Top concerns revealed for seniors travelling abroad

A traveller reading a book in an airport lounge with his luggage by his side

Nearly three-quarters (74%) of Aussies over 50 are planning their next holiday, but the latest Travel Trends Report , commissioned by Australian Seniors, shines a light on the emerging concerns our ‘golden oldies’ have.

Two-thirds of the 1,000 Australians over 50 surveyed said their last big trip was at least three years ago, if not longer. In that time, a lot has changed. 

According to the Travel Trends Report, the front-of-mind issues for seniors are the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and caution surrounding their health and well-being while away from home.

The top travel concerns for seniors include:

  1. The war in Ukraine (74% plan to avoid Eastern Europe) 
  2. Hospitalisation or needing local medical services (68%) 
  3. Unexpected medical costs (65%)
  4. War and terrorism (64% plan to avoid Turkey and the Middle East)
  5. COVID-19 lockdowns (63% plan to avoid Hong Kong, China, and South Korea)
  6. Accidents (59%)
  7. COVID-19 infection (54%)
  8. The outbreak of a new virus or disease (41%)

The survey also found that attitudes towards travel insurance have changed, as “around 90% of seniors wouldn’t feel comfortable travelling abroad without travel insurance up their sleeve.” 

Three in five (58%) said they were more likely to secure a travel insurance policy now than in 2020, with only 2% saying they would be less inclined. 

The top-ranked reasons that survey respondents said they would get travel insurance include:

  • Health cover (31%)
  • General peace of mind (19%)
  • COVID-19 related cover (16%)
  • Cancellation cover (12%)
  • Accident cover (11%)

Mozo compares travel insurance for seniors and gives you an at-a-glance overview of what policies cover, including COVID-19 medical and cancellation, limits on overseas hospital costs, and limits on cancellation cover. 

The guide section and FAQs could be a good place to start if you’re one of the over 50s considering getting back out there to see the world post-lockdown. 

Otherwise, take a look at the seniors' travel insurance policies below to start comparing what’s on offer right now.

Compare seniors-friendly travel insurance policies with Mozo

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Last updated 30 October 2024 Important disclosures
  • International Travel Insurance
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    $5,000 limit per policy with option to increase limit

    Get protection in a few simple steps with Freely travel insurance all in the palm of your hand. Freely Travel offers 24/7 emergency and medical support, 24/7 customer service. Plus, you can tailor your policy so you only pay for what you need, and adapt your cover in near real time. Add-ons such as car rental excess, snow sports or other activities also available. Receive 10% off your travel insurance policy with promo code: MOZO10. T&Cs apply, go to site for full detail.

    Details
  • Comprehensive
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    No
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Unlimited

    Enjoy unlimited medical cover and 24/7 emergency assistance services when you travel. Get unlimited cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses. Cover for luggage and travel documents. $5,000,000 personal liability cover.

    Details
  • Top
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Unlimited

    Be covered for international overseas and medical expenses. Emergency medical assistance 24 hours/365 days a year. Cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits. Cover for luggage and personal money. Dependents covered free of charge (conditions apply). Limited COVID cover available. Cancellation cover for COVID claims limited to $3,500.

    Details
  • Comprehensive
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    No
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose $0 to Unlimited

    Australia Post International Comprehensive Travel Insurance covers overseas medical expenses, cancellation costs and more (T&Cs apply). Save 10% on your policy before 01/12/24 with promo code TRAVEL10. T&Cs apply. Optional extras like cover for existing medical conditions and winter sports available. 24/7 emergency support. Get a quote in minutes. Reduce your premium with variable excess. Policies may not be available to all travellers. Australian Postal Corporation ABN 28 864 970 579 (AR No 338646) is the distributor of Australia Post Travel Insurance.

    Details
  • Comprehensive
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose $10,000 to Unlimited

    Backed by the NIB, one of Australia’s largest travel insurance providers, Travel Insurance Saver brings you peace of mind on your travels. Compare three tiers of insurance cover, featuring benefits like 24 hour emergency assistance, emergency medical cover, luggage cover, cancellation cover and more.

    Details
  • International Comprehensive Single
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose $2,500 to Unlimited

    Enjoy the security of single trip cover on your next holiday with Southern Cross Travel Insurance. Get 24 hour emergency assistance, cover for cancelling or changing your journey before you leave, protection for lost, stolen or damaged goods as well as cover to replace lost or stolen cash, banks or travel documents. Be in to win 1 of 5 $1,000 cash prizes! T&Cs Apply. Offer ends 30 September 2023.

    Details
  • Standard
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    No
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    $25,000

    Get the security of unlimited medical cover and 24/7 emergency assistance services when you travel. Get cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses. Cover for luggage and travel documents. $2,500,000 personal liability cover.

    Details
  • Basic
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    No
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    No

    Australia Post Basic International Travel Insurance can help protect you against expensive overseas medical or dental bills. Choose your excess. Choose between a single trip and an annual multi-trip coverage. Add optional extras cover for existing medical conditions (T&Cs apply). Enjoy 24/7 support. Get a quote in minutes. Save 10% on your policy before 01/12/24 with promo code TRAVEL10. T&Cs apply.

    Details

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