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Seniors Travel Insurance

Compare a range of travel insurance policies for seniors all in one place with Savvy.

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, updated on September 4th, 2023       

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Compare Travel Insurance Quotes in 30 Seconds

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.

You can compare a variety of travel insurance offers designed to cater to seniors with Savvy. We're partnered with some of the most trusted providers in Australia to provide you with competitive policies to consider side-by-side in one place. Start the process with us today with a free, no-obligation quote.

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 as a senior when comparing policies, 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. It's important to compare different offers to help you determine whether your condition is able to be included and what the requirements are for you to be covered (if any). 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

Why compare travel insurance with Savvy?

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.

Narrow 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.

Top tips for comparing seniors' travel insurance

Inclusions and exclusions

Each insurer will have its own set of inclusions and exclusions, so it's important to take the time to determine what these are so you can narrow down your options to those which provide the most suitable cover for your needs. Familiarising yourself with the ins and outs of different policies can help you be more clear on what can and can't be covered before you buy.

Premium

As well as your level of cover, one of the more important things that will impact your decision is the policy premium. Looking to strike the right balance between cost and coverage will hold you in good stead when it comes to buying insurance. The cheapest policies may not always offer the cover you're looking for, so make sure you're comparing apples with apples.

Covered amounts

Weigh up what kind of dollar amount you feel is necessary for you as a maximum claim limit for different circumstances. For instance, if you're taking a domestic holiday and travelling light without many non-refundable bookings, you may not need as much coverage as someone planning an expansive overseas trip, where the risk of expensive medical costs remains.

Pre-existing medical conditions

As mentioned, different insurers will have different terms and conditions when it comes to the pre-existing conditions they can cover. It may be important for you to find a policy which can offer protection against expenses stemming from any conditions you currently have, so it's worth taking the time to determine whether it can be covered.

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 cover at the most affordable price, so it's important to compare policies between insurers before you buy (which you can do with Savvy).

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. When filling out your quote form through Savvy, you can select whether you're looking for cruise cover to display your potential options among our partnered insurers.

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.