Introduction
As we get older, travel insurance becomes increasingly important. For those over 60, having comprehensive travel insurance can provide vital protection and peace of mind when you’re away from home.
Travel insurance covers you financially against unforeseen circumstances that could otherwise ruin a trip. The older we get, the more likely we are to have pre-existing medical conditions that may exclude us from coverage. It’s therefore essential to find a policy that accommodates any health issues.
Medical Conditions
One of the most important factors in choosing travel insurance for over 60s is whether you have any pre-existing medical conditions. A pre-existing condition is defined as any injury, illness, or medical condition that existed before your policy’s effective date. These can include both chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma, as well as acute conditions like a recent surgery or hospitalization.
Insurers will ask about your medical history when applying for coverage. You must disclose all pre-existing conditions, as failing to do so can lead to a denied claim down the road. Not all conditions will disqualify you from coverage, but most plans will exclude claims related to undisclosed pre-existing conditions.
Some insurers offer coverage for pre-existing conditions at an additional cost. However, these plans tend to be more expensive. If you have a pre-existing condition, look for a plan that specifically includes coverage for pre-existing conditions when medically stable. This means your condition has not required significant change in treatment or medication in a set period, often 30-90 days, before the policy’s effective date.
Trip Cancellation
Trip cancellation is one of the most important coverages for travelers over 60 to consider when purchasing travel insurance. As we get older, the chances of having to cancel a trip due to an unexpected illness, injury, or other covered reason increases. Some common reasons travelers over 60 may need to cancel a trip include
- Unexpected health issues or injuries. Travelers over 60 are more susceptible to health problems that may prevent them from taking a planned trip. This includes chronic conditions that flare up, new diagnoses, and injuries from accidents. Having trip cancellation can provide reimbursement for non-refundable trip payments if a trip needs to be cancelled for a covered medical reason.
- Illness of a family member. Many policies also cover trip cancellation if you need to remain home with a sick spouse, parent, or other close family member. This gives peace of mind that you won’t lose trip funds if your family member experiences a health emergency.
- Death in the family. Unfortunately, as we age the likelihood increases of losing a spouse, sibling, friend, or other loved one. Trip cancellation can provide a refund if a trip needs to be cancelled due to a death in the immediate family.
- Inclement weather. Older travelers may be less willing to travel during severe storms or weather events. Trip cancellation can provide reimbursement if a destination becomes uninhabitable due to a natural disaster or weather event.
- Mechanical breakdowns. Flights cancelled due to mechanical problems or other unforeseen circumstances may be covered under trip cancellation. This provides reimbursement for travel delays and cancellations outside of your control.
Purchasing a policy with trip cancellation coverage can protect travelers 60+ against losing their valuable vacation funds. Knowing you can get a refund if the unexpected happens provides invaluable peace of mind. For more information on travel insurance options, you can explore websites like travel-insurance.irish.
Emergency Medical
Medical emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, regardless of age or health condition. That’s why travel insurance with robust emergency medical coverage is crucial for travelers over 60.
Emergency medical coverage helps pay for unexpected illnesses or injuries that occur during your trip. This includes doctor visits, hospital costs, ambulance transportation, and prescription drugs. Many policies also cover dental care for relief of sudden pain.
If you become seriously ill or injured far from home, emergency medical coverage can be a lifesaver. Policies will pay to transport you back home for treatment or to the nearest facility that can provide adequate care. This is known as emergency medical evacuation. Some insurers also offer medical repatriation coverage to return remains home in the unfortunate event of death abroad.
Baggage Coverage
One of the key benefits of travel insurance is coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage. This provides reimbursement if your luggage is misplaced by the airline or damaged during transit. It can also cover the full-value cost of belongings stolen while travelling.
The amount of coverage varies significantly between policies. Basic plans may only provide a few hundred dollars, while more comprehensive options offer up to $2,500 or more per person. Some also include coverage for high-value items like jewelry and electronics.
When reviewing the baggage coverage of a travel insurance policy, look for:
- The maximum benefit amount per person, and whether it applies to each bag or total for the whole trip. Higher limits are ideal.
- If the plan covers checked and carry-on baggage, or just checked. Protection for both is preferable.
- Whether reimbursement is based on depreciated value or original purchase price. The latter gives you more money back.
- If there’s a per-item limit. $500 or more is recommended for high value goods.
- If baggage delays are covered, provide reimbursement for essential items if your bags are delayed for 12+ hours.
- Exclusions like high-value electronics, which need to be insured separately.
- The claims process and what documentation is required as proof.