When I was a young backpacker, I didn’t think much about travel insurance. I browsed a couple plans, bought one, and went on my way. I mean, I probably I wasn’t even going to even need it, right?
Wrong.
While most of my travels over the past seventeen years have gone smoothly, I’ve definitely had plenty of mishaps too, from missed flights to broken gear to serious medical emergencies.
That’s why, these days, I never leave home without travel insurance. Not only does it offer peace of mind (to both me and my loved ones), but it ensures I’m made whole should something unexpected happen.
Understandbly, I get a lot of questions about travel insurance. It’s a complex topic (and, if we’re being honest, a boring one that most people don’t want to research).
Where things get especially complicated is when older travelers try to find a plan. Every week, I get emails from travelers in their 60s, 70s, and beyond asking for input on their policy options. This isn’t just because insurance is complicated (though it is). It’s because prices often skyrocket once you hit 65, and a lot of insurance companies don’t even cover travelers over the age of 70!
So, to help you plan your golden years of travel, here are a few of the most common questions I get about travel insurance for older travelers:
1. What Does Travel Insurance For Older Travelers Cover?
While every policy is different, a good plan will include the following:
- Medical coverage for at least $100,000 USD ($250,000 USD would be better though)
- Emergency evacuation coverage (at least $250,000 USD)
- Coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen possessions, like jewelry, baggage, documents, etc.
- Some coverage for your electronics
- Coverage for cancelations for hotels, flights, and other transportation bookings if you have a sudden illness, death in the family, or other emergency
- Coverage for political emergencies or natural disasters that may cause you to head home early
- Financial protection if any company you are using goes bankrupt
- 24/7 customer assistance
In short, you want a policy that covers medical emergencies, your possessions and purchases, and provides 24/7 support.
The most bare-bones plans generally cover medical emergencies, but not your bookings or possessions. If you’re a super frugal young traveler in your twenties, that might be fine.
Personally, now that I’m older and travel with more valuables (and sometimes book nicer accommodations), I like to have coverage…
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