi-trip, or specialist cover, or need assurance about pre-existing medical conditions, our panel of travel insurance providers has you covered. Click on your chosen provider below to get started.

• Some restrictions based on age

While long stay travel insurance for over 70s can be challenging to find with some insurance companies, this is not the case with Globelink . This is available through the company's comprehensive annual insurance policy, offering:

• Trip durations up to 15 months, extended to 18 months with prior approval
• Long stay insurance is available up to 89 years of age

If you have any questions or queries, you can contact the company directly for more information .

Avanti offers a useful standalone long stay travel insurance policy if you're looking at extended trips. Further information is available on the website. However, the maximum length of cover reduces from 550 days if you're under 65 to 123 days if you're between 71 and 75. Consequently, it is sensible to contact Avanti directly to ensure you get the best deal for your travel plans.

Staysure offers a standalone long stay travel insurance package allowing over 70s to travel for extended periods. If you're between 71 and 75 years old, you can:

• Travel to European destinations for up to 366 days
• Travel to Bermuda, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Mexico, Singapore, Thailand, islands of the Caribbean and the USA for up to 123 days
• Travel elsewhere for up to 184 days

Over 75s can travel anywhere for up to 104 days with a standard single trip policy.

Whether travelling in the UK or overseas, a Saga single trip insurance policy covers you for up to 120 days. The Saga annual travel insurance policy traditionally covers you for trips up to a maximum of 45 days. However, there is the option to extend this to 60 days or 90 days for an additional payment.

Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz offers both single trip insurance, up to 180 days cover, and annual travel insurance, limited to 31 days cover per excursion. However, it may be possible to request an insurance quote moulded around your requirements.

AllClear Travel Insurance

AllClear Travel Insurance offers both single trip insurance for up to 94 days at a time, and annual travel insurance, limited to 45 days per trip as standard, but with the option to extend to 55 days. AllClear Travel Insurance also offers flexible long-stay travel insurance policies that you can tailor to your needs depending on destination and planned trip duration.

Medical Travel Compared

As Medical Travel Compared allows you to compare travel insurance policies from various providers, we cannot provide a definitive outline of cover parameters. However, such is the variety of policies available that you’re sure to be able to find a long-stay travel insurance policy for your needs, along with any other type of travel cover you may require.

Insurewithease.com

While not one of the mainstream insurers, Insurewithease.com offers an excellent package for those over 75 looking at long stay travel. The policy covers single trips of up to 3 months in length without any age limit.

RAC travel insurance is very competitive for over 70s looking at extended trips. There is no upper age limit on the single trip policy, which covers up to 94 days for any one trip. It is a little different for the annual multi-trip cover, with two of the three options offering up 62 days' cover per trip. However, the RAC Black Travel Insurance package covers a maximum trip of 92 days. The upper age limit for the annual multi-trip cover is 80 years of age at the start of the policy.

Post Office

Post Office travel insurance caters for over 70s, with some restrictions. When looking at economy, standard and premium single trip policies, they cover maximum trip durations for different age groups:

• Up to 70 years of age, one trip of 365 days
• 71 to 75, maximum trip duration of 90 days
• 76 to 85, maximum trip duration of 31 days

The maximum trip duration for annual multi-trip policies is up to 60 days, but there may be an additional premium.

esure offers two packages: 

• Single trip policies for those aged up to 84 with a maximum trip limit of 90 days. 
• Cover for up to 45 days per trip for those aged up to 74 with a multi-trip policy. 

Sainsbury's

Many people prefer to deal with recognised brands, which prompted the likes of Sainsbury's to enter the travel insurance market. The single trip travel insurance policy has no upper age limit with a maximum trip duration of 94 days. The platinum annual multi-trip policy offers cover for a maximum of 92 days per trip. However, there is an upper age limit of 80 for this policy.

Keen-eyed readers will also note that Sainsbury's offers an extended stay travel insurance package. Unfortunately, while providing cover for up to 548 days, this policy has an upper age limit of 65.

Busting the myths of long stay travel insurance for over 70s

Thankfully, competition in the UK travel insurance industry has prompted the emergence of numerous companies offering long stay travel insurance for over 70s . While many people focus on overseas travel, most of these policies also cover UK trips. The only condition with UK trips is a minimum of two consecutive nights in recognised accommodation facilities.

It is essential to look at the detail for each insurance provider as some offer long stay travel cover as part of a:

• Single trip policy
• Annual multi-trip policy
• Standalone long stay insurance package

Some travel insurance companies also offer an ad hoc service where they can provide a specific quote around the duration and destination of your intended trip. However way you look at it, there is significant competition and availability for those over 70 looking at extended travel insurance.

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Travel Insurance for over 70s

Travel insurance for over 70s with pre-existing medical conditions.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, our Over 70s Travel Insurance aims to provide cost-effective, high-quality cover.

Finding over 70s Travel Insurance can be difficult and costly. At Just Travel Cover, we believe everyone should be able to enjoy their holiday and find high-quality cover that enables them to travel with peace of mind – no matter their age. Just Travel Cover works with a range of specialist insurers to provide over 70s Travel Insurance with cover for hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions,  including short and long stay Travel Insurance within a single trip policy and annual Travel Insurance policies for seniors over 70.

Medical Travel Insurance for over 70s you can rely on

Just Travel Cover is here to help you find the right cover and compare policies. We will only show you policies that meet your age over 70, and any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. We compare multiple providers to help find the right Medical Travel Insurance for over 70s policy at the best price. The cost of medical treatment abroad can be extremely high, so to avoid any unexpected expenses, it is essential that you declare all pre-existing conditions when taking out an over 70s Travel Insurance policy.

We will usually show you bronze, silver and gold policies, so you can compare Travel Insurance over 70 and pick the best medical Travel Insurance option for you.

Medical Conditions Travel Insurance: Compare and Choose

Our online quote and medical screening engines enable you to compare medical Travel Insurance for over 70s quickly and easily. We want you to look forward to your holidays without the stress of finding a well-suited policy. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or need medical treatment abroad, Just Travel Cover is here to help provide cover and we will only show you over 70s Travel Insurance options that are suitable for your medical history, duration of trip, destination, and age.

Why Just Travel Cover

At Just Travel Cover, we understand that age is just a number and shouldn’t limit your ability to explore the world. Our commitment goes beyond offering affordable over 70 Travel Insurance for pre-existing medical conditions. We are award-winning and work diligently with a vast network of insurers to ensure our clients, including those over 70 with pre-existing medical conditions, find the best medical Travel Insurance for medical conditions tailored to their unique needs. Our transparent comparison process, dedicated to providing a range of Travel Insurance policies, sets us apart. Whether you’re seeking long-stay or short-stay Travel Insurance for over 70s, trust Just Travel Cover for unparalleled service and peace of mind.

Over 70 Travel Advice

Compare over 70 travel insurance, over 70s travel insurance faqs.

Frequently asked questions about Travel Insurance for people over 70 .

What is over 70s Travel Insurance?

Travel Insurance for over 70’s is designed to keep you protected while you are on holiday, and leading up to your trip.

Standard Travel Insurance policies may have upper-age limits and not cover certain age groups, especially those over 70 with pre-existing medical conditions .

Just Travel Cover works with a wide range of Travel Insurance providers to provide policies for those over 70 as we believe age should not be a barrier to travel.

How much does over 70s Travel Insurance cost?

How much you pay for over 70 Travel Insurance is not just based on your age, but also on where you’re going, for how long, whether the trip includes a cruise and your medical history. It also depends what level of cover you want/need – for example if your holiday costs £5,000 you only need £5,000 cancellation cover, but if the holiday costs £30,000 you’re likely going to want to ensure your insurance covers it.

When you get a quote from Just Travel Cover you will see a list of policies, sorted by price, based on your own circumstances, so we’re comparing prices for you to find the best possible deal from our insurers. If you do require a higher cancellation limit for example, you would need to speak to a member of our team directly to arrange. It may be the case that over 70s Travel Insurance is more expensive, but it depends on a case-by-case basis. Reach out to one of our experts to discuss your options today.

When should you purchase your over 70s Travel Insurance?

As Martin Lewis recommends, you should buy over 70s Travel Insurance ASAB, as soon as you have booked your trip – that’s because on single trip policies, cancellation cover starts immediately, so if something happens that means you can no longer go on your holiday, you may be able to claim back the money you have paid. On annual policies cancellation cover starts on the day your policy starts, which can be up to 90 days in the future. Terms apply.

Do pre-existing medical conditions affect the cost of my over 70s Travel Insurance?

You should declare all pre-existing medical conditions when arranging Travel Insurance . The policy will then cover the cost of care for any pre-existing medical condition you have had in the past or suffer from now.

Where can I go with over 70s Travel Insurance?

We know retirement often means more time to explore the world, and if you’re over 70 we can help find Travel Insurance that enables you to travel anywhere, as long as the FCDO does not advise against travel. Having the right policy in place will provide peace of mind that you’re protected should something not go to plan. Depending on where you’re travelling, you can get a single-trip policy for holidays:

• up to 180 days if you’re aged between 71-75
• 124 days if aged 76-79.

Annual multi-trip Travel Insurance is available if you’re over 70 too, with a maximum trip length of 45 days.

When you’re over 70, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions , it’s important you have the right cover in place, so always look at what’s covered, as well as the price – this is not the same for all insurers.

When calculating the price of a Travel Insurance policy insurers will take a range of factors into consideration including your age and medical history, as well as where you’re going, how long for and whether you’re going on a cruise.

The price can also be impacted by the amount of cover you want/need, for example, if your holiday costs £30,000 you will need more cover than if it was £3,000.  We’ll compare prices from a range of insurers with bronze, silver and gold options,

Can I get Travel Insurance if I’m over 70 with a heart condition?

Yes, at Just Travel Cover we specialise in seniors Travel Insurance with pre-existing medical conditions and can provide cover for most heart conditions, including if you have had a heart attack. If you’re over 70 and have ever had a heart condition such as angina or an irregular heartbeat it is important you declare these when getting a quotation to ensure you’re properly covered while away.

Can I get Travel Insurance over 70 with diabetes?

Yes, our over 70s Travel Insurance policies can provide cover for type 1 and type 2 diabetes as long as this is declared when getting a quotation, alongside your age, any other medical conditions, destination, and length of trip. We will ask you a few questions regarding insulin and hospital visits before presenting several options to you from multiple insurers so you can compare Travel Insurance for over 70 and diabetes and choose the best policy for you.

Can I get Travel Insurance if I’m over 70 and living with cancer?

Yes, at Just Travel Cover we can help those over 70 and living with various types of cancer find over 70’s Travel Insurance whether you’re in remission or not. We are able to provide cover for a wide range of cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer and skin cancer. You should make sure the exact type of cancer is declared on your policy, and you answer all questions appropriately – we will then show you a list of providers that can provide the cover you need. Find out more on our Travel Insurance with pre-existing condition page.

If I’m over 70, can I get Travel Insurance to cover mental health conditions?

Yes, if you’re over 70 and living with a mental health condition such as anxiety and depression, it’s important to be covered for these when you travel. Mental Health Conditions fall under the bracket of pre-existing medical conditions and should be declared when getting a quote. Our over 70s Travel Insurance policies provide up to £15m medical cover and will provide the peace of mind you’ve got the right support if the unexpected happens. When answering our medical questions, you may be asked to call us – this is so we can explain the different terms for psychiatric conditions for each insurer and provide you with some options.

Do Just Travel Cover provide home insurance for over 70s?

While we specialise in Travel Insurance, we partner with Quotezone.co.uk to provide home insurance , including options for those over 70.

I am over 70 and need Ski Insurance for my holiday. Can Just Travel Cover help?

Yes, just add the ‘winter sports extension’ when getting a quote online or tell one of our sales advisors that you need winter sports ski cover when getting an over 70s Travel Insurance policy. Please note that we only offer the winter sports extension to travellers under 75. Quotes are based on your age, medical history, duration of trip and destination.

Over 70s Travel Insurance

• Compare multiple insurers
• Bronze, Silver and Gold are available
• Hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions covered
• Emergency medical expenses up to £15 million per person
• Cancellation cover up to £12,500 per person
• Increased cancellation up to £32,500 available up to 74 and £27,500 between 75-79)
• Baggage cover up to £3,000 per person

Compare Over 70s Travel Insurance Prices From These Insurers

Click here to download the Policy Wording and Insurance Product Information document for all over 70s insurers

Medical Travel Insurance can save you a small fortune, particularly when it comes to cruising, where it’s not uncommon for unwell passengers to be taken on to dry land for medical treatment. Subsequent transportation to mainland hospital facilities and treatment can result in huge medical bills. Declaring all pre-existing medical conditions will ensure you have the correct insurance to cover you for unexpected costs.

We’re Here to Help

Our online quote and medical screening engine enables you to compare and Travel Insurance for over 70s quickly and easily. Cancellation cover starts immediately from the moment of purchase  (on single-trip policies ) for you and all the travel companions you insure under the policy, so you no longer need to worry about the unexpected and focus on getting ready for your next holiday.

Instant Cancellation Cover

Whether you’re over 70 or not, your cancellation cover (single trip policies) will start immediately.

Our online quote and medical screening engine enables you to compare and buy Travel Insurance quickly and easily.

Introducing Smart Luggage – a Just Travel Cover exclusive

Take the sting out of lost or delayed luggage with Smart Luggage: real-time payment of £50 if your luggage is delayed by 30 mins, and £500 if it is deemed lost after 48 hours – straight into your bank or PayPal account. Terms apply.

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Travel Insurance For Over 70s

• Travel with confidence with Travel Insurance for the over 70s.
• Our 5-star policies will give you peace of mind, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday.

Our Over 70s Travel Insurance is designed to help you travel confidently. It can provide full medical cover for complete peace of mind.

This includes specialist cover for all pre-existing medical conditions and medical emergencies while abroad, as well as cover for trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other common travel mishaps.

What is Over 70s Travel Insurance – and do you need it?

Over 70s Travel Insurance is a type of policy that offers peace of mind and protection for older travellers during and leading up to your trip. 

With the risk of falls and injury increasing as we get older , there’s a higher chance of needing some medical help while travelling. With our specialised medical cover, you can travel in the knowledge you’re fully protected.

Our Over 70s Travel Insurance:

• Provides specialist medical cover: As a specialist Medical Travel Insurance provider, we offer tailored Travel Insurance policies to suit you and your needs, no matter your age or medical conditions
• Is tailored to you: Nearly 95% of adults over 60 are living with at least one chronic condition, which can make finding and buying Travel Insurance more difficult. We’ll help you find a policy tailored to your needs
• Offers peace of mind: Travelling can be stressful, particularly as you get older. Over 70s Travel Insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing that you’re protected if you have an accident or emergency. You will also have access to our 24/7 helpline should you have a medical emergency your trip

What does AllClear’s Over 70s Travel Insurance cover?

We specialise in cover for over 70s with pre-existing medical conditions , so you can travel with confidence.

What’s covered?

• Medical expenses – We can cover emergency medical treatment you need while travelling, including pre-existing medical conditions you’ve declared
• Medical aids – We will protect your essential medical equipment and accessories from loss or damage
• Medication – We’ll help you get a replacement for your vital prescription medication if you lose it during your trip.
• Repatriation – This covers the cost of emergency medical transport back to the UK
• Lost luggage – We will pay out if your baggage is stolen or damaged, so you can replace your important items.
• Cancellation and curtailment – Provides cover if you have to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency or reasons beyond your control
• Travel disruption – We will help you cover alternative transport or accommodation if your travel plans are disrupted

What’s not covered?

• Undeclared medical conditions – We need to know your full medical history to give you the best cover possible in a medical emergency
• High-risk activities – These are not covered by our standard policy, but you can add Optional Extras for some activities if you want to
• Accidents under the influence of drugs or alcohol – While we want you to have fun on your trip, safety is paramount. If you have an accident because of drugs or alcohol, your claim won’t be covered.
• Missed flights within your control – We understand that sometimes things go wrong, but we can’t cover missed flights that were under your control.
• Choosing not to travel – We know that plans change from time to time, but cancellation cover is provided only for specific reasons like illness, injury, or bereavement. Refer to your policy documents for complete cover details

AllClear’s Travel Insurance for Over 70s with pre-existing medical conditions

It is common to be travelling with pre-existing medical conditions in your 70s. 

In fact, a recent Which? study revealed that over a third (36%) of respondents living with pre-existing conditions struggled to find affordable insurance, with 7% opting to travel uninsured due to high premiums.

The risks of travelling without Over 70s Travel Insurance can be extremely costly. For example, without repatriation cover, you would have to pay air ambulance costs upfront. This can cost anywhere from £12,000 to £18,000 in Europe, to upwards of £50,000 from the USA , Caribbean and South America.

If you’re over 70 and living with a pre-existing medical condition, you must declare them so we can provide you with the most appropriate cover. 

Below are some of the most common medical conditions we cover for over 70s:

• Heart conditions – We cover all cardiovascular issues affecting heart function. This includes high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation .
• Chronic illnesses –  Nearly 95% of adults 60 and older are living with at least one chronic condition. We provide cover for cancer , Crohn’s disease , gallstones and other long-lasting chronic conditions.
• Respiratory problems – Respiratory conditions include asthma , and COPD , leading to airflow obstruction and breathing difficulties.
• Neurological conditions – These are disorders affecting the brain and nervous system. This includes strokes , epilepsy and multiple sclerosis .
• Diabetes – Disruptions in insulin production or usage affecting blood sugar levels, including diabetes .
• Musculoskeletal conditions – Conditions that affect your bones, muscles, and joints, including back problems and osteoporosis .
• Mental health – We provide cover for mental health too, including anxiety and depression.

Find the best over 70s Travel Insurance for your trip

AllClear offers many types of Travel Insurance so you can choose one that’s right for your trip. 

Examples include:

• Single Trip Travel Insurance offers full protection extending for up to 45 days, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey.
• Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance covers you if you’re planning on taking two or more holidays over 12 months. It may also be more cost-effective than buying Single Trip Travel Insurance for each holiday.
• Group Travel Insurance covers between two to ten travellers. This makes it a fantastic option if you’re travelling with friends and family.
• Cruise Travel Insurance provides essential cover for all aspects of your cruise. This includes onboard medical emergencies, cruise cancellations, cabin confinement and lost luggage. Around 30% of UK cruise customers are over 70 years old, with a further 33% between 60 and 69 years old, and it’s important to be covered for any unexpected issues you could face.
• Looking to enjoy some activities during your travels? Optional Sports and Activity cover is also available for pastimes like golfing . We’ll even cover your electronics with our gadget cover .

Countries covered by over 70s Travel Insurance

We provide Over 70s Travel Insurance for every destination. However, the region of cover you need will depend on where you’re heading.

Here’s what we cover:

• UK Travel Insurance provides cover for your UK trips for baggage and cancellation. However, we do not cover medical treatment in the UK
• European Travel Insurance will cover you on trips to European countries, as well as Egypt , Morocco and Tunisia.
• Worldwide Travel Insurance provides essential cover across the globe. You can also choose whether to exclude the USA , Canada and the Caribbean

How our Travel Insurance for Over 70s works: A simple 3 step quote process

You’ll first need to complete our quick and simple 3-step screening process.

Here’s how it works.

1. Get a quote online or by phone

Once you’re ready to start the quote process, the first step is to provide your personal details and information about your holiday plans. This can be completed over the phone with one of our team members or online.

Get your quote

2. Complete our simple medical screening process

Here, you need to declare any medical conditions you have. This way, we can provide the cover that best suits your needs.

3 . Get your quote

You’ll then get your quote(s) and can either proceed to buy or save your quote at this stage.

Our experts say…

“We believe that everyone should be able to travel, and the over 70’s are no exception. There’s an assumption that older people are either unwilling or unable to see the world. Our data shows that this is wrong, and that there are plenty of holidaymakers exploring well into their 70s, and beyond. However, more than any other group, senior travellers need to make sure they have comprehensive cover in place for their trip.”

Letitia Smith MSc, Travel Insurance expert

What our customers say

Our dedication to customer satisfaction has helped us understand our customers. 

With over 123,000 reviews on Trustpilot, it’s easy to see what our over 70s customers think about us.

What our Customers Say

Getting quotes for travel insurance… painless.

“Getting quotes for Travel Insurance when you are over 70 and with pre-existing medical conditions can be a painful experience. It, therefore, came as a ray of sunshine to be helped through the process by an incredibly helpful and lucid young woman. No jargon, hard sell or questions that I (doctor) didn’t understand. From start to getting the quote took a fraction of the time with other insurers and was also very competitive. Highly recommended.” – Dr Henderson

Frequently Asked Questions on Over 70s Travel Insurance

Why does travel insurance cost more when you turn 70.

Travel Insurance premiums are calculated based on several different factors. These include

• The destination you’re travelling to
• The length of your trip
• The type and severity of your medical conditions
• The level of benefits being offered to you

Does Travel Insurance have upper age limits?

AllClear Travel Insurance cover has no upper age limit. This means any traveller, regardless of their age, can buy a specialist policy.

Do you need to declare all your medical conditions for over 70s Travel Insurance?

Yes, you must declare all pre-existing medical conditions you have and that are fully within the medical warranty, even if you consider them minor or they are controlled with medication. Not declaring your medical conditions may lead to lack of cover during your trip. This could result in costly expenses if you have an accident while travelling.

For example, if you need an air ambulance from the USA back home, it could cost you between £80,000 – £100,000 without appropriate medical cover.

When should you buy over 70s Travel Insurance?

Financial expert Martin Lewis firmly believes that you should arrange Travel Insurance “ASAB” – “As Soon As you Book” to avoid being out of pocket if a medical condition forces them to cancel a trip.

You can buy your Over 70s Travel Insurance before or after you’ve booked your trip, but it must be before you travel.  Additionally, our Single Trip Travel Insurance policies can be bought 12 months before your holiday. As soon as you have secured your policy, the cover begins immediately if you have included the cancellation cover.

Alternatively, our Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance can be bought up to 31 days before your first trip.

Do you need Over 70s Travel Insurance if you have a GHIC card?

Yes, you will still need Over 70s Travel Insurance even if you have a GHIC (previously EHIC) card. 

While a GHIC card gives you access to healthcare throughout the EU for medically necessary treatment, it will not cover you for repatriation costs (which can be extortionate) or complications relating to a pre-existing medical condition. Additionally, GHIC will not cover you for lost luggage, passports, documents, travel delays or personal liability.

What factors will affect the cost of Over 70s Travel Insurance?

In addition to your age and medical history, trip duration, destination, planned activities, personal items, and optional extras impact may impact the cost of your Over 70s Travel Insurance.

Longer trips and distant destinations often result in higher costs, while specialised cover for activities like golfing may require extra fees. 

It’s important to consider these factors when selecting your policy to make sure you have the right cover in place for your trip.

Can someone else join your Travel Insurance policy if they're under 70?

Yes, you can add someone else to your Over 70s Travel Insurance policy, even if they are under 70. 

You can find out how to add someone to your policy through our Group Travel Insurance cover or by speaking to one of our friendly members of staff .

Get the most out of your trips with our helpful guides

Where are you visiting?

Explore our helpful guides for tips to ensure you remember everything you need when travelling to one of the below destinations:

Which activities do you have planned?

Whether you’re teeing off on a golf trip or setting sail on a cruise, remember to add extra coverage to your policy for a worry-free trip

• United Kingdom
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Golf Travel Insurance

Written by: Letitia Smith | Travel Insurance Expert Last Updated: 4 April 2024

3 - Based on Trustpilot reviews of all companies in the Travel Insurance Company category that have over 40,000 reviews as of September 2023.

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Travel Insurance for Over 70s

Age co is there to help the over 70s enjoy their next holiday.

• No upper age limit
• 5 Star Defaqto rated product options
• 99% of pre-existing medical conditions covered

You’re on the right track. We’re just taking you to the AllClear website for a quote

Age Co Travel Insurance is provided by our trusted partner, AllClear. You’ll be able to get a quote easily through their site. Please note: terms & conditions, privacy notice and cookie policy will differ from Age Co’s. If you’re happy to leave the Age Co website, simply click ‘continue’ and you’ll be taken to the relevant AllClear page.

Age Co is 100% owned by Age UK and gives its profits to the charity. In the last 5 years Age Co has donated more than £12m to Age UK

What is travel insurance for over 70s?

Put simply: it’s insurance that’s inclusive to those aged 70 or over. While some providers have age limits in place, Age Co Travel Insurance has no upper age limit. We also have a range of features that travellers aged 70 or over may find particularly useful. From specialist medical coverage to enhanced Covid protection, our travel insurance is there to help more people travel with confidence.

What does over 70s travel insurance cover?

Age Co Travel Insurance can provide a wide range of benefits suitable for travellers over 70, including:

• 24/7 medical assistance, included as standard
• Cover for over 1,300 medical conditions
• Cruise cover included with Platinum and available with Gold Plus
• Up to unlimited emergency medical and repatriation cover
• Protection for personal items and medical equipment
• UK, Europe and Worldwide destinations
• Compensation for Covid related incidents

Travelling with pre-existing medical conditions

Many people worry that pre-existing medical conditions will stop them from finding the right travel insurance. And while standard policies might not be suitable, specialist medical providers are on hand to offer protection. At Age Co, we work in partnership with AllClear - a UK medical specialist. They’re able to approve 99% of pre-existing conditions, including:

• Heart conditions
• Hypertension
• Mobility issues

How much does travel insurance for over 70s cost?

The only way to get an accurate price for travel insurance is to get a quote from a provider. All policies are priced according to the individual and their trip details. While age and medical history can affect pricing, so too can your chosen destination. For example, insurance covering the USA tends to be more expensive due to the cost of healthcare.

Other factors that can impact the price of your policy include:

• Length of stay : shorter holidays tend to cost less than longer trips away.
• Activities : skiing and water sports are viewed as high-risk activities, so tend to require either additional protection or high costs
• Cruises : these types of holidays have their own unique risks, such as port delays, so you might need to purchase additional cover
• Level of protection : some traveller choose to pay more to have extra benefits or lower excess costs

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Choose from three levels of cover

Optional extras.

Available for all three levels of cover, you can choose to customise your policy with any of these optional extras.  Golf cover: keen golfers can get peace of mind for their next big trip with cover that includes protection for both equipment and green fees.

Natural disaster cover: if your trip is disrupted by unforeseen circumstances, such as wildfires or a typhoon, you’ll be compensated for flight and accommodation costs.

Waiting list cover: protects you in the event of any pending medical treatment getting in the way of your holiday. For example, if a scheduled operation is brought forward and your trip needs to be cut short.

Travelling companion cover: if you’re travelling with a friend or family member who is insured by another provider, this will cover the cost of their cancellation or curtailment, should you become unwell and aren’t able to travel.

Gadget cover: we offer extra protection for items such as cameras, mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. Should they be lost, stolen or suffer from accidental damage, you’ll be covered for up to £2,500.

Your policy documents contain information about the features, exclusions and limitations of Age Co Travel Insurance, provided by AllClear. If you’re an existing customer, you can find further information related to your insurance via our dedicated section .

Policy Document

Gold Product Information Document IPID

Gold Increased Excess Product Information Document IPID

Gold Excluding Cancellation Product Information Document IPID

Gold Plus Product Information Document IPID

Gold Plus excluding cancellation Product Information Document IPID

Platinum Product Information Document IPID

Frequently asked questions

While travel insurance can provide a wide range of protection for anyone over 70 travelling, you must do your best to stay safe while on holiday. If your provider finds out you’ve put yourself at risk or failed to disclose key information, you may struggle to make a claim. The following are common scenarios that will risk invalidating your insurance:

• Failing to disclose any medical conditions while getting a quote or after taking out a policy
• Travelling against the advice of your doctor
• Engaging with high-risk activities that aren’t covered by your policy

Age Co Travel Insurance is able to offer worldwide protection. However, to get the right price, it’s important you disclose your specific destination while getting a quote. Limiting your coverage to the UK or Europe tends to be more cost-effective than general worldwide protection. If you are travelling further afield, you can customise your policy to exclude the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean - destinations that incur higher costs.

The cost of travel insurance tends to increase as we get older. This is tied to the higher chance of medical incidents taking place. To offset these costs, it’s recommended you consider providers carefully to ensure you find the right protection at a fair price.

Yes. With Age Co Travel Insurance, no matter what level you select, all policies can include gadget cover as an optional extra. This helps protect key items, such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones from damage, loss, and theft for up to £2,500. When getting a quote online, you’ll find all our optional extras once you’ve selected from our Gold, Gold Plus, and Platinum quotes.

Age Co Travel Insurance is provided by IES Limited, trading as AllClear, which is registered in Gibraltar company number 117274. Registered Office: 1st Floor, Portland House, Glacis Road, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA. IES Limited is licensed and regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission number FSC25393 and trades into the UK on a freedom of services basis, FCA FRN 824283. IES Limited will contribute to Age Co a percentage of the premium (excluding IPT) from every Age Co Travel Insurance policy sold. Age Co is 100% owned by Age UK and gives its profits to the charity. Age Co Travel Insurance is administered by AllClear Insurance Services Limited, registered in England No. 04255112. Registered Office: AllClear House, 1 Redwing Court, Ashton Road, Romford, RM3 8QQ. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority firm reference number 311244. AllClear is a registered trademark.

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4 Best Long-Term Travel Insurance in 2024 (w/ Prices)

Home | Travel | 4 Best Long-Term Travel Insurance in 2024 (w/ Prices)

When traveling abroad, get a policy from one of the  best travel insurance companies . Y ou can get a  5% discount   on Heymondo , the only insurance that pays medical bills upfront for you, HERE!

Planning on taking an extended trip soon? Long-term travel insurance is the perfect choice for travelers who are embarking on a long-term trip and need medical- and travel-related coverage.

Of course, insurance for long-term travel isn’t necessary for every traveler, particularly if you don’t take trips that are longer than three months. However, long-stay travel insurance is useful for anyone who is studying abroad, working abroad temporarily, taking a gap year, or simply traveling for a long period of time.

When I first moved to the US, I wasn’t sure if I would stay permanently, so I purchased a long-term travel insurance policy from Heymondo , knowing that it would save me money and give me coverage if I experienced any medical emergencies. It was exactly what I needed at the time.

5% OFF your travel insurance

As soon as I decided to live in the US permanently, I switched to insurance with more medical coverage beyond emergency situations since extended-trip travel insurance is not suitable for expats who want routine medical care.

If extended-stay travel insurance is what you need, keep reading, because we have compared the best long-term travel insurance plans (Heymondo, World Nomads, Travelex, and SafetyWing) and can help you choose which of these is best for your trip.

What is long-term travel insurance?

Long-stay travel insurance coverage comparison

• Long-stay travel insurance price comparison
• Best long-term travel insurance companies

Long-term travel insurance is insurance for anyone taking a long-term trip who needs medical expenses and trip-related coverage. Any trip that lasts a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of one or two years (depending on the long stay travel insurance company) is considered a long-term trip.

Like other travel insurance, insurance for long-term travel provides medical- and travel-related coverage for incidents like emergency medical care, trip delays, baggage loss, and repatriation. It is not suitable, however, for anyone who is permanently living abroad, especially because it only covers emergency medical expenses and not routine medical care.

Long-term travel insurance vs. annual, multi-trip travel insurance

So, is long-trip travel insurance the same thing as annual, multi-trip travel insurance ? They might sound similar, but actually, insurance for long-term travel and annual travel insurance is completely different.

Long-term travel insurance is insurance for long trips that last three months or more, while annual travel insurance covers multiple shorter trips that happen within one year. With annual travel insurance, trips are restricted to 30-90 days, so it’s not a useful option if your trip will last any longer than that. Annual travel insurance is also only helpful if you’ll be taking at least four or more trips a year.

If you are going on a single, long-term trip or are taking multiple trips within a year that will last longer than 90 days, long-stay travel insurance is the best choice for you.

Who is insurance for long-term travel for?

There are several reasons you might need insurance for long-term travel . You might be taking an extended trip, working abroad, embarking on a gap year, or more. Below are the most common and useful reasons for buying travel insurance for long-term travel :

Extended stay travel insurance for long trips

If you’re about to take a long trip that will last at least three months, you will definitely want to have travel insurance coverage, particularly for emergency medical expenses.

Long-term travel insurance will work out to be the most affordable option for your trip, especially if you don’t plan on returning to your home country before 90 days have elapsed. If you plan on going back home before 90 days have passed, then annual, multi-trip travel insurance might be more helpful for you.

Long stay travel insurance for working abroad

Are you about to be working from another country for an extended but temporary period? Having travel insurance for working overseas is a must, as it’s very possible that you’ll need emergency medical care at some point during your time abroad.

Remember to put your country of residence as your home country, not the country you will be working in temporarily. Otherwise, you will not be covered since long-term travel insurance usually does not provide coverage in your designated country of residence.

Travel insurance for expats

Although it may seem like a great idea to use long-term travel insurance as travel insurance when moving abroad , long-stay travel insurance is not intended for expats. Long-stay travel insurance only covers emergency medical expenses, so it’s not suitable for someone who lives abroad permanently and will need routine medical care and check-ups.

On top of that, whatever country you move to will now be your country of residence. Insurance for long-term travel does not generally provide coverage in your designated country of residence, so you may not be eligible for coverage anyway.

Long-stay travel insurance for students

It’s incredibly exciting to study abroad, but accidents and mishaps can and do happen, so avoid paying for emergency medical expenses and replacing stolen valuables with your own money by getting extended-stay travel insurance .

Having long-term travel insurance coverage will be especially useful if you plan on taking weekend trips to other countries that are close to the country where you are studying abroad; you can still receive the same coverage for those smaller trips (just make sure to select worldwide coverage or, if you’ll just be traveling in Europe, Europe/EU coverage).

Round-the-world trip insurance

Taking a long-term trip around the world is many people’s dream. If you are lucky enough to get to live out that dream, it’s easy to make sure your extended-stay travel insurance worldwide will cover you everywhere you want to visit.

Just make sure you select “worldwide” or “around the world” coverage when you purchase your extended-trip travel insurance . That way, you won’t have to buy individual long-term travel insurance policies for each country you visit. Best of all, you’ll be covered for any spontaneous stops you make while traveling the world.

One-way travel insurance, the best gap year travel insurance

If you’re planning on spending a full year traveling the world, travel insurance for long trips abroad is exactly what you need. You’ll benefit from worldwide emergency medical coverage, so you can receive treatment if you get injured or fall ill, as well as travel-related coverage for baggage loss and trip delays.

I recommend purchasing a one-way travel insurance plan from Heymondo or SafetyWing since both companies allow you to renew your plan from month to month. That way, if you end up coming home unexpectedly early, you won’t lose out on any money.

Insurance for digital nomads

ith so many jobs transitioning to working from home right now, it’s easier than ever to work remotely from anywhere in the world. If you have the opportunity to travel the world while working, take it, but make sure you purchase digital nomad travel insurance before you leave.

You’ll want your insurance coverage to include electronics (laptop, tablet, etc.) so that you can easily replace these crucial pieces of technology for working remotely if they get lost or stolen. Additionally, if you’ll be trying to check a lot of places off your travel bucket list, choose worldwide coverage so that you’ll have the freedom and insurance coverage to go wherever you want.

There can be many considerations to keep in mind when purchasing long-term travel insurance , but coverage is certainly the most important aspect to consider when selecting the long-stay travel insurance you want to buy.

Below, you’ll find a long-stay travel insurance comparison that shows you the differences in coverage among the Heymondo, World Nomads, Travelex, and SafetyWing plans.

Long-term travel insurance price comparison

If you want a better idea of how much long-term travel insurance costs based on the length of your trip and/or the specific coverage you choose, below is a chart comparing the prices of 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, 8-month, and 1-year long-term travel insurance as well as the prices of long-stay travel insurance, annual multi-trip travel insurance, and cancellation insurance.

The price of long-term travel insurance will be impacted by several different factors, including your age, nationality, and state of residence (if you live in the US).

To give you an idea of how much insurance for long-term travel costs, I’ve used the example of a 30-year-old American citizen who lives in Pennsylvania and needs worldwide coverage to generate quotes for this long-stay travel insurance price comparison .

Best long-term travel insurance

As you can see from the charts above, each of the four long-term travel insurance plans I compared has its merits.

Heymondo offers the highest emergency medical expense coverage, plus it’s the only insurance for long-term travel that pays your medical expenses upfront, so you don’t need to file a claim after your trip to get reimbursed. I will say, however, that it’s not the cheapest long-haul travel insurance and it does have a deductible of $100 for emergency medical expenses. Still, I do think it is the best long-term travel medical insurance if you want ease and convenience.

SafetyWing ’s Nomad Insurance also provides very good coverage, but their deductible for emergency medical expenses is $250. In spite of this slight drawback, SafetyWing stands out as the best insurance for digital nomads since you can sign up for a plan and it will automatically be renewed every four weeks.

Travelex , on the other hand, has the cheapest travel insurance for long-term travel (for trips of six months or more). For shorter trips, there are other, cheaper options. Travelex’s plan has no deductible, but its emergency medical coverage is also very limited, so I would think twice before going on a long-term trip with such a small amount of coverage.

Last but not least, World Nomads offers the best gap year travel insurance. The emergency medical expense coverage is perhaps a little low, but it is at least higher than Travelex’s medical coverage. There is no deductible for medical expenses, but you will need to pay out of pocket and then file a claim to get reimbursed if you receive emergency medical treatment.

As you can see, the best long-stay travel insurance for you will depend on your needs and type of trip, so keep reading to learn more about each plan.

1. Heymondo , the best long-term travel medical insurance

Personally, I consider Heymondo the best long-term travel medical insurance since its Top plan provides the highest amount of emergency medical expenses and evacuation and repatriation coverage. It’s also one of the only types of travel insurance with COVID coverage that covers COVID testing required by a doctor. Moreover, you can easily extend your plan by anything from two weeks to eight months whenever you want to.

Best of all, you won’t have to worry about waiting to get reimbursed for medical expenses since Heymondo pays your medical expenses directly and upfront for you, removing the hassle of the claim-filing process. Heymondo also makes it easy to tailor your insurance for long-term travel to fit your needs since you can add optional electronic and/or adventure sports coverage to your plan.

Heymondo’s Top plan does have its limitations, though. There is a $100 deductible for medical expenses, which means you’ll have to pay $100 towards any medical bills before Heymondo pays the rest for you. This long-stay travel insurance also lacks trip cancellation coverage; you will need to buy that coverage independently here.

If you want cheap long-term travel insurance , Heymondo is ideal; its plans already provide very good value for the money, plus you can save an extra 5% on their insurance with the discount link below.

Heymondo is also the best travel insurance company for single trips. We currently have their travel insurance and have used their assistance app more than once. Heymondo has always been there to help us when things go wrong during our trips.

2. World Nomads , the best gap year travel insurance

If you’re taking a gap year, you’re probably interested in breaking out of your comfort zone and having a real adventure. In that case, World Nomads is the perfect travel insurance for living abroad for a year and trying new things.

Its Standard plan includes adventure sports and activities coverage, so you can try everything from trekking and ice fishing to hockey and horseback riding and still be covered for accidents and injuries. Moreover, you’ll benefit from solid overall coverage for emergency medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation, trip cancellation, trip delay, and baggage loss.

Even better, there’s a $0 deductible for medical expenses, so you won’t have to pay a cent out of pocket toward your medical bills. However, World Nomads’ long-term travel insurance is the most expensive out of all the ones I compared, so if you want to save a lot of money and get similar or better coverage, Heymondo may work better for you.

3. Travelex , the best travel insurance for long-term travel

Travelex ’s Travel Select long-trip travel insurance has a lower amount of emergency medical coverage than the other insurance plans I have compared, and I personally wouldn’t feel protected traveling with such a low amount of medical coverage on a long-stay trip. However, Travelex is a viable option if you’re traveling on a budget for more than six months because it’s really cheap (and has a $0 deductible for medical expenses)!

Travel-related coverage is another story since Travelex has the highest amount of trip cancellation and trip delay coverage of all the plans I compared. It’s the best plan to choose if you anticipate experiencing any travel mishaps. You’ll also enjoy great baggage loss and evacuation and repatriation coverage.

If you would rather benefit from more medical coverage for a similar price, Heymondo is the best choice for you.

4. SafetyWing , the best insurance for digital nomads

SafetyWing ’s Nomad Insurance lives up to its name by being the best insurance for digital nomads . Not only is Nomad Insurance a cheap long-stay travel insurance , but it also provides a high amount of medical-related and baggage loss coverage.

On top of that, you can choose to have your insurance renew itself automatically every 28 days. Automatic renewal will save you time and money; ensure you don’t forget to renew so you’re always covered; and provide you with more flexibility if you haven’t decided when to end your trip yet. Just select a start date (but not an end date) when you buy Nomad Insurance and keep renewing until you want to go home, at which time you can select an end date.

Nothing’s perfect, however, and unfortunately, SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance is no exception. There’s a $250 deductible for medical expenses, which means you’ll have to pay $250 out of pocket for medical treatment before SafetyWing will cover medical expenses for you.

SafetyWing also lacks trip cancellation coverage, which can be very useful if you have to cancel a trip due to weather, illness, injury, or many other reasons. If you want a lower deductible, go with Heymondo instead, and if trip cancellation coverage is important to you, choose World Nomads or Travelex .

What does long-term travel insurance cover?

The best travel insurance for long-term travel will usually include the following types of coverage:

• Emergency medical expenses : This is probably the most important type of coverage as well as the coverage you are most likely to need while traveling. Accidents, injuries, and illnesses can happen at any time, so having emergency medical expense coverage will ensure that you don’t have to pay out of pocket for hospitalization or medical transportation.
• Evacuation and repatriation : Hopefully, you’ll never have to use evacuation and repatriation coverage, but it is useful to have. Insurance for long-term travel with evacuation and repatriation coverage will pay for the transportation costs of taking you from a remote area to the nearest hospital or sending you back to your home country if you fall seriously ill or have an accident.
• Trip delay : Unfortunately, travel does not always go smoothly; your flight could be delayed due to inclement weather or an airline issue. If that does happen, long-stay travel insurance ’s trip delay coverage will cover expenses, such as meals and accommodation, that are incurred because of a several-hour delay.
• Baggage loss : Even when you take precautions to keep your belongings safe, there’s still a chance an airline could lose or damage your bags, or a pickpocket could take your purse. In any case, long-term travel insurance with baggage loss coverage will reimburse you for any valuables that are lost or damaged, so you won’t have to replace them with your own money.

Is long-term travel insurance worth it?

Ultimately, yes, long-term travel insurance is worth it for extended trips, working abroad temporarily, and taking a gap year. It’s also a great alternative for international student insurance . In all of these situations, insurance for long-term travel will ensure that you get the medical- and travel-related coverage you need without having to break the bank.

As you’ve seen in the long-term travel insurance comparison chart above, Heymondo is the best long-stay travel insurance in terms of medical coverage. It offers the highest amount of emergency medical expense and evacuation and repatriation coverage.

Heymondo’s extended-stay travel insurance also provides the convenient flexibility of being able to renew your policy for periods from two weeks to eight months, which is perfect if you haven’t yet decided when you’ll end your trip. To top it all off, you can even get 5% off their insurance just for being a Capture the Atlas reader.

If you’ll be traveling for more than six months and you’re looking for the cheapest long-stay travel insurance, then Travelex may be better for you. Just be aware of their plan’s lower amount of medical coverage.

If you have any questions about long-term travel insurance, feel free to comment below and I will happily help you out!

Don't miss a 5% discount on your HeyMondo travel insurance  

and the only one that pays all your medical bills upfront for you!

Ascen Aynat

22 replies on “ 4 Best Long-Term Travel Insurance in 2024 (w/ Prices) ”

Hi Ascen, we are US citizens and plan to spend about 6 months of the year in California and 6 months abroad. We have lived in California and in the past had insurance with our jobs which will now be no more. So the question is when we are are in California what is our insurance option so we can visit doctors, dentists etc. Thank you

Hi Sonu, you need standard health insurance for California and travel insurance for traveling out of the States. Travel insurance won’t cover routinary medical appointments.

Let me know if you have any questions, Ascen

Good day. Could I get overlapping coverages to address different issues? Does any of these cover rental car collision insurance during any portion of the stay? If not, what do you recommend for that?

Yes, you can hire different travel insurance to get different coverages. That is no problem.

Hi my husband was diagnosed with mestatic melonma in 2021, Weve been traveling back and forth to Moffitt overvs year now. Weve paid out over $7000 just in lodging. Do you have a plan for this??

I’m sorry about that but there is no insurance that can cover that. That is not an unforeseen issue that occurred during a trip that is mostly what travel insurance cover.

Hi There is an age limit on Heymondo 49+ not included. I am 60. Can you recommend any long stay travel insurance for this age group? Thanks Karan

Hi Karan, I recommend checking our article on senior travel insurance for the best options for you.

Hi! Do you know if you need basic medical coverage from your home country before purchasing any of these insurance plans presented above? My situation is a bit complex. I am a Canadian citizen currently living abroad (non-resident of Canada), therefore I have no basic Canadian health coverage. I am currently covered by the country I reside in (Qatar), however, once I leave, I will no longer have a residency permit and therefore no coverage here either. So when I leave, I won’t have coverage anywhere. I am planning on leaving to travel for a year, so I need long-term travel and medical coverage.

Hi Marisas, please take into account that these long-term travel insurance are travel insurance. That means that they don’t cover routine health checks or chronic diseases. They only cover you under unforeseen problems. For example, if you hire one of these long-term travel insurance and have a car accident during a trip and need surgery, the travel insurance will cover but it won’t cover cancer treatment, for example.

Hi can you recommend a travel insurance for a 7 month European trip for wife and self age 59 CA residents- many thanks

Please check the coverage for the insurance recommended in this article and choose the one that is best for you.

Hi Were planning to travel continuously for one year to Europe, Asia & med cruise. Is there a travel insurance that can cover this? Most insurances will require you to go back to your home country (US) after 60 to 90 days. Thanks

Hi Nate, I don’t believe you need to get back to the US with the Heymondo Long-Term Travel Insurance. Have you checked it out?

Hi Ascen We are a male 57years and female 58 years and we are travelling to south Africa to include Botswana Namibia Mozambique,Angola Zambia and Lesotho, we are shipping our car from Australia into south africa and will be travelling for two years we both hold Australian and UK passports Could you please recommend a medical insurance for this trip , we are not to bothered about trip cancellation baggage etc any help would be appreciated We have used world nomads previously but would consider others as well Thank you ag and rg

Hi Antony, that trip sounds amazing! If you’re doing a long-term trip like that one, I recommend Heymondo since they pay all medical expenses in advance. Just be aware of the 100$ deductible per claim.

Said that their price is very competitive and they have very high coverage.

Looking for long term insurance for cancel for any reason plus Covid coverage.

I recommend purchasing separately a long term travel insurance with Covid Coverage (I recommend this one ), and a cancel for any reason policy.

Interesting that this features Travelex and then notes: “Can get similar or better coverage for a more affordable price” From whom?

As you can see in the different comparison charts (coverage comparison chart and price comparison chart), Travelex is the one with the lower coverage, by far, and it’s only worth checking for 6-month insurance or more.

Let me know if you have any questions,

Hi! Do you know if you need basic medical coverage from your home country before purchasing any of these insurance plans presented above? My situation is a bit complex. I am a Canadian citizen currently living abroad (non-resident of Canada), therefore I have no basic Canadian health coverage. I am currently covered by the country I reside in (Qatar), however, once I leave, I will no longer have a residency permit and therefore no coverage here either. So when I leave, I won’t have coverage anywhere. I am planning on leaving to travel for a year, so I need long-term travel and medical coverage. Thanks!

Hi Melanie, no you don’t need it. You will need just long-term travel insurance and you will be covered wherever you go. Also in your home country as long that you’re traveling there and use the insurance just for emergencies (not regular checks, ongoing problems, chronic diseases, and things like that). In your situation, I think the long-term travel insurance of MONDO is your best bet.

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Travel Insurance

Cheapest travel insurance of April 2024

Mandy Sleight

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 9:52 a.m. UTC April 11, 2024

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WorldTrips is the best cheap travel insurance company of 2024 based on our in-depth analysis of the cheapest travel insurance plans. Its Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans offer affordable travel insurance with high limits for emergency medical and evacuation benefits bundled with good coverage for trip delays, travel inconvenience and missed connections.

Cheapest travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of travel insurance experts analyzes hundreds of insurance products and thousands of data points to help you find the best travel insurance for your next trip. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content . You can read more about our methodology below.

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Best cheap travel insurance

Top-scoring plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, medical evacuation limit per person, why it’s the best.

WorldTrips tops our rating of the cheapest travel insurance with two plans:

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheaper travel insurance plan of the two, with $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage and an optional upgrade to primary coverage. It’s also our pick for the best travel insurance for cruises .
• Atlas Journey Premier costs a little more but gives you $150,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage . This is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority.

Pros and cons

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheapest of our 5-star travel insurance plans.
• Atlas Journey Premier offers $150,000 in primary medical coverage.
• Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Each plan offers travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
• 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Cheap travel insurance for cruises

Travel insured.

Top-scoring plan

Travel Insured offers cheap travel insurance for cruises and its Worldwide Trip Protector plan gets 4 stars in our rating of the best cruise travel insurance .

• Worldwide Trip Protector offers $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and a rare $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits, which means you won’t have to file medical claims with your health insurance first.
• Cheap trip insurance for cruises.
• Offers a rare $150,000 for non-medical evacuation.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person only available for cruises and tours.

Best cheap travel insurance for families

Travelex has the best cheap travel insurance for families because kids age 17 are covered by your policy for free when they’re traveling with you.

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• $2,000 travel delay coverage per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Only $50,000 per person emergency medical coverage.
• Baggage delay coverage is only $200 and requires a 12-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for seniors

Evacuation limit per person

Nationwide has the best cheap travel insurance for seniors — its Prime plan gets 4 stars in our best senior travel insurance rating. However, Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan ranks higher in our best cheap travel insurance rating.

• Cruise Choice has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion. It also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay, for cruises or tours. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.
• Coverage for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade available.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person is only for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for add-on options

AIG offers the best cheap travel insurance for add-on options because the Travel Guard Preferred plan allows you to customize your policy with a host of optional upgrades.

• Travel Guard Preferred upgrades include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings. There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million.
• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your affordable travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Best cheap travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe has the best cheap travel insurance for missed connections because coverage is not limited to cruises and tours, as it is with many policies.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of the best cheap travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage available.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

Cheapest travel insurance comparison

How much does the cheapest travel insurance cost?

The cheapest travel insurance in our rating is $334. This is for a WorldTrips Atlas Journey Preferred travel insurance plan, based on the average of seven quotes for travelers of various ages to international destinations with a range of trip values.  

Factors that determine travel insurance cost

There are several factors that determine the cost of travel insurance, including:

• Age and number of travelers being insured.
• Trip length.
• Total trip cost.
• The travel insurance plan you choose.
• The travel insurance company.
• Any add-ons, features or upgraded benefits you include in the travel insurance plan.

Expert tip: “In general, travelers can expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 10% of their total prepaid, non-refundable trip costs,” said Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip.

Is buying the cheapest travel insurance a good idea?

Choosing cheaper travel insurance without paying attention to what a plan covers and excludes could leave you underinsured for your trip. Comparing travel insurance plans side-by-side can help ensure you get enough coverage to protect yourself financially in an emergency for the best price. 

For example, compare these two Travelex travel insurance plans:

• Travel Basic is cheaper but it only provides up to $15,000 for emergency medical expense coverage. You’ll also have to pay extra for coverage for children.
• Travel Select will cost you a bit more but it covers up to $50,000 in medical expenses and includes coverage for kids aged 17 and younger traveling with you. It also offers upgrades such additional medical coverage, “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage and an adventure sports rider that may be a good fit for your trip.

Reasons to consider paying more for travel insurance 

Make sure you understand what you’re giving up if you buy the cheapest travel insurance. Here are a few reasons you may consider paying a little extra for better coverage. 

• Emergency medical. The best travel medical insurance offers primary coverage for emergency medical benefits. Travel insurance with primary coverage can cost more than secondary coverage but will save you from having to file a claim with your health insurance company before filing a travel insurance claim.
• Emergency evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote location or planning a boat excursion on your trip, look at travel insurance with a high medical evacuation insurance limit. If you are injured while traveling, transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility could cost in the tens to hundreds of thousands. It may make sense to pay more for travel insurance with robust emergency evacuation coverage. 
• Flexibility. To maximize your trip flexibility, you might consider upgrading your travel insurance to “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage . This will increase the cost of your travel insurance but allow you to cancel your trip for any reason — not just those listed in your policy. The catch is that you’ll need to cancel at least 48 hours before your trip and will only be reimbursed 50% or 75% of your trip expenses, depending on the plan. 
• Upgrades. Many travel insurance plans have optional extras like car rental collision and adventure sports (which may otherwise be excluded from coverage). These will cost you extra but may give you the coverage you need. 

How to find the cheapest travel insurance

The best way to find the cheapest travel insurance is to determine what you’re looking for in a travel insurance policy and compare plans that meet your needs.

 “Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every trip is different, and every traveler has different needs, wants and concerns. This is why comparison is key,” said Morrow.

Consider the following factors when comparing cheap travel insurance plans.

• How often you’re traveling. A single-trip policy may be the most cost-effective if you’re only going on a single trip this year. But a multi-trip travel insurance plan may be cheaper if you’re going on multiple international trips throughout the year. Annual travel insurance policies cover you for a whole year as long as each trip doesn’t exceed a certain number of days, usually 30 to 90 days. 
• Credit card has travel insurance benefits. The best credit cards offer perks and benefits, and many offer travel insurance-specific benefits. The coverage types and benefit limits can vary, and you must put the entire trip cost on the credit card to use the coverage. If your trip costs more than the coverage limit on your card, you can supplement the rest with a cheaper travel insurance plan.
• The coverage you need. When looking for the best travel insurance option at the most affordable price, only buy extras and upgrades you really need. A basic plan may only provide up to $500 in baggage insurance, but if you only plan to take $300 worth of clothes and accessories, you don’t need to pay more for higher coverage limits.

Is cheap travel insurance worth it?

Cheap travel insurance can be worth it, as long as you understand the plan limitations and exclusions. Taking the time to read your policy, especially the fine print, well before your trip can ensure there won’t be any surprises about what’s covered once your journey begins.

“If a traveler is looking for coverage for travel delays, cancellations, interruptions, medical and baggage — a comprehensive travel insurance policy will provide the most bang for their buck,” said Morrow. But if you’re on a tight budget and are only worried about emergency medical care and evacuation coverage while traveling abroad, stand-alone options are cheaper.

Before buying travel insurance, you should also consider what your health insurance will cover. 

“Most domestic health insurance plans, including Medicare, will not cover medical bills abroad,” said Morrow. Even if you’re staying stateside, you may find value in an affordable travel insurance plan with medical coverage if you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). 

A cheap travel insurance plan is better than none at all if you end up in a situation that would have covered some or all of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance . From those top-scoring travel insurance plans, we chose the most affordable for our rating of the cheapest travel insurance.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• Cost: 40 points. We scored the average cost of each travel insurance policy for a variety of trips and traveler profiles.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

Cheapest travel insurance FAQs

When buying travel insurance, cheapest is not always the best. The most affordable travel insurance plans typically offer fewer coverages with lower policy limits and few or no optional upgrades. Add up your total nonrefundable trip costs and compare travel insurance plans and available features that cover your travel expenses. This strategy can help you find the cheapest travel insurance policy that best protects you from financial loss if an unforeseen circumstance arises.

Get the coverage you need: Best travel insurance of 2024

According to our analysis, WorldTrips , Travel Insured International and Travelex offer the best cheap travel insurance. Policy coverage types and limits can vary by each travel insurance provider, so the best way to get the cheapest travel insurance plan is to compare several policies and companies to find the right fit for your budget.

A good rate for travel insurance depends on your budget and coverage needs. The most comprehensive travel insurance plan is usually not the cheapest. But cheap trip insurance may not have enough coverage or the types of coverage you want. Comparing different levels of coverage and how much they cost can help you find the best cheap insurance for travel. 

The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% to 6% of your total travel expenses for one trip, according to our analysis of rates. However, you may find cheaper travel insurance if you opt for a plan with fewer benefits or lower coverage limits. How much you pay for travel insurance will also depend on the number of travelers covered, their ages, the length of the trip and any upgrades you add to your plan.

Travel insurance covers nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs — up to the policy coverage limits — when your trip is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason outlined in your plan documents. Even the cheapest travel insurance policies usually provide coverage for:

• Medical emergencies.
• Trip delays.
• Trip interruption.
• Trip cancellation.
• Lost, stolen or damaged luggage.

However, if you’re looking to save on travel insurance, you can shop for a policy that only has travel medical insurance and does not include benefits for trip cancellation .

Even when you buy cheap travel insurance, you can often use upgrade options to customize your policy to meet your specific needs. 

Some common travel insurance add-ons you may want to consider include:

• Rental car damage coverage. 
• Medical bundle.
• Security bundle.
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Adventure sports bundle.
• Pet bundle.
• Wedding bundle.
• “Cancel for work reasons” coverage.
• “Interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage.
• “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage .

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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Long-term care insurance: Why those in their 70s should act now

By Joshua Rodriguez

Edited By Matt Richardson

April 17, 2024 / 1:44 PM EDT / CBS News

Long-term care insurance isn't a product that most younger adults are racing to get their hands on. However, the need for this type of insurance grows exponentially as you age . Once you reach 65 years old, you have a  significantly elevated need for long-term care  assistance. So, if you're in your 70s and don't already have coverage, now is the time to act. 

After all, being able to afford long-term care services can be challenging. Even the lowest cost long-term care support can set you back tens of thousands of dollars per year. And if you need the type of assistance that nursing homes provide, you could end up paying over $100,000 per year for that care. This is why seniors in their 70s should consider acting now.

Lock in your long-term care insurance coverage now before it's too late . 

While the optimal time to purchase long-term care insurance is typically when you're in your 50s , it's an even more important consideration when you're in your 70s. In fact, if you're in your 70s, and don't already have a plan to cover your long-term care costs, you should purchase a policy now . Here's why:

Long-term care costs will likely only rise

Long-term care services are costly. Current costs for this type of support range from tens of thousands of dollars to over a hundred thousand dollars annually. And unfortunately, that cost isn't likely to fall.

Healthcare services - like long-term care - are not immune to the impact of inflation. And lately, inflation rates have been higher than expected . According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , medical care services were 2.1% more expensive in March than they were one year earlier. As prices continue to grow, adequate long-term care services will likely become even more difficult to afford in the years ahead.   

And at 70 years old, you may be on a fixed income. As such, it may be impossible for you to keep up with the growing cost of long-term care without the help an insurance policy can provide.

Purchase long-term care insurance now to make sure you can cover the growing cost of care . 

Long-term care insurance will only become more expensive

Long-term care insurance companies have to consider the financial risk involved in writing policies. In turn, those policies tend to come with higher premiums as you age . So, acting now, even while you're in your 70s, will likely yield better premiums than you could access in the years ahead. 

"A person applying for a LTC insurance policy at an older age will have a shorter time period before filing a claim to access their policy benefits," says Lori Martin, CLTC, and instructor for Certification for Long-Term Care, a firm that provides certifications for long-term care insurance agents. As a result, she says, the "LTC insurance carrier is not collecting as much premium dollars and premiums are not invested for a longer period of time." That leads to higher premium prices for older applicants.

And, insurers have to account for health issues that may come later in life. "Older individuals may have health issues later in life that aren't discovered during the application underwriting process," says Martin. So, further risk is involved for the insurer, typically leading to a higher cost for older applicants. 

Coverage options may become more limited

As you age, your long-term care insurance coverage options will likely begin to dwindle. And if you wait too long after you're 70 years old, you may not qualify for coverage at all. 

"A barrier for this age group is acceptance since the rejection rate by 70 years old is about 50%," explains Afik Gal, co-founder and president of Assured Allies, a financial planning and insurance firm that serves seniors. But, you may still have adequate coverage options if you act quickly. So, you shouldn't wait to shop for coverage. 

The bottom line

Long-term care insurance is an effective way to plan for the cost of your care in the future. However, as you age, the cost of that insurance could climb and the availability of adequate policies may dwindle. The good news is that you still may have quality coverage options available to you, even in your 70s. But, it's important to act now to make sure you don't miss your opportunity to purchase a policy, and that, when you do, you get the lowest premiums possible. 

Joshua Rodriguez is a personal finance and investing writer with a passion for his craft. When he's not working, he enjoys time with his wife, two kids, two dogs and two ducks.

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