Travel Insurance and Health for Seniors
What your coverage does away from home, how travel insurance works, and how to travel well with medicines.
Plan a Golden VacationGood health planning is part of any trip, and it matters more as we get older. A little preparation, from knowing what your health coverage does away from home to packing medicines properly, means a problem on the road is a nuisance rather than a crisis. This is general information; your doctor and your insurer can tell you what applies to you.
Medicare and Travel
Before any trip, check how your plan handles care away from home; Medicare Advantage plans in particular can have provider networks. Abroad the picture changes. Medicare.gov guidance for travelers says Medicare usually does not cover health care while you are traveling outside the U.S., though there are some exceptions. Some Medigap supplement plans include foreign travel emergency coverage, and some Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage abroad, so read your own plan’s terms before an international trip.
Travel Insurance Basics
| Coverage | What it is for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Trip cancellation and interruption | Getting prepaid costs back if illness or other covered reasons stop the trip | Covered reasons, and how pre-existing conditions are treated |
| Travel medical | Doctor and hospital costs while traveling, especially abroad | Limits, deductibles and whether it pays first or after other insurance |
| Medical evacuation | Transport to adequate care or home if you are seriously ill | Who decides when evacuation is needed, and the limit |
| Baggage and delay | Lost bags, missed connections and extra costs from delays | Time thresholds and receipts required |
Policies differ a lot, and age can affect what is offered. Our sister site Cruise & Travel Insurance explains coverage types and when to buy in more detail.
When to Buy Insurance
Many policies offer their broadest benefits, sometimes including cover for pre-existing conditions, only if you buy within a set time after your first trip payment. Rules vary by insurer, so check the policy wording or ask the insurer before you put down a deposit. Keep a copy of the policy and the insurer’s emergency phone number with your passport, and leave another copy with a family member at home.
Medicines and Health on the Road
- Pack medicines in your carry-on, in original labeled containers, with a few days’ extra supply.
- Carry a list of your medicines, conditions, allergies and doctors’ contacts.
- Ask your doctor about any vaccines or precautions for your destination.
- Plan for altitude, heat and long flights: hydrate, move around and pace yourself.
- Know how to reach emergency services where you are going.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover me outside the United States?
Usually not. Medicare says it generally does not cover health care while you travel outside the U.S., with some exceptions. Some Medigap plans include foreign travel emergency coverage, and Medicare Advantage plans vary, so check your own plan before you go.
Should seniors buy travel insurance?
Many do, especially for expensive prepaid trips and travel abroad. Look at trip cancellation, medical and medical evacuation coverage, and read how the policy treats pre-existing conditions. Compare a few policies before you buy.
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