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Best Travel Insurance for Seniors in 2026: How To Choose Wisely

The best travel insurance for seniors covers trip disruptions and medical treatment. Insurance pairs well with travel assistance programs like EA+ that offer additional travel emergency support.


Bryanna Moore, Senior Product Manager

Bryanna Moore, Senior Product Manager

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Published on January 2nd, 2026

The best travel insurance for seniors does more than protect your trip—it offers peace of mind when health issues or travel disruptions arise. As we age, we face a higher risk of medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and complications from pre-existing conditions. And being far from home during a health crisis can be especially stressful for you and your family.

Unexpected travel incidents are often costly. According to recent insurance statistics, almost 1 in 5 U.S. travelers lost money by skipping travel protection. Investing in these programs can dramatically reduce expenses in case of an emergency. 

Emergency Assistance Plus® (EA+®) offers annual plans that pair well with travel insurance so you can travel with confidence. In this guide, you’ll find trusted options for the best travel insurance for seniors in 2026, so you choose a plan that fits your needs.

How EA+ and TripInsure work together

Combine your EA+ travel assistance plan with TripInsure, an insurance provider that covers eligible medical and travel interruption expenses, for the most comprehensive protection on your next trip.

Best travel insurance providers for seniors overview

According to the U.S. State Department, Medicare does not cover care outside the country in most situations, and the cost of a medical evacuation can exceed $250,000. That’s why many seniors choose to pair travel insurance with a service like Emergency Assistance Plus® (EA+®) to provide 24/7 protection and get you home safely if something goes wrong.

The best travel insurance seniors should invest in comes with strong medical coverage, flexible benefits, and protection for pre-existing conditions. This chart provides a glimpse into top providers so you can weigh your options and pick a plan that best supports your travel and health goals.

ProviderBest for Pre-existing medical condition coverageMedical evaluation required*Level of plan customization 
Allianz Travel InsuranceComprehensive coverage and customer  supportYes (if purchased within 14 days of initial deposit)NoHigh
IMGInternational medical-focused coverageLimited (acute onset only, varies by age)NoModerate
John HancockTiered options and strong coverageYes (if purchased within 14 days of initial deposit)NoHigh
NationwideCruise travel insurance Yes (if purchased within 14 days of initial deposit)NoHigh
Seven Corners Medical evacuation and flexibilityLimited (acute onset only)NoHigh
Travel Guard by AIGCustom add-ons and tiered plansYes (if purchased within 15 days of initial deposit)NoHigh
Travel Insured International High coverage limitsYes (if purchased within 21 days of initial deposit)NoModerate
* All plans noted here do not require a medical evaluation upfront, but may impose look-back periods for pre-existing condition waivers.

1. Allianz

Best for: Comprehensive coverage and customer support

Allianz Travel Insurance is a trusted option for seniors seeking broad, dependable protection. The company offers AllTrips plans that protect both individuals and groups on any trip over 100 miles away from your home, with 24-hour assistance in case of an emergency. 

Less frequent travelers can opt for a single-trip plan, making it one of the best annual travel insurance plans for seniors who need flexibility.

While Allianz is known for its reliable customer service and easy-to-use app, some entry-level plans come with lower coverage limits. Seniors with pre-existing conditions may qualify for a waiver, and most plans offer solid overall protection. However, cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) coverage is only available with select plan upgrades.

Plan highlights:

  • 10 different plans to choose from, including annual and single-trip plans
  • Allyz® app provides easy access to policy details and lets members file claims from their phones
  • Trip cancellation, delay, and interruption reimbursement 
  • Covers pre-existing conditions if purchased within a set time
  • Strong reputation and 24/7 assistance
Allianz Travel Insurance page with quote form; pros: 24/7 help, pre-ex waiver, annual plans; cons: no CFAR, limited low-tier plans.

Reviews 

One member felt adequately supported by the Allianz team, giving a realistic portrayal of the process:

“Response to my claim was quick. However, the time it took to gather all the doctors reports and convert them to PDFs was almost for someone that is currently having health issues. I didn’t have someone to help me.”

For support with emergency logistics and medical paperwork, a travel assistance program like EA+ can coordinate details for traveling seniors while assisting them with medical transport, reducing overwhelm during challenging moments. 

Plan cost: Quote-based pricing

Allianz plan pricing depends on several factors: your age, trip length, destination, vacation’s overall cost, claims history, and medical history. 

Here are sample plan costs based on a 65-year-old traveler from Illinois heading to Italy:

  • Single-trip seven-day plan: Starts at $511
  • AllTrips annual plan (covering multiple trips up to 45 days): Starts at $510
  • Seven-day OneTrip Rental Car Protector: $88

2. International Medical Group (IMG)

Best for: International medical-focused coverage

IMG offers seniors travel insurance with an emphasis on international medical care, which is especially important since international travel may not be covered by your health insurance plan, including Medicare. IMG plans also include emergency medical evacuation coverage with high benefit limits, typically to the nearest appropriate facility. 

Its GlobeHopper Senior plan prioritizes benefits tailored to older travelers, including coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. While these features support its reputation as one of the best travel medical insurance for seniors, trip cancellation and non-medical coverage may be limited. 

Plan highlights:

  • Telehealth services
  • Reimbursement for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
  • Trip interruption, missed connection, and cancellation reimbursement
  • Pre-existing condition coverage options
IMG site with pros: high med/evac limits, specialized plans; cons: limited pre-ex cover, less non-medical focus.

Reviews 

An IMG member with a continued membership shared their positive experience with the company:

“I’ve used IMG Global several times before. On one trip in particular my wife became ill and required medical attention. The process of obtaining that care with IMG Global was [seamless], and we’ve been loyal customers ever since.”

Plan cost: Quote-based pricing

IMG has a wide breadth of single-trip options up to 90 days long. Here are sample fees for a 65-year-old on a seven-day Italian vacation:

  • GlobeHopper Senior Single-Trip: $54.79
  • iTravelInsured Choice: $229.49
  • iTravelInsured LX: $575.47
  • iTravelInsured Choice Cruise: $270.11

3. John Hancock

Best for: Tiered options and strong coverage

John Hancock offers three travel insurance plans—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—allowing seniors to select coverage that fits their needs. Plans offer comprehensive benefits, and a pre-existing condition waiver is available if the policy is purchased within 14 days of the initial payment.

The Gold plan offers the most comprehensive protection, including up to $250,000 for medical expenses and $1 million for emergency evacuation. These tiered options make it one of the best travel insurance policies for seniors over 65 who want flexibility and strong coverage.

Plan highlights:

  • Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiered plans for varying needs
  • Includes pre-existing condition waiver (within time limits)
  • Comprehensive coverage for seniors, including medical and baggage
John Hancock site with pros: tiered plans, pre-ex waiver, strong med/baggage cover; cons: full benefits cost more, complex tiers.

Reviews 

A Gold member provided a balanced perspective of their experience using John Hancock:

“The process was slow but John Hancock did approve our claim. Overall, we were pleased with their service and would purchase through them again.”

Another Bronze member reported a positive customer service experience:

“Had to change dates of departure and details. The agent made it easy to communicate and confirmed changes in coverage dates. Great experience.”

Plan cost: Quote-based pricing 

While each John Hancock insurance plan is quoted based on your age, location, and travel details, there are three tiers of coverage to consider:

  • Bronze
  • Silver
  • Gold

4. Nationwide 

Best for: Cruise travel insurance 

While sailing the seas is usually safe, it’s important to choose a travel insurance provider that offers cruise-specific benefits for peace of mind.

Nationwide offers some of the best cruise travel insurance for seniors, with plans specifically designed to cover trip delays, missed connections, and shipboard medical emergencies. Its Cruise Luxury and Cruise Choice plans offer generous interruption and delay benefits, making it a strong option for travelers embarking on multi-leg or at-sea itineraries.

Pre-existing condition waivers are available if the plan is purchased within 14 days of the initial trip payment. While coverage is strong overall, medical benefits may be lower than plans that focus more heavily on health care—highlighting the importance of understanding the difference between travel insurance vs. health insurance during international travel.

Plan highlights:

  • Trip cancellation and CFAR services
  • Pre-existing condition coverage available
  • Shipboard service disruption compensation
  • All claims handled in-house
Nationwide site with pros: cruise benefits, pre-ex waiver, trusted provider; cons: low med caps, few non-cruise plans, CFAR limits.

Reviews 

A Nationwide Essential plan member shared both sides of their claim process with travel insurance services: 

“My claim was processed reasonably quickly in 18 days, with only one request for additional information. I was disappointed that I received $24.80 less than my expenses with no explanation for the difference.”

Plan cost: Quote-based pricing

Nationwide offers single-trip, multi-trip, and cruise-based plans to senior travelers. Here are sample rates for a seven-day trip for a 65-year-old traveling from Illinois to Italy:

  • Universal Cruise plan: $263
  • Choice Cruise plan: $346
  • Luxury Cruise plan: $419
  • Essential single-trip plan: $280.89
  • Prime single-trip plan: $376.19
  • Nationwide Annual Travel Pro plan: $69

5. Seven Corners 

Best for: Medical evacuation and flexibility

Seven Corners offers flexible travel insurance options designed for seniors who prioritize medical evacuation and pre-existing condition support. Its RoundTrip plans include cancellation and interruption coverage, while the Travel Medical series focuses on international care and emergency transport. 

This range of options makes Seven Corners a strong choice, especially for those who value robust medical benefits over extras like baggage or rental car coverage. However, full pre-existing condition coverage depends on waiver eligibility, and plan structure can vary based on age and destination.

Plan highlights:

  • Medical evacuation and repatriation in an emergency
  • Trip cancellation, interruption, and delayed baggage reimbursement
  • Senior-friendly coverage options
  • Customizable plans with optional upgrades
Seven Corners site with pros: strong evac, pre-ex waiver, flexible plans; cons: timing limits, variable terms, complex CFAR.

Reviews 

Several Seven Corners members mention positive experiences with the customer service team, as well as plan flexibility. One member shared: 

“I purchased this insurance for a cruise and we had to cancel because of health reasons for one of the travelers. The representative was very knowledgeable, reassured me that we could get a one time trip change, friendly, listened to my needs, and helpful in changing my trip dates. Received an email verification for the changes soon after we finished the call. Very satisfied with the service.”

Plan cost: Quote-based pricing

Seven Corners offers quote-based plans for both single-trip and annual coverage. Members can choose a medical-only plan or a more robust option that covers additional trip expenses.

Here are example trip costs for a 65-year-old planning a seven-day trip to Italy: 

  • Trip Protection Basic single-trip plan: $321
  • Trip Protection Choice single-trip plan: $457
  • Trip Protection Annual multi-trip plan: $561.50

6. Travel Guard by AIG 

Best for: Custom add-ons and tiered plans

Travel Guard by AIG offers layered travel insurance plans that give seniors flexibility to tailor coverage. With three levels—Essential, Preferred, and Deluxe—travelers can select protection that fits their itinerary and budget. Add-ons like CFAR, rental car damage, and medical coverage upgrades make it an adaptable option.

While the top-tier plans provide strong protection, base plans can be limited in scope. Seniors should compare plan details carefully to ensure their chosen option covers what they need. 

Plan highlights:

  • Three tiers of plans allow members to customize coverage
  • Optional add-ons like CFAR, medical upgrades, and rental car damage
  • Pre-existing condition waiver if purchased within 15 days
Travel Guard with pros: customizable plans, CFAR and medical add-ons, pre-existing waiver; cons: basic tiers lack benefits, complex comparisons.

Reviews 

Many Travel Guard users praise the company for its straightforward, easy-to-navigate policies and claim processes. One senior member states that: 

“The policy process was simple and easy to navigate at my (74) age. I look forward to our trip to Israel with the Knight Templar in Feb. I pray it is uneventful.”

Plan cost: Quote-based

There are three available single-trip plan tiers with optional add-ons, such as an adventure sports bundle, cancel-any-time privileges, and rental vehicle damage protection, ideal for RV road trips. Travel Guard also offers an annual membership.

Since exact pricing depends on your personal travel circumstances, age, and location, here are sample costs for a 65-year-old embarking on a seven-day vacation from Illinois to Italy:

  • Essential plan: $262.44
  • Preferred plan: $347.01
  • Deluxe plan: $415.68
  • Travel Guard Annual plan: $284.81

7. Travel Insured International 

Best for: High coverage limits

Travel Insured International is a top choice for seniors taking longer or more expensive trips, thanks to generous plan limits and broad protections. Medical expense benefits can reach $100,000 or more, and emergency evacuation coverage may exceed $1 million, depending on the plan selected.

A pre-existing condition waiver is available if you purchase the policy within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, making this a flexible option for seniors seeking travel insurance with pre-existing conditions. While coverage is strong overall, plans can include detailed exclusions, and optional upgrades like CFAR add to the cost. 

Plan highlights:

  • Comprehensive plans with high coverage amounts
  • Optional CFAR upgrade
  • Includes coverage for pre-existing conditions (if conditions are met)
  • Higher-tiered plans include political, security, and natural disaster evacuation
Travel Insured International with pros: high medical limits, CFAR upgrade, pre-existing waiver; cons: costly upgrades, exclusions, complex docs.

Reviews 

A Travel Insured International member provided a glimpse into the claim process: 

“The claim process was easy to navigate and was very efficient. My claim for reimbursement was paid within 3 weeks from submission. Their staff also made repeated attempts until they were able to speak with the foreign billing administration to pay a medical bill.”

Plan cost: Quote-based pricing

Travel Insured International offers three plans for single-trip coverage, and an annual plan for both children and adults. This sample pricing is based on a 65-year-old embarking on a seven-day trip to Italy: 

  • Worldwide Trip Protector Essential plan: $244
  • Worldwide Trip Protector Deluxe plan: $281
  • Worldwide Trip Protector Platinum plan: $405
  • Annual Multi-Trip Protector plan: $94

How to choose the best travel insurance 

Choosing the right plan depends on your health, destination, and type of travel. If you have a pre-existing condition, look for policies that offer a waiver. Cruises or longer itineraries may benefit from extras like missed connection or CFAR upgrades.

For international trips, prioritize plans with high medical and evacuation coverage. For domestic trips, focus on trip disruption coverage, especially if you already have a medical insurance plan in your home country.

When comparing policies, pay close attention to:

  • Coverage types (medical, trip cancellation, baggage, etc.)
  • Benefit limits for medical care and evacuation, which may not be high enough to cover every emergency
  • Eligibility for pre-existing condition waivers and senior travelers
  • Optional upgrades, like CFAR, adventure travel, or rental car coverage
  • Customer support, including 24/7 travel assistance
  • Availability of telehealth services
  • Provider reputation and user reviews
  • Discounts or bundling options for frequent travelers

The best travel insurance for seniors balances coverage, cost, and peace of mind—especially when medical issues or complex travel logistics are involved.

If you travel frequently or spend time in the most dangerous countries to visit, it’s essential to understand your travel protection options. If your travel insurance has any gaps, a travel assistance program like EA+ can support with medical transportation, repatriation costs, and arranging your return home, where services are available. 

For travel peace of mind, pair your insurance with EA+

Even the best travel insurance for seniors may not provide everything you need, especially when it comes to coordination, transportation, or care across borders. And since Medicare typically doesn’t cover care outside the U.S., combining insurance with an elderly travel assistance service program like Emergency Assistance Plus helps close those gaps. 

EA+ is an annual travel assistance membership program that picks up where traditional insurance leaves off. For full protection, consider pairing EA+ with TripInsure Plus, an exclusive insurance offering for existing EA+ members or those who enroll now. Together, they offer financial protection and real-world assistance, potentially saving you thousands.

Ready to take the next step? Explore EA+ membership services to see how it complements your travel insurance and supports you throughout your journey. With EA+, you’re not just protected—you’re cared for.

EA+ CTA with copy: EA+ offers 24/7 logistical support and year-round travel protection.

Senior travel insurance FAQ 

Do I need a senior travel insurance plan?  

In many cases, yes. Travel insurance is especially important for seniors due to a higher likelihood of medical emergencies or trip cancellations. It helps protect your health, finances, and peace of mind while traveling.

What is the cost of travel insurance for seniors? 

Costs vary based on your age, destination, trip length, and coverage level. Expect to pay around 5%-10% of your total trip cost for a standard plan.  

What is the best international travel insurance for seniors? 

The best plan depends on your needs, but look for policies with high medical coverage, emergency evacuation benefits, and a pre-existing condition waiver, if applicable.

What’s the difference between travel insurance and international travel insurance? 

Travel insurance covers trip cancellations, delays, and medical events. International travel insurance focuses more heavily on medical care and evacuation while you’re abroad, which is essential if Medicare doesn’t apply.

What’s the difference between travel insurance and international travel insurance? 

Travel insurance covers trip cancellations, delays, and medical events. International travel insurance focuses more heavily on medical care and evacuation while you’re abroad, which is essential if Medicare doesn’t apply.

What’s the difference between international travel insurance and travel assistance? 

The difference between travel insurance and assistance is their focus. 

Travel insurance provides financial protection for unexpected events like trip cancellations or lost luggage, while travel assistance offers direct logistical support during emergencies, such as coordinating with foreign medical systems or arranging emergency transportation.


Bryanna Moore, Senior Product Manager

About the Author

Bryanna Moore, Senior Product Manager

Bryanna has been with Emergency Assistance Plus (EA+) for nearly 20 years, starting in customer service and now, as Senior Product Manager, she is responsible for member experience – including ensuring that the services EA+ provides continues to meet the evolving needs of EA+ members. Bryanna is passionate about EA+ members and making sure that Emergency Assistance Plus delivers on its brand promise to get members home safely in their time of need.