Why Do You Need Travel Insurance for Seniors?
There are many reasons why seniors should consider investing in travel insurance, especially if international destinations are on their itinerary. Not only does travel insurance protect your purchases should something unforeseen happen to your hotel or flight plans, it also protects your health should you need medical help while traveling outside of the United States.
Most health insurance plans don’t offer coverage outside the U.S.A. This can be daunting for seniors hoping to travel abroad. Travel insurance exists to give you peace of mind and potentially life-saving benefits should something unexpected happen on your once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
Benefits of Travel Insurance Plans for Seniors
It’s important to note that every travel insurance plan is different. They are just as customizable and specific as home or auto insurance policies. However, every trip insurance plan should include basic protections, such as trip interruption reimbursement, airline change fee coverage, last-minute cancellation forgiveness and evacuation assistance.
Medical and dental coverage will vary, but trip insurance is designed to keep you covered no matter where your trip takes you. As a senior with a higher potential for medical emergencies, opting for travel insurance may help you feel as if you can travel to more exotic, far-reaching places; places Medicare or other health insurance options can’t reach.
What to Look For in Your Travel Insurance Plan
Like any insurance plan, it’s important to know what you’re looking for while you shop for travel insurance plans. You can, and should, customize your insurance package to fit your lifestyle and the type of trip you're booking.
For example, looking out for hospital coverage is important if you’re a senior visiting an international country. Policies offering a choice of hospital may be a benefit to you that doesn’t come standard. Having a travel insurance option that reimburses you over 100% of your trip expenses is possible as well, though it may cost extra.
While the overall cost of your policy is important, keep in mind that most travel insurance plans are only active for the duration of your trip. Paying a bit extra per traveler is worth it if you’re taking an international vacation you know you’ll regret missing if anything goes wrong!
Top Travel Insurance Options for Seniors
Travel insurance is a highly competitive business, especially when it comes to policies for seniors. While every plan will vary in cost depending on your age and policy specifications, here are some of the top options to kick off your travel insurance search.
Best Overall: Seven Corners
The customizability and comparable price point of Seven Corners makes it a fantastic insurance company to check out. There are countless categories to consider adding to Seven Corners’s basic plans, including ‘cancel anytime’ options and event ticket or equipment coverage. Medical coverage for seniors who choose this plan is top-tier, with flexible hospital coverage and emergency dental services. While this plan is often one of the more expensive options, you can’t beat all of its policy details and the protection it affords you.
Least Expensive: Tin Leg
If the previous option seemed too pricey, check out Tin Leg. With countless awards, customer reviews and unique policy options for a fair price, Tin Leg makes it easy to customize and book your plan. There are endless tiers to read about and certain travel benefits take time for you to qualify, which can be a bit tedious. However, this option has you covered if you have a last-minute flight change or need quality medical coverage in a foreign country.
Ideal for Couples: Nationwide
A familiar brand, Nationwide offers travel insurance that suits couples because of its affordability and bundling options with the rest of this company’s insurance policies. If you already have a Nationwide policy for your home, car or something else, adding in some trip insurance will be simple. While medical coverage is better through other plans, Nationwide works well for those of you making multiple stops and may be cheaper when booking for two.