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Best Travel Insurance For Elderly & Seniors (2024)

Although travel insurance may not be mandatory for all destinations, it's highly recommended for elderly travellers, especially those with pre-existing conditions. Medical emergencies, natural disasters, and flight disruptions can occur unexpectedly, and older individuals may be more susceptible.

Therefore, it's crucial to evaluate insurance plans that cater to your age, health, and travel needs. Let’s take a look at the importance of travel insurance coverage for senior travellers, how to pick suitable ones and what are the best options available at the moment.

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Key Considerations When Choosing Travel Insurance For Seniors

There are many reasons why travel insurance is so vital in terms of financial protection against sudden accidents or unpredictable weather conditions and here’s an overview of the key aspects to consider when selecting the right ones.

Fundamental medical coverage

Fundamental medical coverage Medical emergencies are a significant concern due to the increased likelihood of health complications associated with age. Travel insurance for the over 70s provides critical medical coverage, ensuring that seniors have access to healthcare facilities and treatments in the event of an illness or injury while abroad.

Pre-existing conditions coverage

Pre-existing conditions coverageMany travel insurance policies offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, which is particularly important for senior travellers who may have ongoing health concerns, such as diabetes, hypertension, or arthritis. By choosing a policy that includes coverage for pre-existing conditions, you can ensure that elderly travellers receive necessary care for any flare-ups or complications related to their existing health issues.

Trip cancellation and disruption protection

Trip cancellation and disruption protectionSenior travellers may need to cancel or modify their travel plans due to sudden health concerns, family emergencies, or even unfavourable medical advice before departure. Travel insurance for elderly people can cover the costs of trip cancellations, ensuring that non-refundable expenses like flights, hotel bookings, and prepaid tours are reimbursed.

Airline restrictions

Airline restrictions Airline and immigration regulations can pose unique challenges for elderly travellers. Airlines may have restrictions on flying for those with serious medical conditions, requiring medical clearance before allowing them to board.

For instance, if an elderly traveller has recently undergone surgery or has a condition that could worsen during the flight (such as deep vein thrombosis or heart disease), the airline may deny boarding without proper medical documentation. In such cases, travel insurance can cover the costs of rebooking flights or the expenses incurred due to the delay.

Immigration regulations

Immigration regulations Some countries have strict immigration policies that may require proof of health insurance or financial resources before allowing elderly travellers to enter. Countries like Thailand or the Schengen Area in Europe sometimes require visitors to show proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay.

Travel insurance can satisfy these requirements and prevent any complications during entry. In some cases, if an elderly traveller becomes ill while abroad and needs to stay longer than planned, immigration regulations may extend their stay, and insurance can help cover the costs of prolonged accommodation and medical care.

Compare the Best Travel Insurance For Senior Travellers

Covers Pre-Existing Conditions
Covers Pre-Existing Conditions

MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex Premier

Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$150,000
Trip Cancellation
S$15,000
Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$7,500
Total Premium
S$88
The MSIG TravelEasy® Elite Pre-Ex plan is tailored for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions including senior travellers. This policy offers comprehensive coverage for a wide range of health issues that are pre-existing, provided that they are declared at the time of purchasing the insurance.

For seniors, this plan includes medical expenses coverage up to $100,000, post-trip medical expenses coverage of up to $50,000, ​​and also covers for claims not relating to pre-existing medical conditions such as injury or illness sustained during the trip, with over 50 benefits. Moreover, it does not have an upper age limit, which makes it great for those who are over 70 or 80 and still want to travel with assurance.
MoneySmart Exclusive
Free Trip Cancellation
MoneySmart Exclusive
Free Trip Cancellation

Singlife Travel Prestige

Overseas Medical Expenses
Unlimited
Trip Cancellation
S$20,000
Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$8,000
Total Premium
Total PremiumS$76.4528% Off
S$55.04

[GIVEAWAY | SmartRewards | Receive your rewards as fast as 30 days*]
 
For a limited time only, enjoy up to 28% off your policy premium. Valid till 14 Oct 2024.
 
Get over S$85 worth of rewards including:
Up to 510 SmartPoints OR S$30 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
S$30 Revolut cash reward
• Up to S$20 iShopChangi vouchers
• Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
  
Use SmartPoints to redeem your favourite product from our Rewards Store today.
  
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.

Valid until 16 Oct 2024
Singlife Prestige is a premium option for senior travellers, offering extensive coverage including for those over 70. For senior travellers seeking comprehensive travel insurance, Singlife offers exceptional coverage tailored to their needs including unlimited coverage for overseas medical claims, trip cancellation and curtailment for any reason, with specific terms and conditions.

Additionally, it covers interruptions or cancellations due to COVID-19, as well as medical treatment if you contract the virus abroad or in Singapore. The policy also compensates for the loss of frequent flyer points, hotel points, and credit card points. Furthermore, if your trip is impacted by excessive rainfall, you could receive a S$150 payout, provided the trip is a minimum of three days and more than 50% of the duration is affected by rainfall exceeding 6.4mm in a 24-hour period.
MoneySmart Exclusive
Best Medical Coverage
MoneySmart Exclusive
Best Medical Coverage

Allianz Travel Platinum

Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$1,000,000
Trip Cancellation
S$10,000
Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$5,000
Total Premium
Total PremiumS$10057% Off
S$43

[GIVEAWAY | Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*]
 
• Enjoy an exclusive 57% off your policy premium.
 
Get over S$95 worth of rewards including:
Up to S$40 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
• Up to S$20 iShopChangi vouchers
• Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
 
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.

Valid until 16 Oct 2024
Allianz Travel Insurance offers comprehensive coverage designed with their needs in mind. All plans include unlimited emergency transportation, ensuring support during unforeseen medical emergencies, including those related to COVID-19. This coverage extends to medical costs, cancellations, and curtailments due to the disease or other pandemics.

With 24/7 medical assistance, Allianz can help senior travellers manage everything from securing trusted medical expertise and appointments to handling direct payments to selected medical providers as well. Their family plan covers you and up to two travelling companions, offering peace of mind for family trips, particularly for families going overseas with grandparents. For frequent senior travellers.
MoneySmart Exclusive
Most efficient claims for flight delay
MoneySmart Exclusive
Most efficient claims for flight delay

Tiq Luxury

Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$1,000,000
Travel Cancelation
S$10,000
Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$3,000
Total Premium
Total PremiumS$7650% Off
S$38

[GIVEAWAY | FLASH SALE | MoneySmart Exclusive]
  
Get over S$40 worth of rewards including:
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
• S$10 iShopChangi vouchers with every policy purchased. T&Cs apply.
  
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.
 
[Tiq Promotion]

Enjoy 50% off Single Trip plans and EXTRA S$30 off* vouchers from Tiq.T&Cs apply.
PLUS, get FREE Travel Insurance (worth S$30) when you are new to Tiq. T&Cs apply.

Valid until 31 Oct 2024
This plan is their highest tier and it includes a specialised COVID-19 add-on that ensures coverage before, during, and after your trip, addressing concerns specific to senior travellers. It also extends protection to "Cruise to Nowhere" vacations, which do not make any port stops, aligning with varied travel preferences.

A standout feature for seniors is the instant claims encashment via PayNow, streamlining the reimbursement process for added convenience. Additionally, if your flight is delayed by 3 hours or more, you will receive an automatic reimbursement without needing to submit a claim, a unique benefit that eliminates the hassle of paperwork and ensures quick compensation.

For ongoing support, Tiq provides 24-hour worldwide emergency travel assistance. Their bilingual team offers services ranging from urgent medical advice and appointment bookings to embassy referrals and lost passport assistance, ensuring that help is readily available wherever you travel. This dedicated support aims to give peace of mind to senior travellers, making their journey as smooth and worry-free as possible.
MoneySmart Exclusive
Pre-existing medical condition coverage available
MoneySmart Exclusive
Pre-existing medical condition coverage available

INCOME Enhanced PreX Basic

Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$500,000
Trip Cancellation
S$10,000
Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$5,000
Total Premium
Total PremiumS$7915% Off
S$67.15

[GIVEAWAY: Prizes worth over S$9.9k | Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*]
  
Get over S$65 worth of rewards including:
S$10 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
• S$20 iShopChangi vouchers
Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
 
Score over S$9,900 worth of gifts on top of existing rewards:
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro, 128GB
• Apple Watch Ultra 2
• Apple AirPods Max and more! T&Cs apply.
• S$100 Revolut cash reward. T&Cs apply.

Valid until 16 Oct 2024

Explore other travel insurance plans

Compare the top travel insurance providers in Singapore all in one place. Find the best plan with COVID-19 coverage, lost baggage, medical emergencies, flight delays, pre-existing conditions, pregnancy claims and more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get travel insurance coverage benefits catering to senior travellers?

You have several options to find suitable coverage for seniors in your travel insurance plan. You can use your preferred travel insurance mobile app, purchase it directly from an airline or insurance company’s website, or contact your insurance agent.

For a more independent approach, consider using a comparison platform like MoneySmart to easily compare the best available rates for your needs.

Is it worth getting travel insurance for senior travellers?

Seniors travel insurance provides essential medical coverage for illnesses or injuries while abroad. If a senior experiences a heart attack or another serious condition, the insurance can cover hospitalisation, doctor consultations, and surgeries, offering peace of mind during their trip.

Can you fly without travel insurance?

Yes, you can. While it is always advisable to have some form of travel insurance, it is not actually required in order to fly. Some people do skip the travel insurance especially for short trips such as a weekend getaway to Johor. That being said, keep in mind that if you choose to fly without travel insurance, you will be responsible for all costs associated with any delays, cancellations, or other problems that occur during your trip.

We asked Singaporeans about flight disruptions, and they answered.

Find out the worst airlines with delays and cancellations according to Singaporean travellers.