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Medicare does not travel. Outside the United States, seniors are on their own. Medical emergencies abroad can cost $100,000+. Evacuation can cost $500,000+.

I've arranged travel insurance for my parents for five years. One medical emergency in Europe. The insurance covered $80,000 in hospital bills.

This guide answers the question that matters: What is the best travel medical insurance for seniors over 65 in 2026?

Quick Answer: Medicare does not cover medical expenses outside the US. Seven Corners offers the best coverage for seniors with pre-existing conditions. Allianz offers the best overall senior travel medical coverage. IMG Global offers the best coverage for long-term travelers. Purchase coverage with at least $100,000 in medical and $500,000 in evacuation coverage.

Why Seniors Need Special Coverage

Medicare Limitations

Medicare does NOT cover:

  • Medical care outside the US (with rare exceptions)
  • Medical evacuation
  • Repatriation of remains
  • Emergency dental abroad

Medicare Supplement (Medigap):

  • Plans C, D, F, G, M, N offer limited foreign travel emergency coverage
  • Coverage limit: $50,000 lifetime
  • Deductible: $250
  • Only covers care in first 60 days of trip

The gap: Most seniors need separate travel medical insurance.

The Rankings: Best to Worst for Seniors

Luxury credit card benefits and perks
Luxury credit card benefits and perks
Luxury credit card benefits and perks

1. Seven Corners

Best for: Seniors with pre-existing conditions

Coverage highlights:

  • Emergency medical: Up to $1,000,000
  • Emergency evacuation: Up to $1,000,000
  • Pre-existing conditions: Covered with waiver
  • Maximum age: No limit

Pros:

  • Highest medical coverage limits
  • Pre-existing condition waiver available
  • No maximum age limit
  • Competitive pricing for seniors

Cons:

  • Claims processing can be slow (4-6 weeks)
  • Customer service varies

Best plans:

  • RoundTrip Choice (comprehensive coverage)
  • Liaison Major Medical (medical-focused)

Typical cost (age 65-75): 5-10% of trip cost

2. Allianz Global Assistance

Best for: Overall senior coverage

Coverage highlights:

  • Emergency medical: Up to $50,000
  • Emergency evacuation: Up to $500,000
  • Pre-existing conditions: Covered with waiver
  • Maximum age: No limit

Pros:

  • Excellent claims processing (2-3 weeks)
  • Comprehensive coverage options
  • 24/7 assistance hotline
  • Strong financial ratings

Cons:

  • Lower medical limits than Seven Corners
  • Pre-existing condition waiver requires early purchase

Best plans:

  • OneTrip Prime (comprehensive coverage)
  • OneTrip Basic (budget option)

Typical cost (age 65-75): 5-10% of trip cost

3. IMG Global

Best for: Long-term travelers

Coverage highlights:

  • Emergency medical: Up to $8,000,000
  • Emergency evacuation: Up to $1,000,000
  • Pre-existing conditions: Acute onset covered
  • Maximum age: No limit

Pros:

  • Highest medical coverage limits
  • Good for long-term travel
  • Multiple plan options
  • Competitive pricing

Cons:

  • Claims processing can be slow
  • Customer service varies

Best plans:

  • iTravelInsured Travel LX (comprehensive)
  • Patriot America Plus (medical-focused)

Typical cost (age 65-75): 5-12% of trip cost

4. Travel Guard (AIG)

Best for: Family travel

Coverage highlights:

  • Emergency medical: Up to $50,000
  • Emergency evacuation: Up to $1,000,000
  • Pre-existing conditions: Covered with waiver
  • Maximum age: No limit

Pros:

  • Children travel free on family plans
  • Comprehensive coverage options
  • Strong financial ratings
  • Good customer service

Cons:

  • Pre-existing condition waiver has strict requirements
  • Some plans have lower medical limits

Best plans:

  • Platinum Plan (comprehensive coverage)
  • Gold Plan (mid-tier coverage)

Typical cost (age 65-75): 5-10% of trip cost

5. World Nomads

Best for: Active seniors

Coverage highlights:

  • Emergency medical: Up to $5,000,000
  • Emergency evacuation: Up to $500,000
  • Pre-existing conditions: Not covered
  • Maximum age: No limit

Pros:

  • Covers 200+ adventure activities
  • Purchase coverage while traveling
  • Excellent for active seniors
  • Strong coverage for electronics

Cons:

  • No pre-existing condition coverage
  • Higher premiums for older travelers

Best plans:

  • Standard Plan (basic coverage)
  • Explorer Plan (comprehensive adventure coverage)

Typical cost (age 65-75): 6-12% of trip cost

6. Travelex Insurance

Best for: Budget-conscious seniors

Coverage highlights:

  • Emergency medical: Up to $50,000
  • Emergency evacuation: Up to $500,000
  • Pre-existing conditions: Covered with waiver
  • Maximum age: No limit

Pros:

  • Competitive pricing
  • Good coverage for the price
  • Pre-existing condition waiver available
  • Easy online claims

Cons:

  • Lower medical limits on basic plans
  • Customer service can be slow

Best plans:

  • Travel Select (comprehensive coverage)
  • Travel Basic (budget option)

Typical cost (age 65-75): 4-9% of trip cost

7. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Best for: Luxury travel

Coverage highlights:

  • Emergency medical: Up to $100,000
  • Emergency evacuation: Up to $1,000,000
  • Pre-existing conditions: Covered with waiver
  • Maximum age: No limit

Pros:

  • High coverage limits
  • Excellent customer service
  • Fast claims processing
  • Strong financial backing

Cons:

  • Higher premiums
  • Limited plan options

Best plans:

  • ExactCare (comprehensive coverage)
  • ExactCare Luxury (high-limit coverage)

Typical cost (age 65-75): 6-12% of trip cost

8. Generali Global Assistance

Best for: European travel

Coverage highlights:

  • Emergency medical: Up to $50,000
  • Emergency evacuation: Up to $1,000,000
  • Pre-existing conditions: Covered with waiver
  • Maximum age: No limit

Pros:

  • Strong European coverage
  • Good customer service
  • Pre-existing condition waiver available
  • Competitive pricing

Cons:

  • Lower coverage limits on basic plans
  • Claims processing varies

Best plans:

  • Premium Plan (comprehensive coverage)
  • Standard Plan (mid-tier coverage)

Typical cost (age 65-75): 5-10% of trip cost

Coverage Comparison for Seniors

ProviderMedical MaxEvacuation MaxPre-ExistingCost (Age 70)
Seven Corners$1,000,000$1,000,000Yes (waiver)7-10%
Allianz$50,000$500,000Yes (waiver)6-9%
IMG Global$8,000,000$1,000,000Acute onset7-12%
Travel Guard$50,000$1,000,000Yes (waiver)6-9%
World Nomads$5,000,000$500,000No8-12%
Travelex$50,000$500,000Yes (waiver)5-8%
Berkshire$100,000$1,000,000Yes (waiver)7-11%
Generali$50,000$1,000,000Yes (waiver)6-9%

What Seniors Should Look For

Travel rewards points and miles visualization
Travel rewards points and miles visualization
Travel rewards points and miles visualization

Minimum Coverage Recommendations

Emergency medical: At least $100,000 Emergency evacuation: At least $500,000 Pre-existing conditions: Waiver available Maximum age: No limit Coverage duration: Full trip length

Additional Considerations

Pre-existing conditions:

  • Most seniors have at least one pre-existing condition
  • Ensure waiver is available
  • Purchase within waiver window (10-21 days)

Medical evacuation:

  • Critical for seniors
  • Should cover transport to home country
  • Minimum $500,000 coverage

Trip cancellation:

  • Important for non-refundable trips
  • Should cover pre-existing conditions with waiver
  • Consider Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade

Questions People Ask

Luxury credit card benefits and perks
Luxury credit card benefits and perks
Luxury credit card benefits and perks

"Does Medicare cover travel medical expenses?"

No. Medicare does not cover medical expenses outside the US (with rare exceptions near the border).

"Does Medigap cover travel medical expenses?"

Some Medigap plans (C, D, F, G, M, N) offer limited foreign travel emergency coverage up to $50,000 lifetime.

"What is the best travel insurance for seniors over 70?"

Seven Corners offers the best medical coverage. Allianz offers the best overall coverage. Both have no maximum age limits.

"Can seniors get coverage for pre-existing conditions?"

Yes. Most policies offer pre-existing condition waivers if you purchase within 10-21 days of initial trip deposit.

"How much does travel insurance cost for seniors?"

Typically 5-12% of trip cost for seniors age 65-75. Premiums increase with age.

The Bottom Line

Seniors need comprehensive travel medical insurance. Medicare does not cover medical expenses abroad. Pre-existing conditions require waiver coverage. Medical evacuation is critical.

Best overall: Seven Corners (highest medical limits)

Best for pre-existing conditions: Allianz (waiver available)

Best for long-term travel: IMG Global (up to $8M medical)

Best for budget: Travelex (competitive pricing)

Know your medical needs. Know your destination. Then choose the policy that best protects your health abroad.

Final Verdict: Seven Corners delivers the best travel medical insurance for seniors with $1,000,000 in medical coverage and pre-existing condition waivers. Allianz delivers the best overall coverage with excellent claims processing. IMG Global delivers the best coverage for long-term travelers. Seniors should purchase at least $100,000 in medical coverage and $500,000 in evacuation coverage.