Travel Insurance for Seniors: 3 Things to Know

Whether you’re heading off on a two-week European dream vacation, flying south to Florida for the winter or shipping out on a global cruise, having comprehensive travel insurance may help you prepare for the unexpected.

Knowing the ins and outs of your travel insurance plan is important to ensure that you have the right coverage for your unique needs when travelling. As a senior, making sure you have travel medical insurance coverage in your plan is vital. Most countries do not offer free healthcare to travellers and require you to show proof of coverage when visiting. The cost of medical treatment while travelling abroad can vary and be a huge burden to undertake out of pocket.

Injuries and medical emergencies can happen, whether you fall and break a bone while on a cycling tour through the Italian countryside, get a head injury on a sailing excursion in Thailand or suffer a heart attack relaxing poolside in the Caribbean. It’s better to be safe than sorry and protect yourself.

If you have emergency hospital and medical insurance through Allianz Global Assistance you may call the 24/7 emergency assistance line, and an agent can help refer you to the most appropriate healthcare based on your unique medical needs.

Each travel insurance plan has its own provisions and may cover the costs related to emergency medical care, trip cancellation or interruption or assistance. It is important to spend time reviewing the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions outlined in your policy to make sure you are prepared.

When you apply for travel insurance you should disclose any pre-existing medical conditions. You may have to answer medical questions before purchasing emergency medical coverage. It is important to be honest about any pre-existing condition or illness you have or know about at the time of purchasing your insurance policy. Failing to disclose relevant details and conditions may result in your medical claim being invalid.

Pre-existing conditions are typically considered an exclusion in travel insurance policies. However, some policies may cover seniors with some pre-existing conditions providing they are considered stable. If a medical condition is not stable within the specified period defined by Allianz Global Assistance and you need to file a claim for something related to that same medical condition your claim will not be covered.

Want to get out into the world more in your senior years? Planning on visiting overseas relatives for a week, hopping on a cruise for 14 days and staying in Costa Rica for a month all within the next year? Wherever your retirement travel plans take you, multi-trip insurance plans are ideal for travellers who take more than one trip a year.

Allianz Global Assistance offers flexible Annual Medical Plans that cover nine, 17 or 30 days of travel within a year. If you choose to extend and stay longer than 30 days you can call at any time to purchase additional coverage for your trip. Keep in mind that the annual coverage extends for medical only, and that you will need to purchase trip cancellation and interruption packages (which are not available with annual plans) for each individual trip you take. Reach out to your Flight Centre travel consultant and they can customize the insurance plan to fit your unique travel plans and medical needs.

No matter where you choose to go and explore, Allianz Global Assistance ensures the bucket-list adventures you take during your senior years are protected. Call a Flight Centre travel consultant at 1–877–967–5302 for more information on the plans and coverage available. We can give you a quote and find the insurance policy that’s right for you and your trip.

Disclaimer/Disclosure: This sponsored story was written by Flight Centre Canada in partnership with Allianz Global Assistance.

Travel insurance does not cover everything. For complete terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions, please refer to the policy. Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators group of companies, administered by Allianz Global Assistance, which is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc. and distributed by Flight Centre Travel Group Canada Inc.

Allianz Global Assistance does not tolerate any attempt of fraud and considers it a serious offence. Allianz Global Assistance strictly enforces a zero-tolerance policy regarding fraud.