Over 55 and Ready to Roam? Don’t Forget the Travel Insurance

Whoopee!  It’s time for that long-awaited Mediterranean cruise, a walking adventure on the Camino, or a bush trip to Botswana.  Travel after 55 is one of those golden opportunities to adventure and explore. But before you pack your passport and sunhat, the one thing that mature travellers need to think about is travel insurance.

While we have that upbeat joy and anticipation of a great holiday, the last thing on our minds is cancellation, illness or lost luggage, but let’s face facts – having the right cover can be the difference between a hiccup and a holiday disaster.

YEI members continually ask us about travel insurance, and so we decided to take a deep dive into travel insurance.  We had a wonderful conversation with travel insurers, and in the next YEI newsletter, we will detail all of the nitty gritty of travel insurance.

So what should over-55s look for in travel insurance? Is the taking out of travel insurance really worthwhile?

 Why does Travel Insurance Matter More After 55

Let’s say travel becomes a little, mmm, interesting, as we get older.   Flights are not quite as exciting as they were back in the day,  these days they are more like a glorified bus trip.  And don’t forget that good back and neck support pillow.

We may not want to plan for health issues, but we must face reality.  And the reality is that there is always the rare possibility of a medical emergency while abroad, and these medical emergencies can be expensive—and unpredictable.

And this is where travel insurance can be of the utmost benefit:

• It will cover medical bills, which realistically could cost tens of thousands of rands
• It protects against trip cancellations due to illness
• It offers 24/7 emergency support
• And most importantly, it provides peace of mind for both you and your family

 What should we look for in a Policy

We looked at the key features that we need to keep in mind:

Medical Cover

You need to ensure that the policy includes emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, and if necessary, repatriation. Some policies even offer cover for mobility aids or medication replacement.

Pre-Existing Conditions

This is the biggie.   If you have a chronic condition like high blood pressure, arthritis, or diabetes, you’ll want a policy that covers it—or at least doesn’t automatically exclude it.

Tip: Always declare medical conditions honestly. It might bump up the premium, but you really don’t want an issue if something goes wrong, and declaring your medical conditions could save you big-time in the long run.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

This is also very important.  If you need to cancel your trip due to health concerns, family illness, or even a doctor advising against travel, you want to know your investment is protected.

Activity Coverage

Do you love cruises, walking tours, hiking? Make sure those are included. Some policies get picky about what counts as a “high-risk activity.”

Pros and Cons for Over-55s when it comes to travel insurance

 In a nutshell, the pros of having travel insurance are:

• Tailored cover for medical risks
• Most costly emergencies will be covered while you are overseas
• It’s peace of mind for both you and your family
• Cancellation cover for health issues

The cons:

• We can’t get away from the fact that as we age, the premiums get higher
• Travel insurance may exclude pre-existing conditions
• Although the policy fine print can be confusing – read it, understand it!
• Check your preferred travel insurance policy for age cut-offs.

 

We’ll talk to the experts in the next article
– should you have any burning questions, ask them in the comments below,
and we’ll be sure to present them to the travel insurance company/companies. 

 

In the meantime, if you are shopping around for travel insurance, here are some pertinent questions you might like to consider asking –

Policy and Age Suitability

• Do you offer policies tailored for travellers over 55 or 65?
• Is there an upper age limit for coverage?

Health and Pre-Existing Conditions

• How do you define a “pre-existing condition”?
• Is a medical screening required?
• Will my medications or chronic conditions affect my premium?

Emergency Coverage

• Is 24/7 medical assistance included worldwide?
• What’s the process for emergency evacuation or repatriation?

Activities and Travel Style

• Are cruises, walking holidays, or low-impact sports covered?
• Are there exclusions for certain destinations or physical activities?

Claims and Support

• How easy is it to make a claim?
• What’s the average time to process claims?
• Do you offer digital claims or in-app support?

Flexibility and Value

• Can I upgrade or adjust my policy later?
• Do you offer discounts for couples or frequent travelers?

The Final Boarding Call

Most of us love travel, it is one of life’s great joys.  Not just for fun and relaxation, but more often than not, we factor family into our trips overseas.  Travel does not stop at 55.  But a sudden illness, lost bag, or cancelled cruise can quickly ruin the joy, the fun and the finances.

With the right insurance, we have peace of mind.  We can travel confidently, knowing that we are covered for possible health happenings. The key is to ask the right questions, declare your medical history honestly, and compare policies as you would hotels.

After all, you’ve earned your adventure—don’t let the fine print ruin it.

 

A YEI article

 

The Essential Travel Insurance Guide for South Africans Over 55

Part 1: Over 55 and Ready to Roam? Don’t forget the travel insurance – Click here

Part 2: “What If?” Happens Abroad – The Essential Travel Insurance Guide for South Africans Over 55 – Click here

Part 3: “Is Travel Insurance a Must-Have? The Pros and Cons Unpacked” – Click here