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60 isn’t the limit, travel insurance for senior citizens is your ticket to healthy stay abroad

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The reasons to celebrate and travel, whether international or domestic, have been very limited in 2020 as staying home was the best way to stay safe. However, as cities across the globe have reopened and airlines have resumed services, people are now finally able to use that passport again. It had been exceptionally difficult for senior citizens who had to travel, but were advised to stay put as they were comparatively more vulnerable to infections than others. Now, they can visit their children and grandchildren settled away from them or take that vacation they had been meaning to. However, the pandemic is still not over, and all necessary precautions must be taken. Travel insurance for senior citizens is something you can’t miss as it covers medical emergencies and keeps the financial worries at bay.

 1. What is the maximum age for travel insurance? Can you get travel insurance if you are over 80?

Though different insurance providers have different terms and conditions, a good number of travel insurance providers offer policies to senior citizens till they are as old as 99 years. The basic travel insurance policies generally apply to travellers who are 60 years and younger. Then there are insurance providers who offer customised policies for the elderly based on age brackets (like 60-70 years, 71-80 years and 81 to 99 years).

2. What medical conditions affect travel insurance for senior citizens?

Many policies even cover several pre-existing medical ailments, and some don’t ask for medical tests required at the time of buying the policy. However, some medical conditions are assessed by the insurer.

It is prudent to inform the insurer if you have lately suffered from any heart problem, stroke, epilepsy, etc. In cases of a terminal illness like chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer and congestive heart failure or awaiting surgery, the insurers may not be willing to cover them. While some charge an extra premium to cover certain pre-existing diseases, others may stress on putting sub-limits. It is best to discuss with the insurer in detail before buying the senior citizen travel insurance plan. Purchasing travel insurance online is faster and helps in comparing different offers.

3. What are the reasons to get insurance for senior citizens?

Not just coronavirus, there are many ailments that the elderly are susceptible to. Not to forget, the cost of medical treatment is also rising. Senior citizen travel insurance takes care of your emergency medical expenses offering cashless treatment facilities. It also covers emergency dental expenses and medical evacuation. It pays for extended hotel accommodation while you recover as well as bears the cost of the visit by one family member if the insured party stays in the hospital for over a week. Some of its other benefits are:

• It provides for a daily cash allowance during hospitalisation so that the money you are carrying for the trip stays safe.

• In case of a death, the insurer bears the cost of transferring the mortal remains to the home country.
• In case of accidental death or permanent disablement, the insurer will provide a lumpsum compensation.
• It also covers expenses occurring due to flight delays and cancellations or loss, theft or delay of checked-in baggage. It also protects you if important documents like the passport are stolen or gets misplaced.
• In a foreign country, if the insured party accidentally becomes liable for any third-party damage, the insurer will take care of it.
• It provides for emergency cash in case of robbery or theftand even offers hijack distress allowance.

Conclusion

According to a 2015 report by Frost & Sullivan and Amadeus, it was estimated that senior travellers, then pegged at 1.3 million were set to rise to 7.3 million by 2030. Therefore, getting well-tailored travel insurance online for senior citizens that matches your specific needs and requirements is a crucial step in ensuring that you enjoy your trip without worry.

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