The Essential Travel Insurance Guide for South Africans Over 55 – Part 2

Before you pack your bags and board that bucket list cruise or European tour, there’s one question every seasoned traveller over 55 needs to ask: “Am I properly covered?” Because “What If” happens abroad?

Let’s be honest. Travel isn’t what it used to be in your twenties—and that’s not a bad thing. Now, it’s about immersing yourself in cultures, ticking off lifelong dreams, and doing it with confidence. But for the over-55s, travel also comes with unique risks. That’s why having the right travel insurance isn’t just a formality—it’s a lifeline.

Unfortunately, many travellers assume their policy covers everything. Spoiler: it often doesn’t. And those gaps can cost you more than just peace of mind.

You’ve Earned It/YEI spoke to Bryte, the travel insurance experts, about their travel insurance plans for senior travellers.

Bryte offers a wide range of travel insurance plans for senior travellers. These include the Vintage and the Golden Years Plan for travellers between the ages of 70 and 85. For travellers not yet 90 years old, please contact Bryte directly to determine if you are eligible to apply for cover (based on your state of health, trip duration, and other criteria) under their Exclusive Senior plan. They also offer senior options on their bank programme plans, up to the age of 89 years inclusive.

Their plans offer robust benefits, including emergency medical coverage, protection against infectious and contagious diseases, 24/7 assistance while abroad, coverage for cancellations, lost or stolen baggage, travel delays, missed connections, air space closures, and more.

Policy Design & Customization

Bryte Travel Insurance covers travellers up to 89 years old, with specialised plans and options like cardiac condition buy-back cover for those aged 70–79*. That’s a game-changer if you’ve got a medical history but still want to explore the world.

*Vintage 70 – 79 years
Bank programmes vary between 70-74 or 70- 75 years

They offer a range of bank products and Bryte standalone plans – the cover varies. However, there are notable differences in cover for older travellers. From the age of 70 years, they exclude cover for:
• participation in sports and hazardous activities
• cardio and cerebrovascular conditions – however they do provide an option to buy back the exclusion up to the age of 74/75years or 79 years inclusive depending on the programme
• pre-existing medical conditions

YEI Hot tip: After age 70, most insurers exclude cover for sports, cardio conditions, and pre-existing illnesses—unless you opt in and qualify.

Medical Coverage

YEI asked how pre-existing medical conditions are assessed and covered.
• A pre-existing medical condition refers to any illness or injury for which you consulted a doctor, or received medical advice, treatment, or prescription from a medical practitioner within the 12 months before the start of your insurance.  This incudes any chronic or recurring illness or injury.
• When a client needs emergency medical assistance, the assistance company will check for any pre-existing conditions and, based on the information provided, assist the client according to the medical limit specified under their cover.

YEI Hot tip: Full disclosure is critical. If in doubt—tell them. Better safe than sorry (and denied a claim).

Q: Medical screening – is this a requirement, and if so, how often must it be updated?
A:
• Not unless the traveller is purchasing Exclusive Senior cover or Cardio buy back cover. Clients must complete the medical clearance form  provided with their quotation, when they request cover.  The client is responsible for notifying them in writing of any changes, and they reserve the right to amend or exclude cover accordingly.

• Every traveller must give relevant, complete and true information about themselves and insured travellers when they buy a policy and when they claim.
• Relevant information includes any information that might impact their policy or any claims. Examples are age, health conditions, and taking part in hazardous activities. If you are in doubt, rather tell them.

Q: Are chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, hypertension) automatically excluded or potentially insurable?
A:
• A pre-existing medical condition refers to any illness or injury for which you consulted a doctor, or received medical advice, treatment, or a prescription from a medical practitioner within the 12 months before the start of your insurance.  This incudes any chronic or recurring illness or injury.
• Depending on the plan you purchased and your age, you may have some cover available to you.

Emergency Medical Support

It’s everyone’s worst-case scenario: a medical emergency in a foreign country. Luckily, the right cover steps in when you need it most.

Q: What emergency assistance services are available abroad?
A: In-patient (when you are admitted for emergency medical treatment) or out-patient (Dr visits, but not self-medication).

Other services include, but are not limited to:

• Medical evacuation and transport to medical centres.
• Assistance services like consular and embassy referrals, emergency travel and accommodation arrangements, sending urgent messages, arranging a visit by a family member (after 5 consecutive days in hospital), return of stranded children or travel companion, burial, cremation or return of your mortal remains, and more

Q: Do you cover air ambulance or medical evacuation, and are there geographic restrictions?
A: Yes, subject to the terms and conditions of your policy.  The assistance company, World Travel Protection (WTP), provides 24-hour medical assistance – emergency medical assistance, repatriation, evacuation and transportation to medical centres – to all our policyholders.

Geographic restrictions may apply.  Evacuation may be delayed or unavailable if you’re in a remote or restricted area where access is impossible due to terrain, weather, or safety concerns.

Trip Cancellation/Interruption

Health emergencies, family bereavements, even last-minute illnesses can ruin travel plans. Make sure your insurer allows you to cancel or postpone for valid reasons.

Q: Are cancellations due to illness or the death of a travel companion covered?

A: Yes, you can submit a claim for the non-refundable, unused portion of your travel expenses, including prepaid visa fees, if your trip is cancelled due to:

• your own death, illness, or injury
• or that of your spouse, children, family member, business associate, travel companion, or the person you were planning to stay with abroad.

In cases of illness or injury, a medical practitioner must confirm that cancellation is necessary.

These are 2 of the valid reasons you can claim under cancellation.

Q: Does coverage include cancellation due to a doctor advising against travel?

A: To ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your cover, please note that your policy does not provide cover for situations where you choose to travel against the advice of a medical practitioner, or you are medically unfit to travel at the time of departure.

We encourage all travellers to prioritise their health and consult with a healthcare professional before traveling, especially if they have any medical concerns.

If your medical situation changes after you have booked and paid for your trip and insurance policy, you may submit a claim for a full assessment against the policy terms and conditions.

Travel Frequency and Duration

Swallows, retirees, and adventure lovers—listen up. If you take multiple trips or plan an extended overseas stay, make sure your policy keeps up.

Q: Do you offer annual multi-trip policies for older travellers, and if so, is there a maximum trip duration per journey?
A: This varies from programme to programme. Travellers between 86 and 89 years will only be able to apply for cover up to 31 days.  Contact us to find out what options are available to you.

Q: Are there restrictions on the number of days covered per year or trip length?

A: Depending on your age and the plan you purchase, there will be a maximum number of days you can purchase.

However, you may purchase cover for as many trips as you like, up to the maximum number of days allowed. When you return to South Africa, you need to purchase a new policy for the next trip.

Adventure and Activity Coverage

Q: Are common activities for older travellers (like cruises, walking tours, or moderate hiking) included by default?
And are there limitations or exclusions based on physical activity level?
• Sports, hazardous activities and adventure sports are only covered for leisure and recreational purposes up to the age of 69 years inclusive.
• We exclude specific sports and hazardous activities – check with us if you are unsure.
• We do not pay claims for participation in any dangerous sports or activities not usually viewed as tourist activities. These are sports or activities that are not easily accessible to the general public.
• Not all tourist activities will be viewed as hazardous activities e.g. a walking tour or cruises.  If you are unsure, contact us to make sure you have the best level of cover available, for your specific requirements.

Claims and Customer Service

Q: What is the average time to settle a claim for senior policyholders?
A: We aim to settle your claim within 3-5 working days after receiving your completed claim form with all the relevant supporting documentation.

Q: Are there digital/online processes to make claims more accessible?
Yes, for your convenience, you can submit a claim online at https://travelinsurance.brytesa.com/claim/

Additional Benefits

Think beyond the basics. Think about if you need coverage for your travel companion, caregiver or if you need support if you’re stranded overseas. Think about assistance with mobility aids, medication replacement or emergency accommodation.

Bryte even helps reunite you with a travel companion who falls ill on a cruise or gets left behind in an emergency, provided they are travelling on a Bryte policy as well

Q: Are there specific benefits or extras targeted to older travellers (e.g., carer travel coverage, home assistance post-trip, concierge services)?A: Policy benefits are designed to support both you and your travel companion which may include a carer.

Definition of a travel companion: A person who is also insured under a Bryte travel policy who is travelling with you or who has arranged to travel to the same destination on the same date and on the same public transport carrier.

People often assume their travel insurance covers all incidents, but this isn’t always the case. Policies vary widely, and we urge travellers to understand their cover before they travel.

Insurance typically operates in two ways: providing upfront cover or reimbursing incurred losses. In a medical emergency, for example, we pay the medical facility directly once the claim is approved. Alternatively, we refund the costs of a valid claim after you have paid out of pocket expenses. However, if no cost is incurred, insurance cannot respond.

Travel insurance is a crucial safety net for many travellers, but misconceptions about coverage can lead to unexpected surprises. It is essential to read your policy carefully and understand what is and isn’t covered to avoid being stranded without assistance when it matters most.

Final Word from YEI: Know Before You Go

Travel insurance is not a one-size-fits-all—especially after 55. Whether you’re exploring the fjords of Norway or visiting the grandchildren in Australia, the right policy ensures your focus stays where it should be: on the journey, not the risks.

So before your next adventure, take 10 minutes to consider the questions and answers above. And most importantly. Read the fine print. And make sure your insurance is as ready for adventure as you are.

Because life doesn’t stop at 55 – and neither should your travels.

 

For assistance, contact the Bryte Travel Customer Care centre today on 0860 737 775 or travelcare@brytesa.com.

*All cover is subject to terms, conditions and exclusions, as outlined in the policy wording. Cover only applies if it reflects on your schedule of benefits.

 

 

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

 

A YEI article in collaboration with Bryte Travel Insurance