Travel Insurance Plans for 40+ Travelers

For travelers 40+ (mature, like me, with an extra decade or two), especially those traveling solo (again, like me), having travel insurance is essential. Medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings can quickly turn a great trip into a nightmare. I have used several insurance companies and policies over my years of travel. These are policies that begin on your first day of travel, usually, outside of your home area/country, and end when you return from your trip.

(This blog contains links to products or programs I use, some pay a small commission to me should you choose to purchase, at no cost to you. It ain’t much, but it helps pay for this site.)

Though many see this as an area to trim their travel budget, you do so at your own risk. Ask anyone who’s gotten ill or needed medical help abroad, and they usually never travel again without good travel insurance. I used to think travel insurance was an optional luxury—until I saw a read about several travelers with $10,000+ hospital bills in a country where they didn’t speak the language.  Now, several countries force you to pay up front a large deposit, before they will even look at you, if you don’t have travel insurance.

Also, check if the insurance you are considering will work in the USA and possibly Canada, since medical care there is much more expensive than in other countries. Most travel policies have very specific rules about traveling in the USA/Canada. (Disclosure: I only needed medical insurance, not cancellation or lost baggage insurance, as my credit card covers that. Check yours to see if you are also covered.)

Here’s what you need to know and recommended minimum limits per most reviewers (NOTE: though I researched over a dozen insurers and read quite a few articles, I would encourage you to read these two articles as well as this blog: FORBES for comparisons and Business Insider if you are considering World Nomads):

• Top Priorities for Coverage:
  • Emergency medical expenses (at least $100,000).
  • Medical evacuation (minimum $250,000).
  • Coverage for pre-existing conditions (need to read this part of the rules)..
  • Trip cancellation and interruption (again, call your credit card to see if they already do this).
  • Lost or stolen belongings (same note as above).

• Key Providers: These are those with whom I have some familiarity; for others, read the articles referenced above, as well as blogger Zoey Peregrine, who has written a great article on comparing plans in more depth here.

• Allianz Global Assistance:
  • Comprehensive plans with high coverage limits (e.g., $500,000 for emergency evacuation).
  • Pre-existing condition waivers available if purchased early.
  • Costs: $504 for a 17-day trip to Italy ($6,000 trip cost for two 65-year-olds).
• World Nomads:
  • Flexible plans, ideal for active travelers under 70.
  • Covers over 250 adventure activities.
  • Costs: $194.98 to $691.20 for a two-week trip to Mexico ($6,000 trip cost for a 65-year-old couple).
• Travel Guard:
  • Tailored plans for older travelers with 24/7 support.
  • Deluxe Plan offers single occupancy protection and up to $1 million trip cancellation coverage.
  • Costs: $583.46 to $1,375.24 for a month-long trip to France ($10,000 trip cost for a 65-year-old).
• Genki Native:
  • Policies for frequent travelors from one month to two years.
  • Medical Insurance only, travel cancels, no scooter activity
  • Cover in Canada and the USA is restricted to 6 weeks per 180 days
  • Costs based on 30 years old: $180 to $260 for a month-long coverage. More expensive plans include preventative care (those over 55 years old must get a quote).

• What to Watch For:
  • Costs increase with age.
  • Policies typically cost 4%-10% of the trip’s total cost.
  • Some providers, like World Nomads, don’t cover travelers over 70.
  • Some only focus on medical needs

Quick Comparison

Tip: For frequent travelers, consider annual plans for cost efficiency. Always compare coverage limits and check for pre-existing condition clauses before purchasing. As I now travel most of the year, I need continuous travel insurance. This led me to a type of travel insurance generally called nomad insurance, which is similar to many travel insurance policies but is year-round. World Nomads has this, as does SafetyWing, but I ended up buying Genki Native. (My current plan went up from $117 per month for the first two years, to now $168 (USD) per month, 63-year-old male, no claims).

Travel Insurance for Seniors and over 65s – How to get it CHEAPER

Though I am not quite in this age bracket, I thought it best to include for those over 65 some of the things I’ve learned.

1. Allianz Global Assistance

Allianz Global Assistance offers travel insurance plans designed with mature solo travelers in mind. Their OneTrip series has an 85% satisfaction rate for claims processing, making it a trusted choice for many ^[3].

For example, two 65-year-old travelers planning a 17-day trip to Italy (costing $6,000) would pay $504 for coverage ^[3]. Here’s what the OneTrip Prime plan includes:

SmartBenefits adds convenience by providing a fixed $100 daily payment per person for travel inconveniences. Additionally, per the same Forbes article, “…a pre-existing condition waiver is available if you purchase the plan within 14 days of your initial trip deposit. Customer service satisfaction for these features stands at 81%.”^[3]

Pricing, as always, varies depending on age, trip length, and estimated trip cost. Here are a few examples:

• Travelers aged 70: $338 for a 7-day trip to Mexico with a $3,000 trip cost.
• Travelers aged 75: $1,878 for a 20-day trip to Aruba with a $15,000 trip cost.
• Travelers aged 80: $4,574 for a 25-day trip to Spain with a $20,000 trip cost ^[3].

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the OneTrip Basic plan offers essential coverage at a reduced rate. For instance, a 65-year-old traveler on a month-long trip to France ($10,000 cost) would pay $637 for Basic coverage compared to $840 for Prime ^[4].

Allianz also provides a 24/7 hotline and concierge services to assist travelers. However, their “cancel anytime” upgrade reimburses only 80% of trip costs and has stricter conditions compared to more flexible “cancel for any reason” options from competitors ^[3]. (FYI: I used Allainz before I switched to Genki)

According to Forbes, “while Allianz plans may cost about $22 more than the industry average (e.g., $149 for basic coverage on a sample trip), the higher coverage limits and reliable claims process make the extra cost worthwhile.”

2. World Nomads

I also looked into World Nomads. They’ve been around for 20 years and have a huge following, but they really focus on the under-70 crowd who want to go bungee jumping or skydiving. It holds a 4.2-star rating on Trustpilot[6].

This company is widely promoted on travel sites and offers generous payouts to bloggers who buy through their links.  Just be aware of that. 

They offer tiered plans with varying levels of protection:

One important feature is the coverage for over 250 adventure activities, a benefit not commonly offered by traditional insurers.^[5]  Their policies tend to be very competitive.  For example, a 65-year-old couple, a two-week trip to Mexico with a $6,000 trip cost would pay $194.98 (3.3% of the trip cost) for the Standard Plan, $375.30 (6.3%) for the Explorer Plan, or $691.20 (11.5%) for the Epic Plan, with each level giving you more coverage^[6].  Actually, these rates are competitive, falling within and sometimes below the typical 4–8% range for travel insurance premiums.^[6]

World Nomads also partners with Generali Global Assistance to provide 24/7 emergency support ^[5]. Their claims process is simple. For instance, a U.S. traveler in India who experienced a week-long baggage delay in Delhi received a reimbursement of $51.74 in December ^[7].

Another benefit is the flexibility to purchase a policy even after a trip has started ^[6]. However, it’s worth noting that coverage is unavailable for travelers over 70 ^[6]. For eligible customers, the Annual Multi-Trip Plan covers multiple trips within a year, with each trip lasting up to 45 days and emergency medical coverage of up to $100,000 per trip ^[5].

For active travelers, the Explorer Plan strikes a balance between comprehensive protection and reasonable cost. Meanwhile, the Epic Plan, while pricier, offers the highest coverage limits for those seeking maximum security.

3. Travel Guard

If you’re looking for the ‘heavy hitter’ of insurance that covers almost every scenario, Travel Guard is usually where people end up looking. Per their website: “Travel Guard offers a range of plans specifically for older travelers, providing 24/7 emergency support and a large network of service centers in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Their plans – Essential, Preferred, and Deluxe – suit different travel needs and budgets.” ^[8]

Here’s an example for a 65-year-old traveler spending a month in France with a $10,000 trip cost:

The Deluxe Plan, if you can afford it, offers extensive coverage, including single-occupancy protection, not usually provided in most plans. This feature reimburses extra costs if a travel companion cancels for a covered reason.^[9] And if you travel enough with other people, you will encounter this situation where the costs suddenly double your trip when they flake out.

For those needing specialized care, Travel Guard states that their “MedEvac plan includes air evacuation services.”^[10] And, “…buying insurance early may qualify you for a pre-existing condition exclusion waiver – a helpful option for travelers managing ongoing health issues.”^[8]

Most of their plans include baggage protection for lost, damaged, or delayed items. To ensure smooth claims processing, keep receipts and gather necessary documents, such as police or incident reports for stolen belongings.^[11]  And don’t forget to take a photo of your luggage, individually, before your first flight. This has saved many travelers whose luggage comes back ruined.

“Travel Guard’s coverages have been tailored to meet the needs of most travelers. We’ve seen what can happen while traveling, and we’ve built our coverages around that. Travel more confidently with a Travel Guard travel insurance plan.” – Travel Guard ^[9]

Travel Guard also offers extra perks like roadside assistance and concierge services. The Deluxe Plan provides the highest level of protection, with coverage amounts reaching up to $1 million for trip cancellation, baggage, and medical expenses. ^[8]

4. Genki Native

(Please note, I am a client of Genki, should you purchase their insurance through these links, I will receive a small payment, at no cost to you, for the referral.)

For Genki Native Basic and Premium Plans, anyone over 55 must contact them directly for a price quote. I was unable to attain a quote for a generic 65+ customer over the phone and via the web. If I can later, I will update this section.

Plan Comparison Chart

Here’s a breakdown of top providers for a typical 14-day international trip costing $5,000 for a 40-year-old traveler:

*Premiums depend on factors like age, trip duration, and total trip cost ^[12][13].

World Nomads: Tiered Coverage Options

World Nomads offers three plan levels tailored to different travel needs and budgets:

“It’s important to think about the coverage that’s most important to you for your next trip, whether that is emergency medical, trip cancellation, baggage or something else.”
– Terra Baykal ^[14](Senior Marketing Manager, World Nomads)

Key Considerations

• Age-Based Pricing: Insurance costs increase with age. For instance, a 40-year-old traveler pays an average of $257, while older travelers often face higher premiums ^[12].
• Coverage Ratio: The typical cost of travel insurance is around 4% to 6% of your total trip cost ^[12]. Premium plans, like Travel Guard’s higher-tier options, may cost more.
• Optional Add-ons: Adding ‘Cancel for any reason’ (CFAR) coverage can raise your premium by about 50%, but it provides maximum flexibility ^[12].

Daniel Durazo from Allianz Partners USA advises:

“How much are you willing to risk losing in the event of an unexpected cancellation or emergency situation? Consider what types of coverage you want and how much you’ve invested in the trip to choose a policy that best fits your needs.” – Daniel Durazo, Allianz Partners USA^[14]

Annual Plans for Frequent Travelers

For frequent travelers, annual plans might be a better value. Genki Native and World Nomads have annual multi-trip plans and offer month to month and year-round coverage; Nomad’s plan has these limits per trip:

• Emergency Medical: Up to $100,000
• Trip Cancellation: $5,000 per coverage term
• Lost/Stolen Luggage: Up to $2,000 ^[5]

Keep in mind, actual terms and premiums depend on factors like destination, trip length, age, and health.

How to Choose Your Plan

Once you’ve reviewed the top providers, it’s time to pick a plan that fits your travel needs. Start by evaluating your medical coverage requirements – about 88% of travelers consider health-related coverage their top priority.^[2] Again, blogger Zoey Peregrine has written a great article on how to compare plans in more depth here.

Key Coverage to Focus On

Here are the recommended coverage amounts to consider for better protection:

Tips for Choosing Wisely

Think about healthcare costs in your destination and ensure the plan covers pre-existing conditions. If your pre-existing conditions are what you are most concerned about, a new travel insurance focused on medical issues may not be the most effective for you. Many countries allow travelers to use their medical care and pay directly. Often these are much cheaper than US/Canadian medical costs. Hence the reason for medical tourism. Use travel insurance comparisons to find the plan that aligns with the risks of your trip.

Beth Godlin, president of Aon Affinity Travel Practice, notes:

“Travel insurance is often an overlooked investment until the unforeseen happens. It’s designed to give travelers peace of mind and financial protection against travel risks.” ^[16]

Budget-Friendly Advice

• If you travel often (3-4 trips or more per year), annual policies may save you money.
• Expect to spend 4% to 10% of your trip cost on insurance ^[16].
• Adjust coverage limits to avoid paying for extras you don’t need.
• Check your credit card benefits to avoid overlapping coverage ^[15].

Basic plans sometimes skip critical features. For example, IMG‘s iTravelInsured Travel Essential plan doesn’t include emergency medical coverage, which could leave you vulnerable.

What to Watch Out For

When comparing plans, keep an eye out for these issues:

• Supplier-provided plans often cost more and offer less coverage.
• Avoid plans with less than $250,000 for medical evacuation ^[1].
• Steer clear of policies that lack 24/7 assistance services.
• Check for exclusions, especially for countries not covered (US/Canada primarily) adventure activities, or pre-existing conditions.

If you’re an older traveler, look for providers known for excellent customer service and quick claims processing. Nationwide, for instance, is recognized for its fast claims handling and responsive support ^[4]. There literally are dozens of reputable insurers out there, don’t forget to ask your current insurance if you can add an international plan on it, these are often the cheapest and many think, best.

Final Verdict: Which Plan Wins?

Because “40+ traveler” can mean anything from a healthy 45-year-old solo digital nomad to an 80-year-old couple on a luxury cruise, I’ve broken down my top picks by category:

Some Final Advice (From One Traveler to Another)

If there is one thing I’ve learned from years of being on the road, it’s that travel insurance is the one thing you buy hoping you’ll never actually use. It feels like a purchase you must make, like taking an awful-tasting medicine, when you click “Buy” and see those dollars leave your account. But the first time you’re sitting in a clinic in Rome or standing at a baggage carousel in Tokyo that refuses to spit out your suitcase, that $150 becomes the best money you ever spent.

My final tips before you fly:

• The 24-Hour rule before your trip: Download your insurance app and save the “Emergency Hotline” number in your phone contacts before you leave. You don’t want to be hunting for a PDF while you’re in a panic.
• Trust, but verify: Even if your credit card says, “travel coverage,” call them. Ask specifically: “Does this cover medical evacuation?” Often, cards cover the flight delay but not the $50,000 helicopter ride. Ask about luggage as well.
• Take the Photos: Seriously. Take a 10-second video of your open suitcase before you zip it up. It’s the ultimate “I told you so” for insurance adjusters.  Take photos of the outside too, as airlines and airports love to play toss across with luggage.

Safe travels, my friends. May your flights be on time, your luggage be waiting for you, and your insurance policy remain a boring piece of paper you never have to look at again.

See you out there!

Thank you for reading my article.  If you would like to read about other travel posts you can go to Articles to see all posts, or to Destinations to see them grouped by location. General travel tips can be found here.