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How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance Plan for Senior Citizens in India?

Team AckoDec 22, 2025

To choose the best senior citizen travel insurance plan in India, it is important to prioritise policies having comprehensive medical coverage, including high sum insured, 24*7 emergency support and also pre-existing conditions.

Beyond medical needs, the right plan should match the traveller’s age, destination, and duration of stay. From cashless hospitalisation abroad to emergency evacuation and assistance services, senior citizen travel insurance is designed to reduce health and financial risks while travelling.

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Let's take a look at how to choose the best travel insurance plan for senior citizens in India in this article.

Contents

What is Travel Insurance for Senior Citizen?
What to Look For in a Senior Citizen Travel Insurance Plan?
Things to Consider While Buying a Senior Citizen Travel Insurance Policy
The Bottom Line
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Travel Insurance for Senior Citizen?

The senior citizen travel insurance is a specially designed travel insurance policy for people aged 60 or older. Compared to standard travel insurance, these plans focus more on health-related risks and provide higher protection for age-related medical concerns.

Moreover, the following are a few features of senior citizen travel insurance:

Coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalisation, and ambulance services
Optional coverage for complications arising from pre-existing diseases
Flexibility for trip extensions or emergency stays
Customisable coverage options based on travel needs
Some plans may offer no pre-medical check-up up to a certain age

What to Look For in a Senior Citizen Travel Insurance Plan?

Choosing the best travel insurance for seniors is not just about low premiums. It is about comprehensive coverage and peace of mind. Here are the things you must look for when searching for an insurance policy for senior citizens:

1. Comprehensive Medical Care

Senior travellers are more prone to medical emergencies. Ensure the policy includes:

In-patient hospitalisation expenses
Emergency medical treatment and consultations
Ambulance and evacuation services
Pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, as recovery time can be longer for seniors

This forms the core of effective senior travel health coverage.

2. Coverage for Pre-existing Diseases (PEDs)

Pre-existing conditions are common among elderly travellers. While most basic plans do not cover PEDs by default, insurers may offer:

Coverage for complications arising due to declared PEDs
Specific add-ons for enhanced protection

Always disclose medical history accurately and read policy wording carefully to avoid claim rejections.

3. Adequate Sum Insured

Medical treatment abroad can be expensive, especially when hospital stays are extended. Choosing a higher sum insured helps cover:

Multiple diagnostic tests
Longer recovery periods
Post-treatment complications

Opting for a higher sum insured ensures better financial protection for seniors.

4. Trip-related Benefits

The following benefits protect you financially against common and unexpected travel disruptions:

Trip cancellation or interruption cover helps you recover costs if the trip is cut short or delayed.
Baggage loss, theft, or flight delay benefits reduce stress when such mishaps occur.
Passport loss coverage can help with the costs and procedures of getting a replacement abroad.

5. Flexible Age Limits

Offers extended entry age limits, ensuring coverage even for advanced-age travellers:

Many travel insurance plans cap the entry age at 60 or 65. However, specialised plans for senior citizens can extend coverage up to 70, 75, or even 80+.
Always verify the age eligibility criteria before buying.

6. Emergency Support Service Quality of Your Insurer

Quick access to help is critical for elderly travellers. Look for insurers that offer:

24×7 emergency assistance
Human support via phone calls instead of app-only claims
Assistance with hospital coordination and cashless treatment

Reliable emergency support significantly enhances elderly travel insurance benefits.

Buy a senior citizen travel insurance policy conveniently with ACKO. Customise your own insurance policy and buy a travel insurance policy without the need for a Pre-Medical Check-up. Check out the prices now!

Things to Consider While Buying a Senior Citizen Travel Insurance Policy

Here are some things you must keep in mind while buying a senior citizen travel insurance policy.

1. Destination Matters

Healthcare costs vary by country. For example, medical expenses in Europe or North America are significantly higher than in Southeast Asia. Choose a sum insured that matches your travel destination.

2. Claim Process

Using the insurance company’s app and website can be a hassle for senior citizens, especially at the time of distress. Find an insurance company like ACKO that allows people to raise a claim via phone call.

3. Exclusions

Your travel insurer will only cover your pre-existing diseases if you disclose them before buying the insurance policy. Apart from that, injuries from adventure sports or having cosmetic surgeries are not covered.

4. Annual CSR and Network Hospitals

Always check your insurer's reputation via people’s reviews and check their annual Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) to generate trustworthiness. Your insurer must also have network hospitals and 24-hour emergency assistance at your destination to ensure cashless and necessary medical care.

5. Trip Duration

If you are travelling for an extended period (such as to stay with children abroad), opt for long-term travel insurance. Depending on your needs, single-trip and multi-trip options are available.

6. Ease of Claim Process

For senior citizens, a hassle-free and quick claim settlement process is essential. Look for insurers that offer digital claims submission and minimal paperwork.

Overall, understanding what is not included in the senior citizen travel insurance cover early on can help you travel with realistic expectations.

7. Smart Tips for Choosing the Right Plan

Before purchasing a travel insurance policy for a senior citizen, go through the list of tips curated below for getting the most out of your plan:

Match Coverage with Destination: Medical costs vary widely. While Asia may be affordable, Europe and North America can be very costly. Choose a sum insured that matches.
Consider Trip Duration: Longer visits, like staying with children abroad, may need long-term travel insurance. Single-trip and multi-trip options are available.
Check the Network: Cashless treatment at hospitals abroad and 24/7 helpline support can be lifesavers.
Be Transparent About Health: Disclose your medical history honestly. Non-disclosure can lead to claim rejections.
Look at Co-pay Clauses: Some plans require you to bear a percentage of expenses. Knowing this in advance helps with budgeting.
Buy Early: Getting insurance as soon as you book your trip ensures you’re covered even before departure.
Involve Family: Having children or relatives review the plan details can help spot gaps you may miss.

The Bottom Line

Travelling in your golden years is one of the most rewarding experiences as it brings joy, new memories, and stronger family connections. But to enjoy it fully, having the right travel insurance for senior citizens is essential.

The best plan balances comprehensive medical coverage, support for pre-existing conditions, and protection against common travel mishaps. With a little preparation and the right plan, senior citizens can focus on the adventure ahead, knowing they are covered against life’s unexpected turns.

For a seamless and stress-free journey, consider ACKO’s senior citizen travel insurance. With digital-first policies, quick purchase, comprehensive medical cover, and 24×7 assistance, ACKO helps seniors travel confidently without worrying about unexpected expenses or emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does senior citizen travel insurance cover pre-existing diseases?

Yes. Some plans do offer coverage, though it may come with conditions like a co-pay, waiting period, or higher premiums. Make sure to always check the policy documents and terms when purchasing the plan.

What extra benefits does senior citizen travel insurance offer over standard travel insurance?

Senior citizen travel insurance policies offer additional features and coverages such as Physiotherapy, no pre-medical check-up, customisability in coverage, etc. These facilities are generally not included in a basic travel insurance plan.

What is COVID-19 Coverage for senior citizens?

Since older people are more vulnerable to the COVID-19 disease. Senior citizen travel insurance plans cover hospitalisation, treatment, and even trip interruptions and ensure full protection in case someone gets affected during the trip.

Is travel insurance mandatory for older people?

There are no specific rules in India that people above the age of 60 must travel with insurance coverage. However, for other reasons, such as getting a Schengen visa, you will mandatorily need a travel insurance policy.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes. Please check the policy document for cancellation reasons, and terms and conditions of the policy.