How Does Age Affect Travel Insurance Rates?
Travel insurance rates usually increase with age because older travelers tend to present higher medical risk to insurers.
Key Takeaways
- Three factors determine travel insurance cost: your age, your trip cost, and your trip length
- Rates increase with age: Travelers over 70 may pay 20% – 40% more than travelers in their 50s
- Medical coverage limits decrease for seniors: Travelers in their 70s may be limited to $50,000; travelers 80+ may be limited to $10,000
- Coverage is still available for all ages: Some travel insurance companies insure travelers up to 100 years old
- Traveling with minors may lower rates: Some companies offer discounts on comprehensive policies when children are included
Medical Coverage Limits by Age
| Age Bracket | Typical Medical Coverage Limit |
|---|---|
| Under 70 | Up to $100,000+ |
| 70–79 | Up to $50,000 |
| 80+ | Up to $10,000 |
| Children (Accidental Death) | Up to $25,000 |
When you start a quote, you’ll be asked to enter each traveler’s age. Be sure to enter your age as of the date you purchase the insurance, not your age at the time of travel. Age is one of the three key factors that determines your policy cost, along with your trip cost and trip length.
Your age doesn’t just affect price; it can also influence the benefits available to you.
Impact on Rate
In general, as age increases, so do travel insurance rates. However, there are exceptions.
For example, some companies may offer lower rates on comprehensive plans when you’re traveling with children.
Impact on Coverage
Coverage benefits also vary slightly by age. Comprehensive plans typically stay consistent across age groups, but single-trip medical plans may have lower coverage limits for older travelers.
For example, travelers in their 70s may be limited to $50,000 in medical coverage, while travelers 80+ may be limited to $10,000, depending on the provider.
On the other end, children covered under an Accidental Death policy may have a lower benefit, typically around $25,000 compared to $100,000 or more for adults.
No matter your age, it’s important to consider your itinerary, health, and who you’re traveling with when choosing a policy. Age often influences how we plan trips and which coverages matter most. If you’re traveling as a group or family, you can often cover everyone under a single policy, even if travelers are different ages.
InsureMyTrip offers thousands of plans to compare so you can find the best fit.
Travel Insurance for Over 50
Rate impact: Travelers in their 50s may see moderate rate increases compared to younger travelers, but coverage options remain strong with very few restrictions.
If you’re over 50, you’ll still find plenty of flexible coverage options, whether you’re traveling for business, planning an adventure, or relaxing on vacation.
If your trip includes activities like skiing or surfing, consider adding a hazardous sports rider to your plan. This add-on ensures your travel medical coverage includes injuries related to higher-risk activities.
Planning a golf trip? A comprehensive travel insurance plan is often the best choice. These plans may include coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, and lost or damaged luggage. Be sure to review coverage limits, especially if you’re traveling with high-value equipment like golf clubs.
If you’re traveling without your kids, it’s worth considering coverage like trip interruption. This benefit can reimburse you if you need to return home early for a covered reason, such as a medical emergency affecting you or an immediate family member. Always review your policy details for specific terms and conditions.
Travel Insurance for Over 60
Rate impact: Travelers over 60 often see noticeable rate increases, typically 10% – 20% higher than travelers in their 50s, while still having access to a wide range of comprehensive plans.
Many travelers in their 60s prioritize travel medical coverage to address potential health concerns while away from home. A comprehensive plan can combine both medical and travel-related benefits, offering well-rounded protection.
Even well-planned trips can be disrupted. Travel insurance can help protect your investment if you need to cancel for covered reasons like illness, family emergencies, or severe weather. Options like Trip Cancellation and Cancel For Any Reason may reimburse nonrefundable expenses.
This can be especially valuable if you’re traveling with family, whether it’s your children or aging parents, or if you have loved ones at home whose health could impact your plans.
Travelers over 60 also tend to travel more frequently. If you take multiple trips each year, an annual travel insurance plan can save you time and simplify coverage.
Travel Insurance for Over 70
Rate impact: Travelers over 70 may pay 20–40% more than travelers in their 50s, and medical coverage limits are often capped at $50,000 on single-trip medical plans.
If you’re 65 or older, you may wonder whether Medicare covers you abroad. In most cases, it does not. While some supplemental plans may offer limited international coverage, they often come with restrictions.
That’s why it’s important to understand where your current coverage ends and consider travel medical insurance to fill any gaps.
If you’re traveling internationally at 70 or older, you should also plan ahead for managing prescription medications while abroad. Knowing how to travel safely with medications can help prevent issues during your trip.
Travel Insurance for Over 75
Rate impact: Travelers over 75 typically face higher premiums, with medical coverage limits usually ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 on single-trip medical plans.
Travel disruptions like lost baggage or travel delays can affect anyone, but they may be especially challenging for older travelers.
If your trip is delayed, you may need to pay out of pocket for meals, hotel stays, or essential items. Travel insurance can reimburse these expenses if your delay meets your policy’s requirements. Be sure to keep all receipts if you plan to file a claim.
Many travelers over 75 enjoy slower-paced trips like wine tasting or river cruising. If your trip includes activities like fishing with your own gear, baggage coverage can help protect against loss or damage.
No matter your itinerary, travel medical coverage is strongly recommended for added peace of mind.
Travel Insurance for Over 80
Rate impact: Travelers over 80 generally pay the highest premiums, with medical coverage limits often capped at $10,000 on single-trip medical plans.
While trips at this stage may include fewer high-risk activities, international travel is still unpredictable, making the right coverage essential. As you get older, having strong medical coverage becomes increasingly important, especially since unexpected illness, injury, or emergencies may require immediate care or even evacuation.
Travelers over 85 may also face higher health risks, such as weakened immune systems, so choosing a plan with strong medical benefits is especially important when traveling abroad.
Even with lower coverage limits, many travel insurance providers offer plans for travelers up to age 100, giving you options no matter your age.
If you’re planning a cruise, travel insurance is highly recommended. Cruises often involve multiple destinations and complex logistics, which can increase the risk of delays or disruptions.
When you enter your age and trip details into InsureMyTrip’s travel insurance quote generator, you’ll quickly see plans tailored to your needs, making it easy to compare coverage and find the right fit for your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age should I enter for travel insurance?
Enter your age as of the date you purchase the policy, not your age on your departure date.
At what age does travel insurance become more expensive?
Rates typically begin increasing around age 60, with more significant increases at age 70 and beyond.
Can seniors over 80 still get travel insurance?
Yes. Some providers offer coverage for travelers up to 100 years old, though premiums and coverage limits will vary.
Does Medicare cover international travel?
In most cases, no. Medicare generally does not cover medical care outside the U.S., so travel medical insurance is recommended.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article serves as a general overview of benefits and should only be used for informational purposes. Refer to your individual certificate of insurance for specific coverages, exclusions and benefits. When in doubt, please contact one of our licensed agents for additional assistance.
Question
What is the "Lookback period" on the insurance quotes?
By NancyB - January 26, 2018
Answer
Each plan has a Pre-Existing Condition Period, the Pre-Existing Condition Period is the number of days that the insurance company will "look back" from the date the insurance was purchased, to see if your claim is related to a Pre-Existing Medical Condition. For Comprehensive Plans, this is typically 60-180 days. For Medical Plans, it can be up to 3 years. If the reason you are canceling, interrupting or seeking medical coverage is related to pre-existing conditions there will be no coverage, unless you have a waiver. A Pre-Existing Condition is any treatment, diagnostic tests or exams, any recommendations for diagnostic test or exams, or any adjustments in medication up or down within the pre-existing condition period stated (depending on the company, 60 – 180 days prior to the effective date). Most Comprehensive Plans will offer a waiver of pre-existing conditions if you meet the following conditions: You purchase the policy within 10 to 21 days of making your first trip payment; insure ALL prepaid non-refundable expenses prior to your departure date; and be medically fit to travel the day you purchase the policy. If you qualify for a pre-existing conditions waiver, you can disregard the look back period.
By MattG - January 27, 2018
Question
If you buy insurance for a cruise for instance, and then have an accident or event that prevents you from traveling and you cancel your trip within the 100% refund period and the cruise line refunds all of your money, is any or all of the insurance premium you paid refundable.
By CarolH - June 8, 2021
Answer
The insurance premium is only refundable within the 10-15 day review period from when the policy was purchased. If your trip was cancelled and you were fully refunded by the travel suppliers, and you are not filing any claims, you can request an exception to have the premium refunded at that time but there are no guarantees.
By MattG - June 10, 2021
Question
For Travelers Age do I enter my age today, or my age on the date of travel (they are different)?
By Dave - April 5, 2022
Answer
Please list the travelers' ages as of today on the quote form. Thank you.
By MattG - April 16, 2022
Question
What is a look-back?
By NancyG - February 6, 2023
Answer
Each plan has a Pre-Existing Condition Period, the Pre-Existing Condition Period is the number of days that the insurance company will "look back" from the effective date, to see if your claim is related to a Pre-Existing Medical Condition. For Comprehensive Plans, this is typically 60-180 days. For Medical Plans, it can be up to 3 years.
By MattG - February 7, 2023
Question
We are three sisters traveling together but we live in different states. Do we have to purchase individual plans?
By MarieV - April 23, 2023
Answer
Yes, if you live in different states or travel on different dates, you will need to obtain separate policies. You are all still covered just the same as if you were listed on the same policy together though. Coverage extends to Traveling Companions and Family Members, even if you are all insured on separate policies. You do not have to be insured with the same provider either in this situation.
By MattG - April 26, 2023