Best Travel Medical Insurance for Seniors
Travel medical insurance is a necessity for seniors traveling abroad. In this guide, we’ll go over our top choices for insurance carriers that provide strong coverage for the unique needs of older travelers.
How We Researched and Evaluated Travel Medical Insurance
We hope you never have a health-related travel emergency. But, as experts on senior care, we know that accidents, such as falls, are commonplace. We also know that health conditions such as UTIs can flare up at any time, including during travel.
To keep you as protected as possible, our team spent around 75 hours evaluating and comparing coverage from 15 major travel insurance providers.
To choose the best options for this guide, we focused on companies with good reputations that offer robust medical coverage for travelers over 65. We took into account maximum age limits, preexisting condition coverage options, medical expense limits, emergency evacuation benefits and customer-service ratings. We also factored in ease of claim processing and actual customer experiences from senior travelers. This guide encapsulates our findings.
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- No age limit on eligibility
- Options for all budgets
- Low paperwork threshold
- Age limit of 99
- Seniors can get coverage for several trips at once
- Pays your bills directly to medical providers in foreign countries
- No age limit on eligibility
- Cancel-for-any-reason coverage
- High emergency medical coverage
- Large menu of coverage options
- Telehealth is included in some plans
- No age caps
- Pack N’ Go plan provides immediate medical coverage for same-day trips
- Coverage for long-term travel is available
- Seniors can get personalized concierge service
Contents
Planning a dream trip after retirement should be exciting, not stressful. Yet finding travel medical insurance that provides adequate coverage for seniors can feel like navigating a maze of fine print and age-related restrictions. The good news? Through our research we found several excellent carriers that specialize in covering older travelers, offering comprehensive protection without the runaround.
Whether it’s for business or pleasure, the right travel insurance acts as a safety net in case of accident or illness. Most health insurance policies, including Medicare and Medicaid, don’t provide foreign travel emergency coverage. (An exception is some popular Medigap plans.)
Medical emergencies abroad can cost a staggering amount, especially if you require medical evacuation by air ambulance.1 For older adults, who face higher health risks associated with illness, accidents and surgery than the general population, proper coverage isn’t just smart, it’s essential.
Top 5 Travel Medical Insurance Carriers for Seniors
Comparing the Best Travel Medical Insurance for Seniors
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Travelex
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Seven Corners Travel Insurance
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Travel Insured International
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IMG (International Medical Group)
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Travel Guard
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.0 | ||||
| Max age limit | None | 99 | None | None on medical plans | None on most plans |
| Medical coverage limit | Up to $250,000 | Up to $500,000 | Up to $500,000 | Ranges significantly by plan, caps at $500,000 | Up to $250,000 |
| Preexisting conditions waiver | Yes, if you purchase your plan within 21 days of your first trip payment, insure your entire trip cost and are medically fit to travel at the point of purchase | Yes, available with one plan | Yes, on three plans, although a look-back period applies | Limited Options | Yes, available |
| Average cost (70-year-old, 2-week trip) | $324 to $590 | $165 to $425 | $195 to $380 | $145 to $325 | $210 to $400 |
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1. Travelex - Best Overall Senior Coverage
Get a Quote Links to Travelinsurance.comWhat we like most
- No age limit on eligibility
- Options for all budgets
- Low paperwork threshold
TravelexGet a Quote Links to Travelinsurance.comOverview:Coverage and Features
Travelex stands out for offering the same comprehensive level of coverage to all travelers, regardless of age. We like that their Ultimate plan provides up to $250,000 in emergency medical coverage, and $1 million in emergency evacuation and repatriation benefits to seniors who may need those types of services. The preexisting condition waiver covers any condition, as long as you’re medically fit to travel when purchasing the policy and buy within 21 days of your initial trip deposit. This sets Travelex apart from some other providers that require purchase within 14 days for some plans, like Travel Insured International.
Did You Know? U.S.-based medical alert devices, including wearables like pendants, are usually unreliable in foreign countries. If you use a medical alert system, contact your provider for information about using it during travel.
What really sets Travelex apart is their holistic approach to senior travel concerns. We appreciate that they include additional benefits over and above medical coverage, like trip delay coverage, baggage protection and even coverage for prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs if you need to cancel due to covered reasons.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Travelex
- No upper age restrictions on any plan
- Preexisting condition waiver available if you buy within 21 days of your first trip payment
- 24/7 multilingual global assistance
- Coverage for trip interruption due to illness
Cons About Travelex
- Does not provide coverage on trips to all countries, including Israel (check your destination location prior to purchase)
- Higher premiums than some competitors
- Preexisting waiver requires purchase within 21 days
Summary:Customer Service
When we contacted Travelex, we found their customer-service reps to be knowledgeable and helpful. Our calls were answered promptly, and we spent no time waiting for the right representative to help us. The reps we spoke to were patient and willing to answer all of our questions. This type of care is vital for seniors, who may need a little extra hand holding, especially during a medical crisis.
The company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and a very small number of complaints logged over the past three years.2
Pricing
Travelex isn’t the cheapest option, but their pricing remains competitive enough to accommodate most senior budgets. To get a quote online, you’ll have to answer several questions that include your age, destination, the cost of your trip and state of residence.
When we experimented with quotes, we found that a 75-year-old traveling to Paris from Arkansas for a two-week vacation may pay anywhere from $312 to $434, depending on trip cost and selected coverage levels. A 77-year-old traveling from New York to Japan would pay anywhere from $324 to $590 for a trip of the same duration.
Travelex offers several plan tiers that vary by state, including:
- Ultimate: Most expensive, comprehensive and customizable plan
- Advantage: Midtier plan
- Essential: Budget-friendly protection
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2. Seven Corners Travel Insurance - Best For Travelers Over 80
Get a Quote Links to Travelinsurance.comWhat we like most
- Age limit of 99
- Seniors can get coverage for several trips at once
- Pays your bills directly to medical providers in foreign countries
Seven Corners Travel InsuranceGet a Quote Links to Travelinsurance.comOverview:Coverage and Features
Seven Corners has several plans that vary from state to state. Seniors up to age 99 are eligible to get any plan that is available in their state of residence. We wish Seven Corners would eliminate the age cap to be on par with other insurers, such as Travelex and IMG. People are living longer than ever before, and it’s not impossible to imagine a person over 99 wishing to take a trip with their family or friends.
If you need to make a connecting flight or you’re planning to take a cruise, Seven Corners may be a good choice for you. They offer coverage for trip interruptions and delays, as well as for missed tour and cruise connections. Trip delays happen, so make sure to take something along with you to read, like your tablet, when you travel!
Emergency accident and sickness coverage ranges by plan from $250,000 to $500,000. Medical evacuation and repatriation coverage ranges by plan from $250,000 to $1 million.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Seven Corners Travel Insurance
- Covers travelers up to age 99
- Includes trip cancellation coverage
- Missed-connection stipends are provided for tours and cruises
- If allowed by the facility, Seven Corners will pay your medical bill directly on your behalf
Cons About Seven Corners Travel Insurance
- Insurance benefits vary by state of residence
- Not all plans cover preexisting conditions
- Plans with preexisting conditions waivers can get pricey
Summary:Customer Service
When we called Seven Corners to learn more about their senior coverage, we were given comprehensive information about travel insurance quickly. The company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, but at least one complaint on the site references problems with the preexisting condition clause.3
Pricing
Seven Corners offers two price levels. Their least expensive plan may not be the best choice for older adults, since it does not offer a preexisting conditions waiver.
When we used their website to get plan costs, we found that a 77-year-old traveling to Italy from New York for a two-week vacation would pay $282 for the Basic plan or $407 for the Choice plan. Even though the Choice plan is significantly more expensive, it makes sense for most older adults.
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3. Travel Insured International - Best Customer Service
Get a Quote Links to Travelinsurance.comWhat we like most
- No age limit on eligibility
- Cancel-for-any-reason coverage
- High emergency medical coverage
Travel Insured InternationalGet a Quote Links to Travelinsurance.comOverview:Coverage and Features
Travel Insured International’s Worldwide Trip Protector plans offer up to $500,000 in emergency medical coverage, with no age restrictions. The coverage is higher than what you can expect from many other insurers, including Travelex and AIG Travel Guard. We think Travel Insured International’s standout feature is their optional cancel-for-any-reason benefit, which provides 75 percent reimbursement of nonrefundable trip costs. The feature may be especially valuable for seniors.
An optional pet bundle includes veterinary coverage of medical emergencies for your pet or service animal if they’re traveling with you. It also covers travel expenses to bring them back home if you’re sick and unable to make the trip yourself. That coverage is not standard in other plans, so Travel Insured International may be the best bet for pet parents.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Travel Insured International
- Industry-leading customer-satisfaction scores
- Lower-than-average plan costs
- Some plans include a cancel-for-any-reason trip-reimbursement option
- No age limits on coverage
- Fast claims processing
Cons About Travel Insured International
- Look-back period of unspecified length applies to the preexisting conditions waiver
- Plans must be purchased 14 to 21 days from the date of your initial payment or deposit
- Dental emergencies are only partially covered
Summary:Customer Service
With an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and consistently high marks on consumer review sites, Travel Insured International earns praise for claims handling. Customers report average claim resolution within seven to 10 business days, which is significantly faster than the 30-day industry standard.4 Their customer-service team receives particular acclaim for walking seniors through the claims process patiently.
Pro Tip: Travel Insured International’s mobile app lets you file claims directly from your phone with photo uploads — perfect for managing paperwork while traveling.
Pricing
When we used Travel Insured International’s quote tool, we found their prices to be lower than average and highly competitive with other insurance carriers. A 77-year-old man traveling to Mexico from New York for a two-week holiday, for example, was quoted a $145 fee for the Worldwide Trip Protector Deluxe plan.
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4. IMG (International Medical Group) - Best Emergency Evacuation Coverage
What we like most
- Large menu of coverage options
- Telehealth is included in some plans
- No age caps
Overview:Coverage and Features
IMG’s iTravelInsured plans shine for emergency medical evacuation, offering unlimited coverage on their premium tier, which is crucial since medical evacuations can exceed $100,000 from remote locations. Coverage for preexisting medical conditions may not be guaranteed for all seniors, however, so make sure to shop around and consider other carriers, such as AIG, if you have a medical issue. Certain conditions must be met to receive a waiver, and they vary by plan. To be eligible, plans must be purchased within 20 days of your initial trip payment.
IMG’s Patriot Platinum plan includes unique benefits such as natural disaster evacuation and political evacuation coverage, which is valuable for people visiting unstable regions or during hurricane season. The company’s global footprint is a big plus. This type of outreach means they may have established relationships with quality medical facilities in various locations worldwide.
Pros & Cons:Pros About IMG (International Medical Group)
- Unlimited emergency evacuation benefits on select plans
- Global network of over 17,000 providers
- Covers trips up to 364 days
Cons About IMG (International Medical Group)
- Coverage not offered for travel to every country
- Limited preexisting condition options
- Budget plans are offered but don’t provide adequate coverage for seniors
- Interruption-for-any-reason coverage is available only as an optional add-on
Summary:Customer Service
IMG’s staff speaks a vast number of languages. That can greatly improve the experience of seniors and their travelling companions during emergency situations.
IMG has an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. They have more logged complaints than some of the other providers on our list, but the complaint volume is still relatively small.
Pricing
IMG offers a very wide price range for their plans. When we researched quotes, we found that an 85-year-old traveling from Washington, D.C., to Italy had the option of purchasing plans ranging from less than $200 to over $1,100. The coverage offered by IMG varies significantly by plan, but seniors are bound to find coverage that works for their needs and budget.
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5. Travel Guard - Best for Active Seniors
Get a Quote Links to Travelinsurance.comWhat we like most
- Pack N’ Go plan provides immediate medical coverage for same-day trips
- Coverage for long-term travel is available
- Seniors can get personalized concierge service
Travel GuardGet a Quote Links to Travelinsurance.comOverview:Coverage and Features
AIG Travel Guard offers standard plan costs to seniors who enjoy exciting adventures. Their Deluxe and Platinum plans offer up to $250,000 in medical coverage, with optional upgrades available. If you’re a spontaneous senior who loves to explore the world and try new things, AIG insurance may be a better fit for you than some other plans, like Seven Corners. We love that they cover extreme sports such as mountain climbing! But keep in mind that preexisting-conditions-exclusion waivers will be available for most plans, but may not be available for same-day fast plan coverage.
Beyond medical benefits, AIG includes lifestyle perks such as concierge services for restaurant reservations and event tickets, plus coverage for business equipment if you’re a working senior.
Their LiveTravel emergency-assistance app provides real-time travel alerts and one-touch emergency calling.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Travel Guard
- Good for seniors who enjoy adventure sports such as scuba diving
- High medical expense limits available
- Strong financial stability (A rating from AM Best)
- Concierge services are available
Cons About Travel Guard
- More expensive for basic coverage
- Some plans have age-based restrictions
- Claims process can be lengthy
Summary:Customer Service
AIG has an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, and is a winner of the BBB Torch Award for Ethics.5
AIG maintains solid reviews for their coverage breadth, but their claims processing receives mixed feedback. The company’s financial strength means they’ll be around to pay claims, which is important for seniors purchasing annual plans. Customer service ratings average 3.8 out of 5 stars, with praise for their emergency assistance and some frustration with routine claims.
Pricing
AIG has many low-cost plans that can accommodate most budgets. It’s important to read the fine print, however, so you get the best coverage for your needs. When we asked for quotes, we found that a 70-year-old traveling from Arkansas to Argentina was eligible for plans ranging from about $85 to $156.
How to Choose the Right Travel Medical Insurance
Selecting travel medical insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition, especially for seniors. Start by assessing your health status and travel style. If you have well-controlled chronic conditions, prioritize carriers that offer preexisting conditions waivers. For adventure travelers, ensure that your activities are covered without requiring additional riders. If you’re planning to try something new, talk to your health-care provider. They may have valuable insight about preparing for your upcoming adventures, as well as suggestions for reducing medical risk.
Did You Know? Plane travel and long periods of inactivity increase your risk for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The CDC recommends medical compression stockings for people at risk for those conditions.6
Understanding Preexisting Condition Coverage
Preexisting conditions remain the biggest coverage concern for senior travelers. Most insurers define them as conditions for which you received treatment, medication changes or medical advice within 60 to 180 days before purchasing coverage. Several workarounds exist for obtaining coverage though.
The most comprehensive option is purchasing a plan with a preexisting conditions waiver, typically requiring purchase within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit. Some insurers offer acute-onset coverage, which protects against sudden, unexpected flare-ups of stable conditions. Always read the stability requirements carefully, since even minor medication adjustments can affect coverage.
Pro Tip: Create a medical travel file with your conditions, medications and doctor contacts translated into your destination’s language. Insurers often reimburse translation costs during emergencies.
What Travel Medical Insurance Actually Covers
Travel medical insurance fills gaps your regular health insurance leaves when traveling, particularly internationally, where Medicare offers no coverage. Standard benefits include emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, emergency dental care for acute pain, prescription medications and emergency medical evacuation to adequate facilities.
>> Related Reading: Changes in Health and Health Care Needs As We Age
Equally important is understanding exclusions. Most policies won’t cover routine care, elective procedures or treatments for conditions that were symptomatic but undiagnosed before travel. Mental health coverage varies widely, and many plans exclude injuries from alcohol-related incidents. Review exclusions as carefully as coverages to avoid surprises.
Did You Know? Common medical emergencies during travel include fractures from falls, respiratory distress and gastrointestinal issues. Seniors can avoid some emergencies by wearing supportive footwear, remaining hydrated and avoiding the local cuisine in some countries. Traveling to low-altitude locales can also be beneficial.7
Tips for Filing Claims Successfully
Successful claims start with documentation during your trip. Save every receipt, medical record and communication related to your claim. Take photos of bodily injuries, as well as the locations where they occurred. Seniors can find their claims denied due to insufficient documentation, rather than gaps in coverage.
Contact your insurer’s emergency-assistance line immediately for medical issues; they can direct you to approved providers and sometimes arrange direct billing. For non-emergency claims, file as soon as possible after returning home. Most insurers require notification within 20 to 30 days of the incident, with complete documentation following within 90 days.
Consider appointing a trusted family member as your insurance advocate before traveling. They can handle communications if you’re incapacitated and ensure that claims are filed properly. Some insurers offer expedited processing for seniors over 80 or those with serious medical conditions.
Did You Know? Many cruise lines, airlines and railroads offer senior discounts to travelers. Read about senior discounts in 2025 to learn more.
Conclusion
Finding the right travel medical insurance as a senior doesn’t mean settling for limited coverage or excessive costs. The five providers reviewed here — Travelex, Seven Corners, Travel Insured International, IMG and AIG — each offer distinct advantages for older travelers. Your perfect match depends on your specific needs: comprehensive coverage regardless of age, specialized high-age options, superior customer service, robust evacuation benefits or active lifestyle protection.
The best travel insurance is the one you'll never need to use, but having it provides the confidence to explore freely. Take time to compare your options and read the fine print, and don’t hesitate to call insurers directly with questions. Your golden years deserve golden adventures, properly protected. Safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Medicare cover me when I travel internationally?
Original Medicare doesn’t cover health care outside the United States, with rare exceptions for emergencies in Canada if you are passing through on your way to Alaska. Keep in mind that U.S. Medicare coverage includes Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.8 Some Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans offer international coverage, but travel medical insurance remains essential for most international trips.
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What’s the difference between travel medical insurance and trip cancellation insurance?
Travel medical insurance covers health-care costs during your trip, while trip cancellation insurance reimburses prepaid expenses if you can’t travel. Comprehensive travel insurance plans often include both types of coverage.
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Can I buy travel medical insurance if I’m already traveling?
Some insurers offer plans for already-departed travelers, although coverage typically begins after a waiting period of one to five days. The plans rarely include preexisting conditions coverage or trip cancellation benefits.
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How much travel medical insurance do I really need?
Experts recommend minimum medical coverage of $100,000 for international travel, but $250,000 or more provides better protection in expensive destinations. Emergency evacuation coverage should be at least $1 million.
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Will travel insurance cover COVID-19 related issues?
Most major insurers now cover COVID-19 medical treatment like any other illness. Check whether your policy covers trip cancellation due to COVID-19 diagnosis or quarantine requirements, because it varies by provider.
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Is annual travel medical insurance worth it for seniors?
Annual plans make sense if you take three or more trips each year, because they offer convenience and potential savings. Carefully review coverage limits per trip, however, and ensure that the plan covers your longest planned journey.
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U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). Medicine and Health Abroad.
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Better Business Bureau. (n.d.). Travelex Insurance Services, Inc.
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Better Business Bureau. (n.d.). Seven Corners, Inc.
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Better Business Bureau. (n.d.). Travel Insured International, Inc.
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Better Business Bureau. (n.d.). AIG Travel Insurance.
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Centers for Disease Control. (2025). About Venous Thromboembolism (Blood Clots).
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Allianz Travel. (n.d.). What Are The Most Common Medical Emergencies While Traveling?
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Medicare coverage outside the United States.