Oldsters Overseas - What Seniors Pay for Travel Insurance

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Author: Steve Cogger

While travel medical insurance for senior citizens generally carries a higher premium and a lower maximum level of coverage it is still widely available. In fact, some carriers offer travel medical insurance for senior citizens no matter what their age. One carrier we found offered travel medical insurance for senior citizens over 80 years old, with no maximum age. The maximum coverage for those older than 79, however, is a low $10,000.

Another was a little more generous with its ceiling for elders through 79 years, although premiums for this travel medical insurance for senior citizens was still costlier than those for younger travelers. With this insurer a couple between the ages of 65 and 69 can still purchase up to $1 million of emergency medical coverage with their travel insurance, and as low as a $250 deductible. For this senior citizen couple travel insurance coverage for this single trip would cost $438. At age 70 the maximum drops way down to $50,000 and each policy must be purchased separately. The per-person cost for the same trip is now $219 each for only $50,000 of travel medical insurance for these senior citizens.

Now, let's assume these folks are 80 years old. What a costly difference in this travel medical insurance for these senior citizens! Now the most coverage this couple could purchase is $10,000 each, at a whopping $518 each for the same $250 deductible. The deductible can be increased to $2500, which lowers the premium to $350.70.

The best course of action for senior citizens who contemplate overseas travel and are considering travel medical insurance is to first peruse their current medical coverage. Seldom do these plans cover overseas travel but do check your policy and call your insurer if you are unsure. While your Medicare coverage will not help you outside of the United States, your Medicare supplement coverage might - or at least for some situations.

If you're wanting to save on your travel insurance premium the two best things you can do for yourself are to first book your trip with a travel agent you trust, and then choose an airline, cruise or other vacation vendor that is well known and not in financial distress.