Is travel insurance still an option as you get older?

When you’re planning your next holiday, travel insurance might not be the first thing that comes to mind.

But Paul, Travel Connections’ Travel Manager, has recently been asked whether travel insurance is still available as we get older.

The answer? It’s worth exploring your options before you rule yourself out.

As Burnie Brae’s expert travel team, Travel Connections is well versed in the travel options available to older Australians and understands that every traveller and every trip is different. That includes helping travellers understand their travel insurance options before they head off on their next adventure.

What can affect your travel insurance?

Age is one factor insurers may consider, but it’s not the only one.

Your destination, the length of your trip, the activities you’re planning and your individual circumstances can all play a part in the type of cover available.

Existing medical conditions can also be an important consideration. Depending on the policy, you may need to provide information about your health or complete a medical assessment.

That’s why it’s important to look at the details of a policy carefully and understand what is and isn’t covered before you travel.

It’s about more than medical cover

When we think about travel insurance, medical expenses are often the first thing that comes to mind. And for good reason. Medical treatment overseas can be expensive, so having appropriate cover is an important part of planning an overseas trip.

But travel insurance can cover much more than unexpected medical costs.

Depending on the policy, you may also have cover for things like:

• Cancelling your trip due to an unexpected event

• Travel delays and additional accommodation or transport costs

• Missed connections

• Lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal belongings

• Other unexpected disruptions while you’re travelling

Exactly what is covered, and the limits that apply, will depend on your policy, so it’s important to read the Product Disclosure Statement and understand the inclusions and exclusions before you travel.

Don’t make assumptions about your cover

It can be easy to assume that travel insurance isn’t available to you, particularly if you’ve heard that certain policies have age limits or restrictions.

But different insurers have different criteria, and the right option will depend on you and the trip you’re planning.

Rather than making the decision for yourself, it’s worth having a conversation with an experienced travel professional who can help you explore what options may be available.

When should you look into travel insurance?

Travel insurance is something worth thinking about early in the planning process, rather than leaving it until the day before you fly.

Smartraveller recommends arranging travel insurance as soon as you know your travel dates and book your trip. This can mean you have cover for certain unexpected events that happen before you even leave home, such as needing to cancel your trip.

It’s also a good idea to check the latest travel advice for your destination before you travel and make sure your policy suits your plans.

For more information, visit the Australian Government’s Smartraveller travel insurance guide.

Travel with confidence

Travel insurance can be an important part of planning a holiday. Along with helping you prepare for the unexpected, having the right cover can give you greater peace of mind while you’re away.

And getting older doesn’t mean the travel adventures have to stop.

Whether you’re dreaming about a European getaway, a relaxing cruise, a road trip closer to home or finally ticking something off your bucket list, there are plenty of adventures still waiting to be had.

The important thing is to plan ahead, ask questions and find out what options are available for you.

Planning your next adventure?

With years of experience helping Burnie Brae travellers plan their holidays, the Travel Connections team can help you explore your options and make your next trip a reality.

Paul and Sonja can help you plan your holiday, answer your travel questions and talk through travel insurance options.

Travel Connections is open to everyone, whether you’re a Burnie Brae member or not. Plus, if you’re a MemberPlus member, you can enjoy $50 off your travel booking and 10% off travel insurance. Find out more about MemberPlus and its benefits.

Visit Travel Connections at Burnie Brae, 60 Kuran Street, Chermside, call (07) 3624 2191 or email [email protected] to start planning your next adventure.

Your next adventure could be closer than you think.