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

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. Mozo does not compare the entire market. Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits.
Last updated 17 April 2025 Important disclosures
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    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: MOZO2025. T&Cs apply, go to site for full detail.

    Details
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Gold Plus
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose $0 or Unlimited

    Specialist Travel Insurance for those with pre-existing medical conditions (T&Cs apply). No upper age limits. Unlimited medical cover available with 24/7 emergency medical helpline. Unlimited cancellation cover available. Fast online quote process.

    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). 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
  • Discovery Ultimate
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose up to $40,000

    Unlimited emergency medical treatment abroad for up to 12 months. Travel Delay expenses up to $2000 per traveller. Optional cover for cancellation or trip interruption up to $40,000. Emergency Assistance team is available 24/7 to support you in the event of an emergency while travelling.

    Details
  • Gold
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose $0 or $12,000

    Specialist Travel Insurance for those with pre-existing medical conditions (T&Cs apply). No upper age limits. Unlimited medical cover available with 24/7 emergency medical helpline. Up to $12,000 cancellation cover available. Fast online quote process.

    Details
  • Explorer
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose up to $40,000

    Enjoy the benefits of unlimited emergency medical treatment abroad for up to 12 months. Travel Delay expenses up to $2,000 per traveller. Optional cover for cancellation or trip interruption up to $40,000. Emergency Assistance team is available 24/7 to support you in the event of an emergency while travelling.

    Details
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    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. Winner of Mozo's Experts Choice 2024 Travel Insurance Company of the Year award^.

    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.

    Details

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.