For Indian elders above the age of 60, dreaming of exploring foreign countries must consider travel insurance. It’s not just a precaution but a necessity! 

Why?

Because the excitement of experiencing new cultures and landscapes comes with its share of unpredictability - from health emergencies and flight cancellations to lost baggage. At this stage of life, such unforeseen events can not only disrupt travel plans but also impose a heavy financial burden, making travel insurance an indispensable part of trip planning. 

Therefore, it’s a wise choice to have travel insurance for senior citizens before going on a journey.

Travel insurance for senior citizens is an insurance policy specifically designed for people over the age of 60 to protect them from financial losses due to unexpected events during a trip, and offers several medical and hospitalization benefits.  

For senior citizens, this is especially helpful because medical emergencies can be expensive, and it covers various age and health related risks which may not be covered under a standard travel insurance policy. 

The eligible age limit may vary depending on the insurance company. For instance, senior citizen travel insurance eligibility may begin at 61.

Travel insurance is mandatory for senior citizens in certain international countries. However, it is not a mandate for people travelling to India from overseas. 

It's always recommended for travellers to have travel insurance, especially for those elderly people with pre-existing medical conditions or those traveling to countries with expensive medical care.

So before planning for a foreign trip, it is crucial to check whether that country mandates international travel insurance for senior citizens.

As we age, travel adventures can come with a heightened sense of caution, especially regarding health concerns. Travel insurance for senior citizens offers a safety net, mitigating the financial blow of unexpected medical emergencies. 

Should an unexpected illness arise during your trip, the insurance can help cover hospitalization costs, doctor visits, and even medical evacuation back home. This financial support can be a lifesaver, especially considering the high cost of medical treatment in many foreign countries.  

Beyond medical emergencies, senior travel insurance often goes a step further by including additional benefits not typically found in standard plans. This might include coverage for pre-existing conditions and provide higher coverage limits for medical expenses. 

Therefore, it’s always recommendable to get a normal or overseas travel insurance for senior citizens as per your travel plan for optimum security during the trip.

Our travel insurance offers comprehensive coverage for numerous potential mishaps during your vacation, and we pride ourselves on transparency in all our operations. It's equally important to be aware of what is not included in your travel insurance as it is to know what is included. Here are some key exclusions from our travel insurance coverage: 

• Pre-existing medical conditions or illnesses diagnosed before your trip, or if your doctor has advised against travel, are not covered. 

• The daily cash allowance for up to 5 days is applicable only if you are hospitalized while on vacation in another country.

• You're covered for adventure activities but only if they last for a single day. Longer activities, like treks or professional sports that take more than a day, aren’t included.  

• Death or disability won’t be covered after 365 days of the accident that has caused it.

• Adventure sports are covered if you’re doing it for the duration of one day. This doesn’t include weeklong treks, hikes or professional level adventure sports that go on for more than one day. 

• Flight delays aren’t covered if your airline already informed you about the same at least 4 hours in advance.

• Delay of checked in luggage is not covered if the delay is due to customs. 

• Any missed connection where the time gap between scheduled arrival of incoming flight and scheduled departure of connecting flight was less than the time required.

• Thefts aren’t covered for if you only make the required police complaint after getting back from your trip. 

• Thefts won’t be covered if the police of the respective aren't notified within 24 hours.

• Trip extensions due to childbirth or related matters can’t be covered. 

• Trip abandonments due to pre-existing illnesses or health conditions can’t be covered.

• Trip cancellations due to rejection of visa is not covered.

In India, you can buy an overseas travel insurance plan for senior citizens both online and offline. However, a few steps must be followed before finalizing the insurer. Here’s a guide.

Compare Plans from Different Travel Insurance Providers

First, list out a few of the best insurance companies that offer overseas travel insurance for senior citizens and compare their plans. You can do this online or by contacting a travel agent or insurance broker.

Consider Your Pre-Existing Conditions, if any

Next crucial thing you should do is being upfront about any pre-existing medical conditions you have. Because some plans may exclude coverage for certain conditions, while others may offer it at a higher premium.

Get a Quote from the Selected Insurance Company

Once you've shortlisted a few plans, get quotes online or by contacting the insurance company directly. It will help you understand the exact coverage offered, any exclusions, the premium cost, and the terms and conditions.

Carefully Read the Policy and Understand the Claim Process in Advance

Pay close attention to the coverage details, exclusions (what's not covered), and any age limitations or pre-existing condition clauses. Also, don’t forget to ask about their claim procedure.

If Satisfied, Proceed to Purchase the Plan

Once you've chosen the right plan, you can usually purchase it online or through a travel agent.

• Age Limit and Eligibility: Ensure the policy accommodates the traveller's age bracket.
  
• Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions: Verify that the policy covers pre-existing medical conditions. 
  
• Medical Evacuation and Repatriation: Look for coverage that includes emergency transportation and repatriation costs. 
  
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Ensure it covers cancellations or interruptions due to medical or other emergencies. 
  
• Duration of Coverage: The policy should cover the entire duration of the trip, with options to extend if necessary. 
  
• Deductibles and Co-pays: Understand any out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles or co-pays. 
  
• Coverage for Personal Belongings: Check if it includes loss or theft of luggage and personal items. 
  
• Assistance Services: Ensure 24/7 assistance services are available for emergencies. 
  
• Ease of Claims Process: Look for a policy with a straightforward and efficient claims process. 
  
• Cost of Premium: Evaluate if the premium is reasonable in relation to the coverage provided. Policy Exclusions: Be aware of what the insurance does not cover. 
  
• Customer Reviews and Ratings: Research customer feedback to gauge the insurer's reliability and service quality. 
  
• Flexibility and Amendments: The policy should allow changes in case of trip modifications.

Travel insurance is especially beneficial for senior citizens as it provides a safety net, ensuring peace of mind during your journeys. Whether you are traveling to meet family, or planning a long-term visit to abroad, there are multiple benefits of having travel insurance.

Medical Coverage:

Offers coverage for unexpected medical emergencies, including hospitalization, doctor visits, and prescriptions. This is crucial for seniors who may have pre-existing conditions or who are more susceptible to falling ill while traveling.

24/7 Assistance Services:

Many travel insurance plans offer around-the-clock assistance, which can be invaluable for senior citizens if they require help with medical services, legal issues, or even language barriers while in a foreign country.

Cost-Effective Emergency Assistance:

Without travel insurance, the cost of emergency medical care or evacuation abroad can be highly expensive. Travel insurance offers a cost-effective way to mitigate these expenses.

Peace of Mind:

Knowing that many potential issues are covered, seniors can travel with less anxiety and more enjoyment, making the most of their trip.

For Leisure and Exploration Vacations:

Seniors often embark on trips to experience new cultures, enjoy diverse climates, and leisurely explore the world. Travel insurance is crucial here to cover unexpected health issues or trip cancellations.

For Meeting with Family Across Borders:

With family members spread worldwide, seniors travel to reconnect, visiting children, grandchildren, and friends abroad. Travel insurance helps manage the risks of medical emergencies while away from home.

For Extended Family Stays in Foreign:

Senior citizens from India may visit family in the US or Canada for lengthy periods to experience life in these countries. Comprehensive travel insurance can cover prolonged stays and the associated health care needs.

For Medical Treatment:

Elderly people seeking medical treatments or wellness retreats abroad find travel insurance beneficial for covering unexpected medical costs and ensuring access to quality care.

For Cultural Immersion and Educational Trips:

Seniors interested in deepening their knowledge of history, art, or languages travel for educational enrichment, with travel insurance safeguarding their journey.

For Spiritual Visits:

Older people going on trips to important religious places find travel insurance very important. It helps cover them for health issues and other problems in places that might be very busy or hard to get around in.

• Prioritize Your Health: Before making any travel plans, make sure to consult your doctor to know if it's safe for you to travel.

• Keep Essential Medications in Carry-On Luggage: Always carry a sufficient supply of your prescribed medications in your carry-on, along with a copy of your prescriptions.

• Invest in Comprehensive Travel Insurance: You never know what may happen while traveling, and it's best to be prepared for any emergencies. Therefore, choose a travel insurance policy that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and loss of belongings.

• Stay Hydrated and Mind Your Diet: Dehydration can be a serious issue for seniors. Drink plenty of water and eat balanced meals.

• Avoid Carrying Heavy Bags: Avoid carrying heavy bags to reduce the risk of falls or strain. 

• Secure Your Valuables: Use hotel safes for important documents and valuables. When out and about, keep money and IDs in a secure, close-fitting bag or pouch. 

• Familiarize Yourself with Your Destination: Research your destination to know about local customs, areas to avoid, and how to seek help in an emergency. Learning a few key phrases in the local language can also be beneficial. 

• Keep a List of Emergency Contacts: Carry a list of important contacts, including family members, your hotel, local emergency services, and your country's embassy or consulate.

Here’s a quick list on the different things you will need to carry while travelling abroad.

• Definitely bring your passport. 

• Don't forget international adapters to keep your devices charged—Indian plugs won't fit everywhere! 

• Pack essential medications like Paracetamol, painkillers, and anti-allergy pills.  

• Depending on the season, bring sunscreen for summer travels or moisturizer for winter destinations. 

• Comfortable shoes are a must, just in case an impromptu hike is in order. 

• Carry a Forex Card to avoid any money troubles. 

• Ensure you have travel insurance for peace of mind during your trip.  

• Remember your camera to capture all the memorable moments. 

• Pack a raincoat or umbrella for destinations with unpredictable weather, like Europe or the UK. 

• Bring a book to enjoy during long flights or to unwind on your vacation.

• A comfortable jacket or hoodie to keep handy for your flight or when you’re out and about in the city 

Senior citizens are more susceptible to health issues, which could be exacerbated by the change in climate and environment when abroad. Therefore, investing in a robust international travel insurance policy is a wise decision that allows senior Indian travellers to embrace the joy of exploration with confidence and security.