Travel Insurance for Seniors

Yes, travel insurance is especially important for seniors. Medical emergencies abroad can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Even a simple broken bone or illness requiring hospitalization can cost $50,000-100,000 overseas. Travel insurance covers medical costs, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency evacuation. It's essential protection for senior travelers. Many travel agents and airlines won't even book trips for seniors without proof of insurance.

Most senior travel insurance policies can cover pre-existing conditions, but you must declare them when purchasing. Conditions that are stable and well-controlled are usually covered for an additional premium (typically 20-50% extra). Common covered conditions include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart conditions (if stable), and arthritis. Always be honest about your medical history - failing to disclose conditions can void your entire policy, leaving you unprotected and facing massive bills.

For a 2-week trip to Australia, expect to pay $80-180 for travelers 65-75, and $150-300 for travelers over 75. Longer trips and destinations further from NZ cost more. For example, a month in Europe might cost $300-600. Annual multi-trip policies for frequent travelers cost $400-800 per year depending on age and coverage limits. Pre-existing condition coverage adds 20-50% to premiums. While it may seem expensive, one medical emergency overseas can cost more than decades of insurance premiums.

Most NZ insurers cover travelers up to age 100, though premiums increase significantly after age 75. Some policies have upper age limits (often 85 or 90), so check before buying. Southern Cross, Tower, and 1Cover all offer coverage with no upper age limit for single trips. However, medical screening is often required for travelers over 75-80. Annual multi-trip policies may have lower age limits (typically 85 years maximum).

Comprehensive travel insurance covers: overseas medical expenses (typically $1-10 million), emergency medical evacuation back to NZ, trip cancellation/interruption if you can't travel due to illness, lost or stolen luggage and belongings, travel delays and missed connections, personal liability if you accidentally injure someone or damage property, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Most policies also cover COVID-19 related claims. Read the policy document carefully to understand specific exclusions and limits for your age group.

Buy single trip insurance if you travel once or twice a year. It's cheaper for infrequent travelers and covers one specific trip. Buy annual multi-trip insurance if you travel 3+ times per year - it becomes more economical. Annual policies typically cover unlimited trips up to 60-90 days each. For example, if you take 3 two-week trips per year, annual insurance ($400-800) is cheaper than 3 single trip policies ($250-900 total). However, annual policies often have more restrictions and lower coverage limits for seniors.

Travel insurance covers trip cancellation if you can't travel due to covered reasons: serious illness or injury to you or a close family member, death of a family member, your home being uninhabitable (fire, flood, etc.), jury duty, or being made redundant. You'll be reimbursed for non-refundable expenses like flights, accommodation, and tours. However, cancelling because you "changed your mind" or "don't feel like going" is NOT covered. Buy insurance as soon as you book your trip to maximize cancellation coverage.

Yes, most NZ travel insurance policies now cover COVID-19 related claims, including: medical treatment if you catch COVID overseas, trip cancellation if you test positive before departure, accommodation costs if you're quarantined abroad, and emergency evacuation if needed. However, coverage only applies if you're vaccinated (typically 2+ doses) and follow local health rules. Policies don't cover cancellations due to border closures or travel warnings - only personal illness.

Common exclusions include: pre-existing conditions you didn't declare, travelling against medical advice, injuries from risky activities (skydiving, bungee jumping unless you pay extra), claims related to excessive alcohol or drug use, elective medical procedures, existing pregnancy complications, pandemics causing border closures, travelling to countries with active travel warnings, and pre-existing conditions that weren't stable. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully before buying.

To make a claim: 1) Contact your insurer's 24/7 emergency line immediately if it's a medical emergency, 2) Keep all receipts, medical reports, police reports (for theft), and documentation, 3) Take photos of damaged luggage or belongings, 4) Get written confirmation from airlines/hotels about delays or cancellations, 5) Submit your claim online or by post within the timeframe specified (usually 30-90 days). For medical emergencies, call the emergency number BEFORE getting treatment if possible - they may direct you to preferred providers or arrange direct billing.