Top concerns revealed for seniors travelling abroad

By Jack Dona · · 2 min read
Fact Checked
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.