Key takeaways
- 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
Which insurance companies offer travel cover for people over 70?
Brand | Max age | Apply |
---|---|---|
ahm | 99 and under | Get a quote |
99 and under | Get a quote | |
125 and under | Get a quote | |
Fast Cover | 89 and under | Get a quote |
99 and under | Get a quote | |
100 and under | Get a quote | |
Kogan | 125 and under | Get a quote |
99 and under | Get a quote | |
118 and under | Get a quote | |
99 and under | Get a quote | |
100 and under | Get a quote | |
110 and under | More info | |
Wise and Silent | 99 and under | Get a quote |
Travel Protect | 99 and under | Get a quote |
85 and under | Get a quote | |
130 and under | More info | |
99 and under | Get a quote | |
99 and under | Get a quote | |
120 and under | More info | |
120 and under | More info | |
NRMA | 99 and under | More info |
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:
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
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Ask a question
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?
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
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.
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