Parents With Health Issues? You Must Know About Senior Citizen Travel Insurance

Your senior citizen parents have recently retired from their work. After working hard for years and earning enough money, they want to see the world. However, the only thing holding them back is the risk of contracting age-related illness while on a trip. But worry not; with international travel insurance, they get not only financial coverage to deal with medical uncertainties but also mental peace, knowing they have access to the best hospitals at their travel destination. 

Does travel insurance cover existing health issues?

When your parents turn 60, their bodies may weaken and become susceptible to various health-related issues. They may develop diabetes, arthritis, or chronic heart disease. However, if they fall ill due to pre-existing health conditions while on a trip abroad, the insurer is not liable to pay the medical bills. They would need to cover those expenses themselves. 

Why opt for Senior Citizen Travel Insurance?

1. Hospitalisation Expenses

Each country has different climatic conditions and its own traditional food and culture. For example, if your parents travel to Australia during June, July, or August, they can experience winter here on this continent.

Similarly, when comparing our country’s food with that of Western nations, they won’t find people eating chapatis, rice, or lentils for lunch.

This dietary change may negatively impact their stomach, while the temperature change can harm their overall health. If their condition requires hospitalisation, the insurer will cover the related expenses.

2. Coverage for Accident

Accidents are unavoidable. No matter how much preparation your parents undertake, they cannot foretell when someone might come driving from the wrong lane and hit their vehicle, leaving them injured. Travel insurance takes care of such injuries by covering related medical bills.

Note: Insurers won't cover medical expenses incurred while participating in adventurous activities like paragliding, bungee jumping, water skiing, etc.

3. Medical Evacuation

If you have planned a trip to a remote location abroad for your parents where there are no proper medical facilities, and unfortunately, your parents fall sick, the insurer will make necessary arrangements to transport them to a nearby city where they can receive proper medical care. They will also take care of all the evacuation-related expenses.

4. Dental Treatment 

While on a trip, treatment expenses are reimbursable if your parents develop a medical condition in their teeth or jaws due to sensitivity or poor eating habits. Additionally, the expenses are covered if they sustain a tooth injury in an accident.

Other Coverage that Travel Insurance Offers 

1. Trip Cancellation: If your parents cancel their holiday due to unexpected events, such as a family medical emergency or sudden illness, your travel insurance plan will compensate them for non-refundable expenditures like flights and accommodation.

2. Flight Delays: Should your parents' flight be delayed or they miss a connecting flight, their travel insurance policy can cover additional expenses like accommodation, meals, and transportation while they wait for the next flight.

3. Emergency Assistance Services: Travel insurance often includes 24/7 assistance services to help policyholders find local medical facilities, legal assistance, or other emergency support. Your parents can avail of this facility when they are far from home.

4. Personal Liability: If your parents mistakenly cause injury to someone or damage property while travelling, insurance can cover legal expenses and compensation claims, protecting them from significant financial liability.

Travel Tips for Senior Citizens 

Now that you know the relevance of travel insurance, let's look at some essential tips.

1. Pack all important prescribed medications in their original containers with clear labels to avoid issues with customs clearance and ensure your parents have enough for the trip.
2. Book a consultation with the doctor before your parents leave for a trip to discuss any health concerns or adjustments needed for their medications in different climates or time zones.
3. Dehydration can exacerbate health issues, especially during long flights. Advise your parents to drink plenty of water and avoid heavy caffeine or alcohol consumption.
4. Research the destination's healthcare facilities and emergency services before your senior citizen parents' departure, and keep contact details handy in case of medical emergencies.
5. Ask them to wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking, as exploring unfamiliar terrain can be challenging for feet and joints.
6. Request them to be cautious in crowded tourist spots and public transport to reduce the risk of falls or accidents, which can be more harmful at an older age.
7. Advise them to wear hats and sunglasses and apply sunscreen to protect against UV rays, especially in sunny destinations where sun exposure can lead to skin damage.

Conclusion

If you are planning a trip for your parents, obtaining a senior citizen travel insurance plan is highly recommended, even if the country you wish to visit does not mandate it. However, remember that this insurance does not cover expenses related to declared or undeclared pre-existing conditions. Therefore, before purchasing coverage, it is advisable to read the policy’s fine print. If you have doubts about understanding any clause, contact your insurer immediately to seek clarity.

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