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Seniors travel insurance is a regular policy that has benefits more suited to senior travellers, including the following:
A pre-existing condition is an ongoing medical condition that you are aware of, even if you're only aware of the symptoms. If you've been treated by a doctor, had surgery or have taken medication for any conditions or symptoms in the six months leading up to your policy's start date, you will need to declare your condition to the insurer if you want to be covered.
If you have a less serious condition, it's possible to get automatic cover (sometimes at no extra cost) for your pre-existing medical condition. If you have a more complicated medical problem, here are some brands that consider all pre-existing medical conditions through an online assessment.
Brands | Age limit | Policy type | Maximum trip duration | Apply |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Cover for all ages |
| Up to 92 days | |
![]() | 100 years of age |
| Up to 90 days | |
![]() | 100 years of age |
| Up to 90 days |
Maximum trip duration is determined by your specific age and destination
Here are a few key points you should be aware of when searching for the right policy for seniors:
The easiest way to declare a pre-existing medical condition is to do an online medical assessment, which is the same thing as medical screening. This is usually done just before you confirm your policy to make sure you're getting the right level of cover.
Depending on your condition, you might be asked a few simple questions, but questions can get more detailed. If you don't have access to the Internet, most insurers can conduct medical screening over the phone as well.
If your condition is more serious, your insurer may require you to obtain a doctor's report, undergo a medical examination or fill out a detailed medical assessment form. Critical information required in such a document can include the following:
Your insurer may also require you to have your doctor sign your assessment form before you submit it and to declare in writing whether you are considered to be fit to travel.
Travel insurance and pre-existing conditions Back to top
From researching different brands, we have found a few ways that travel insurance changes based on your age. Major differences include reduced cover limits, reduced trip durations and less cover for pre-existing medical conditions.
There's not much of a difference when it comes to travel insurance for those over 50, but we did find the following:
While travel insurance premiums increase as you get older, you will also notice that some insurers may start to exclude cover for more pre-existing conditions than if you were travelling in your 50s.
After looking at a few policies, we noticed that a few insurers such as Budget Direct, 1Cover, Fast Cover, Travel with Kit and Cover-More have exclusions for cover of asthma if you are over 60 years old.
After you turn 65, insurers start to get a bit picky with their inclusions and policies. This is when a price difference in premiums starts to become noticeable.
We researched a few policies and found a few restrictions and exclusions for travellers over 65.
Brand/Policy type | Conditions | Apply |
---|---|---|
Budget Direct Annual Multi-trip![]() | For trips up to 30 days, comprehensive cover for travellers under 75 years of age. | |
InsureandGo Annual Multi-trip![]() | For trips up to 30, 45 or 60 days at a time. Cover is available for those up to 100 years of age, but the maximum trip duration may be restricted depending on your age. |
Brand/Policy type | Conditions | Apply |
---|---|---|
InsureandGo + Winter Sports cover![]() | This includes cover for medical attention on the slopes, equipment and other prepaid expenses. InsureandGo has this option available to those up to 100 years of age. | |
Travel with Kit + Snow Pack ![]() | Cover for your winter sport activities and related expenses. Travel with Kit offers this add-on to anyone up to the age of 99. |
According to our research, travel insurance doesn't change so much in your 70s except for the following:
Here are some considerations if you're 75 and over while travelling. As we age, we become more at risk of health-related issues and injuries. Because of this added risk to insurers, premiums can increase. Along with increased premiums, be mindful of the following:
There are still plenty of brands that insure travellers over 80. We even have insurers that can cover those over 100 years of age. Obviously, extra premiums will be payable, and you'll need to pay close attention to make sure you disclose any pre-existing medical conditions for cover. Here are some other considerations:
Start looking for the best travel insurance for you
Travelling in Australia is hugely popular for seniors. For most insurers, you can take out a domestic policy if you're travelling at least 250km away from home.
Since medical cover is not included in domestic travel insurance, it's easier for seniors to qualify for this type of policy. Handy benefits for seniors when travelling within Australia include the following:
Yes, most seniors are mainly concerned with on-board medical cover and emergency evacuation, which is automatically included in a lot of travel insurance policies. Always check directly with your chosen insurer for specific details. If you need to declare that you're going on a cruise, you will be able to do so during the online application process.
If you prefer to have the most comprehensive cover for peace of mind, many insurers offer add-on cruise packs that can provide cover for the following:
Yes, as a senior, when you're looking for annual multi-trip travel insurance, it's good to know the following:
It can be a bit harder for those over 75, but it's still possible. Here are a couple of brands that have higher age limits for annual multi-trip policies.
Policy type/ Brand | Maximum age | Maximum trip duration | Apply |
---|---|---|---|
Gold Annual Multi-Trip ![]() | Up to 100 years | 30 days | |
Gold + Gold Plus ![]() | All ages | 31 days | |
Annual Multi-Trip ![]() | All ages | 45 days |
Find out more about annual travel insurance
While there's no best policy that fits everybody, we've based this selection on the most popular brands that seniors visit from this site. Learn about their conditions for seniors and get a quote if you think they have the right policy for you.
*Table last updated: November 2019 Back to top
Here's the difference between the cheapest policy, the most comprehensive and the most expensive. You'll notice that the most comprehensive policy is not necessarily the most expensive. This is why it pays to compare.
Price based on a 75-year-old individual travelling to Europe for 30 days. Quote made in November 2019.
While we all love a bargain, finding the cheapest travel insurance might not be the best option as a senior. You might find that you're saving money today, but you need to consider exactly how much coverage you will have when you travel.
Cover does get more expensive as you get older but it doesn't always have to break the bank, with cover starting from as little as $2.50 a day. Here are some ways to save:
Our comparison tool can also help you find a cheap policy. After you add your details and search for a quote, you'll have the option to sort through the results by price. By clicking on this button, your policy options can be sorted from cheapest to most expensive.
Start looking for cheap seniors travel insurance
When you're looking at travel insurance reviews, it's good to be mindful of a few things to help you make a well-rounded choice.
We've helped more than 59,000 seniors aged 65 years or older compare travel insurance policies.
The most popular choice of policy for seniors are comprehensive plans.
Seniors tend to choose 1Cover more than any other brand, but we work with more than 10 if you want to compare options.
40% of seniors book just one or two weeks before departure, leaving any time between trip booking and policy purchasing at risk to unexpected events that could ruin their plans.
Made a search before? Retrieve your search results
Popular Destinations
Yes. Most insurers will cover dependents (children) for free as long as they are travelling with you. Depending on your chosen insurer, they'll usually provide cover if they're under 21 and not working full-time, but there are some brands that cover grandkids up to 25 years old.
You can access a full range of policies including international and domestic travel insurance, comprehensive or basic cover, and single-trip or annual multi-trip cover. However, you should be aware that stricter age caps apply to some policies, for example, annual multi-trip travel insurance.
Specialist seniors insurance providers are specifically set up to meet the needs of older travellers, so you may find the application process with these providers runs more smoothly than with other companies. Just remember that these brands have the same underwriters and the same terms and conditions as other travel insurance brands, so there will often be no real difference in the cover provided.
Many insurers add a loading to your premium based on your age bracket, so living an active and healthy lifestyle won't necessarily lower your premium with these insurers.
We recommend that you buy cover as soon as you book your trip. This way, you can take advantage of trip cancellation cover from the moment you purchase your policy.
Yes. Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include car rental excess cover.
Yes. Cover is available for trip cancellation costs and non-refundable deposits in these circumstances.
An expensive set of golf clubs can cost more than your policy's "lost, stolen or damaged items" cover will allow for. In this situation, you'd have two choices:
Similar packages exist for cruises, ski trips and adventure trips (like skydiving); however, the last two will probably have some age limits on them.
Picture: GettyImages
Icons made by Vectors Market, Smashicons from www.flaticon.com is licensed by CC 3.0 BY
What you need to know about getting travel insurance when over 75 years of age.
Guide to finding travel insurance if you're over 85 years of age.
Travel insurance is an essential expense for anyone planning a trip overseas, though sometimes it can be difficult to find cover if you are over 80 years of age.
Over 70 and need travel insurance? Compare your options to get affordable cover for what matters.
What is seniors travel insurance and why do I have to pay more than someone younger? What are pre-existing medical conditions and why won’t many insurers cover them? Find out the answers to these and other questions in this handy guide to travel insurance for over 65s.
Hi S,
Thanks for getting in touch! The one insured in the policy is the only person who is covered in the policy. The guardian/family member would need to have one and separate travel insurance. You can refer via our page on travel insurance – single trip here.
You will find an online form on the page that will ask you to enter details of the trip. Enter all the information needed and click GET MY QUOTE. This will lead you to another page that shows the insurers (according to your info) that may cover you.
You can find other filters on the left part of the page. You can compare the insurers by medical, cancellation, and excess cover, and price. To choose an insurer, simply click the GO TO SITE button to be redirected to their official website. Know that this is the stage to start your application.
As a friendly reminder, carefully review the Product Disclosure Statement of the product before applying. You may also contact the insurance provider should you have any questions about their policy.
Hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.
Safe travels,
Nikki
Looking for the cheapest travel insurance to cover us for delay or cancellation or accident which may prevent us from completing the journey as per schedule. We are leaving from Gladstone and sailing out to Heron Island. Medical cover is not required as we are staying on Oz territory.
Hi Pete,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
You’re currently at the right page. Kindly enter your details in the table like the date and destinations as well as the age of traveller/s then click on the get quote button to start comparing your options. Once the page has updated its info, at the left side of the page you may click on your needs under Required cover options and Specific cover types – for cruise cover. Once you have chosen the cheapest insurer, please click on the green go to site button or get quote button to be redirected to the insurer’s official page to learn more on their products or start your online application.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I would like a quote please for travel insurance cover for two of us. We are both 61; my husband, Warren, is still working. He has a National Seniors card and I have a Victorian Seniors card. We are doing a fully escorted tour of NZ, which includes flights there and back, of course, coach, rail and cruise tours [lakes and rivers]. Our travel dates from Melbourne are Tuesday 17th September, returning to Melbourne on Tuesday 8th October, 2019.
Thanks from Belinda Smeal
Hi Belinda,
Thank you for reaching out to finder.
In getting a quote for travel insurance, we are on the right page. You just need to complete the details required via the form provided on this page and click on the green “Get my quote” button to see a panel of lenders that you could reach out to in taking out a travel insurance. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
Cost of travel insurance for 18 days cruising around Australia only.
Hi Jan,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
On this page, when you click on Cruise Cover tab under “What can I find on this page?” you may read more on seniors travel insurance cover cruises. Some insurers offer cover for seniors on this cruise travel insurance page. On that page, kindly input your details on the table then click on the Get my quote button to see and compare your options. If you have further enquiries on your cruise travel insurance, it is best to contact your chosen insurers as they more accurate info to answer your travel insurance queries.
I hope this helps.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I am travelling 10/11/2019 to 25/11/2019 to South America and Antarctica. Why can I not get quotes for these dates?
Hello Jan,
Thank you for your comment.
You can get a quote from our quote engine within dates that are a year from the date of use. This is the reason why the dates above are not showing. You may directly get in touch with the insurer and see if they can give you a quote on those dates.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
We are going on a cruise from Rome round trip to Rome then staying a week in one do I select the cruise policy or one trip policy, also is our mobility scooter covered?
Hi Lyn,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
For your cruise, you should be okay with single trip. You can check our cruise travel insurance page and enter your travel details into our panel then click on ‘Get quote now’ button to compare your options.
Depending on the brand and level of cover you’ll take, you may or may not get cover for scooter. You must confirm this with the insurer to be sure.
I hope this helps.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us again if you have additional questions.
Cheers,
Ash
I have a condition called Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) are there any Insurers who will not charge me extra if I use them? I don’t mean accept me but, charge me double the normal cost.
Hi John,
Thank you for your comment.
Sorry to hear that you have this kind of condition. Most of the insurers will see this as a pre-existing condition and a high-risk condition. The insurer will assess the nature of the condition and any current treatment you’re undergoing to determine whether or not to provide cover. Remember, each insurer has its own conditions for providing cover and will consider applications on a case by case basis.
It is still worth comparing your travel insurance options to see what cover is available from different providers of travel insurance for multiple sclerosis. You may also check providers of travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions. You just need to enter your trip details in the quote engine to compare the policies and prices from Australian brands. Once done, you’ll see the quotes from different insurance providers with the list of detailed benefits.
Please make sure though to read the eligibility criteria, features, and details of the policy, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statement PDS/T&C’s of the policy before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you. If necessary, speak to the insurance brand to verify any details.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
We are 2 fit 64 and 68 year olds who need insurance for a 14 day cycling tour in Japan .Our existing annual policy wants to charge us an extra $638 .This seems OTT . Any suggestions ?
Hello Christine,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Our quote comparison form can help you find cheaper and choose the right travel insurance for Japan. Simply enter your travel details and press “Get my quote”. Once you have chosen a particular policy, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the insurer’s website where you can proceed with your application or get in touch with their representatives for further assistance.
Please be advised that some insurers may allow you to have a duo or family bundle which may include you and your partner in one policy, subject to terms. It is worth noting to review the Product Disclosure Statement as well as the relevant exclusions, as these are equally important as the cost of cover.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Female 76 and male 80 require travel insurance for a cruise Hawaii to Sydney Australia. 6 nights pre-cruise Honolulu. Male has pre-condition asthma. Female myasthenia gravis
26 September 2017 to 20 October 2017.
Hi Nem,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Thankfully, we have a list of travel insurance for people who have pre-existing conditions. Please check that page to compare your options. To get a quote, please enter their travel details into the panel from that page. You can also read through the page to get a guide on how travel insurance works for those who have pre-existing medical conditions and it’s also best to speak to the insurer about their specific conditions for further advice.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
May
I’m 70. In excellent health. I’m looking for an annual travel health plan to cover Usa and Europe. I’m happy to have to have a detailed health check first. I’m happy to have a very high deductible say of $5,000
Any suggestions?
Hi Michael,
Thank you for your question.
finder.com.au is a comparison and information service and we are not permitted to provide our users with personalised financial advice or product recommendations.
If you would like to compare annual trip policies from the travel insurance brands in our panel, please fill out the quote found on this page. From there, you should instantly get a quote and an overview of what each insurer offers.
Just in case, you may also want to know how you can save on your travel insurance.
I hope this helps.
All the best,
Zubair