Senior citizens travel insurance takes much of the worry out of traveling. A travel insurance policy contains coverage that is straightforward as it prevents losses due to trip cancellation and loss of luggage. It also provides coverage against expensive medical costs which are commonly excluded in standard health care policies, especially outside of the continental U.S.. As a senior citizen, it is important to become familiar with the coverage that is provided so that you are fully covered during any trip.
Many people in their retirement years (over 65 years of age) become passionate about traveling to interesting and exotic places. Finally, time is on your side, and you can plan trips that were only dreams during all those years of being tied up in a career and raising a family. Now that the children have all grown up, are out of the house, and have their own busy lives, you finally have the opportunity to take that trip that's been in the back of your mind for many years.
Your first step in the travel planning process is to find and pay for a trip, which usually means paying a sizable and non-refundable deposit weeks or months in advance. Be sure to ask for the option to purchase Senior citizens travel insurance up front, in order to reap the full benefits of this policy. This policy will provide immediate and straightforward coverage in case you have to cancel a trip. Your travel insurance policy simply enables you to get that money back.
Travel insurance for seniors is more expensive than a regular policy for the obvious reasons. However, it is considerably less than the deposit amount, and is usually priced at 5% to 8% of the cost of the trip. If you travel frequently, say more than once or twice a year, you may want to consider purchasing an annual travel insurance policy, which provides continuous coverage.
An added benefit of travel insurance for seniors is coverage provided for lost luggage during a trip. If you carry expensive items, be sure that you make a list of these items so that you are able to account for them in the event of a loss.
Another important aspect of travel insurance, especially compelling to senior citizens, are the medical benefits. It is important to become familiar with the benefits and exclusions that exist on your standard health care policy, especially while traveling internationally. Travel insurance can be customized to your needs so that there are no gaps in coverage.
Always keep in mind that travelling as a senior usually involves a lot of activity, a change in diet, and sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings. These activities do commonly lead to accidents requiring medical visits. If you are visiting a country that has poor health care, and medical evacuation is required, travel insurance can provide coverage for these large medical expenses.
Be aware that Medicare and Medicaid do not provide coverage if you are traveling internationally.
Likewise, most of the major insurance companies do not provide full coverage in their standard health insurance policies while you are traveling abroad. Some companies require that you purchase separate policies for international travel, while others require that you pay a much higher deductible before medical expenses are paid out.
If you are not feeling well or have a preexisting medical condition, travel insurance may not cover you. A waiver can be granted for a preexisting condition in order to receive the other benefits such as trip cancellation expense, luggage lose benefits and some medical expenses.
So if you are planning to travel, I recommend that you take the time to research senior citizens travel insurance, and the options that are available to you, so that you are fully covered during your travels.
