It is always a good idea to go on vacation with international travel health insurance when going overseas at any age. When you are a senior citizen then it becomes an essential item on your pre-trip to-do list to look into buying a plan. Adding to the necessity is the fact that travel is finally opening up after a long lockdown.
During these uncertain times, it makes a lot of sense to have a good policy that will give you the peace of mind that you need to travel without any worries in case something happens.
In this article, I will go over some points to consider before buying your policy so you know you’re covered.
What is Your General Health Like?
Just as with any health insurance, your overall health is a huge factor in what your policy will look like and how much it is going to cost. If you are in good health then you are going to pay less for the basic policy which will allow you to opt for a lot of extras that cost more. If your health is not great, then expect to pay more for the basics, and the price rises with all the extras you may want to add.
Accidents can happen no matter what your overall health is like so you’ll get that coverage regardless, but an illness is more likely to happen. And if you are being treated for a condition that could become something that sends you to the hospital or requires medical attention then this is going to factor into the cost.
For instance, if you have diabetes then the chances of having a problem while you are traveling are much higher than if you stay at home. This will definitely play a part not only in the cost of the insurance but also in how much coverage you are going to need.
What Kind of Travel will You be Doing?
A relaxing cruise that has you mainly sitting by the pool and taking in the shows in the evening is not likely to set off any alarm bells by the insurance company. Not only is there less chance of an injury, but there is also a hospital on board in case of anything going wrong.
A hiking trip in the Alps where you are in danger of an injury or even falling ill due to the strenuous activity is going to have the agent putting your policy together pause. In other words, the type of travel is going to have a bearing on your policy.
Anybody getting travel health insurance is going to pay more if the trip involves any risky activity like skiing, mountain biking, or paragliding. These activities invite a higher risk of injury. And the older you are the higher the risk of injury or even a heart attack due to the physical nature.
You will likely want to add coverage to make sure that you are protected. In some cases, the insurance company will require that you add this coverage when you are over a certain age.
How long you plan to stay on the trip will also affect the cost. A longer trip will cost more, but you are also covered for a longer period so you have peace of mind while there. Also, if you are in a country in which the health care is not to the level most Westerners expect then you will want to look into an emergency medical evacuation plan. You’ll pay a lot more for that coverage but it will get you to where you will receive a higher level of quality care.
How Often do You Travel?
If you are retired and have a passion for traveling, then you may be traveling multiple times per year. Taking out a policy for each individual trip can get expensive. There is an option that will save you money in the long run that covers any travel that you do in a year.
By paying for yearly coverage, you will spend less per trip and have the reassurance of being covered no matter where or when you go. This is a good policy to have when you are usually booking last-minute deals that have you on a plane in a short period.
Shop Around
Not all policies are the same from company to company. Shop around and look for the one that fits your needs. For example, some companies offer waivers for pre-existing conditions which is something that many seniors have. This can save you a lot of money so look for the companies that offer this before settling on a policy.
Also, when you can save by switching policies, then you can add on some coverage that you wouldn’t normally go for if you’re on a budget.
