Why is it Critical to Have Travel Insurance for Senior Citizens?

For senior citizens, travel insurance is an important consideration before finalizing any trip, whether it’s a short jaunt or a longer vacation. The older we get, the more vulnerable we are to unforeseen circumstances and medical complications, which can sometimes hamper even the most well-planned getaway. The elderly are thus advised to get travel insurance before they go on any trip as it helps cover the costs of medical treatments and other hassles that may be needed while they are away from home. 

While no one likes to think about what could go wrong on a trip, an ideal travel insurance policy is a precautionary measure for the elderly that should sufficiently cover them and their loved ones on all fronts. Having a robust travel insurance plan not only safeguards against potential risks but also protects from the financial liabilities that may incur while traveling. Realising how important it is to have travel insurance that will cover in the event of an emergency, here are some of the ways in which having a travel insurance can be helpful to senior citizens:

1. Helpful In Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

It is always recommended to have travel insurance for senior citizens, especially for ones with a pre-existing medical condition as they travel. It provides coverage for any medical expenses other than terminal ones while on trip and also covers the cost of medical evacuations whenever necessary.

In addition, travel insurance can provide seniors with coverage for trip interruptions due to their pre-existing medical condition. This can help to ensure that seniors are able to enjoy their travels without worrying about unexpected medical costs. These insurances are typically available for anyone between 61 to 99 years of age, and beyond. One can also avail the larger benefits in their insurance plan like hospitalisation, doctor visits, and surgeries.

Generally, the coverage for a travel insurance can range up to INR 8,00,000 or more which is helpful in protecting the insured person during a medical emergency, especially owing to an existing condition. However, there are several insurance plans that are available, depending upon varying budgets and requirements.

2. Helps To Save Finances In Case of a Longer Stay Abroad

Travel insurance is also quite beneficial for the elderly in cases of the duration of stay getting extended due to numerous known or unknown reasons. While it helps seniors to be a part of important milestones in their children’s life like childbirth or marriage, it also helps to save finances during unforeseen natural disasters such as pandemic, hurricanes, earthquakes or longer stays due to medical treatments. 

When youngsters prefer settling down in the foreign lands to get better exposure on the professional front as well as better living opportunities, the elderly often wish to visit their families abroad which takes a higher toll on their finances. Travel Insurances come as a huge life saver in making these costs bearable and affordable. Upon availing travel insurance, the elderly can also get coverage for plans which can be further extended for additional days.

3. Emergency Situations

There are numerous times when situations unexpectedly arise into our daily lives, and halt our plans. When all this happens, during a journey to a newer place, it is really recommended to take travel insurance well in advance. 

Some of the senior travel insurance’s comprehensive coverage usually covers loss of checked-in baggage, passport or other travel necessities due to negligence due to authorities or theft. Trip cancellations or interruptions in transfers, or any other emergency situations in a foreign land becomes easier to deal with a senior travel insurance and can also help in evacuation in case of extreme critical cases. 

In case of untimely demise covered during overseas travel, this insurance for senior citizens also provides a sum assured to get back the mortal remains back at the permanent residences.

A Wide Range Of Benefits:

Travel Insurance can provide peace of mind for seniors who may be worried about unexpected costs while traveling which could be invaluable in ensuring their safety and well-being.

Tailored to meet the specific needs of older travellers, travel insurance for senior citizens is an all-inclusive security measure that has numerous benefits ranging from additional cover to expenses for medical emergencies. With numerous insurance policies available for senior citizens, the claims are settled easily removing the hassles of running back and forth. They can also get full compensation for non-refundable trip costs, as an added benefit to reimbursement for flight delay, and give the facility to provide emergency cash in case of losing travel funds due to theft.

Senior citizens are a vulnerable population who are more likely to experience problems, especially when they are away from their comfort or are traveling. As a result, it is critical for the seniors to choose a travel insurance that not only offers them a lot of benefits but is also transparent.

Standard T&C Apply

In recent times, the employment problems or issues of natural disasters especially after the advent of pandemic has raised concern and a necessity for everyone to rely on insurances. Hence, it becomes vital to pick an insurance plan, before making any travel plans. 

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.

Rekha Jain

I have been travelling across India for a long time and I am using this blog to share my experiences with you so that you can see the tremendous beauty which India has to offer.
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