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As I understand, World Nomads does not cover anyone over 70.World Nomads.
I do mine with AmEx for each trip, if you have the card check it out. https://aeti.americanexpress.com/travel-insurance/home.do?inav=menu_travel_protectionThe last travel insurance policy I bought was a year-long policy with United HealthCare. I bought the policy in February, 2020. Not one of my smarter purchases.
Between then and now, I have apparently aged up into a much riskier demographic. Once you hit 70, coverage decreases and prices go up.
I am ready to bite the bullet and buy another year-long policy but am having trouble finding good options.
Any advice on a good year-long policy covering multiple trips for someone over 70?
Buen camino, Laurie
I fit your profileThe last travel insurance policy I bought was a year-long policy with United HealthCare. I bought the policy in February, 2020. Not one of my smarter purchases.
Between then and now, I have apparently aged up into a much riskier demographic. Once you hit 70, coverage decreases and prices go up.
I am ready to bite the bullet and buy another year-long policy but am having trouble finding good options.
Any advice on a good year-long policy covering multiple trips for someone over 70?
Buen camino, Laurie
Have you checked the medical coverage you already have? Regular medicare will not cover medical expenses incurred abroad, but most medi-gap plans will. My Kaiser medi-gap plan does, for example. There's no exclusion for covid. Also, as I'm sure you know, most of the higher-end credit cards will offer some kind of coverage, and reimburse you for the cost of cancelled flights, hotel reservations, etc. Check the fine print, of course.The last travel insurance policy I bought was a year-long policy with United HealthCare. I bought the policy in February, 2020. Not one of my smarter purchases.
Between then and now, I have apparently aged up into a much riskier demographic. Once you hit 70, coverage decreases and prices go up.
I am ready to bite the bullet and buy another year-long policy but am having trouble finding good options.
Any advice on a good year-long policy covering multiple trips for someone over 70?
Buen camino, Laurie
My credit card does trip interruption (collected on that once) and says it does the stuff we all worry about, the medical emergencies...I concur, look carefully into the benefits clauses of the card.Have you checked the medical coverage you already have? Regular medicare will not cover medical expenses incurred abroad, but most medi-gap plans will. My Kaiser medi-gap plan does, for example. There's no exclusion for covid. Also, as I'm sure you know, most of the higher-end credit cards will offer some kind of coverage, and reimburse you for the cost of cancelled flights, hotel reservations, etc. Check the fine print, of course.
That happened to me twice, but on the third time I was told there were no policies available that met my requirements.I'm in the same situation. I have previously bought an annual policy for ages over 70 with Allianz. I have been attempting to do this again ( i hope to be traveling at least 3 times!), and each time the Allianz website at some point says it is having technical difficulties , please try later. If you find another company, let us know because I am beginning to wonder about Allianz.
Yes, that’s what I’m looking for. Health insurance only, no insurance for trip cancellation, etc. I have decided I can deal with those costs, I just want to make sure that if something really bad happens (like something requiring medical evacuation) that I’m not on the hook for a huge expense.Are you looking for annual health insurance for travel outside the USA?
Here are 3 hope this helps…the third is a compilation of the two included here and a couple othersThanks for these suggestions. I really prefer to buy coverage for an entire calendar year rather than by separate trips. Cheaper and much less hassle, assuming of course that travel will be a sensible option for the next calendar year.
I may be doing something wrong when I try to access the quotes, but I haven’t been able to find an annual option offered for people over 70 by any of the companies mentioned here, just insurance for individual trips.
Am I doing something wrong?
We have also used GeoBlue. We are over 70. GeoBlue is coverage for international travel. Coverage is for medical treatment and emergency evacuation only. The website provides medical contacts in the areas we have traveled (Europe, Middle East, and South America). I have not had to make a claim so I can’t comment on that aspect of the insurance.We have used GeoBlue, an Anthem company, for international health insurance for international trips.
We also have a reasonable EA+ plan for emergency assistance, accidents, for US and out of country. We are over 70.
Thanks so much! I found four options, though two are from the same company, GeoBlue (looks like a Blue Cross Blue Shield company). Also, Seven Corners, and MedJet Assist. I’ve ruled out MedJet assist because it doesn‘t cover covid medical costs.I just checked squaremouth.com and it shows 4 options for annual coverage for people over 70. On the surface, annual coverage seems significantly cheaper.
peregrina2000, I just purchased an annual multi-trip plan from Allianz as did my husband. We are both in our 70s. Took multiple tries to contact them, but finally I called and quicklt reached a service rep. Good luck!That happened to me twice, but on the third time I was told there were no policies available that met my requirements.
Yes, that’s what I’m looking for. Health insurance only, no insurance for trip cancellation, etc. I have decided I can deal with those costs, I just want to make sure that if something really bad happens (like something requiring medical evacuation) that I’m not on the hook for a huge expense.
And unfortunately, it is not included in my Medigap policy, which is provided by United Health Care.
In an email I got from Allianz this week, they pointed out that their annual trip insurance is a good deal for older travelers:
Who Should Buy Annual Travel Insurance?
Older travelers: Here’s a secret many travelers don’t realize: Annual travel insurance is an especially good deal for people 65 and up. That’s because, unlike single-trip insurance plans, the cost of multi-trip plans is not affected by the traveler’s age. A 71-year-old traveler will pay the same as a 41-year-old traveler.
> Read more: What Factors Affect the Cost of Travel Insurance?
Wow, thanks for that. I saw that the GeoBlue coverage is only available to people who are enrolled in a primary health plan (and they exclude VA coverage and Medicaid). So I called to ask what that meant, and I hope, @grayland, that you understand this because I don’t.Be sure sure the coverage is Primary Coverage. I am sure that those are but that is very important.
Good point.I read somewhere recently that some annual policies only cover trips up to x number of days, the example it was either 30 or 40 days so that might be something to clarify.
Until recently, I would have agreed with you, having been asked re age (over 70) in 2018/2019 when renting cars in Spain and Germany. In fact, I seem to remember paying a little extra when I was still 69.Speaking of age surprises…try renting a car once you are 80.
Many (most) will not rent after 75 or 80. Those that do often have the same extra charges that apply to those under 25. VERY annoying
I think I would interpret this as meaning...The customer service guy told me that if I did not have primary health care coverage in the US, their international coverage would exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions. If I have primary health care coverage in the US, pre-existing conditions are covered in my international policy.
BRILLIANT! Thank you.I think I would interpret this as meaning...
If you have pre-existing US health care coverage, you would probably have been treated for expensive procedures before going abroad. Let's take a cardiac problem that required insertion of a stint as an example. You would probably have that procedure at or near the time your cardiac problem is discovered. So you wouldn't just travel overseas and present yourself at a medical facility to take care of that problem, thereby placing all the financial burden on your travel insurance.
My guess here.
That is a good question and one I will investigate. You’re right that it would only make sense if we could travel on different trips. And I agree that the deductible is not a factor, I’m looking for coverage for those “break the bank” type incidents. Thanks, @Marbe2.@peregrina2000 The Basic family plan (geo-blue) might work for you and your husband as well, as it does not appear to cost that much more ( $200 deductible). But my question is, must you all be together on every trip to get coverage? Or, could you go alone on one trip, then go with him and you both be covered?
Thanks, TajiPilgrim,Some further points to add to this muddy situation for over 70s. peregrina2000, the Allianz policy you cite seems to be the premier version, and I think it covers trips no more than 90 days in length. The GeoBlue looks like a good policy, but I read and understood qualifications to mean that you had Medicare coverage in the US. I have health coverage, but it is not Medicare.
Definitely check to see if the coverage is primary and if it pays upfront for services. Do you have to contact the insurance company before arranging services like evacuation?
Isn't this fun?!!!
I have gotten more information, drilling down on your questions.@peregrina2000 The Basic family plan (geo-blue) might work for you and your husband as well, as it does not appear to cost that much more ( $200 deductible). But my question is, must you all be together on every trip to get coverage? Or, could you go alone on one trip, then go with him and you both be covered?
Yes, please tell us the name of the company, with link.I found an annual medical evacuation policy with no age restrictions that provides medical evacuation to the hospital of your choice. There is no exclusion for pre-existing conditions as long as don't have travel restriction from your doctor. The only caveat is that it's only available to US Citizens. I'm not sure about the rules in posting the web link. If you want it, then please let me know.
Safe travels,
Adam
I'd like to know as well. Thanks.Yes, please tell us the name of the company, with link.
I know that it's been awhile, but I used World Nomads when I was on the Camino in 2014. They were very friendly and helpful.World Nomads.
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