Planning an international trip as a senior can be exciting, but it’s essential to prioritize your health and safety while abroad. One of the smartest decisions you can make is purchasing travel medical insurance. This type of insurance offers crucial protection against medical emergencies, ensuring you receive necessary care without facing overwhelming expenses.

Unlike trip insurance, which is based on the total trip cost, travel medical insurance is priced based on factors such as your age, trip duration, coverage limits, and destination. It is typically more affordable, especially for those who don’t need cancellation coverage.

To maximize your protection, it’s best to purchase travel medical insurance shortly after booking your trip, especially if you want coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Best Travel Medical Insurance Coverage Plans For Seniors

Here is a list of the seven best-selling travel medical insurance plans for popular among seniors traveling abroad:

Plan Name	Brief Description
Patriot America Plus	Designed for non-U.S. citizens visiting the U.S., this plan offers comprehensive medical coverage including acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to a certain age. Ideal for seniors seeking robust U.S. medical protection with flexible durations.
Patriot International	This plan provides international medical coverage for U.S. citizens traveling abroad. It includes emergency medical benefits, evacuation coverage, and is suitable for seniors on short-term global trips.
Atlas America	Offers strong emergency medical and evacuation coverage for visitors to the U.S., including acute onset coverage for pre-existing conditions for travelers under age 80. Great for senior parents visiting family in the U.S.
Atlas International	Available to U.S. citizens traveling internationally (but not to the U.S.) and any non-U.S. citizens traveling outside their home country. Travelers must be at least 14 days oldPerfect for U.S. residents traveling outside the U.S., this plan covers new illnesses, injuries, and emergency evacuation. Affordable and customizable for seniors taking international vacations.
Safevista Comprehensive	A newer, U.S.-underwritten plan offering broad coverage, including emergency care and acute onset of pre-existing conditions. Tailored for seniors seeking quality coverage with stable pricing.
INF Elite	One of the few plans offering full pre-existing condition coverage, not just acute onset, making it a strong choice for seniors with chronic health issues. Available for visitors to the U.S., including older adults up to age 99.
INF Premier	Provides extensive medical coverage for seniors visiting the U.S., including benefits for pre-existing conditions. Known for transparent benefits and plans specifically built for elderly travelers.

All these travel insurance plans are available on the OnshoreKare travel insurance marketplace. You can purchase travel insurance for seniors in less than five minutes. Compare plans and decide which one meets your needs best. For help, our licensed associates are available at +1 855 652 5565.

Understanding Medical Coverage In Travel Insurance

Medical coverage is the foundation of any travel medical insurance plan, especially for seniors. It ensures you’re protected if you require medical care while traveling outside your home country.

Key features typically include:

• Hospital and outpatient care
• Emergency medical expenses for illness or injury
• Prescription medication and diagnostic tests
• Physician visits and medical treatment abroad

Some travel insurance providers also offer optional coverage like:

• Adventure sports coverage for active senior travelers
• Rental car damage protection
• Enhanced travel accident coverage

Make sure to review the policy’s covered expenses and exclusions, especially if you have preexisting medical conditions.

Emergency Medical Coverage For Seniors

Emergency medical coverage is essential for seniors who are more vulnerable to health-related issues while traveling.

Comprehensive travel medical insurance should include:

• Emergency room visits
• Emergency evacuation to the nearest medical facility
• Medical evacuation coverage back home if necessary
• Repatriation of remains in the event of death abroad

Providers offering 24/7 access to customer service reps and multilingual medical hotlines can be incredibly helpful during emergencies.

Medical Emergencies And Travel Medical Insurance

Medical emergencies can be sudden and costly. From falls and infections to unexpected flare-ups of chronic conditions, seniors should be prepared.

A robust travel medical insurance plan will:

• Cover eligible medical expenses related to sudden illnesses and accidents
• Provide access to international networks of hospitals and clinics
• Offer peace of mind for seniors with preexisting conditions (if covered)

Be sure to understand:

• Deductibles
• Maximum coverage limits
• Whether your plan pays directly to providers or reimburses you after the fact

Evacuation Coverage And Travel Medical Insurance

Evacuation coverage is often one of the most valuable—and overlooked—features of travel medical insurance for seniors.

This includes:

• Medical evacuation to the nearest appropriate facility
• Air ambulance or medevac services
• Emergency evacuation back to your home country
• Travel and accommodation for a companion if needed

Given how costly international medical transport can be, medical evacuation coverage can save you tens of thousands of dollars in a worst-case scenario.

Insurance For Seniors And Age Restrictions

Many travel insurance companies place age restrictions on coverage, which can make finding suitable insurance for seniors more challenging.

Fortunately, some senior travel insurance providers:

• Have higher or no age limits (some go up to age 99)
• Offer senior travel insurance plans tailored to older travelers
• Include support for preexisting medical conditions, if purchased early enough

Before purchasing, confirm the policies:

• Eligibility criteria
• Maximum age limit
• Required documentation for medical history

Factors To Consider When Choosing Travel Medical Insurance

When selecting the best travel medical insurance for seniors, consider the following:

1. Coverage Limits And Medical Benefits

Look for high coverage limits, ideally $100,000 or more for:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospital stays and surgeries
• Medical evacuation coverage

2. Coverage For Pre-Existing Conditions

Some plans offer waivers or limited coverage for preexisting conditions, but you may need to purchase the plan soon after booking your trip.

3. 24/7 Assistance Services

Good providers offer:

• Multilingual emergency support
• Assistance with medical referrals
• Coordination for medical evacuation

4. Affordability And Customization

Travel medical insurance is generally more affordable than comprehensive trip insurance. Many providers offer:

• Single trip and multi-trip options
• Customizable deductibles and coverage levels to help you save money

When To Buy Travel Medical Insurance

To ensure maximum coverage:

• Purchase the plan soon after booking your trip
• Early purchase may allow coverage for preexisting conditions
• It also ensures you’re protected from the moment your journey begins

Buying early is always recommended, especially for senior travelers with health concerns.

Travel Medical Insurance For Pre-Existing Conditions

For seniors with pre-existing conditions, choosing the right travel medical insurance is critical. A pre-existing condition refers to any illness, injury, or health issue that existed before the start of your trip, even if it’s stable or well-managed.

Travel medical insurance plan may:

• Exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions altogether
• Offer limited, fixed benefits for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions
• Include partial coverage if the condition is stable and well-controlled, depending on the policy
• Only some exclusive plans may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions

What Seniors Should Look For:

• Plans that explicitly mention coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions
• Coverage caps and age limits for such benefits (often restricted after age 70)
• Providers like Seven Corners that offer plans designed for senior travelers with pre-existing issues

Note: Always read the policy document wording carefully and reach out to the travel insurance provider if you’re unsure whether your specific condition is covered. Before you purchase travel insurance, ensure all your questions and doubts are clarified.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best travel medical insurance for seniors is essential for safe and stress-free international travel. These plans are designed to cover medical emergencies, provide evacuation coverage, and give seniors the support they need while abroad.

Whether you’re planning a relaxing cruise, visiting family abroad, or going on an adventure, travel medical insurance ensures that your health is protected every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is travel medical insurance, and how does it work for seniors?

Most travel medical insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, but some offer limited benefits for the acute onset of such conditions. These benefits typically apply only under specific conditions, such as the insured being under a certain age and the condition being previously stable. At OnshoreKare, we provide a wide range of plans for seniors with pre-existing conditions, especially those visiting the USA.

2. Does travel medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions for seniors?

Some plans offer a pre-existing condition waiver, but it typically requires purchasing the plan shortly after your initial trip deposit. Always check if your condition qualifies and if the plan offers comprehensive coverage for your needs.

3. How much does travel medical insurance for seniors cost?

Unlike trip insurance, travel medical insurance is based on age, trip duration, and coverage limits, not your trip cost. For seniors, premiums are higher with age but still generally affordable compared to health care costs abroad. Your domestic health insurance plan from your home country most likely will not cover medical coverage abroad, and this makes it necessary to have travel insurance.

4. What’s the difference between travel insurance and travel medical insurance?

Travel insurance comes in two types:

1. Trip insurance that includes trip protection features like trip cancellation, trip delays, and baggage coverage
2. Travel medical insurance, on the other hand, specifically focuses on medical treatment, evacuation coverage, and emergency care during international travel

5. Is medical evacuation coverage included in all travel medical insurance plans?

Most quality travel medical insurance plans include emergency evacuation and medical evacuation coverage, especially those targeting senior travelers. Always verify that your plan includes this, as evacuation can be very expensive.

6. Can I get travel medical insurance if I’m over 80 years old?

Yes, several travel insurance providers offer coverage to travelers over 80. However, options may be more limited and come with higher premiums or lower benefit limits. Look for senior travel insurance plans with high age thresholds or no age restrictions.