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Seniors Travel Insurance

Whether you're looking to travel interstate or overseas, you can get a seniors' travel insurance quote with Fast Cover today!

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, updated on May 1st, 2024       

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If you’re a senior who is planning your next getaway, you’ll probably know from experience how valuable a good travel insurance policy can be. Sometimes, though, it can be difficult to parse the details of different policies from one another and to decide on which policy can offer the most suitable coverage for you at the best price.

How does seniors' travel insurance work?

Seniors' travel insurance is a type of travel insurance which can cover a wide range of circumstances, but ultimately what you're covered for will come down to the specific policy that you decide to purchase and its terms and conditions, as well as any further eligibility requirements as set by your insurer. In terms of how it works, it's largely the same as any other travel insurance policy regarding what is able to be covered, with basic through to comprehensive policies on offer for seniors with some insurers, though age limits are more relevant to consider.

Age limits are one of the most important factors to consider as a senior looking to take out travel insurance. Because your risk of illness and injury naturally increases with age, so too does the level of risk at which travel insurers consider you to be in terms of making a claim while on your trip. This means that you won't necessarily be eligible to receive the coverage you're after as an older individual or couple, even if you're in good health, based on your age. Some insurers may be able to offer coverage up to the age of 100 in some cases (subject to meeting other qualification criteria), but this isn't the case across the board.

There's a wide range of potential holidays you might want to take out travel insurance for, including the following:

  • An international getaway
  • A domestic holiday
  • Cruises (both ocean and river)*
  • Bus and rail tours
  • Heading to a resort
  • Taking a leisurely golfing trip
  • Campervan holidays
  • Trips involving volunteering
  • Travelling for work
  • Skiing and snowsports (age limits apply, such as up to 69)
  • Cover for multiple trips per year (age limits apply, such as up to 64)

*Ocean cruises will generally require a specific cruise insurance policy, while river cruises may not.

What does seniors' travel insurance cover?

As mentioned, there's a variety of unexpected circumstances which can qualify for coverage under a travel insurance policy. This is the case regardless of whether you're a senior, but it's still crucial to take the time to consider what can be included in your policy's coverage. The following can form part of your insurance policy:

  1. Overseas emergency medical expenses (including unexpected injuries or illnesses resulting in hospital treatment)
  2. Costs relating to the full or partial cancellation of your trip (although this will depend on your insurer's terms and conditions)
  3. Loss or theft of, or damage to, personal effects such as luggage, jewellery, electronics and other valuables, as well as cash
  4. Travel delays longer than a certain timeframe (such as six hours)
  5. Rental car excesses if your hire vehicle is damaged in your care
  6. Personal liability if you're found to be at fault for injury to a third party or damage to their property

What are some of the exclusions for seniors' travel insurance?

Of course, it's just as crucial to know what isn't covered under your policy as what is. There are several exclusions to consider, such as the following:

  1. Expenses relating to the treatment of undiagnosed or undisclosed pre-existing conditions
  2. Personal effects which are lost or stolen after being left unattended
  3. Expenses relating to the breaking of any local laws
  4. Travelling against government advice (such as to countries with a Level 4 warning on Smartraveller)
  5. Claims stemming from an influence of alcohol or drugs

Can I be covered for my pre-existing health condition under my seniors' travel insurance policy?

Whether your pre-existing health condition can be covered under your policy will be determined by a variety of factors. First and foremost, your insurer may have a list of conditions which can automatically qualify for coverage provided they meet the required eligibility criteria, which may include the following:

  • Not having been hospitalised for your condition within a certain period (such as 24 months)
  • There haven't been any changes to your medication for a certain period prior to buying your policy (such as six months)
  • Meeting any further terms as set out in your PDS

Some of the conditions which may be grouped under this classification can include:

  • Asthma (must be under 60 and have no other lung disease)
  • Bell's palsy
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Graves' disease
  • Macular degeneration
  • Osteoporosis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Solar keratosis

However, there's a range of other conditions which may not be covered as part of your travel insurance package. Some of the conditions which can be excluded from coverage under a travel insurance policy include:

  • Cancer
  • Mental health conditions
  • Heart conditions
  • Diabetes (if you're 60 or over and/or were diagnosed within the last 12 months, among other conditions)
  • Terminal illnesses

If your pre-existing condition isn't included under your travel insurance, it doesn't necessarily mean you won't be able to buy a policy at all. You may be able to buy a policy which simply doesn't offer coverage for treatment in this area, meaning you'd be without coverage for expenses relating to your condition but not for a range of other unexpected circumstances which are deemed claimable. 

Will I have any access to travel insurance optional extras as a senior?

You may be able to purchase several optional extras as part of your insurance package, even if you're a senior. However, some of these may come with age limits attached, so this is also an area worth considering before you buy your policy. Some of these include:

  • Snow sports cover: some insurers offer an additional pack which offers a level of cover for sports such as skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. However, as mentioned, you may not be eligible to purchase this add-on if you're 70 or over.
  • Adventure sports cover: this add-on can include cover for adventurous activities such as abseiling, underwater diving and outdoor rock climbing. Conditions apply for each of these activities and the pack as a whole may only be available to those under 75 with some insurers.
  • Motorcycle cover: if you're looking to journey across Australia or overseas on two wheels, you'll need to purchase motorcycle insurance if you wish to be covered. Check with your insurer regarding any potential age limits which may apply.

Types of travel insurance

International

International travel insurance can offer cover for a range of events, including medical expenses, lost luggage or items, cancellation fees and more when you're overseas and a long way from home.

Domestic

If you're journeying within Australia, domestic policies are designed to offer many of the same protections as international travel insurance (with the exception of medical expenses).

Single trip

The most standard and common type of travel insurance, this policy can cover you for one trip starting and ending in Australia (and is available for both international and domestic travel).

Annual multi-trip

As the name suggests, this type of travel insurance covers multiple trips over a 12-month period. Depending on your insurer, you may be able to take an unlimited number of trips up to 90 days each.

One-way

You don't have to have a return ticket booked to take out cover while you're overseas. One-way travel insurance enables you to access cover without a set end date, such as if you're moving temporarily.

Cruise

You may need to take out specialist coverage if you're setting sail on a cruise. Fortunately, cruise insurance can cover emergency evacuation, cabin confinement and more.

Seniors

Just because you're older doesn't mean travel insurance isn't still important. If you qualify for cover, seniors' travel insurance can offer greater peace of mind for included events while you're travelling.

Ski

Adding winter sports or ski cover to your policy can add protection against damage to your equipment, piste closure due to bad weather and activities such as back-country skiing, heliskiing and more.

Adventure sports

Looking to enjoy some adventure sports on holiday? An adventure sports pack can grant you cover for a range of activities, such as hiking, scuba diving and motorcycle or scooter riding.

Families

Jetsetting with the whole clan in tow? Some insurers offer family travel insurance, which enables you to include yourself, your partner and your dependent children under one policy to help you save.

Couples

If you're travelling interstate or overseas with your partner (or simply another friend or family member), you may be able to access a discount by taking out a joint or duo travel insurance policy.

Pros and cons of senior travel insurance

PROS

Peace of mind

You can travel knowing that you can be either fully or partially covered if you experience unexpected circumstances which qualify for coverage.

Available with high age limits

Depending on the insurer you choose to go with and whether you meet their other qualification criteria, you may be able to access coverage up to the age of 100.

Flexibility to suit your needs

You may be able to take out a policy which is reflective not only of your holiday, but also of your preferences when it comes to things like optional extras and policy excesses (though mandatory medical excesses may apply for some seniors).

Can help you avoid costly medical expenses

One of the key reasons why travellers, in particular seniors, take out travel insurance is to protect against exorbitant overseas medical costs, which it can do if the circumstances are deemed claimable by your insurer.

CONS

Higher premiums

You might pay a higher premium as your age could mean you are deemed ‘riskier’ to insure.

Narrower scope of cover

Certain activities can’t be covered for older people, such as skiing and surfing.

No pre-existing medical conditions

Pre-existing medical conditions are not included in your cover by default, so you’ll have to buy it as an optional extra.

Common seniors travel insurance queries

Which travel insurance is best for seniors?

The best type of travel insurance for seniors will differ from person to person depending on their individual needs and the nature of the trip they're looking to cover. In general terms, this would be one which offers sufficient and appropriate cover at the most affordable price.

How can I save money on my travel insurance policy as a senior?

There are several ways you might look to reduce the cost of your travel insurance. Shorter holidays are cheaper to insure than longer ones, as are domestic trips in comparison to international holidays. Additionally, if you have an option to adjust your excess, setting this at a higher level may enable you to reduce the price of your premium. Opting against optional extras like snow and adventure packs can also cut down on the cost of insurance, while a basic policy will generally be cheaper than comprehensive (though it may not always offer the level of cover you're after).

Can I include my grandchildren under my travel insurance policy?

You may be able to include your grandchildren under a family travel insurance policy as a senior, provided they meet your insurer's eligibility criteria. This may dictate that they be financially dependent and under a certain age, such as 21. Check with your insurer if you're unsure about whether your grandkids can qualify for coverage.

Can I get a senior travel insurance policy that offers me cruise cover?

Many insurers offer cruise coverage either as part of their standard policies or as a separate type of coverage. This can be important to insure, as not all cruises will have Medicare-registered doctor on board and evacuations from the water can be incredibly costly if you require one.

Is it cheaper to take out a couples' policy if I'm travelling with my spouse or partner?

Some insurers may offer discounts on couples' or duo policies, meaning it may be cheaper for you to purchase one of these than two individual policies. However, as mentioned, the cost of your insurance will be dictated by an array of variables, so this won't necessarily always be the case.

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Disclaimer:
We do not compare all travel insurance brands currently operating in the market. Any advice presented above or on other pages is general in nature and does not consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an insurance policy.

Savvy earns a commission from our partners each time a customer buys a travel insurance policy via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased from these brands directly, as all purchases are conducted via their websites.

Before purchasing your policy, we recommend you refer to the provider’s PDS for any further information on the terms, inclusions and exclusions.

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Sign up to our newsletter

Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.

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