AARP Travel Medical Insurance for Seniors Explained

If you're a senior looking to travel abroad, you're likely aware of the importance of having medical insurance that covers you in case of an emergency. AARP offers a travel medical insurance plan specifically designed for seniors.

This plan can be purchased as a standalone policy or added to an existing AARP insurance plan. It's available to AARP members and non-members alike, making it a great option for seniors of all ages.

The plan offers a range of benefits, including coverage for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuations, and even trip cancellations. With AARP's travel medical insurance, you can travel with confidence, knowing that you're protected in case of an unexpected medical issue.

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Travel medical insurance can be a lifesaver for seniors on the go. A U.S. Travel Insurance Association survey found that 23 percent of Americans had to cancel or interrupt their travel plans between 2013 and 2014, often due to health problems or severe weather.

You may need travel medical insurance if you're 60 or older, as you're more likely to experience falls, which can require medical attention. The World Health Organizations reports that 37 million falls require medical attention each year, and falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide.

A policy for a 65-year-old going to Europe for two weeks could cost less than $35 for $50,000 in coverage. Paying just a bit more can bring higher policy limits and extras like lost-baggage coverage.

Your regular health insurance may not cover you outside of your home country, which is why the U.S. Department of State recommends that you ask your medical insurance company if your policy applies overseas.

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Choosing the right coverage for your AARP travel medical insurance is crucial, especially for seniors. It's essential to understand that many traditional health insurance policies, including basic Medicare plans, do not provide coverage outside the U.S.

Travel health insurance policies can be relatively affordable, with a policy for a 65-year-old going to Europe for two weeks costing less than $35 for $50,000 in coverage. You can shop around and compare quotes from multiple plans, such as those offered by TravelInsurance.com or InsureMyTrip.com.

Your age will also impact your policy cost and coverage limits. For example, travelers aged 80 or older may only have a maximum coverage limit of $10,000. Here's a breakdown of the overall maximum limits based on age:

Travel health insurance generally isn't super expensive. A policy for a 65-year-old going to Europe for two weeks could cost less than $35 for $50,000 in coverage.

You can shop around to find the best policy for your needs. Sandberg's company offers quotes from multiple plans, as do platforms such as InsureMyTrip.com.

Paying a bit more can bring higher policy limits and extras like lost-baggage coverage. You may want to consider whether a policy covers medical care for preexisting conditions or for COVID-19.

Emergency evacuation is also an important consideration. Some policies won't cover medical care for injuries resulting from high-risk activities.

You should purchase a travel health insurance policy shortly after paying for your trip, usually within two or three weeks. This way, you can ensure you're covered in case of a health emergency.

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As you're considering your travel insurance options, you may be wondering how your age affects your coverage. Your age is a significant factor in determining the overall maximum coverage limit for your policy.

For travelers 64 or younger, you'll have a wide range of options to choose from, with coverage limits ranging from $50,000 to $2,000,000.

However, if you're between 65 and 79 years old, your options are more limited, with coverage limits capped at $50,000 or $100,000.

And if you're 80 or older, the maximum coverage limit drops to $10,000.

Many people assume their health insurance follows them abroad, but this isn't always the case. Traditional health insurance policies, including basic Medicare plans, often don't provide coverage outside the U.S.

You may still need a travel health policy, even with special coverage for entry to your destination country. This is because many traditional health insurance policies don't provide coverage outside the U.S.

Some Medicare supplement policies include overseas coverage, but it may be limited. This can leave you facing bills running many thousands of dollars if a health emergency arises while traveling internationally.

Some countries are now requiring proof of medical coverage from arriving passengers, including many Caribbean nations.

Travelers planning international trips should add proof of health insurance to their packing list.

We're seeing this trend more and more, according to Brook Wilkinson, an editor at travel-advice website WendyPerrin.

Costa Rica is one country that demands special policies covering up to $2,000 for quarantining in a hotel if a visitor tests positive for COVID-19, as well as at least $50,000 of expenses relating to coronavirus care.

If you don't have your own health plan or if it doesn't cover medical care outside of the U.S., you may need to purchase travel health insurance.

International health insurance coverage is a must-have for travelers, especially if you're heading abroad.

Many traditional health insurance policies, including basic Medicare plans, do not provide coverage outside the U.S. This means you could face bills running many thousands of dollars if a health emergency arises.

The CDC recommends travel health insurance for international travel, particularly for those who have an existing health condition, are traveling for more than six months, or doing adventure activities.

You can find travel health insurance plans that cover preexisting conditions, but you often need to purchase one shortly after paying for your trip (usually within two or three weeks).

Seniors aged 60 and older experience the greatest number of falls, and unfortunately, 37 million falls require medical attention each year.

Your regular health insurance may not cover you outside of your home country, which is why the U.S. Department of State recommends that you ask your medical insurance company if your policy applies overseas.

Overseas vacations can expose travelers of all ages to new foods, unfamiliar environments, foreign diseases, and travel mishaps, making global insurance coverage essential.

Your visa may require travel medical insurance or proof that you'll be able to pay for unexpected expenses incurred in your host country.

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