Travel Insurance & Assistance Services for Seniors

Medical Emergencies and Pre-existing Conditions

The primary reason most seniors buy travel protection is for emergency medical coverage. A close second is the added protection if they have to cancel or interrupt their trip because of a pre-existing medical condition. When you compare plans, look for generous benefit limits—many travel pros suggest at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and around $250,000 for medical evacuation so you’re not left with a hefty bill if the unexpected happens overseas.

Generali Global Assistance’s Premium Plan may help cover your pre-existing condition! Learn more.

Travel insurance with medical coverage is especially important for people on Medicare, since they only have health coverage within the U.S. and its territories.

As for pre-existing condition coverage, the problem is that not all seniors understand how travel insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions is offered, and how it works.

Read 5 Things Most People Get Wrong about Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Travel Protection to learn more.

Emergency Assistance and Transportation

Seniors should look for two things when considering coverage that includes medical emergency and evacuation: the total amount of the benefit and any exclusions.

• Look for a medical evacuation benefit limit of around $250,000, especially if you’re traveling internationally or to remote areas
• Confirm where you may be transported (for example, the nearest appropriate facility, a “hospital of choice,” or home), based on the plan term
• Check whether a traveling companion may be covered for certain benefits related to an evacuation

Exclusions require you to read your Description of Coverage/Plan Documents.

• Are traveling companions covered?
• Can you be evacuated to a "hospital of choice"?
• Can you be evacuated home, or just the nearest qualified medical facility?

If you don’t know (or can’t find) the answers, ask your travel professional. If they need additional clarification, have them contact the travel insurance company directly.

The Best Travel Tours for Seniors—What to Look for and Where to Go

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

First, you need to understand what the covered reasons for cancellation/interruption are, and that means reading your Description of Coverage/Plan Documents. You can see the list of Generali Global Assistance’s covered reasons here.

Second, if you feel you need more of a cushion, or are afraid of having to cancel your trip for a non-covered reason, you may want to opt for Cancel For Any Reason coverage*. You'll pay about 50% more on average for this coverage, and you'll only get back up to 75% of the penalty amount, so it's important to consider whether this option fits your specific needs.

 How Travel Protection  Can Help if You Cancel Your Trip

Lost Baggage

Many seniors prefer lighter carry-on bags and often pack valuables in their checked luggage. As a result, lost luggage can be much more than a nuisance to many seniors.

Baggage coverage can’t bring back your valuables, but it may help provide some reimbursement. And if you’re looking for the highest amount of baggage coverage, go with Generali Global Assistance’s Premium Plan.

Also, the 24-Hour Emergency Assistance Services included with all Generali Global Assistance travel protection plans can help arrange the replacement of medication or eyeglasses on your trip.

Also read: How to Keep Your Bags and Valuables Safe While Traveling

Travel Assistance and Concierge Services

Did you lose your passport –or need an emergency cash transfer? These services offer on-the-spot and immediate travel assistance for certain unexpected problems that can arise during a trip. The hotline is available to Generali Global Assistance plan holders 24/7 for help while traveling.

Generali Global Assistance has decades of experience helping travelers. There aren't many travel issues our experienced team hasn't encountered. It’s good to have resources like that on your side when you’re traveling and need help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Protection for Seniors

Do you still have questions about travel protection for seniors? The following frequently asked questions cover many common concerns older travelers may have.

What qualifies as a pre-existing condition?

 A pre‑existing medical condition generally refers to a health condition that existed prior to purchasing a travel protection plan.  Plans usually include a “look‑back period,” which refers to the period of time before the plan’s effective date during which certain medical conditions are considered, including: 

• a condition you were diagnosed with
• a condition you received a diagnostic test, exam, or medical treatment for (or were advised to get one)
• a condition you took or were prescribed medication for (unless the condition was controlled solely through medication with no changes during the look-back period)

How to Get Travel Protection for Your Pre-existing Medical Condition

Each travel protection provider defines “pre-existing condition” differently. At Generali Global Assistance, we use a 180-day look-back period (look back period may vary by state). Always review the specific definition in your plan documents to determine whether your health conditions qualify for coverage.

Do I Need Travel Insurance and Assistance Services for Domestic Trips if I Have Medicare?

You may benefit from buying travel protection even when you travel domestically and have Medicare coverage. Travel protection can help with much more than just reimbursement for medical expenses and may help cover expenses that your normal health insurance doesn’t, including:

• Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits
• Emergency Assistance and Transportation
• Baggage coverage for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage
• 24/7 Assistance Services while you travel

Do I Need Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) if I Have Pre-Existing Condition Coverage?

Pre-existing condition coverage is designed to help protect you if you need to cancel or interrupt a trip for a covered medical reason related to a covered pre-existing condition.

Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) is an optional benefit that may let you cancel for reasons that aren’t covered under standard Trip Cancellation, as long as you meet the requirements.

CFAR often has a purchase timing requirement after your initial trip deposit—sometimes within 48 hours—so review your plan details before you decide.

This coverage is not available to residents of New York.

How Much Does Travel Protection for Seniors Cost?

Travel protection for seniors often costs about 4 to 10% of your total prepaid, non-refundable trip cost. Your price may vary based on factors like your age, trip cost, destination, trip length, and the coverage options you choose. You can start by getting a quote online.

Is There an Age Limit for Buying Generali Travel Protection?

There’s no upper age cut-off for buying Generali travel protection, but premiums may increase based on age and other factors.

When Should I Buy My Travel Protection?

A good time to buy travel protection is soon after you make your initial trip deposit. For example, with our Premium Plan, you need to buy a plan that covers pre-existing conditions prior to or within 24 hours of making your final payment for the trip (Pre-existing condition requirements may vary by state).

Coverage must be purchased prior to or within 24 hours of your final Trip Payment in order to qualify for pre-existing conditions.

Travel Tips for Seniors

The following travel tips can help make your trip better:

• Choose travel protection early. Researching and buying coverage early makes it more likely you will get the protection you need. You often need to purchase plans within certain time frames to qualify for certain features. For example, with our Premium Plan, you need to buy a plan that covers pre-existing conditions prior to or within 24 hours of making your final payment for the trip.
• Know your coverage. Once you buy travel protection, review the terms to better  understand any restrictions and requirements prior to purchase. This helps you get the most out of the coverage.
• Stay in good health. As your trip approaches, pay attention to your health and wellness. Do what you can to keep yourself in good condition to avoid health issues that might delay or cancel your trip.
• Bring all necessary items. Ensure you have your prescription medications refilled and medical aids ready to go before you travel. Keep your prescription medications in their original containers to avoid issues while traveling.
  Also Read: Traveling With Over-the-Counter Meds: What You Need to Know
• Carry medical information. If you have medical conditions, carry documentation of those conditions or wear medical alert jewelry while you travel. This helps first responders and others around you get you appropriate medical attention should something happen during your trip.
• Take advantage of support. Look for wheelchair services and other support in airports and train stations while you travel. These services help you get around better and let you save your energy for travel.

Know your abilities. When you make travel plans, choose activities that fit your current conditions and ability levels. You want to explore your destination fully, but knowing your limitations is important to keep yourself safe and healthy.

You love to travel; in fact, you may have spent years looking forward to retirement so you could finally explore more of the world. Now that it’s your time, having the right travel protection plan can help you feel more confident and protected on every adventure you choose to take.