Find the best travel insurance for senior New Zealanders. Compare policies with cover for pre-existing medical conditions, no age limits up to 100, and grandchildren included free on selected policies.
the benefits
Age shouldn’t be a barrier to travel, or to getting the right cover. We compare policies available to travellers from age 60 through to 100+, so whether you’re planning your first big trip in retirement or you’re a seasoned traveller well into your eighties, you’ll find options to suit your needs and budget.
Many seniors travel insurance policies provide cover for a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions, including high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes, and more. Plus, most insurers now offer online medical screening so you can declare your conditions upfront and find out immediately whether you’re covered; no paperwork, no delays.
Comprehensive seniors travel insurance policies typically include unlimited overseas medical cover – one of the most important features for older travellers, given that medical costs abroad can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. All insurers we compare provide 24/7 emergency assistance.
Seniors travelling with high-value medical equipment such as hearing aids, wheelchairs, or mobility aids can arrange cover for loss, theft, or damage under a mid-range or comprehensive policy. Single item limits apply, so if your equipment is of high value it’s worth checking the limits carefully and notifying your insurer if additional cover is required.
Travelling with the grandkids? Some policies cover dependent grandchildren at no extra cost, provided they are under a specified age, not in full-time employment, and named on the policy. It’s a great way to make family travel more affordable.
Our seniors travel insurance comparison is completely free to use. You’ll be directed straight to the insurer’s website to complete your purchase at their direct price – no markups, no surprises.
key considerations
Travel insurance premiums for senior travellers can vary considerably between insurers. As a guide, comprehensive cover for a 70-year-old travelling to Balifor two weeks can range from around $186 to $602 depending on the provider, making comparison essential. Don’t assume the first quote you receive is the best available; comparing multiple policies side by side is the most reliable way to find competitive cover that meets your needs.
Some insurers reduce their medical cover limits or apply additional restrictions to illness-related cancellation claims for travellers over 70. Before purchasing, check whether the policy you’re considering applies any age-related reductions to cover limits, and ensure the medical and cancellation benefits are adequate for your circumstances and destination.
Some insurers apply a higher excess to medical claims made by senior travellers. This is an important cost to factor in when comparing policies – a lower premium with a higher excess may not represent better value if you need to make a claim. Always check the excess applicable to medical claims specifically, as this can differ from the general policy excess.
Declaring your pre-existing medical conditions accurately is essential for senior travellers. Unless a condition is listed as automatically covered by your insurer, failing to declare it could result in any related claims being rejected. Most insurers now offer online medical screening, allowing you to declare conditions immediately and receive a decision on cover without additional paperwork. If your condition is not listed as automatically covered, you may be able to obtain cover for an additional premium.
Senior travellers are among the most frequent cruise passengers, and it’s worth confirming whether cruise cover is included in any policy you’re considering. Some insurers include cruise cover automatically in their comprehensive policies, while others require you to add it as an optional extra. If you’re planning a cruise as part of your trip, make sure your policy covers you both on land and at sea.
The Policy Wording is the definitive guide to what your policy does and doesn’t cover. For senior travellers in particular – who may have more complex medical histories and travel requirements – it’s especially important to read the Policy Wording carefully before purchasing, paying close attention to any age-related exclusions, condition-specific limitations, and claims procedures.
further reading
Expert guides to help you make an informed decision about your travel cover.
get answers
You can compare and purchase seniors travel insurance policies on Compare Travel Insurance beyond the age of 100, though some individual insurers do apply their own age limits that may be lower than this. As you get older, you may also find that the range of policies available to you narrows, or that certain exclusions apply. Our seniors travel insurance age limits guide provides a detailed breakdown of the age limits applied by each insurer on our panel.
Most insurers maintain a list of conditions that are automatically covered at no additional cost – commonly including asthma, cataracts, certain types of diabetes, and hypertension – without requiring a medical assessment or declaration form. If you have a condition not on the automatic cover list, you may still be able to obtain cover by completing an online medical screening assessment, though an additional premium may apply. The availability of cover for more serious or recent conditions will depend on the insurer and the specific circumstances.
Generally, yes. Insurance premiums are calculated based on risk, and the claims history of older traveller age groups tends to be higher, which is reflected in premium pricing. However, premiums can vary significantly between insurers, which is why comparing multiple quotes is particularly important for senior travellers. And a higher premium does not necessarily mean better cover, so it’s worth evaluating both the price and the scope of cover when making your decision.
No, you do not need a medical certificate or assessment to purchase a seniors travel insurance policy. However, without completing a medical assessment for your pre-existing conditions, those conditions will not be covered under your policy. Most insurers offer online medical screening that can be completed quickly and easily at the time of purchase, so it’s strongly recommended that you declare all relevant conditions upfront to ensure you have the cover you need.
Yes, wheelchairs and mobility aids are covered under most mid-range and comprehensive seniors travel insurance policies (subject to standard exclusions and single item limits). But if your wheelchair or mobility equipment is of high value, it’s worth checking whether the standard item limit is sufficient and notifying your insurer if additional cover is required. It’s also important to note that if an airline is liable for damage to your wheelchair or mobility equipment, travel insurance will not provide a duplicate reimbursement for the same loss.
Some insurers automatically include dependent grandchildren travelling with you at no extra cost, provided they are under the specified age limit, not in full-time employment, and listed on the policy. Age limits and eligibility conditions vary between insurers, so it’s worth checking the specific terms of any policy you’re considering. Additional terms and conditions may apply, so always refer to the Policy Wording for your insurer’s full definition of a dependant.
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