Over 65 and looking for travel insurance? Compare travel insurance for seniors with unlimited medical and much more.
Don't pay more than you have to for seniors travel insurance. Whether your heading away on a cruise, visiting old friends overseas or heading off on a new adventure, it's crucial you get the cover you need without paying too much for it. Compare options from finder.com.au to find cover:
- For travellers up to 100 years of age
- Without upfront medical assessments
- With unlimited trip cancellation protection
- With cover for cruise trips
- With free cover for grandchildren
Simply enter your details in the form below to compare quotes from some of Australia's leading travel insurance providers. Keep reading to find out more about how to compare different policy options for senior travellers.
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The finder.com.au best seniors travel insurance policies for over 65's
Compare the most popular travel insurance policies for seniors based on quote enquiries for July 2014 to January 2015.
| Travel Insurance Policy | Features |
|---|---|
| Fast Cover Single Trip Comprehensive | Unlimited overseas medical expenses and cancellation cover for travellers under 90. |
| Virgin International Comprehensive | Unlimited overseas medical and $10,000 cancellation cover for senior travellers. |
| Covermore Premium Single Trip | Unlimited overseas medical and up to $6,000 in luggage cover. |
| TID Single Trip International | Unlimited medical expenses and evacuation cover and up to $12,000 luggage cover. |
Note: Benefit limits may vary between providers based on age
Is there an age limit for travel insurance?
| Brand | Standard age limit | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1Cover | 130 | If you're 80 or over, unlimited medical cover does not apply for Comprehensive policies and medical benefits are limited from $30,000 to $40,000. |
| American Express | 88 | Cover provided to those under 89 years of age on the comprehensive single trip policy. |
| AIG | 84 | If you're a senior traveller 85 years and over wishing to apply for travel insurance, you'll need to obtain a Mature Age Assessment application from AIG. Those aged 85 years and over, if accepted, will be advised of the premium payable and any additional terms of cover. |
| Budget Direct | 100 | This seniors travel insurance covers you if you are 100 years of age or under at the date of application. |
| Check-In | 79 | The maximum age covered by Check-In travel insurance is 79, on either its comprehensive or basic policy. |
| Citibank | 69 | Citibank single trip provides seniors travel insurance if you're aged between 70-89 years of age. |
| Columbus Direct | 84 | If you wish to take out Columbus Direct travel insurance, you must be no more than 84 years old at the date of purchase. |
| Cover-More | 84 | Cover-More offers seniors travel insurance for people up to 84 years of age. |
| Easy | 70 | Those over 70 years of age at the time the Certificate of Insurance need to complete a Travellers Medical Appraisal Form. If your application is approved you will be advised of any restrictions may apply and may have to pay an additional premium. |
| Fast Cover | 89 | Travellers 90 years of age and over are subject to various conditions depending on the policy. |
| Go Insurance | 69 | This policy is available to persons aged 69 and under at the time of purchase. |
| InsureandGo | 100 | This travel insurance only covers persons who are 100 years of age or under at the date of application. |
| iTrek | 65 | Available to travellers aged 65 years and under. |
| No Worries | 84 | Available to travellers under the age of 85. |
| Ski-Insurance.com.au | 65 | Available to travellers aged 65 years and under. |
| Southern Cross | 101 | Travellers cannot be more than 101 years of age. |
| Travel Insurance Direct | 81 | Travel Insurance Direct offers people up to the age of 81. |
| Travel Insuranz | 80 | Travel Insuranz has a seniors travel insurance policy for those aged between 66 and 80. |
| Virgin | n/a | There does not seem to been an age limit for Plan A (Comprehensive) and Plan B (Australia Only). However, it is advisable to check with the provider prior to purchase. |
| Webjet | 74 | Available to travellers under the age of 75 years. |
| Woolworths | 79 | Woolworths cover policyholders on its comprehensive or basic who are not older than 79 at the time of purchase. |
| WorldCare | 85 | Worldcare provide comprehensive travel insurance cover up to 85 years of age. |
| youGo | 84 | YouGO provide cover until the age of 84. |
Am I too old for travel insurance?
Age limits for seniors travel insurance vary between different insurer. Most insurers have a number different policies and cover is generally reduced for older travellers. Below is an example of how different ages may be dealt with by insurers.
| Age | General Policy Access |
|---|---|
| Under 60 | Able to purchase any policy |
| Aged 60 and older | Able to purchase any policy though an age loading may apply |
| Aged under 75 years of age | Able to purchase policy with reduced cover and benefits |
| Aged under 80 years of age | Able to purchase policy with reduced cover and benefits |
| Aged 80 years and over | May be required to submit medical declaration to be able to purchase policy with reduced benefits |
The old man, the sea and a medical emergency
Santiago was in the middle of his round-the-world cruise when he suddenly felt short of breath. After seeking help from the cruise doctor, it was discovered that Santiago was suffering from a pulmonary embolism that required him being given oxygen until he reached the next port. Once at the next port, Santiago was rushed to the nearest hospital where he stayed for the next week. The total cost of his hospitalisation was $15,000.
Unfortunately, Santiago did not have travel insurance in place. Not only did he have to pay the out of pocket hospital expenses but also cancel the rest of his trip which was prepaid.
Can seniors get travel insurance? Here's what's different.
There are a number of different providers that offer seniors travel insurance, even up to the age of 100. There are however a few things you should be aware:
- Higher cost of premiums. The cost of travel insurance for seniors is higher than that of younger travellers because of the increased risk of injury or illness that can come with age.
- Some pre-existing conditions may not be covered. Certain pre-existing medical conditions will not be covered for travellers over certain age for some policies e.g. asthma if you're over 60.
- You might need to apply for a special policy. Some travel insurance brands require you to apply for a special seniors policy when you're above a certain age.
What types of travel insurance is available to seniors in Australia?
There are different types of travel insurance elderly, all you need to do is check and see which one offers the right cover for your travel needs. It is important to travel insurance that is going to suit both your needs and your budget.
I'm over 65, can I get Basic, Essential and Premium travel insurance?
- Yes! Just like with any other form of travel insurance, seniors travel insurance has tiers of cover.
Can seniors get annual travel insurance?
- Yes, however there stricter age caps. While there are providers out there that offer annual travel insurance for seniors, the overwhelming majority cap the age for applicants wanting annual travel insurance. You can find the age limit of annual multi-trip policies here.
Is there cruise travel insurance for people over 65?
Cruise trip travel insurance is available to over 65s and offers additional cover for losses that may be incurred while on a cruise trip. Additional cover can be provided for:
- Medical expenses incurred while at sea
- Medical allowance if confined to cabin
- Cancelled excursions due to bad weather
- Cancellations due to missed cruises.
Benefits and drawbacks of travel insurance for elderly travellers
Benefits
- Increased competition among insurers has made it more possible for insurers to find travel cover
- Number of insurers now specialising in travel insurance for seniors
- May be able to be covered for certain conditions by providing additional medical evidence
- Provided you meet the conditions of your policy, your claim will be paid.
Drawbacks
- Seniors travel insurance is generally more expensive
- Age limit for multi-trip policies is usually reduced
- Not all insurers to provide cover to seniors over 70
- There may be an increased number of exclusions applied to the policy.
How much does seniors cover cost?
| Provider | SCTI | InsureandGo | Budget Direct | Fast Cover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destination | USA | USA | USA | USA |
| Policy | TravelCare | Gold Policy | Comprehensive | Comprehensive |
| Length of Trip | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days |
| Age of Traveller | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| Total cost of cover | $125.00 | $161.56 | $190.18 | $115.90 |
| Get Quote | Get Quote | Get Quote |
*Prices shown accurate July 2, 2015. Rates subject to change.
| Provider | SCTI | InsureandGo | Budget Direct | Fast Cover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destination | USA | USA | USA | USA |
| Policy | TravelCare | Gold Policy | Comprehensive | Comprehensive |
| Length of Trip | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days |
| Age of Traveller | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| Total cost of cover | $206.00 | $161.56 | $190.18 | $174.90 |
| Get Quote | Get Quote | Get Quote |
*Prices shown accurate July 2, 2015. Rates subject to change.
| Provider | SCTI | InsureandGo | Budget Direct | Fast Cover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destination | USA | USA | USA | USA |
| Policy | TravelCare | Gold Policy | Comprehensive | Comprehensive |
| Length of Trip | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days |
| Age of Traveller | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| Total cost of cover | $336.00 | $197.46 | $236.10 | $241.90 |
| Get Quote | Get Quote | Get Quote |
*Prices shown accurate July 2, 2015. Rates subject to change.
| Provider | SCTI | InsureandGo | Budget Direct | Fast Cover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destination | USA | USA | USA | USA |
| Policy | TravelCare | Gold Policy | Comprehensive | Comprehensive |
| Length of Trip | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days |
| Age of Traveller | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| Total cost of cover | $432.00 | $452.65 | $541.24 | $355.90 |
| Get Quote | Get Quote | Get Quote |
*Prices shown accurate July 2, 2015. Rates subject to change.
Is my pre-existing condition covered?
One of the major barriers facing seniors looking for travel insurance is whether or not they have any pre-existing health conditions.
Here's what you should know
- Many brands provide cover for health conditions up to a certain age. For example, many insurers in Australia exclude applicants over the age of 75 from receiving cover for pre-existing conditions.
- Each brand will have different rules for different pre-existing existing medical conditions. For some brands will not cover you for stroke if you have not had any incidents within the last 2 years, whilst some other brands will not cover you for any incidents that have occurred within the last 5 years.
- Disclosure is required. You'll typically need to declare your pre-existing medical condition with your insurance provider.
What is a pre-existing condition?
A pre-existing condition is generally defined as:
- An ongoing medical condition that the applicant is aware of, has a related complication of the condition, or the symptoms of which they are aware
- A medical or dental condition that is currently being treated or has been treated by a certified medical professional
- Pregnancy
- Conditions that the policyholder treats with prescribed medication
- Conditions that the policyholder has had surgery on in the past.
What types of conditions are usually excluded?
The following conditions are generally excluded from cover on senior travel insurance policies:
- Any type of cancer or secondary cancer the applicant has been previously diagnosed with
- Condition related to recent surgery that the applicant has had
- Conditions related to brain or spinal surgery
- Mental Illness (Conditions on mental illness varies greatly between insurers, critical to have a clear understanding on the terms and conditions of this exclusion)
- Chronic or recurring pain that the insured has consulted a medical practitioner for
- Cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease
- Organ transplantation. Past and future transplantations
- Conditions where there has been a terminal prognosis given with life expectancy of 2 years or less.
Conditions that are covered and excluded by seniors travel insurance policies varies between insurance companies. It is important to always be sure of what you are covered for prior to submitting your policy application.
Medical tips for senior travellers
- Check with your doctor. Check to see if you have any unknown medical conditions before travelling. It might be worth having a complete medical exam to check for any unknown medical conditions.
- Changes to medication. It is worth checking with your doctor to see is any need to adjust your medication based on the destinations you are travelling to. Diabetics should check to see if they would need to adjust their insulin dosage to account for different time zones.
- Doctors statements. If you are taking medication for a pre-existing condition, you may require a written referral from your doctor to remove any chance of difficulty with customs officials as some medication may be illegal in different countries.
- Buying medication overseas. Beware of purchasing prescription medication from different countries overseas as they may be quite different in terms of strength compared to what you are usually prescribed.
- Make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Check to see what (if any) vaccinations you will need to have before your trip. Older travellers should consider taking medication for pneumococcal disease and influenza.
These are just a few of the medical tips that senior travellers should consider and they may vary considerably for people in different situations. If unsure, always check with your general practitioner before travelling.
How do I get the best policy as a pensioner?
Providers usually apply a premium loading on policies as you get older. This makes it even more important for seniors to take the time to compare different options available in order to get the best deal.
Tips to find the best* seniors travel insurance
Although the cost of travel insurance for seniors tends to be considerably higher than the cost of travel insurance for younger people, it is still possible to get some reasonable deals on this cover with a little research, particularly if you are a relatively fit and healthy senior. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Who is the best* policy for me? Many seniors are loyal and just go for a provider they know and already have cover with (e.g. health insurance). Unfortunately, this tactic is not the most effective way of finding the best* value for money. It's wise to go online and compare policies side by side and decide which seniors travel insurance policy is best suited for them.
- Have I considered an age specialist? Although some providers avoid offering cover to seniors, there are others that specialise in travel insurance for seniors. As these providers only offer seniors travel insurance policies, you may find the application process a little smoother.
- How much cover do I need? Different providers offer different levels of cover on the policy features. It is worth assessing what an appropriate amount. You may decide to take out a policy with a reduced amount of cover for a lower premium rate.
- Am I eligible the policy? It is especially important to check the eligibility on travel insurance for seniors before you spend time checking coverage levels etc. as you may be over the provider's maximum age limit. When you compare travel insurance for seniors, check the maximum age limit before you spend time checking the plan for suitability.
- Should I select the optional extras? Most senior travel insurers offer a range of additional options (such as rental excess) that can be added to the policy to give a more comprehensive range of cover.
Can I get a discount on my seniors cover?
You'll be surprised to learn how easy it is to find discount travel insurance for seniors online. finder.com.au currently offers discounts on the following travel insurance brands. These brands offer cover for seniors.
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How else can I get cheap travel insurance?
While some travel insurers don’t offer discounted cover to people over 60 or 70 years of age, there are ways to get cheap travel insurance as a senior. There are several things you can do to keep the cost of your premiums down:
- Choose a lower level of cover. Instead of forking out for a comprehensive policy, consider a basic medical-only policy that only offers essential cover. Alternatively, mid-range policies offer many of the same benefits as comprehensive policies but usually have lower benefit limits and therefore a lower price.
- Choose an annual multi-trip policy. If you’re a frequent traveller who takes two or more trips a year, you might be able to save a substantial amount of money by investing in an annual multi-trip policy. This covers all your trips over a 12-month period and is cheaper than taking out a single trip policy for each individual journey.
- Don’t purchase additional options you don’t need. If you don’t really need additional cover for specified items or for a golfing holiday, don’t add these extra benefits to your policy.
- Consider senior-specific travel insurance companies. Companies that claim to cater especially to seniors offer policies with the same terms and conditions, and that are underwritten by the same insurers, as other travel insurance companies.
- Shop around. The most important thing you can do when hunting for discount travel insurance for seniors is compare your options and shop around.
- Free cover for dependents. If you plan on travelling with younger grandchildren, you may be able to get free cover for extra travellers under 21.
What should I do before buying travel insurance?
There are a number of key steps seniors should take before leaving for their trip. While not all of these are directly related to insurance, they are worth considering all the same:
- Always read the Product Disclosure Statement. It is crucial that you know exactly what you are and are not travelled for before applying for the policy.
- Keep records of personal effects and belongings. Before you travel it is worth making a record of all of the belongings you are taking with you on your journey. If possible, take photos and make photocopies of the receipts, as you may need them if you need to make a claim.
- Check if there are any warnings for traveller warnings for your destination. Smartraveller.gov.au is the best source for Australian travellers looking to check up on any traveller warnings for particular destinations they are visiting. It is worth seeing if there has been any particular unrest in your destination.
- Make a second copy of your travel insurance policy. Keep one copy with a family member or close friend at home and keep the other with you in a separate location.
- Tell someone about your itinerary. It is always worth telling a family member or close friend about your travel itinerary before leaving. If possible, email through a day-to-day itinerary so they know where you are going to be and when. It is also worth registering your travel and contact details online before you travel at smartraveller.gov.au
- Check your passport. It is crucial to ensure your passport is valid before travelling. Your passport must be valid for at least another 6 months from your date of return to Australia. It is worth making photocopies of your passport and carrying extra passport photos just in case it is lost or stolen.
- When to take out cover. Apply for travel insurance as soon as you make any bookings for your trip so that you are covered for cancellations.
- Organise money. Decide on the best travel money option for your trip whether it be travel money cards, travellers' cheques or credit cards.
Who is most popular insurer for seniors?*
*Data based 13,000+ enquiries made through the finder.com.au quote engine from July 2014 to January 2015. Data used to find the most popular policy for 65+ travellers
If you are after the most popular policy with other senior finder.com.au users, have a look at the table below, which lists in order the top ten most popular seniors travel insurance providers from within our panel.
Some final questions that you might have about seniors cover
Is there an age limit for seniors travel insurance?
- Different policies have different age restrictions applied for cover. It is critical to be aware of different age restrictions on policies. For more information about age restrictions for providers in our panel, please have a look at the table above.
How do I find cheap travel insurance for seniors?
- Compare as many quotes as possible. The more you limit yourself when it comes to getting seniors travel insurance quotes, the less chance you have of finding the right coverage at the right price. With this in mind, you should take the time to compare quotes from as many providers as possible.
How do I choose a policy?
- You also need to look at whether you will be getting a single trip insurance plan or an annual one. As a senior traveller who plans a few different trips over a period of time, you may find that getting an annual plan is the most cost effective option.
Why does travel insurance for seniors cost more?
- The cost of travel insurance in Australia for seniors is higher because they are a higher risk to insurance companies. Just because the cost of seniors travel insurance is higher, doesn't mean you can find a good deal. Be sure to compare travel insurance for seniors in Australia.
I'm ready to apply for senior travel insurance
If you are ready to compare policy options from different Australian insurance providers online, put your travel details into the quote form and compare seniors travel insurance policies from a range of providers. Always remember to check through the conditions of your insurance policy before submitting your application to ensure you have an adequate level of cover overseas.
Compare senior travel insurance policies today
* The offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of products finder.com.au has access to track details from and is not representative of all the products available in the market. Products are displayed in no particular order or ranking. The use of terms 'Best' and 'Top' are not product ratings and are subject to our disclaimer. You should consider seeking independent financial advice and consider your personal financial circumstances when comparing products.
I am booking and pre-paying now for a trip to Darwin on the Ghan in an All Inclusive package holiday and returning to Melbourne by air from Darwin in April next year. Is there a policy that I can take out at the same time to cover me for having to cancel the trip due to unforeseen events before then. ie. cover starting from tomorrow until conclusion of my holiday. I am 71 years of age
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for your question. There are various policies available from the travel insurance brands in our panel that will provide you with this type of cover. However, as every policy is different you will need to review the policy document to make sure you understand what is covered when it comes to cancellation. Most policies will state when you will and (more importantly) won’t have cover for cancellation.
finder.com.au is a comparison service and we are not permitted to make specific product recommendations. If you would like to compare the options available from the travel insurance brands in our panel, please enter your travel details into the quote comparison form above.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
Is it possible to purchase cover for a one way trip from France to Australia via the USA, I am 72 and am in France and wish to travel home in September.
Hi Arthur,
Thanks for your question. Yes, you can buy one-way travel insurance. For more information, please review our article on travel insurance for one-way travel.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
My father who will is 88 is hoping to travel to Greece & Italy in October 2017 for my daughter’s wedding. He has a pre-existing condition, he had a urostomy bag attached to his skin to covers his stoma. This was done 3 years ago and apart from that, he is in good health. Would any travel insurance companies provide coverage should any problems arise from this pre-existing condition whilst travelling?
Hi Maria,
Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, criteria for pre-existing conditions vary from insurer so there is not a hard yes or no answer and are generally assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, InsureandGo claim to consider all conditions and
Self 65 (a pre-existing back injury); wife 72. One week in USA at end of July (16).
We are interested in insurance which covers possible hospitalisation in USA, as we have heard that it is prohibitive.
hi John,
Thanks for your question. finder.com.au is comparison service and not an insurer. To compare quotes from the travel insurance brands in our panel, please enter your travel details into the comparison tool above.
As for the pre-existing condition, these are assessed on a case-by-case basis. You may find out travel insurance for people with back problems article useful.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
my brother is 90 years old . He has been traveling a lot .He has an insurance to cover him for many trips in a year . .Does he can continue his policy after 90 years old.?
Hi Bernie,
Thanks for your question. It will depend on the insurance brand your brother has cover with. Some brands provide cover to those north of 100 years of age. You can review the brands in our panel that offer this cover in the age limits comparison section above.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
my wife and I only require insurance to cover cancellation of airline fares to Darwin and return in july. is there travel insurance to cover this?
Hi John,
Thanks for your question. Travel insurance only covers you for airfares in the event your loss is incurred due to severe weather or strike. Generally, your airline will compensate you for losses related to airfare cancellation. Please consult our cancellation and travel insurance page for more information.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
How much is excess on medical evacuation with Southern Cross for 86 yr old on a cruise
Hi Jan,
Thanks for your question. SCTI have a standard excess of $100.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
Looking for an annual policy that will cover trips of 90 days or longer. We are both 65 and in good health. We like to travel frequently. We intend to travel for 3 months in South America Sept Oct Nov 2016. Any Suggestions please?
Bob
Hi Bob,
Thanks for your question. The longest single trip duration on an annual policy offered by any of the brands in our panel is 93 days. Unfortunately, that policy also has an age limit of 65. For a complete breakdown on the brands in our panel, please consult our annual travel insurance page.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
Have cardiovascular disease and need travel insurance for Hawaii and cruise in japan
Hi Janet,
Thank you for your question. Conditions around pre-existing conditions will vary between insurers, particularly if you plan on taking a cruise. Depending on the nature of your condition, the insurer will either;
- Provide you with cover
- Provide you with cover but not pay claims related to the condition
- Provide you with cover but request more details about the condition i.e. medical report
- Not provide you with cover
It’s worth speaking with a couple of different insurers and consulting the product disclosure statement before purchasing insurance to ensure you are adequately covered. You can receive quotes for your trip via our quote engine and visit different insurers to find out more about the cover provided https://www.finder.com.au/travel-insurance.
Thank you again for your enquiry and all the best.
Will
Bus travel and air travel
1) fly from Bundaberg to Adelaide; bus trip return.
2) bus trip from Bundaberg to Melbourne on coastal road – Qld. NSW. Vic. Return by air
Hi Marguerite,
Thanks for your question. finder.com.au is a comparison service and not an insurer. If you would like to compare the domestic travel insurance policies available from the providers in our panel, please enter your travel details into the comparison tool on our Domestic Travel Insurance page.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard