What's the best travel insurance for over 70s with medical conditions?

In truth, there's no single 'best' policy as what's right for you depends on your circumstances and preferences. Many people opt for insurance that offers high benefit limits and protects them from a wide range of risks – to that end, you could start your search by looking at comprehensive travel cover .

What is international travel insurance?

International travel insurance can give you a range of cover benefits ahead of your next trip abroad, such as overseas medical expenses, trip cancellations, theft of your belongings and rental vehicle excess cover . Domestic travel cover , on the other hand, can protect you from a range of mishaps in Australia.

At what age can you no longer get travel insurance?

There isn't a maximum age limit for buying travel insurance, although you're likely to pay more for a policy the older you are. That's because you present a higher risk of making a claim. You may also find more restrictions or exclusions apply to your insurance. As our guide to over 80s travel cover shows, there are a range of providers who'll offer cover in your later years.

How do I make a claim on my travel insurance?

If you are involved in an event that leads to a claim, you need to notify your insurer as soon as possible . In addition, you'll need to report any loss, theft or damage to the police, your airline or any relevant authority while travelling. Obtain police reports or written confirmation of you doing so. Many insurers allow you to fill in a claim form online, but this can also typically be sent in by mail or completed over the phone. You'll need to provide details such as your name, policy number, and the details of the event that resulted in your claim. Often your insurer will request that you provide more information. This may include police reports, receipts, valuations, medical reports or other supporting documentation. Make sure you promptly supply any information your insurer asks for — doing so is the best way to ensure the prompt processing of your claim. Your insurance provider should keep you updated on the progress of your claim.

What should I keep in mind when planning an overseas trip?

Keep in mind the following tips: Look at Smartraveller's website for the latest travel advice Research medical facilities in the areas you'll be travelling to Check that things like wheelchair access and seating needs will be catered for well in advance Check to see if the countries you are travelling to have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia Get a complete medical check-up from your doctor and discussing any health concerns you may have Have a dental check-up Ensure that your medications are legal overseas and that you will be able to take them through customs Make sure you pack enough medication for the duration of your trip

Travel insurance for over 70s

Travel insurance for over 70s can bring you peace of mind while you travel in Australia or overseas during your retirement.
Travel insurance can be more expensive once you are over 70, but there are ways to lower the cost of cover.
You can find travel insurance for over 70s with COVID cover. Keep a watchful eye on policy terms and exclusions.

Find quotes for over 70s travel insurance

Where are you going?

What are the ages of people travelling?

Add kids under the age of 1 by typing a “0”0 traveller(s)

When are you travelling?

Email me a copy of this quote (Optional)

Include travel deals and helpful personal finance content from Finder

By submitting this form, you agree to our Privacy & Cookies Policy and Terms of Service

Which insurance companies offer travel cover for people over 70?

Brand	Max age	Apply
ahm	99 and under	Get a quote
Cover-More	99 and under	Get a quote
Easy	125 and under	Get a quote
Fast Cover	89 and under	Get a quote
Freely	99 and under	Get a quote
InsureandGo	100 and under	Get a quote
Kogan	125 and under	Get a quote
Medibank	99 and under	Get a quote
Southern Cross	118 and under	Get a quote
Stella	99 and under	Get a quote
Tick	100 and under	Get a quote
Travel Insurance Saver	110 and under	More info
Wise and Silent	99 and under	Get a quote
Travel Protect	99 and under	Get a quote
Zoom	85 and under	Get a quote
1cover	130 and under	More info
AllClear	99 and under	Get a quote
Australia Post	99 and under	Get a quote
Australian Seniors	120 and under	More info
Boomers	120 and under	More info
NRMA	99 and under	More info
Worldcare	120 and under	More info

_{Note: This information was last updated April 2024}

Common benefits of travel insurance for over 70s

When you’re over 70, it’s a fact of life that you’re more likely to have to make an insurance claim than someone in their 40s.

Travel insurance cover for seniors contains largely the same for of cover as regular travel insurance. Over 70s travel insurance typically includes cover for:

Overseas emergency medical expenses. Medical repatriation back to Australia is also covered by many policies. Emergency dental cover is included, while most policies provide 24/7 emergency medical assistance, as well as overseas hospital expenses.
Cancellation fees and lost deposits. If unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or the loss of your job, force you to cancel your trip, your travel insurance policy will see that you are reimbursed for any non-refundable deposits or cancellation fees.
Luggage and personal effects. If your luggage is lost, stolen or damaged, your policy will cover the cost of its repair or replacement.
Travel documents. If your important travel documents, travellers cheques or credit cards are lost or stolen, travel insurance has your back.
Travel delay expenses. If your trip is delayed due to circumstances outside your control, your policy will cover any additional accommodation or meal expenses.
Luggage delay. This cover benefit provides for the cost of emergency clothing and toiletries when a travel provider misplaces your luggage.
Rental vehicle excess. If your rental vehicle is stolen, damaged or crashed, your policy provides cover for the expensive rental company excess you would otherwise have to pay.
Personal liability. If your negligence causes a third party to suffer an injury or property damage, all travel insurance policies provide cover for your legal liability.

Cover is available for both domestic and international trips and you can choose from a basic ‘essentials’ cover or a comprehensive policy. Frequent travellers can even take out a multi-trip policy to insure all their holidays over a 12-month period.

Things to consider when choosing the best* over 70s travel insurance policy

Though it’s quite easy to find travel insurance cover for over 70s, you can expect to pay more for your policy. The simple fact is that the more risk you pose to an insurer, the higher your premiums will be. Your age and health status are obviously two big factors that affect your premiums, but there are some other issues to consider when choosing a policy.

Age limit on competing policies. Some insurers offer cover up to the age of 81 or 84, while others will even keep you insured up to 110 years of age.
Type of policy. Many insurers will only cover you if you take out a more expensive comprehensive policy which means an essential or basic policy will not be an option
Trip duration. Some policies will only insure trips of a certain duration for customers over a minimum age (often 65 or 70 years).
Additional fees. An extra fee may also apply for certain medical conditions, so read the below section on pre-existing medical conditions to find out more
Experiences and activities. Your insurer might also limit what activities you’ll be covered for based on your age and inclusions, in general, may decrease
Optional add ons. You may find that there are certain age limits to the optional add-ons to your policy, such as adventure and motorcycle packs
Increased excess. Some insurers may charge a higher excess for medical-related claims

Compare multiple insurers and obtain quotes for a number of policies. This will help you find a policy that matches up perfectly with your travel needs.

Can I get cover if I have an existing medical condition?

One thing you need to be aware of when taking out travel insurance for over 70s is the treatment of pre-existing medical conditions. A pre-existing condition is typically defined as an ongoing condition of which you are aware, of which you have symptoms, for which you are currently undergoing treatment, or for which you have had surgery within the previous 12 months.

Every insurer has a list of pre-existing medical conditions which they will and won’t insure, and an insurer’s exact list can be affected by the age of the policyholder. However, conditions that are typically covered include:

Asthma
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Incontinence

Osteoporosis
Hernia
Epilepsy
Hayfever

Check the product disclosure statement or consult your insurance provider to find out more about the possibility of getting cover for specific conditions.

Travel insurance for over 70: 5 key policy questions

When looking for a travel insurance policy, ensure that you find one that matches up with your needs. Questions you should ask yourself before heading off include:

What types of activities will you be participating in while away?
How long are you planning on travelling for?
Will you be looking for multi-trip cover or just insurance for a single adventure?
Do you need increased cover for your personal effects?
Does your policy provide the necessary cover for any pre-existing medical conditions you may have?

Considering all these factors will help you find the best policy for your situation.

Travel can be very unpredictable and exposes you to an extensive range of potential risks. In order to guarantee that those risks don’t ruin your holiday and leave a big hole in your finances, travel insurance can offer the cover you need. Even if you’re aged well over 70, it’s still entirely possible to take out essential cover for your next trip away.

Apply for travel insurance

Although insurance for travellers over 70 will tend to cost more, it can still be a very worthwhile investment. It offers essential financial protection against typical holiday problems, including everything from overseas medical emergencies to lost luggage.

With the right type and level of cover in place, you’ll be free to put your feet up and enjoy your holiday.

Compare Travel Insurance for Over 70s Quotes

Frequently asked questions

There isn't a maximum age limit for buying travel insurance, although you're likely to pay more for a policy the older you are. That's because you present a higher risk of making a claim. You may also find more restrictions or exclusions apply to your insurance.
As our guide to over 80s travel cover shows, there are a range of providers who'll offer cover in your later years.
If you are involved in an event that leads to a claim, you need to notify your insurer as soon as possible. In addition, you'll need to report any loss, theft or damage to the police, your airline or any relevant authority while travelling. Obtain police reports or written confirmation of you doing so.
Many insurers allow you to fill in a claim form online, but this can also typically be sent in by mail or completed over the phone. You'll need to provide details such as your name, policy number, and the details of the event that resulted in your claim.
Often your insurer will request that you provide more information. This may include police reports, receipts, valuations, medical reports or other supporting documentation. Make sure you promptly supply any information your insurer asks for — doing so is the best way to ensure the prompt processing of your claim.
Your insurance provider should keep you updated on the progress of your claim.
Keep in mind the following tips:
- Look at Smartraveller's website for the latest travel advice
- Research medical facilities in the areas you'll be travelling to
- Check that things like wheelchair access and seating needs will be catered for well in advance
- Check to see if the countries you are travelling to have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia
- Get a complete medical check-up from your doctor and discussing any health concerns you may have
- Have a dental check-up
- Ensure that your medications are legal overseas and that you will be able to take them through customs
- Make sure you pack enough medication for the duration of your trip

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by

Cristal Dyer

Writer

Cristal Dyer is a travel writer at Finder. She has been writing about travel for over five years and has visited over 40 countries around the world. Cristal currently travels full-time, writing about her favourite cities and food finds, and she is always on the lookout for amazing flight deals to share. See full bio

Co-written by

James Martin

Journalist

James Martin was the insurance editor at Finder. He has written on a range of insurance and finance topics for over 7 years. James often shares his insurance expertise as a media spokesperson and has appeared on Prime 7 News, Insurance News, 7NEWS and The Guardian. An experienced journalist, James' work has featured in publications including The Irish Times, Companies100 and In Business. He holds a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification, both of which meet the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146). See full bio

James's expertise

James has written 190 Finder guides across topics including:

Car, home, life, health, travel and pet insurance
Managing the cost of living
Money-saving tips

More resources on Finder

Travel insurance for over 85

Ask a question

Click here to cancel reply.

Display name

Your email (will not be published)

Your question

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms Of Service and Finder Group Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

4 Responses

MaureenJune 13, 2017

My husband and I would like to travel to Norfolk Island from NSW. My husband has early Alzheimers dementia which is managed and controlled with medication, also I have mild emphysema which only requires Ventolin puffer occasionally. Our ages are 73 and 70 respectively. Are we able to obtain travel insurance?

JonathanJune 15, 2017

Hi Maureen!

Thanks for the comment.

It’s nice to hear about your travel plans. Yes, there could still be insurers who are willing to help you out. Please check the following pages:

Travel insurance for Alzheimer’s disease

Travel insurance for people with pre-existing conditions

The second link should give you a list and guide to finding the right insurer who may consider your case of emphysema.

While looking for insurers, please make sure you read the terms and conditions of the policy to learn more and know if it is the right policy for you or not.

Please take note that further questions about the application and the policy must be directed to your insurer of choice.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Jonathan

BaffledFebruary 14, 2016

We are a NZ couple living permanently in Australia, travelling back to NZ for 10 days. We do not require medical insurance as we are covered as NZ citizens. We do not need rental car insurance either.
What companies will provide us with a policy that does not include these, or lets us choose what we need cover for.
All we are really after is cancellation and lost baggage insurance.

Finder

RichardFebruary 15, 2016Finder

Hi Baffled,

Thanks for your question.

Yes, there are policies available that offer cover without medical. You may fill out a form on our guide on non-medical travel insurance plans to compare policies from travel insurers.

Please make sure to read the eligibility criteria, features and details of the policy, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statement of the policy before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you. If necessary, speak to the insurance brand to verify any details.

I hope this was helpful,
Richard

More guides on Finder

Travel insurance for over 85
Guide to finding travel insurance if you're over 85 years of age.
Travel insurance for over 75s
What you need to know about getting travel insurance when over 75 years of age.