Posted on Monday, June 23, 2025
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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson
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0 Comments
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Travel insurance provides coverage for unexpected events and emergencies – find out why it’s likely important and how to get travel insurance as a senior.
The trip that never happened
Phil and Kathy planned a dream vacation to Vienna, Austria. Just ahead of departure, Phil was hospitalized due to a sudden heart issue. This forced the couple to cancel their travel plans. Unfortunately, most of their vacation was prepaid and nonrefundable. The duo lacked travel insurance and faced an uphill battle trying to recoup money spent on airfare, hotels, tour fees and more – most of which they could not get back. Phil and Kathy’s story underscores the importance of having the financial protection of travel insurance. Their case demonstrates that unseen circumstances can happen to anyone, so it’s best to be prepared.
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is a policy that covers many “what if” scenarios that puts travel plans at risk. It essentially provides financial protection and peace of mind to travelers should something unexpectedly go wrong, such as a sudden medical emergency. Travel insurance also typically covers trip cancellations or delays, lost luggage, and emergency medical evacuations. Travelers with this insurance can find comfort knowing that they are financially protected for covered expenses. In the case of Phil and Kathy, had the couple purchased travel insurance, they would have been able to recover insured funds rather than face a near total loss of trip expenses.
Types of policies
There are different types of travel insurance policies, ranging from domestic to international and from basic to extensive coverage. Most travel agents offer standalone travel insurance policies (single-trip) and add-on vacation packages. The latter features optional upgrades not covered in basic plans. Since travel agents understand their client’s specific travel needs, these professionals can review details of the plan, describe what’s included and excluded, and make sound recommendations. Note that travel insurance policies can vary greatly in coverage. For example, some cover pre-existing conditions, while others do not. Some policies may also add exclusions, such as injuries from high-risk activities. Understanding the immense protection of travel insurance, a travel agent will likely recommend that travelers purchase travel insurance through them or independently. Most travel agents earn a small commission on travel insurance policies sold. Regardless of where you get your policy, always read the fine print to understand what’s covered.
Don’t wait until the last minute
Travel insurance is available for purchase at any point before your trip, but it is generally best to purchase it in advance to avoid limitations or exclusions. For example, waiting can potentially disqualify coverage for preexisting conditions. Most experts agree that the time to buy travel protection is when you make your first payment. This serves to maximize coverage in case travelers need to cancel their trip. When booking flights, understand whether the tickets are refundable or non-refundable. Be sure that travel insurance coverage extends to the latter if needed. While general travel insurance policies may cover some medical expenses, understand that trip insurance and travel medical insurance are different. Trip insurance typically provides more basic coverage with limitations and exclusions, whereas medical travel insurance covers specific medical expenses while traveling.
Buying independently
Travel agents typically sell travel insurance. Senior citizens can also obtain travel insurance through various sources including specialized travel insurance companies, brokers, and general insurance providers. While some home and life insurance agents sell travel insurance, it may not be a standard part of their business. Aside from purchasing travel insurance through a reputable travel insurance company, another option is the marketplace. Popular travel insurance platforms include Faye, Travelex, Travelinsurance.com, SquareMouth, or Insuremytrip.com. Travel insurance comparison businesses make it easy for customers to see hundreds of travel insurance platforms side by side to find the ideal fit for one’s trip. Not only can folks examine coverages, but they can also compare pricing, explore service options, read customer satisfaction results, and gain further valuable insights. When purchasing travel insurance independently, travelers are advised to do their homework and compare policies to see what fits their travel needs. Note that rates can vary greatly, so it’s wise to obtain multiple quotes.
AMAC meets senior travel needs
AMAC members can take advantage of travel insurance to protect non-refundable trip costs for cruises, tours and vacation rentals. Options include trip cancellation, accident & sickness medical expense, trip delay & missed trip connection, medical evacuation, and coverage bundle options. AMAC also offers COVID coverage options, annual plans for frequent travelers, cancel for ANY reason options, pre-existing conditions coverage, primary or secondary medical coverage, international or domestic trips, coverage for international citizens living outside of the USA, and more. Click here for a free and quick & easy quote or call 1-833-268-2622 for more information.
The main point
If you’re worried about how to get travel insurance as a senior, fret no more. Reach out to AMAC or consider other resources as mentioned above. Whether traveling abroad or domestically, be wise and protect your travel funds from unexpected loss. Whether it be trip cancellations or interruptions, these scenarios can happen to anyone, including seniors. Travel insurance provides a safety net against common travel conundrums and affords travelers the financial peace of mind they deserve when planning the trip of a lifetime.
Disclosure: Please note that the travel insurance websites mentioned above are not specifically endorsed by AMAC. Additionally, the article is for general purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional travel advice.
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