Provider Comparison

Best Travel Insurance for Seniors (65+) - 2025 Rankings

Compare the top travel insurance providers for seniors aged 65 and up, including coverage for pre-existing conditions, Medicare coordination, and age-appropriate medical limits.

January 15, 202511 min readProvider

Why seniors need specialized travel insurance

Standard travel insurance often includes age restrictions, higher premiums for seniors, and lower medical coverage limits for travelers 65+. The right senior-specific policy accounts for:

Pre-existing medical conditions (more common as we age)
Higher medical evacuation needs (longer recovery times, complex conditions)
Medicare gaps abroad (Medicare rarely covers international care)
Trip cancellation for health reasons (higher likelihood of medical issues before departure)

Critical fact: Medicare provides zero coverage outside the U.S. (except limited border coverage in Canada and Mexico). Supplemental Medigap policies may offer limited international emergency coverage, but it's capped at $50,000 lifetime—insufficient for serious medical emergencies.

Top 5 travel insurance providers for seniors (2025)

1. GeoBlue Voyager Choice

Best for: Seniors with pre-existing conditions, international medical network access

Age limit: No maximum age (rare!)

Key features:

Access to Blue Cross Blue Shield global network
Pre-existing condition coverage (with no lookback period on some plans)
High medical limits: $500,000-$2,000,000
Medical evacuation: $500,000
24/7 telehealth access

Coverage highlights:

✅ No upper age limit
✅ Direct billing to hospitals (no upfront payment)
✅ Chronic condition management support
✅ Emergency prescription refills
❌ No trip cancellation coverage (medical-only)

Pricing (example):

Age 65: $195-$350 for 2-week trip
Age 75: $280-$480 for 2-week trip
Age 80: $350-$600 for 2-week trip

Best scenarios:

Seniors with heart conditions, diabetes, or other chronic illnesses
Travelers who want access to high-quality international hospitals
Extended trips (30-180 days)

2. Allianz AllTrips Premier (Annual Plan)

Best for: Frequent senior travelers (3+ trips/year)

Age limit: 80 years (85 on some plans)

Key features:

Covers unlimited trips up to 45 days each
Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip
Medical coverage: $50,000
Medical evacuation: $500,000
Pre-existing condition coverage available

Coverage highlights:

✅ Annual plan saves money for frequent travelers
✅ Rental car damage coverage included
✅ Trip delay and baggage coverage
✅ 24/7 assistance hotline
❌ 45-day trip limit per journey

Pricing:

Age 65-69: $549-$699/year
Age 70-74: $699-$899/year
Age 75-80: $899-$1,199/year

Best scenarios:

Snowbirds splitting time between U.S. and abroad
Retirees taking multiple cruises or tours per year
Visiting family abroad several times annually

3. Travel Guard Preferred

Best for: Comprehensive coverage with high trip cancellation limits

Age limit: 85 years

Key features:

Trip cancellation: Up to 100% of trip cost
Medical coverage: $100,000
Medical evacuation: $500,000
Pre-existing condition waiver available (if purchased within 14 days)
Cancel For Any Reason add-on available

Coverage highlights:

✅ High trip cancellation coverage (no dollar limit)
✅ CFAR option for maximum flexibility
✅ Concierge services included
✅ Adventure sports rider available
❌ Must purchase within 14 days for pre-existing waiver

Pricing (example - $5,000 trip):

Age 65: $350-$450
Age 75: $525-$675
Age 80: $700-$900

Best scenarios:

Expensive cruises, tours, or bucket-list trips
Seniors who want flexibility to cancel for any reason
Travelers with manageable pre-existing conditions

4. Seven Corners Roundtrip Choice

Best for: Budget-conscious seniors, international trips

Age limit: 79 years (on most plans)

Key features:

Medical coverage: $50,000-$100,000
Medical evacuation: $250,000-$1,000,000
Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000
Affordable premiums for seniors

Coverage highlights:

✅ Competitive pricing for fixed-income retirees
✅ Optional "Cancel for Work Reasons" (if still working part-time)
✅ High evacuation limits relative to cost
✅ Coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions
❌ Lower trip cancellation limits than premium competitors

Pricing (example - 2-week Europe trip):

Age 65: $180-$280
Age 70: $250-$380
Age 75: $320-$480

Best scenarios:

Budget travel (hostels, budget airlines)
Seniors with minimal pre-existing conditions
Travelers prioritizing medical coverage over trip cancellation

5. IMG Patriot America Plus

Best for: Non-U.S. citizen seniors visiting family in America

Age limit: 99 years

Key features:

Medical coverage: $50,000-$1,000,000
Medical evacuation: Included in medical limit
Acute onset of pre-existing conditions covered
Renewable up to 2 years

Coverage highlights:

✅ No upper age limit (coverage up to age 99!)
✅ Designed for inbound international visitors
✅ Flexible deductibles ($0-$2,500)
✅ Direct pay option to U.S. doctors
❌ No trip cancellation coverage

Pricing (example - 30 days in U.S.):

Age 70: $120-$200
Age 80: $200-$350
Age 90: $350-$600

Best scenarios:

International parents visiting U.S.-based children
Seniors traveling to U.S. from abroad
Long-term visitors (6+ months)

Detailed comparison table

Provider	Age limit	Medical coverage	Evacuation	Trip cancellation	Pre-existing	Best for
GeoBlue Voyager	No limit	$500k-$2M	$500k	Not included	✅ Covered	Chronic conditions, high medical needs
Allianz AllTrips Premier	80 (85 some plans)	$50k	$500k	$10k per trip	✅ Waiver available	Frequent travelers, annual coverage
Travel Guard Preferred	85	$100k	$500k	100% trip cost	✅ Waiver (14 days)	Expensive trips, comprehensive coverage
Seven Corners Roundtrip	79	$50k-$100k	$250k-$1M	Up to $10k	Acute onset only	Budget travelers, cost-conscious
IMG Patriot America+	99	$50k-$1M	Included	Not included	Acute onset only	Inbound visitors to U.S.

Pre-existing conditions: What you need to know

What counts as "pre-existing"?

Most insurers define pre-existing conditions as any illness or injury for which you:

Received medical treatment, consultation, or prescriptions
Had symptoms that would cause a reasonable person to seek care
During the "lookback period" (typically 60-180 days before purchasing insurance)

Common pre-existing conditions for seniors:

Heart disease, high blood pressure
Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
COPD, asthma
Cancer (current or in remission)
Arthritis requiring medication
Kidney disease

How to get pre-existing conditions covered

Option 1: Pre-existing condition waiver (available on comprehensive plans like Travel Guard, Allianz)

Requirements:

✓ Purchase insurance within 14-21 days of first trip payment
✓ Insure 100% of prepaid, non-refundable trip costs
✓ Be medically able to travel at time of purchase (not under doctor's orders to avoid travel)

Option 2: Plans that cover pre-existing conditions by default (like GeoBlue)

No lookback period or waiver needed
Chronic condition management included
Higher premiums but guaranteed coverage

Option 3: "Acute onset" coverage (Seven Corners, IMG)

Only covers sudden, unexpected flare-ups of pre-existing conditions
Does NOT cover planned treatment or expected complications
Example: Covered if stable diabetes suddenly becomes emergency. NOT covered if you ran out of insulin.

Medicare and travel insurance

What Medicare covers abroad:

Almost nothing. Exceptions:

Emergency care in Canada/Mexico only if emergency occurs while traveling through Canada between Alaska and mainland U.S., or if you're in the U.S. and Canadian hospital is closer
Cruise ship emergencies within 6 hours of U.S. port

What Medicare does NOT cover:

❌ Routine medical care abroad
❌ Medical evacuation
❌ Prescriptions filled overseas
❌ Care in Europe, Asia, South America, Africa

Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans:

Plan C, D, F, G, M, and N include limited foreign travel emergency coverage:

Covers 80% of emergency care costs after $250 deductible
$50,000 lifetime maximum (insufficient for serious emergencies)
Only covers first 60 days of trip

Bottom line: Even with Medigap, you need supplemental travel insurance for adequate coverage abroad.

Cost considerations for seniors

Why senior travel insurance costs more:

Higher medical risk: Statistically, seniors have more health claims
Longer recovery times: Medical treatment often costs more for seniors
Pre-existing conditions: More likely to have chronic health issues
Higher trip cancellation risk: Greater likelihood of illness before departure

Average costs by age (2-week international trip, $4,000 trip cost):

Age 65: $250-$400
Age 70: $350-$550
Age 75: $500-$750
Age 80: $700-$1,000+
Age 85: $900-$1,400+

Ways to save money:

Annual plans if you travel 3+ times per year (can save 30-50%)
Higher deductibles ($250 vs $0 can reduce premium by 15-25%)
Medical-only plans if you don't need trip cancellation coverage
Book early to qualify for pre-existing condition waivers (often cheaper than plans without waivers)
Group/couple discounts (some insurers offer 10-15% off for couples)

Red flags: Policies to avoid

🚩 Very low medical evacuation limits (under $100,000)

Evacuation from Europe to U.S.: $50,000-$100,000
Evacuation from Asia to U.S.: $100,000-$250,000
You need AT LEAST $250,000, preferably $500,000

🚩 Age caps below 75

Many policies cut off at 70 or 75
Check if you can renew as you age or if you'll need to find new coverage

🚩 "Acute onset only" pre-existing coverage (unless you have no chronic conditions)

Very limited coverage
Won't cover most realistic scenarios for seniors with ongoing health issues

🚩 No direct billing (you pay upfront and get reimbursed)

Can be financially difficult if you need $50,000+ surgery abroad
GeoBlue and some premium plans offer direct billing

🚩 Extremely short trip limits on annual plans (less than 30 days)

Many seniors take longer trips (30-90 days)
Ensure your annual plan accommodates your trip style

Special considerations

Cruise insurance for seniors

Cruise lines offer their own insurance, but it's often inadequate:

❌ Lower medical coverage limits
❌ No coverage if cruise line goes bankrupt
❌ Limited evacuation coverage (may only cover to nearest port, not home)

Better option: Third-party cruise-specific insurance

Allianz Cruise: Comprehensive coverage designed for cruises
Travel Guard Cruise: Includes cruise line default protection
Both cover medical, evacuation, trip cancellation, and missed port expenses

Adventure travel for active seniors

If you're skiing, hiking, or doing other activities:

World Nomads: Covers 200+ adventure activities, no upper age limit on some plans
Battleface: Extreme sports and remote destinations
Check if your policy requires an "adventure sports rider" (additional cost)

Long-term travel (snowbirds)

If you're spending 3-6 months abroad:

GeoBlue Xplorer: Designed for extended trips up to 364 days
IMG Global Medical: Annual coverage for expats/long-term travelers
Cigna Global: Full expat health insurance (more expensive but comprehensive)

Common questions from senior travelers

Q: Can I buy travel insurance if I'm over 80? A: Yes, but options are limited. GeoBlue (no age limit), IMG (up to 99), and some Allianz plans (up to 85) will cover you.

Q: Will my policy cover me if I have a heart attack abroad? A: Yes, emergency medical coverage includes heart attacks. BUT if you have a known heart condition, you need a policy with pre-existing condition coverage or waiver.

Q: What if I need to cancel because my spouse gets sick (not me)? A: Most policies cover trip cancellation if an immediate family member (including spouse) becomes seriously ill. Check the definition of "immediate family" and "serious illness."

Q: Do I need medical evacuation coverage for trips to Europe? A: YES. European medical care is good, but evacuation back to the U.S. costs $50,000-$100,000. Medicare won't pay for it.

Q: Can I extend my coverage if I decide to stay longer? A: Some policies (like World Nomads) allow extensions while traveling. Most require you to purchase before your current policy expires.

Q: What if I have a medical emergency on a cruise ship? A: Your travel insurance should cover shipboard medical care. Evacuation coverage is critical—getting airlifted from a ship can cost $100,000+.

Checklist before you buy

Before purchasing travel insurance as a senior, verify:

[ ] Maximum age limit accommodates your age (and future trips if annual plan)
[ ] Medical coverage minimum $100,000 (preferably $250,000+)
[ ] Medical evacuation minimum $250,000 (preferably $500,000)
[ ] Pre-existing condition coverage matches your health situation
[ ] Trip cancellation limit covers 100% of your trip cost
[ ] Policy covers your planned activities (cruises, skiing, etc.)
[ ] Direct billing available (reduces upfront out-of-pocket costs)
[ ] 24/7 assistance line with medical professionals
[ ] Claims process is clear and reasonable (30+ day filing window)

Final recommendations by scenario

Scenario 1: Healthy, active senior (65-75) taking $6,000 cruise → Travel Guard Preferred: Comprehensive coverage, high trip cancellation limits, CFAR option

Scenario 2: Senior (70+) with diabetes and heart condition → GeoBlue Voyager Choice: No lookback period, excellent medical network, chronic condition support

Scenario 3: Retired couple taking 3 trips/year (each $3,000) → Allianz AllTrips Premier Annual: Saves money, covers unlimited trips, reasonable medical limits

Scenario 4: Budget traveler (75) taking 2-week Europe trip ($2,500) → Seven Corners Roundtrip Choice: Affordable, adequate coverage for budget trips

Scenario 5: 80-year-old visiting grandchildren in Europe for 90 days → GeoBlue Xplorer: Extended trip coverage, no age limit, high medical limits

Next steps

Use the comparison tool to get personalized quotes based on your age and trip details
Read real claim scenarios to see how these policies perform for senior travelers
Check Medicare coordination guides to understand coverage gaps
Review pre-existing condition requirements carefully before purchasing

Don't let age be a barrier to travel—just make sure you're properly protected. The right travel insurance gives you peace of mind to enjoy your retirement adventures.