Travel Insurance for Seniors Over 85

When you’re shopping around for the best travel insurance policy, you’ll no doubt be taking a close look at what benefits each can provide you. If you’re over 85, you’ll be looking out for policies that cover the following:

• Overseas medical expenses: whether you require an ambulance ride, a stay in hospital or some medical treatment from a doctor, travel insurance covers the cost of all of this and much more. They’ll also cover the costs of medical evacuation and repatriation. For example, if you’ve travelled to Vietnam and injure yourself while walking the streets, your insurer can cover the cost of bringing you home. Remember: if you’re staying in Australia, Medicare or your private health provider covers the cost of your care.
• Cancellation and travel delays: if you or a loved one falls sick right before you’re due to travel, your travel insurer covers the cost of pulling the pin on your plans, such as getting you a refund on any pre-paid bookings. They’ll also cover the cost of accommodation, food and essentials such as personal care items and clothes if your flight is delayed by more than 24 hours.
• Loss or damage of your bags: losing your luggage on holiday is a traveller’s worst nightmare. If you’re separated from your baggage because it gets lost or stolen or is damaged, your insurer can cover the cost of having your personal items repaired or replaced.
• Around-the-clock support: your travel insurance comes with the ability to call your travel insurer day or night if you have a query about your policy or you’re embroiled in a medical emergency whether you’re in Australia or overseas.
• Special event transport: if you’re taking a cruise or catching a flight and your pre-booked mode of transport doesn’t show up, your travel insurance will get you to the airport on time.
• Personal liability: if you’re found to be personally liable for the injury to another person or damage to property, the expenses can be costly. If you have travel insurance, they’ll cover the cost.

Providers will also offer you a bunch of optional extras, including cover for valuable personal items, motorcycle riding and protection for the excess on a rental car. Skiing and snowboarding cover is usually off-limits to those over 70 years old, as are some forms of adventure cover such as protection for activities including scuba diving, quad biking and water skiing.