For travelers 40+ (mature like me, including an extra decade or two), especially those traveling solo (again like me), having a travel insurance plan 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, this may seem an area to try and trim the 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 a good travel insurance. Also check to see if they will work in the USA and possibly Canada, since their medical care is many more times the costs of other countries, most travel policies have very specific rules about traveling in the USA/Canada. (Disclosure: I only needed medical insurance, not cancelation or lost baggage insurance as that is covered on by my credit card. Check yours to see if you are also covered.)
Here’s what you need to know:
- Top Priorities for Coverage:
- Emergency medical expenses (at least $100,000).
- Medical evacuation (minimum $250,000).
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions.
- Trip cancellation and interruption.
- Lost or stolen belongings.
- Key Providers: These are those that I had some familiarity with, for others, try this really well done article FORBES. Also, blogger Zoey Peregrine has written a great article on how to compare plans in more depth here. (Prices and data below are as of March 9, 2025.)
- 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
| Provider | Emergency Medical | Trip Cancellation | Evacuation | Age Limit | Sample Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allianz Global Assistance | $50,000–$100,000+ | Up to $100,000 | $500,000 | No limit | $504 (17-day Italy trip, 65 y/o) |
| World Nomads (Epic Plan) | $250,000 | $15,000 | $700,000 | Under 70 | $691.20 (2-week Mexico trip) |
| Travel Guard (Deluxe) | Varies | Up to $1 million | Varies | No limit | $1,375.24 (1-month France trip) |
| Genki Native (Basic/Premium) | Up to $1 million | None | Up to $1 million | No limit | $ 260 per month with year long |
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 needed this type of continuous travel insurance. This lead me to a type of travel insurance generally called nomad insurance, which is like many of the travelors insurance policies, but year round. World Nomads has this as does SafetyWing but I ended up with Genki Native.
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:
| Key Benefits | OneTrip Prime Coverage |
|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation | Up to $100,000 |
| Trip Interruption | Up to $150,000 |
| Medical Expenses | $50,000 |
| Emergency Evacuation | $500,000 |
| Baggage Loss/Damage | $1,000 |
| Travel Delay | $800 (5-hour wait) |
SmartBenefits adds convenience by providing a fixed $100 daily payment per person for travel inconveniences. Additionally, 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 depends on age and trip length. 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].
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. Next, we’ll look at another top provider to help you weigh your options.
2. World Nomads
World Nomads is a travel insurance provider catering to travelers under 70, with over 20 years of experience and more than 3 million customers served. It holds a 4.2-star rating on Trustpilot [6].
The company offers tiered plans with varying levels of protection:
| Coverage Type | Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical | $125,000 | $150,000 | $250,000 |
| Trip Cancellation | $2,500 | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Emergency Evacuation | $400,000 | $500,000 | $700,000 |
| Baggage Protection | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 |
One standout feature is the coverage for over 250 adventure activities, a benefit not commonly offered by traditional insurers [5]. For example, a 65-year-old couple planning a two-week trip to Mexico with a $6,000 trip cost would pay approximately $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 [6]. These rates are competitive, often falling within or below the typical 4–8% premium range for travel insurance [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. Next, we’ll examine what Travel Guard has to offer to help you make a more informed decision.
3. Travel Guard
Travel Guard provides a range of plans tailored for older travelers, backed by 24/7 emergency support through service centers in Asia, Europe, and the Americas [8]. Their plans – Essential, Preferred, and Deluxe – are designed to suit different travel needs and budgets.
Here’s an example for a 65-year-old traveler spending a month in France with a $10,000 trip cost:
| Plan | Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | $583.46 | Basic medical and trip protection |
| Preferred | $938.66 | Higher coverage limits and trip delay benefits |
| Deluxe | $1,375.24 | Comprehensive protection with higher limits |
The Deluxe Plan stands out for its extensive coverage, including single occupancy protection. This feature reimburses extra costs if a travel companion cancels for a covered reason [9].
For those needing specialized care, Travel Guard’s MedEvac plan includes air evacuation services [10]. Plus, buying insurance early may qualify you for a pre-existing condition exclusion waiver – a helpful option for travelers managing ongoing health issues [8].
All base 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].
“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]. These features make Travel Guard an appealing choice for older solo travelers seeking thorough coverage and peace of mind.
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 web. If I am able to, 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:
| Coverage Features | Allianz Global Assistance | World Nomads (Epic) | Travel Guard (Deluxe option) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical | Varies | $250,000 | Varies by policy |
| Trip Cancellation | Varies | $15,000 | Varies by policy |
| Lost/Stolen Luggage | Varies | $3,000 | Varies by policy |
| Average Premium* | $320.67 | $319.25 | Varies |
*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:
| World Nomads Plans | Medical Coverage | Trip Cancellation | Luggage Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $125,000 | $2,500 | $1,000 |
| Explorer | $150,000 | $10,000 | $2,000 |
| Epic | $250,000 | $15,000 | $3,000 |
Terra Baykal, a senior marketing manager for World Nomads, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing your coverage needs:
“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]
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 [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:
| Coverage Type | Recommended Minimum | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical | $100,000 | Medicare offers little to no international coverage |
| Medical Evacuation | $250,000 | Ensures safe transport to a proper medical facility |
| Trip Cancellation | 100% of trip cost | Protects your non-refundable travel expenses (some credit cards cover this) |
| Baggage Coverage | Varies by policy | Helps replace essential items when baggage is lost (some credit cards cover this) |
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 provider 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.
Now that you know, don’t let worry ruin your next trip, go prepared with travel insurance.
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.
