Finding a solid travel health insurance policy that covers seniors can be a challenge. For starters, many popular providers don’t insure people over age 70. Moreover, government healthcare programs like Medicare usually don’t cover medical expenses incurred overseas. 

In this article, we’ll explore a variety of travel health insurance for seniors age 70 and above. We consider factors such as monthly cost, coverage, customer reviews, and additional benefits. 

Whether you’re an expat retiring abroad or just going on a short-term adventure, finding the right insurance plan can provide peace of mind and protect you from unexpected medical expenses. 

Let’s dive in and discover the top travel insurance options for seniors. 

Best Travel Health Insurance for Seniors Compared

Genki Resident

Editor’s Take

Genki is a Europe-based insurer that has carved out a niche in the nomad health insurance space. We chose them for our seniors list because of their premium offering, called Genki Resident. This policy is designed as a long-term global health insurance service, with no limit on age. That means you get coverage for things like accidents and emergencies, as well as preventative care and chronic illnesses. 

Price

Genki Resident’s monthly premiums vary based on age. Here are the quotes that we received for ages above 65. All prices have been converted from euros to U.S. dollars at an exchange rate of 1.13, rounded to the nearest whole number:

Age Range	Monthly Cost (USD)
65 – 69	$1,112
70 – 74	$1,362
75+	$1,543

✅What it covers

• ✅No limit on payout
• ✅Global coverage
• ✅Hospital stays, surgeries, medications
• ✅Medical evacuation 
• ✅Emergency transport
• ✅Sports and adventure activities
• ✅Chronic conditions, e.g. cancer, diabetes, Crohn’s and more
• ✅Preventative care, checkups, vaccines
• ✅Private hospital room
• ✅Home nursing
• ✅Dental care, vision care (up to 50% of the cost for dentures)
• ✅Vision care (up to $340 every 2 years for contacts and glasses)
• ✅180 days of coverage in your home country (except U.S./Canada)

⚠️Terms and conditions

• ⚠️You must commit to one year of coverage
• ⚠️Injuries caused by alcohol and substance abuse are not covered
• ⚠️Sexual dysfunction is not covered
• ⚠️Treatment deemed not “medically necessary,” such as cosmetic treatment, is not covered
• ⚠️Pre-existing conditions may or may not be covered at the discretion of the company, and could result in higher monthly premiums

User reviews for Genki are generally positive, and the company earns a Trustpilot score of 4.1, the second-highest rating on our list. 

✅Medical coverage for preventative care and chronic conditions

✅All countries covered, including 180 days in your home country

✅Sports and other adventure activities are fully covered

❌Doesn’t cover travel disruption, lost luggage, and other inconveniences

❌Higher premiums than more basic travel insurance

❌You may be denied coverage based on pre-existing conditions

Cigna Senior 

Editor’s Take

Cigna is one of the world’s largest health insurance companies and single biggest provider of international health insurance, covering over 86 million customers in over 200 countries. We chose the company for the seniors list because of its status as a ‘traditional’ insurer. The company offers a special Senior bundle for applicants aged 60 and over. We examine that plan more closely below. 

Price

Cigna’s pricing is highly customizable, and cost sharing options can bring down your monthly premium. Your cost will include the core international health insurance, as well as any optional add-on policies that you select. Make sure you review your coverage carefully.  

• During our research, we received a $976 starting quote for a 70 year-old senior traveling to Mexico. 
• Outpatient add-on ($633) – outpatient care and medical emergencies where a hospital admission as a day patient or inpatient is not needed.
• Evacuation add-on ($129) – emergency transport to a centre of medical excellence, repatriation home following a serious incident, costs for compassionate visits, and global crisis response services in the event of a travel or security risk.
• Health and Wellbeing add-on ($63) – cancer screenings, wellness coaching, footcare, bone density tests, routine physical. 
• Vision and Dental add-on ($125) – routine eye examination, spectacles and lenses, and dental treatments.

✅What it covers 

• ✅$1 million maximum payout. 
• ✅Hospital stays, surgeries, medications
• ✅Transplant services
• ✅Some pre-existing conditions covered
• ✅Home nursing (up to $2,500)
• ✅Rehabilitation (up to $5,000)
• ✅Cancer treatment
• ✅No exclusions for sports and adventure activities
• ✅Emergency transportation, including air ambulance
• ✅Congenital conditions (up to $5,000)
• ✅Telehealth consultations 
• ✅180 days of coverage in your home country (USA excluded)

⚠️Terms and conditions 

• ⚠️Only certain pre-existing conditions are always covered, namely hypertension, type 2 diabetes, glaucoma, arthritis, joint or back pain and osteoporosis/osteopenia. The company may or may not cover additional conditions for an extra fee. 
• ⚠️Injuries caused by alcohol and substance abuse are not covered
• ⚠️Minimum 3-month commitment (although this is less than comparable policies that require a yearlong commitment)
• ⚠️Be aware of 3-12 month waiting periods for some treatments
• ⚠️Sexual dysfunction is not covered
• ⚠️No non-emergency treatment outside your area of coverage 

Cigna international health insurance receives a 3.9 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, which is somewhat on the lower end for travel health insurance companies. 

✅Medical coverage for preventative care and chronic conditions

✅More generous pre-existing condition coverage than other providers

✅Sports and other adventure activities are fully covered

❌Doesn’t cover travel disruption, lost luggage, and other inconveniences

❌Higher premiums than more basic travel insurance

❌Cigna’s plans are less straightforward than other providers on our list

IMG GlobeHopper Senior

Editor’s Take

IMG is an international insurance company that has garnered positive reviews from many nomads and travelers. The GlobeHopper Senior plan is their travel insurance policy geared toward older travelers age 65 and above. Coverage is highly customizable depending on your age, destination, trip duration, and other criteria. 

Price

• During our research, we received a $302 quote for a 70 year-old traveler. This price is based on the option for a $100,000 payout and no deductible.
• IMG adjusts its quote based on the policy maximum and deductible. For example, the aforementioned plan with the maximum $1 million payout a $2,500 deductible costs $220 per month, while a plan with a $50,000 maximum and a $2,500 deductible costs just $164. 
• Optional add-ons include 24/7 teledoc access for an additional $3.50 a month. 

✅What it covers

• ✅$1 million maximum payout
• ✅Hospital stays, surgeries, medications
• ✅Non-emergency medical evacuation 
• ✅Hospital indemnity (up to $250/night)
• ✅Cancer treatment
• ✅Sudden onset of pre-existing conditions (may be limited by insurer)
• ✅Home nursing
• ✅Trip interruption (up to $5,000)
• ✅Lost luggage (up to $50/item, $250 total)

⚠️Terms and conditions

• ⚠️Preventative care and chronic conditions not covered
• ⚠️Injuries caused by alcohol and substance abuse are not covered
• ⚠️Sports and adventure activities coverage is subject to many exclusions
• ⚠️IMG may not cover the full cost of out-of-network providers
• ⚠️Pre-existing conditions may or may not be covered at the discretion of the company
• ⚠️Coverage is not global; you must specify your destination

IMG scores a 4.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot, the highest customer satisfaction rating of any nomad health insurance provider that we reviewed.

✅Coverage is customizable to your needs

✅Low cost compared with other senior health health insurance providers 

✅4.6 customer satisfaction rating on Trustpilot

❌Must pay extra for higher policy maximum and no deductible 

❌Sports coverage not included on base plan

❌Limited to $100,000 maximum payout for age 80+

Seven Corners

Editor’s Take

Seven Corners is a U.S. travel insurance company that offers a variety of policies. We chose the company for its high customer satisfaction score, as well as its specialized cruise insurance policies. Here, we’ll take a closer look at two of their travel insurance plans for seniors. 

Price

• For the Travel Medical Basic option, we received a $328 quote for a 70 year-old traveler going to Mexico. 
• For Cruise Insurance, we received a $402 quote for a 70 year-old traveler going to Mexico on a $5,000 trip.
• The Adventure Activities add-on, which includes beefed up coverage for sports and high-risk activities, is available for the Travel Basic plan for an additional $45 a month. 
• The Cruise Insurance policy offers two add-ons: the Cancel for Any Reason option for $185, and the Interruption for Any Reason for $32. 

✅What it covers (Travel Medical plan)

• ✅$100,000 maximum payout for ages 65 to 79; $10,000 for age 80 and over. 
• ✅Hospital stays, surgeries, medications
• ✅Emergency medical evacuation 
• ✅Acute onset of pre-existing conditions ($5,000 up to age 79)
• ✅Limited home country coverage (up to $5,000)
• ✅Emergency dental treatment (up to $250)
• ✅Trip interruption (up to $2,500)
• ✅Lost luggage (up to $50/item, $250 total)

⚠️Terms and conditions (Travel Medical plan)

• ⚠️Preventative care and chronic conditions not covered
• ⚠️Injuries caused by alcohol and substance abuse are not covered
• ⚠️Sports and adventure activities are generally not covered, unless you buy the Adventure Activities add-on.
• ⚠️Sudden onset of pre-existing conditions is not covered for customers over age 80. 
• ⚠️Coverage is not global; you must specify your destination

Seven Corners receives a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, which is on the higher end for travel health insurance companies. 

✅High customer satisfaction score

✅Specialized cruise coverage is available

✅Some coverage for pre-existing conditions and home country visits

❌More expensive than comparable policies from competitors

❌Low maximum payout for seniors, especially those over age 80

❌Very limited coverage for sports and activities without the optional add-on

Faye

Editor’s Take

Faye, which began offering insurance 2022, is a relative newcomer in the travel insurance space. Nevertheless, the company offers low-cost plans that have garnered strong reviews from customers. Faye does not impose an age limit, making it a viable option for seniors seeking travel insurance. 

Price 

• During our research, we received a $188 quote for a 70 year-old senior traveling to Mexico. Price varies significantly based on the cost of your trip; we used the default $2,000. 
• Cancel for any reason add-on ($65) – get reimbursed for up to 75% of non-refundable trip expenses if you cancel your trip for any reason.
• Adventure sports add-on ($68) – coverage for medical-related expenses if you become injured while partaking in an extreme sports as defined in the policy.
• Pet care add-on ($63) – Be reimbursed up to $2,500 in veterinary expenses and $250 for kenneling if you arrive back home later than expected.
• Vacation rental damage add-on ($125) – Be reimbursed up to $3,000 in repair/replacement costs if you accidentally damage the rental you’re staying in, or its contents, while in-trip.

✅What it covers 

• ✅$250K maximum payout. 
• ✅Emergency accident and sickness
• ✅Emergency medical evacuation
• ✅Some pre-existing conditions may be covered
• ✅Trip cancelation (up to 100% of cost you choose to cover)
• ✅Trip interruption (up to 150% of cost you choose to cover)
• ✅Trip delay ($300/day up to $2,100)
• ✅Missed connection and inconveniences (up to $200)
• ✅Lost luggage ($150 per item, capped at $2,000)
• ✅Baggage delay (up to $300)
• ✅Lost passport or credit cards ($50 per item)
• ✅180 days of coverage in your home country (USA excluded)

⚠️Terms and conditions 

• ⚠️Preventative care and chronic conditions not covered
• ⚠️Injuries caused by alcohol and substance abuse are not covered
• ⚠️Only a limited number of sports and adventure activities are covered, unless you buy the Adventure sports add-on.
• ⚠️Pre-existing conditions are only covered if the company grants a waiver. 
• ⚠️Coverage is not global and only begins when you arrive at your destination

Faye travel health insurance receives a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, which is much higher than most other travel insurance providers.

✅High customer satisfaction score

✅Less expensive than other travel insurance policies for seniors

✅Coverage for travel disruption, lost luggage, and other inconveniences

❌Doesn’t cover routine medical care

❌Medical coverage is strictly limited to your destination

❌Sports and activities coverage is limited without the optional add-on

Additional option: Medjet

Medjet is a membership-based service that provides transportation services back home in the event of a medical emergency abroad.

While the company doesn’t offer general travel health insurance, the out-of-pocket cost of an international air ambulance flight can easily exceed $100,000. Paying the equivalent of $26 a month is a cost-effective way to insure against this risk.  

Senior Travel Health Insurance Buyer’s Guide

Browse any discussion of travel health insurance, and you will quickly find many stories of people that got burned by denied claims. Minimize your chances of future headache by familiarizing yourself with the key elements of travel health insurance. 

Do I need travel health insurance?

For short-term trips, a private domestic health insurance company may cover medical expenses, and some travel credit cards also provide insurance for short-term tips. In general, though, domestic health insurance will not be accepted by medical providers abroad. Moreover,  government healthcare programs such as Medicare don’t cover medical expenses incurred overseas. Most digital nomad visas also require that you provide proof of travel health insurance when you apply. 

Even for short trips, travel health insurance is a good idea. While you may not expect to need medical care, accidents and illnesses can happen unexpectedly. Here are some reasons why health insurance is important for seniors:

• Unexpected emergencies: Accidents, illnesses, and injuries can occur even on short trips. Travel health insurance can cover the costs of medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergency evacuation.
• Pre-existing conditions: If you have pre-existing health conditions, travel health insurance can sometimes provide coverage for related medical expenses.
• Limited access to healthcare: In some destinations, access to quality healthcare may be limited or expensive. Travel health insurance can help you find appropriate care and cover the costs. In the worst case, it can also pay for medical transportation to more adequate facilities in another country. 

Cost

Travel health insurance for seniors often costs substantially more than equivalent policies for younger travelers. Monthly premiums can vary wildly depending on a variety of factors, ranging from $150 to over $1,500 per month. Many insurers consider your age and travel destination in its quote calculations. Monthly cost is also influenced by the policy maximum, as well as the deductible. 

• Maximum: this refers to the maximum amount of money that you can claim for medical-related expenses. 
• Deductible: the amount of money you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. 

In many cases, you can customize your health insurance policy by adjusting the maximum payout and the deductible. The higher the deductible, the lower your monthly premiums (conversely, a lower max payout translates into a lower monthly cost). 

In most cases, you must specify the countries where you want coverage. Travel health insurance companies generally exclude the U.S. from their base plans. U.S. coverage is usually available as an optional add-on, but selecting this option will raise your monthly premiums significantly. Similarly, some insurers offer sports and adventure activity coverage for an additional fee. 

Coverage

Travel health insurance often works differently than policies offered by U.S. employers or government entities. It is absolutely critical that you are aware of what is and isn’t covered under your plan. 

What travel health insurance for seniors usually covers

Travel health insurance for seniors typically provides comprehensive coverage for your medical needs while traveling the world. This often includes the following expenses:

• Medically necessary treatment of unexpected illness or injury (inpatient or outpatient)
• Prescription drugs
• Ambulance and emergency transportation, including air evacuation 
• Emergency transportation to a better equipped hospital (medical evacuation)
• Repatriation of remains
• Care outside hospital
• Diagnostics
• Rental of hospital bed or wheelchair
• Prosthetics
• Emergency dental treatment
• Emergency eye exam
• Emergency treatment of a pre-existing illness or injury
• Medical treatment of COVID-19
• Unexpected quarantine caused by COVID-19

What travel health insurance for seniors usually doesn’t cover

Preventative care

Most senior travel health insurance plans do not cover routine preventative care, such as office checkups and screenings. Instead, travel health insurance plans are designed to cover accidents and sudden illnesses. 

U.S. coverage

Base plans generally do not cover medical events in your home country, especially high-cost places like the United States. Some insurers, such as Genki, cover a limited number of days in the U.S. In some cases, you can purchase supplemental U.S. medical coverage as an add-on to the base plan. 

Sports and adventure activities

Many senior travel health insurance companies won’t cover injuries sustained as a result of sports and other potentially dangerous activities, including scuba diving, skiing, scooter/motorcycle riding, and more. For companies that don’t cover these pursuits in the base plan, you can often buy supplemental sports coverage as an add-on. Make sure you read the fine print in your plan so you know what’s covered. 

Drugs/alcohol

Insurers usually won’t cover medical events that take place as a result of drug or alcohol consumption. 

Travel disruption

Many travel health insurance companies also include trip insurance as part of their package. This may cover costs related to lost luggage, cancellation, hotel, and more. However, you will need to check with the provider to see if these non-medical expenses are included in your plan. 

Max payout

A few companies do not cap claims, while others maintain limits of $1 million or more. However, it is common for travel insurers to limit payouts to the $100-250K range, and some even offer plans with a $10K cap. Medical evacuation via air ambulance to your home country can easily cost over $100,000, so keep that possibility in mind when you’re looking at policy maximums. 

Cancer

Most travel health insurance companies do not cover cancer treatments. 

Travel health insurance vs. international health insurance for seniors 

When choosing travel health insurance, it’s essential to consider the duration of your trip. Short-term and long-term policies offer different levels of coverage and benefits.

Travel insurance policies are typically designed for trips lasting a few weeks to a few months. They provide essential coverage for medical emergencies and unexpected illnesses or injuries. Often, they include coverage for travel inconveniences and lost personal effects as well. These policies are often more affordable but may have limitations on the maximum duration of coverage.

International health insurance policies are designed for travelers who plan to be abroad for an extended period, usually more than three months. They offer more comprehensive coverage, including chronic conditions and pre-existing conditions. Long-term policies can be more expensive, but they provide greater peace of mind for long-term travelers.

Key factors to consider when choosing between short-term and long-term policies:

• Trip duration: Determine how long you’ll be traveling.
• Medical history: If you have pre-existing conditions, a long-term policy may be necessary.
• Budget: Consider your budget and the level of coverage you need.
• Activities: If you’re planning to partake in sports or other high-risk activities, you may need additional coverage.

Common travel health insurance mistakes

When selecting travel health insurance, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that could leave you underinsured or financially burdened in case of a medical emergency. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Underestimating coverage needs: Many travelers underestimate the potential costs of medical care, especially in developed countries. It’s essential to choose a policy with adequate coverage limits to ensure you’re protected in case of major medical events.
2. Overlooking pre-existing conditions: If you have pre-existing health conditions, make sure your policy covers them. Some insurers may exclude pre-existing conditions or require additional coverage.
3. Ignoring emergency evacuation: For trips to remote or high-risk destinations, consider a policy that includes emergency evacuation coverage in case of medical emergencies. Out-of-pocket costs for air evacuation can easily exceed $100,000 if you don’t have insurance. 
4. Forgetting activities: If you plan to engage in high-risk activities like adventure sports, ensure your policy covers these activities. Some insurers may exclude or charge additional premiums for certain activities.
5. Failing to read the fine print: Carefully review the policy documents to understand the terms, conditions, and exclusions. Pay attention to coverage limits, deductibles, and any waiting periods.
6. Delaying purchase: Don’t wait until the last minute to purchase travel insurance. Policies often have waiting periods, and you may not be covered for pre-existing conditions if you purchase coverage after symptoms appear.
7. Letting coverage lapse: Don’t forget to renew your policy, and make sure you are aware of any changes to your coverage once the initial contract period is up.  

Using travel insurance for seniors

Many seniors find themselves facing denied claims when they fail to properly account for medical costs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get reimbursed for medical expenses from your travel health insurance company:

1. Gather documentation: Collect all relevant medical bills, receipts, and reports related to your treatment. This may include the following documents:
   • Doctor’s visits
   • Hospital bills
   • Prescription medication costs
   • Ambulance fees
   • Other medical expenses
2. File a claim: Contact your travel health insurance provider and request a claim form. You may be able to file the claim online or by mail.
3. Complete the claim form: Provide all the necessary information on the claim form, including your policy number, contact details, and details of the medical incident. Attach copies of all supporting documents.
4. Submit the claim ASAP: Send the completed claim form and supporting documents to your insurance provider. You may be able to submit it online, by mail, or in person. Submit your claim as soon as possible after receiving medical treatment to avoid delays in processing.
5. Follow up: After submitting your claim, follow up with your insurance provider to check on its status. If you have any questions or require additional information, don’t hesitate to contact them.

FAQs

Does Medicare cover travel medical expenses abroad?

In most cases, U.S. Medicare will not cover medical expenses incurred in a foreign country. In some cases, Medicare Advantage plans will partially cover overseas medical bills. For example, UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage policy will cover “80% of the billed charges for Medicare eligible expenses for hospital, physician and medical care received in a foreign country due to a medical emergency” that begins during the first 60 days of your trip. 

Does E.U. government health insurance cover travel medical expenses for seniors?

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare in other EU countries under the same conditions and at the same cost as for people insured in that country. However, it is not an alternative to travel insurance and has limitations.

Are pre-existing conditions covered on travel health insurance?

Pre-existing conditions typically aren’t covered by any travel health insurance or international health insurance provider. The company may, at its discretion, cover a pre-existing condition for an additional monthly fee. 

How we chose them

After scouring the travel insurance for seniors marketplace, we shortlisted five contenders with solid reputations. During our deep dive, we examined key factors such as the monthly premium, max payout, and deductible. We reviewed the full terms and conditions of each plan, scrutinizing additional factors such as U.S. coverage, sports and activities coverage, exclusions, and non-medical benefits. Our analysis also weighed customer testimonials on user-generated review sites.