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Seniors Travel Insurance
Getting travel insurance for seniors is easy. Compare cover even if you’re 100 years old.
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Important:
Travel insurance rules continue to change as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. We’re working hard to keep up and make sure our guides are up to date, however some information may not be accurate during the pandemic. It’s even more important to double-check all details that matter to you before taking out cover. Please know that some policies may not be available through Finder at this time. Here are some helpful tips:- If you're buying a policy today, it's unlikely that you'll be covered for any coronavirus-related claims
- If your travel plans go against government advice, your policy will most likely be voided and you won't be covered
What is seniors travel insurance?
Seniors travel insurance is a regular policy that has benefits more suited to senior travellers, including the following:
- Cover for pre-existing medical conditions
- Increased age limits
- Cover for health care and accidents overseas
- Cover for your grandkids if they’re travelling with you
Travel insurance for seniors with pre-existing conditions
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:
- Cover costs more for seniors. Unfortunately, the risk of illness and injury is higher as you age, so the cost of cover also increases as you grow older. Once you reach 60 years of age, many insurers will start applying an age loading to your policy.
- Fewer pre-existing conditions covered. Some pre-existing conditions that are automatically covered for younger travellers may not be covered for travellers 60 years or older. For example, some insurers won't cover seniors for claims that arise due to asthma.
- Terms and conditions differ between insurers. Different insurers impose different restrictions and exclusions on cover for seniors with pre-existing conditions. For example, if you've previously suffered a stroke, some insurers will not cover you if you've had any incidents in the past five years, while others only require you to not have had any incidents in the past two years.
- Age limits apply. Insurers impose maximum age limits on their policies, so you'll need to check the fine print to make sure you're eligible for cover. While some providers set this limit as low as 65 years of age, others will cover you up to 100 years or even older.
- Disclose everything. Don't be tempted to save on the cost of cover by withholding information from your insurer. Disclose all the details of your pre-existing conditions when you apply for a policy.
How does medical screening for travel insurance work?
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:
- Personal details such as height, weight, age and smoking status
- General health questions such as how mobile you are and the amount of exercise you do
- Medical information such as pre-existing conditions (including date of diagnosis and medications prescribed) and details of recent health treatment or hospitalisation (if any)
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.
When declaring a pre-existing medical condition...
- Be upfront. Tell your insurer about any condition you have or think you may have. If you make a medical claim and it's not related to a condition you've told them about, they will investigate to find out if it was pre-existing or not. If it can be proven that you've experienced symptoms, they might consider it to be a pre-existing condition.
- Take the assessment. If the insurer isn't sure how serious the condition is, they may want you to take an assessment before they can approve you. Sometimes this is as easy as answering a few questions online. In other cases, you may need to provide medical certificates and/or do a short physical.
- Keep your options open. Each insurer has different rules for different pre-existing medical conditions. For example, some insurers will not cover you for stroke if you had one within the last two years, while others say five years. If one insurer doesn't want to cover you, there's a good chance that another one does.
Want more information on pre-existing medical conditions?
Travel insurance and pre-existing conditions Back to top
How your age affects travel insurance
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.
I'm in my 50s
There's not much of a difference when it comes to travel insurance for those over 50, but we did find the following:
- Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 and 2) is no longer automatically covered by some insurers if you're over 50
- A slight increase in premiums
I'm in my 60s
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.
I'm turning 65
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.
- You may no longer be eligible to purchase annual or frequent traveller policies with some brands. Here are a couple of brands that will still offer annual or frequent traveller policies 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. |
- You may have trouble getting cover for winter sports, which is excluded by brands like 1Cover. Here are a couple of brands that may still offer cover for winter sports if you're over 65:
| 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. |
- You may notice that insurers will only cover you for trips up to 90 days. You can still search on our comparison tool and you'll see the brands that still offer more long-term cover.
- Some benefits might be lessened.
I'm in my 70s
According to our research, travel insurance doesn't change so much in your 70s except for the following:
- The price of your premium may increase
- Some inclusions may decrease
I'm turning 75
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:
- Some insurers will require you to take out comprehensive cover (which is never a bad idea no matter what age you are), which means that essential or basic policies are no longer an option. Don't worry, this won't make your search harder. Simply add your details into our search tool and only your eligible policies will appear.
- You may also find that there are age limits to some of the optional add-ons to your policy, such as adventure and motorcycle packs.
I'm in my 80s and over
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:
- Some insurers may charge an increased excess for medical-related claims
- Limits for cover of accidental death and cancellations may not be included or reduced
Start looking for the best travel insurance for you
Can I get domestic travel insurance for seniors?
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:
- Cancellation cover for accommodation and ticketed events
- Rental car excess insurance if you're hiring a car
- Luggage cover for theft and damage to your belongings
Can I get seniors travel insurance for cruises?
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:
- Pre-paid shore excursion cancellation
- Missed cruise departure
- Cabin confinement
- Missed port cover
- Formal attire cover
Can seniors get annual travel insurance?
Yes, as a senior, when you're looking for annual multi-trip travel insurance, it's good to know the following:
- Maximum age limits. While it gets harder to find an annual policy as you get older, there are some brands that offer annual policies if you're 100 years old.
- Reduced maximum trip durations. Standard annual multi-trip policies can have a maximum trip duration of up to 90 days at a time. If you're a senior traveller, this might be reduced to 30 days.
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
Best seniors 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.
| Brand | Single trip age limit | Cover for pre-existing conditions? | Included cover for cruises? | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | No age limit |
| Optional add-on | |
 | Up to 100 yrs old |
| ||
 | Up to 100 yrs old |
| ||
 | No age limit |
|
*Table last updated: November 2019 Back to top
How much does seniors travel insurance cost?
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.
Cheapest travel insurance for seniors
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:
- Consider a specialist insurer. Some insurance providers specialise in offering cover to senior travellers. With features and benefits designed to suit older Australians, these insurers may be able to offer affordable policies to suit you.
- Travel sooner. Once you reach the age of 60, the older you get, the more your travel insurance premiums will cost. This is merely a reflection of the increased risk of injury and illness for older travellers, so travelling sooner rather than later can help you save money.
- Free cover for dependants. If you're planning on travelling with your grandkids, it could be worth searching for a policy that provides free cover for your dependants up to a certain age, usually up to 18-21.
- Research and compare. No matter how old you are, the most important thing you can do when choosing travel insurance is to compare multiple policies. Look at the features, exclusions, limits and cost of a range of policies to decide which one is right for you.
- Use discounts and coupons. Some insurers will offer you a discount if you hold multiple policies with the same provider (e.g. car insurance, home and contents insurance, etc). You can also take advantage of online discounts to save some extra money.
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
Here are some coupons to use
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What to look for in seniors travel insurance reviews
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.
- Be critical. Remember that these reviews are usually written by the general public who will base their review on their experience. Those who write negative reviews usually have had their claims denied, but they may not fully disclose the reasons why.
- Try to use third-party sites for reviews. Reviews posted on the insurer's website about themselves are likely to only be positive.
- Read a few reviews. This will give you a more complete view of an insurer.
- Be aware of reviews written by disgruntled customers. People are more inclined to write a negative review than a positive one. Read through it and take information that is helpful to your decision.
- Americas
- Asia
- Europe
- Pacific
- Africa
- Take out high-value items cover. This is an additional add-on that allows you to cover specific items that have a value higher than your policy's standard benefit limits. It will cover lost, stolen or damaged golf clubs or anything else you decide to have covered.
- Take out a golf trip add-on. This covers your clubs in the same way high-value items cover would, but it also covers missed greens fees and lost or stolen hire equipment. It may even have "hole-in-one" cover. This entitles you to a round of drinks if you sink your first shot. But remember... no mulligans!
Watch: What you need to know about travel insurance for seniors
How have other seniors used Finder?
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.
Travel insurance for seniors – Compare policies
Finally, some good news! Domestic travel is picking up, so some insurers have started offering cover again 🦘 Just remember, you won't be covered for any pandemic related claims if you do take out domestic travel insurance.
International travel insurance is limited and sometimes unavailable at this point.
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Further reading:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 90-year-old get travel insurance?
Can I get cover for my grandkids?
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.
What types of travel insurance are available for seniors in Australia?
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.
Should I consider buying cover from a company that specialises in seniors 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.
I may be over 65 but I'm still very active – will I still need to pay an age loading?
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.
When should I buy seniors travel insurance?
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.
Does seniors travel insurance cover me if I damage my rental car?
Yes. Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include car rental excess cover.
My parents are quite elderly – will travel insurance cover me if they suffer an unforeseen accident or illness and I need to cancel or cut my trip short?
Yes. Cover is available for trip cancellation costs and non-refundable deposits in these circumstances.
Will golf insurance cover my clubs?
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
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Travel insurance for over 65s
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.
Ask an Expert
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