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Travel insurance for over 70s
Looking for travel insurance over 70? Find cover for trip cancellations, COVID, cruises, theft of your belongings and more. It's good to know some policies come with no age limit.
Overseas emergency medical expenses.Medical repatriation back to Australia is also covered by many policies. Emergency dental cover is included, while most policies provide 24/7 emergency medical assistance, as well as overseas hospital expenses.
Cancellation fees and lost deposits. If unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or the loss of your job, force you to cancel your trip, your travel insurance policy will see that you are reimbursed for any non-refundable deposits or cancellation fees.
Luggage and personal effects. If your luggage is lost, stolen or damaged, your policy will cover the cost of its repair or replacement.
Travel documents. If your important travel documents, travellers cheques or credit cards are lost or stolen, travel insurance has your back.
Travel delay expenses. If your trip is delayed due to circumstances outside your control, your policy will cover any additional accommodation or meal expenses.
Luggage delay. This cover benefit provides for the cost of emergency clothing and toiletries when a travel provider misplaces your luggage.
Rental vehicle excess. If your rental vehicle is stolen, damaged or crashed, your policy provides cover for the expensive rental company excess you would otherwise have to pay.
Personal liability. If your negligence causes a third party to suffer an injury or property damage, all travel insurance policies provide cover for your legal liability.
Cover is available for both domestic and international trips and you can choose from a basic ‘essentials’ cover or a comprehensive policy. Frequent travellers can even take out a multi-trip policy to insure all their holidays over a 12-month period.
Things to consider when choosing the best* over 70s travel insurance policy
Though it’s quite easy to find travel insurance cover for over 70s, you can expect to pay more for your policy. The simple fact is that the more risk you pose to an insurer, the higher your premiums will be. Your age and health status are obviously two big factors that affect your premiums, but there are some other issues to consider when choosing a policy.
Age limit on competing policies. Some insurers offer cover up to the age of 81 or 84, while others will even keep you insured up to 110 years of age.
Type of policy. Many insurers will only cover you if you take out a more expensive comprehensive policy which means an essential or basic policy will not be an option
Trip duration. Some policies will only insure trips of a certain duration for customers over a minimum age (often 65 or 70 years).
Additional fees. An extra fee may also apply for certain medical conditions, so read the below section on pre-existing medical conditions to find out more
Experiences and activities. Your insurer might also limit what activities you’ll be covered for based on your age and inclusions, in general, may decrease
Optional add ons. You may find that there are certain age limits to the optional add-ons to your policy, such as adventure and motorcycle packs
Compare multiple insurers and obtain quotes for a number of policies. This will help you find a policy that matches up perfectly with your travel needs.
Can I get cover if I have an existing medical condition?
One thing you need to be aware of when taking out travel insurance for over 70s is the treatment of pre-existing medical conditions. A pre-existing condition is typically defined as an ongoing condition of which you are aware, of which you have symptoms, for which you are currently undergoing treatment, or for which you have had surgery within the previous 12 months.
Every insurer has a list of pre-existing medical conditions which they will and won’t insure, and an insurer’s exact list can be affected by the age of the policyholder. However, conditions that are typically covered include:
Asthma
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Incontinence
Osteoporosis
Hernia
Epilepsy
Hayfever
Check the product disclosure statement or consult your insurance provider to find out more about the possibility of getting cover for specific conditions.
Travel insurance for over 70: 5 key policy questions
When looking for a travel insurance policy, ensure that you find one that matches up with your needs. Questions you should ask yourself before heading off include:
What types of activities will you be participating in while away?
How long are you planning on travelling for?
Will you be looking for multi-trip cover or just insurance for a single adventure?
Do you need increased cover for your personal effects?
Does your policy provide the necessary cover for any pre-existing medical conditions you may have?
Considering all these factors will help you find the best policy for your situation.
Travel can be very unpredictable and exposes you to an extensive range of potential risks. In order to guarantee that those risks don’t ruin your holiday and leave a big hole in your finances, travel insurance can offer the cover you need. Even if you’re aged well over 70, it’s still entirely possible to take out essential cover for your next trip away.
Apply for travel insurance
Although insurance for travellers over 70 will tend to cost more, it can still be a very worthwhile investment. It offers essential financial protection against typical holiday problems, including everything from overseas medical emergencies to lost luggage.
With the right type and level of cover in place, you’ll be free to put your feet up and enjoy your holiday.
In truth, there's no single 'best' policy as what's right for you depends on your circumstances and preferences. Many people opt for insurance that offers high benefit limits and protects them from a wide range of risks – to that end, you could start your search by looking at comprehensive travel cover.
International travel insurance can give you a range of cover benefits ahead of your next trip abroad, such as overseas medical expenses, trip cancellations, theft of your belongings and rental vehicle excess cover.
Domestic travel cover, on the other hand, can protect you from a range of mishaps in Australia.
There isn't a maximum age limit for buying travel insurance, although you're likely to pay more for a policy the older you are. That's because you present a higher risk of making a claim. You may also find more restrictions or exclusions apply to your insurance.
If you are involved in an event that leads to a claim, you need to notify your insurer as soon as possible. In addition, you'll need to report any loss, theft or damage to the police, your airline or any relevant authority while travelling. Obtain police reports or written confirmation of you doing so.
Many insurers allow you to fill in a claim form online, but this can also typically be sent in by mail or completed over the phone. You'll need to provide details such as your name, policy number, and the details of the event that resulted in your claim.
Often your insurer will request that you provide more information. This may include police reports, receipts, valuations, medical reports or other supporting documentation. Make sure you promptly supply any information your insurer asks for — doing so is the best way to ensure the prompt processing of your claim.
Your insurance provider should keep you updated on the progress of your claim.
Cristal Dyer is a travel writer at Finder. She has been writing about travel for over five years and has visited over 40 countries around the world. Cristal currently travels full-time, writing about her favourite cities and food finds, and she is always on the lookout for amazing flight deals to share.
My husband and I would like to travel to Norfolk Island from NSW. My husband has early Alzheimers dementia which is managed and controlled with medication, also I have mild emphysema which only requires Ventolin puffer occasionally. Our ages are 73 and 70 respectively. Are we able to obtain travel insurance?
The second link should give you a list and guide to finding the right insurer who may consider your case of emphysema.
While looking for insurers, please make sure you read the terms and conditions of the policy to learn more and know if it is the right policy for you or not.
Please take note that further questions about the application and the policy must be directed to your insurer of choice.
We are a NZ couple living permanently in Australia, travelling back to NZ for 10 days. We do not require medical insurance as we are covered as NZ citizens. We do not need rental car insurance either.
What companies will provide us with a policy that does not include these, or lets us choose what we need cover for.
All we are really after is cancellation and lost baggage insurance.
Please make sure to read the eligibility criteria, features and details of the policy, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statement 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.
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My husband and I would like to travel to Norfolk Island from NSW. My husband has early Alzheimers dementia which is managed and controlled with medication, also I have mild emphysema which only requires Ventolin puffer occasionally. Our ages are 73 and 70 respectively. Are we able to obtain travel insurance?
Hi Maureen!
Thanks for the comment.
It’s nice to hear about your travel plans. Yes, there could still be insurers who are willing to help you out. Please check the following pages:
Travel insurance for Alzheimer’s disease
Travel insurance for people with pre-existing conditions
The second link should give you a list and guide to finding the right insurer who may consider your case of emphysema.
While looking for insurers, please make sure you read the terms and conditions of the policy to learn more and know if it is the right policy for you or not.
Please take note that further questions about the application and the policy must be directed to your insurer of choice.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
We are a NZ couple living permanently in Australia, travelling back to NZ for 10 days. We do not require medical insurance as we are covered as NZ citizens. We do not need rental car insurance either.
What companies will provide us with a policy that does not include these, or lets us choose what we need cover for.
All we are really after is cancellation and lost baggage insurance.
Hi Baffled,
Thanks for your question.
Yes, there are policies available that offer cover without medical. You may fill out a form on our guide on non-medical travel insurance plans to compare policies from travel insurers.
Please make sure to read the eligibility criteria, features and details of the policy, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statement 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.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard