How to Choose Travel Insurance & Assistance Services for Seniors

Medical emergencies and pre-existing conditions

The #1 reason most seniors buy travel insurance is for the emergency medical coverage. A close second is so they have added protection if they have to cancel or interrupt their trip because of a pre-existing medical condition. 

Generali’s Premium plan can 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 Insurance to learn more.

Emergency medical evacuation

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

The amount is easy. If you’re heading anywhere where travel is difficult, you need a large evacuation coverage limit. If you thought getting in there was hard, imagine how hard (and expensive) it’s going to be getting medical transportation in and out.

Exclusions require you to read your Description of Coverage/Policy. Are traveling companions covered? Can you be evacuated to a "hospital of choice," or 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’re stumped, have them call the travel insurance company directly.

Also read: 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/Policy. You can see the list of Generali’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 60% of your trip cost, so use it judiciously.

Also read: How Travel Insurance Can Help if you Cancel Your Trip

Lost baggage

Many seniors opt for a lighter carryon, and often stow 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 can provide some reimbursement. And if you’re looking for the highest amount of luggage reimbursement, go with Generali’s Premium plan.

Also, the 24-Hour Emergency Assistance Services included with all Generali travel insurance 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 unexpected problems that can arise during a trip. The hotline is available to Generali policyholders 24/7 for help anytime, anyplace while traveling.

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

Frequently Asked Questions on 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 condition is any medical condition, including injuries, diseases and illnesses, you had before purchasing your travel protection plan. Plans usually include the look-back period, which is the length of time prior to the effective date during which you experienced the medical condition.

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. Our definition includes any sickness or injury for you or a travel companion if you received a diagnostic test, exam or medical treatment or were recommended to do so. Additionally, a condition is also considered pre-existing if you took or were prescribed medication for it—unless it was controlled solely through medication with no changes during the look-back period. Always review the specific definition in your plan documents to determine whether your health conditions qualify for coverage.

Do I still need travel insurance and assistance services if I'm traveling domestically and 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 can help cover expenses that your normal health insurance doesn’t. 

Do I need CFAR if I have pre-existing condition coverage?

Opting for Trip Cancellation for Any Reason means you can still cancel your trip if requirements are met and even if your pre-existing condition doesn't meet the definition of a covered reason for normal Trip Cancellation coverage. Traveling with both CFAR and pre-existing condition coverage may give you more flexibility and protection if you need to cancel your trip. 

Travel Tips for Seniors

The following travel tips can 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 ensure you understand any restrictions and requirements. 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. 

• 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.

Seniors love to travel; in fact, many have been waiting their whole lives to retire and travel, and now’s their time. Travel insurance can help protect their adventures if they choose the right plan.