Everyone loves travelling and age cannot restrict one's excitement and interest to travel. For senior citizens who plan to travel, it is essential to opt for travel insurance. This will protect them from unnecessary tensions in case of flight cancellations, baggage loss, medical emergency, etc.
Getting to decide the coverage is an easy process once you have defined whether it is domestic or international travel you are set to embark on. A feeling of security in the twilight period, that too sitting from the convenience of your home or office with just a simple click, is essential.
Senior citizen travel insurance: Features to consider
This is mostly meant for those senior citizens who love foreign travel and can avail the following benefits:
Travel Assistance: Exploring a new country is always thrilling but it can turn downright scary if something goes wrong. The situation can get very tricky for senior citizens. Majority of the insurance companies provide travel assistance so that the insured person can navigate their way during a crisis situation. Of course, the idea is to prepare for the worst but always stay optimistic that everything will go just fine.
Accidents and Illnesses Coverage: Falling sick in your own country or a foreign land is a difficult experience in itself. It also means more unplanned expenses. A senior travel insurance plan will provide assistance against all medical crisis and incur all the costs including hospitalisation, dental problems, evacuation, etc.
Cost-effective Policies: Senior citizens can avail travel insurance in different variants and there is 100% assurance that no compromise will be made as far as their security and the comfort is concerned.
Delay or Loss of Baggage: If your bag is misplaced, stolen or delayed during your travel. the travel insurance will reimburse all your losses and offer a hassle free experience. Make sure to check exclusions, of course.
Assistance across the globe: For a smooth travel experience, the insurer you opted for will provide you assistance all across the globe. Most companies provide a special helpline number and an email ID, which will make it easy for you to contact them during emergency situations
Benefits of senior travel insurance
Listed below are few benefits of senior travel insurance:
Emergency cash will be provided in case you lose all your funds during travelling.
Expenses incurred if your flight is delayed for more than 3 hours and you miss the connecting flight.
Insurance against burglary in your home, while you are travelling abroad, is covered under overseas travel insurance for senior citizens.
Expenses incurred if a trip is cancelled or interrupted due to airline, medical, personal employment problems or natural disasters are covered.
Compensation to a third party is part of the cover in case your actions result in or cause someone injury or damage to health or property. Your policy document will define it more clearly, make sure you check it.
Emergency medical expenses incurred by you whilst abroad, for any sudden illness, injury or death are covered under overseas travel insurance for senior citizens.
Expenses incurred while transporting the insured's mortal remains back home or towards burial abroad in case of an untimely demise are covered under overseas travel insurance for senior citizens.
Advantages of taking senior citizen travel insurance
The most significant advantage of purchasing a travel insurance for a senior citizen is that:
Senior citizens have the solid assurance of financial protection in case of unexpected challenges that impact their journey. Having a financial safety net offers a great sense of relief and confidence to move ahead.
It covers treatment for COVID-19, if you are test positive during the trip and if hospitalisation is required the expenses are borne by the insurance company.
If you are travelling and an emergency arises, you can call the helpline number where the dedicated team will assist you for all the support you require while overseas.
Exclusions in senior citizen travel insurance:
There are few exclusions such as follows:
In case the individual insured commits suicide, needs treatment for diseases that are sexually transmitted like AIDS, HIV, or if there is some kind of mental illness.
Injuries caused while serving in the armed forces will not be covered.
Injuries caused under the influence of drugs, substances or alcohol.
Involved in any kind of illegal activities.
Losses caused due to the war-like situation that includes a civil war, revolution or any kind of enmity with a foreigner will not be covered.
Claim will be rejected if you undertake any kind of risk-prone activity that you were fully aware would be dangerous and life-threatening.
If you are suffering from osteoporosis and you are likely to get fracture where the bone is diagnosed to be at its weakest, the insurance company will not offer coverage for the treatment.
Conclusion
A 2021 report by the National Statistical Office (NSO) highlights that the elderly population in India will touch approximately 194 million in 2031, a significant increase from 138 million in 2021. This brings the spotlight on why travel insurance is a financial safety net for senior travellers. Elderly travellers should be able to relax and unwind when they go on a holiday, which is one reason why travel insurance is a smart option to consider. Their loved ones or other immediate family members can help them research on the benefits of coverage and what type of coverage would suit their specific requirement and budget.
