Over 70 Travel Insurance
If you're looking to take flight, hit the road or set sail and are over 70, you can compare travel insurance with Savvy.
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Whether you're planning a sprawling overseas trip to celebrate your retirement or a cruise up the coast, travel insurance can be a great way to provide yourself with protection against a range of covered unexpected events for those over 70. However, it's important to take the time to compare your options before you buy.
Compare a variety of competitive offers for those over 70 from our trusted travel insurance partners here with Savvy. Consider offers based on their cost, inclusions, claim limits and more with us (and even buy your policy online if you find one which suits your needs). Don't let age stand in your way; compare with us today.
Can I get travel insurance if I’m over 70 and what will it cover?
There are insurers on the market who can offer specialist travel insurance for seniors over the age of 70. However, some insurance companies impose age limits on coverage, which may mean you aren't able to take out a policy or could otherwise have your benefits restricted. Age limits won't be the only factor, though, as your coverage will be dependent on meeting other terms and conditions or qualification criteria set out by your insurer. Insurers also tend to charge higher premiums for those over 70 compared to younger travellers due to the increased risk of illness and injury leading to a claim.
If you’re a mature-aged traveller, there may be insurers who can offer you different types of travel insurance coverage. These include ocean cruises, road trips, bus and rail tours and hiking explorations. However, stricter age limits typically apply to annual travel insurance, with some insurers capping the maximum eligible age at 65 (though others may cover older travellers if they meet their terms and conditions).
In terms of what can be covered, you may be offered certain protections in the following areas (all of which are subject to the eligibility requirements of your insurer):
- Overseas medical treatment: If you require emergency surgery or treatment due to an injury or illness, the cost can be covered by your insurance provider.
- Deposits or cancellation fees: sometimes, even the most well-planned holidays can hit a snag. If you fall ill or are injured, have your personal belongings stolen or a natural disaster strikes and impacts your holiday, your insurer may be able to reimburse you for cancellation fees you may be charged.
- Lost, stolen or damaged luggage: most comprehensive policies will include coverage for goods lost, damaged or stolen in a claimable event, such as luggage or mobile phone cover, up to an agreed limit.
- Personal liability: if you’re at the centre of an incident on your travels where you're found liable for an injury to a third party or damage to their property, your insurance provider may cover the cost of compensation or certain legal fees. Some insurers can offer up to $5 million in cover, but this will depend on their terms and conditions, as well as the nature of the circumstances surrounding your claim.
- Around-the-clock assistance: when you’re faced with a claimable emergency while overseas, some insurers have a 24/7 support line which may be able to help you navigate a potentially tricky situation, such as requiring medical treatment or needing an interpreter (except for reading legal documents).
You also have the choice of some optional extras. However, some of these may be age-dependent. They include:
- Snow sports: some insurers won't offer protection for snow sports such as skiing or sledding to those 70 or over. However, there may be others in the market who might be able to help you if you meet their other criteria.
- Adventure activities: if you're looking for protection for activities such as scuba diving up to 30m or water skiing, you may be able to purchase this extra as a senior. Age limits may apply to this also, with some insurers restricting this to those no older than 74.
- Motorcycle riding: planning on hitting the town on two wheels? There may be some insurance companies who are able to offer you a specific motorbike-riding package if you meet their requirements (for instance, this may be capped at 74 years of age).
- Rental vehicle excess: having your own wheels can be a real timesaver when exploring parts of the world. Cover for a rental vehicle excess may be able to be added as an optional extra with some insurers, but others may include this as part of their main policy.
What pre-existing conditions can my travel insurance cover if I’m over 70?
The latest Census data shows almost 80% of Australians suffer from a long-term health condition. If you're one of the millions with a pre-existing medical condition, it may be important to try to find a policy which can offer you coverage in the area you need.
Depending on your coverage, the provider you choose and whether you meet their qualification requirements (such as not being hospitalised for your condition for 24 months and have experienced no change in your medication for at least six), specific pre-existing medical conditions may be covered automatically under your policy. These may include:
- Bell’s palsy
- Bunions
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Cataracts
- Epilepsy
- Gastric reflux
- Glaucoma
- Incontinence
- Macular degeneration
- Migraines
- Osteoporosis
- Sleep apnoea
However, there are many other conditions which may either cost more to cover or be excluded altogether. For example, heart conditions, cancer and terminal illnesses are common exclusions. Additionally, most policies won't cover asthma and Type I diabetes for those over 60 years old.
If you’re a senior with a long-term medical condition, you must declare it with your insurance company. If something does happen overseas relating to your illness and you haven't disclosed it to your insurer, your claim will most likely be voided. It's important to compare policies with different insurers to help determine whether your condition can be covered.
What factors can impact the cost of my travel insurance?
While you’re almost certainly going to have one eye on the inclusions when comparing travel insurance policies, you’ll likely have the other on how much your travel insurance costs. Some of the factors you’ll need to weigh up include:
Age
Because the risk of illness and injury increases as you grow older, the cost of travel insurance is also likely to go up. If an insurer deems you at a high risk of making a claim or requiring treatment while on your travels, you're likely to be required to pay more for your coverage.
Level of cover
There are two main options when you go to purchase travel insurance: basic or comprehensive. Comprehensive insurance costs more but can offer more benefits and higher claim limits, while basic insurance only provides you with coverage for the absolute basics, such as medical treatment, for a cheaper price. However, some insurers will require senior travellers above a certain age to purchase comprehensive insurance as a condition of coverage.
Pre-existing conditions
If you’ve had a medical issue treated within the last two to five years and you’re over 70, chances are you may have to pay extra for your policy in case you need medical treatment overseas (provided your condition qualifies for coverage with your insurer).
Optional extras
By adding optional extras to your policy, you'll be increasing the cost of your premium. The greater the number of extras you add, the more you'll pay for your policy.
Excess
You may be required to pay an excess when making a claim, depending on the terms of your agreement and the nature of the incident. The higher your excess, the less you're likely to pay for your policy. However, some insurers will raise excess requirements for senior travellers, such as setting it at $2,000 for those over 80.
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How do I compare travel insurance for over 70s?
The cost of premiums
Comparing different policies based on their price may help you avoid paying more than necessary for your coverage, as you'll be able to determine which offers the coverage you need at the most affordable price.
Inclusions and exclusions
Insurance policies are all about the benefits. It's crucial to cross-check between providers to see which has the most appropriate blend of inclusions best suited to the holiday you’re planning to take.
Age limits
Policy age limits are common across all travel insurance providers. However, the ages they set restrictions at do tend to vary. While some providers set the cut-off at 65 years old, others may extend it to 100 (subject to you meeting their qualification criteria). It’s best to compare and look for a provider who can accommodate your age.
Claim limitsÂ
Travel insurance policies come with claim limits which vary between providers. For example, you may be able to claim up to $5,000 if your luggage is stolen or damaged with one insurer, while another may be able to offer a limit of up to $10,000. Shop around and look for the highest (or most suitable) limits so you have more room to move if you have to make a claim.
Excesses
It's important to not set your excess higher than you're comfortable with wherever possible. If you're looking to pay a lower excess, it's worth comparing policies based on what their requirements are in this area.
Top tips for over 70s to find the right travel insurance
Don't pay for more than you need
Assess your travel and determine what type of insurance you need. While comprehensive coverage can give you many benefits, you may not necessarily need them if you’re travelling light without many non-refundable bookings and only really need coverage if you sustain an injury or fall sick. Consider your needs as a traveller when picking out your policy.
Do your homework with Savvy
Getting quotes from providers can help you compare their features and prices. By comparing with Savvy, you can consider competitive offers from our panel of leading travel insurers side-by-side to help you consider factors such as their cost, claim limits, inclusions and exclusions and more.
Look at the limits
Travel insurance policies come with restrictions on how much you can claim and how old you can be to take out a policy. For instance, if you're 75 and looking to travel to Turkey, it's important to look for an insurer who can offer you protection at your age. These vary from provider to provider, so it’s worth shopping around for coverage limits which are sufficient for you.
Weigh up the extras
Some insurers may offer a range of extras, such as coverage for motorcycle riding or adventure activities, in addition to their main policy coverage. If intend to take part in such an activity, it's important to compare your options in this area to help you avoid finding yourself without coverage if an accident does take place.
Frequently asked questions about travel insurance over 70
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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.