According to some recent New Zealand surveys* about travel and seniors in particular, it seems New Zealanders still love to travel and prioritise it in their lives.  It’s no surprise that travel becomes a bigger priority as we mature, as we seek new experiences and endeavour to make more memories.  In fact, findings show that over 60% of Kiwis plan to travel overseas in the next 12 months. and around two-thirds of seniors view regular travel as a very or extremely important part of our lives. 

Whether that's planning a holiday to visit family or ticking off the biggest dreams on your bucket list, planning where to go and new experiences are all part of the fun – but finding the right travel insurance is also an important part of planning your trip, too.  

Outside of money, the second biggest consideration we factor in when deciding on travel plans is our safety and  our health while on holidays. Our biggest fears when it comes to health and safety include dealing with unexpected medical costs, having inadequate travel insurance, and being hospitalised while travelling. 

The good news is that most of us take active steps to prepare for our health and safety before we embark on a trip, most commonly by getting vaccinated and making sure our prescription medications are filled. Furthermore, around nine in ten of us opt for travel insurance for international holidays, while only a quarter get covered for domestic trips. 

So we asked our Travel Insurance Partner Cover-More to answer some questions about their travel insurance cover for seniors, including the question of pre-existing medical conditions. 

See their answers below and if you have others, we would love to hear about them in the comments below. 

Please remember this article is informational only and should not be considered medical or insurance advice.

*Survey Sources: The Grey Nomads Report 2024 & Southern Cross, third Future of Travel study 2024

Cover-More's senior travel insurance questions answered 

Does Cover-More offer seniors travel insurance cover?

Finding the right travel insurance in your senior years can seem tricky, but it doesn’t have to be.

At Cover-More, we offer a range of travel insurance plans. Rather than a dedicated seniors travel insurance plan, we offer comprehensive travel insurance plans with world-class medical assistance to support our mature travellers if something goes wrong on their trip. So, if you’re over 65 you can choose the best plan for you from our range of options.

Whether you’re looking for domestic travel insurance for seniors, seniors travel insurance cover for cruises, or seniors travel insurance cover for a round-the-world adventure, we can help protect your holiday.

Can I get Cover-More travel insurance if I have existing medical conditions?

Don't let an existing medical condition* (EMC) stop you from seeing the world.

At Cover-More, we offer automatic cover for a variety of existing medical conditions (subject to requirements) with our policies. So, if you have an EMC, and, for example, take medication to keep that condition in check, it doesn’t mean you can’t purchase travel insurance.

You can find the full list of EMCs we automatically cover here.

If your existing medical condition is not listed, we still may be able to cover you. To find out, complete our online assessment form when you generate a quote.

It's always very important to read the Policy Wording for full details and conditions.

How do I disclose an existing medical condition to Cover-More?

It’s always important to disclose any and all existing medical conditions (EMCs) to us before buying your Cover-More travel insurance policy. Claims which relate to, or are exacerbated by an EMC, are excluded from cover unless they were approved by us.

Failing to advise an EMC means you run the risk of your claim being denied – which could leave you out of pocket if something goes wrong on your holiday.

Fortunately, it’s extremely easy to disclose any EMCs. When completing your quote online, answer all the questions correctly and tell us about your existing conditions via our online health assessment. This will determine if we can provide coverage for your EMC for an additional premium. 

Is seniors travel insurance cover more expensive?

There are many factors that determine the cost of travel insurance. This can include the region you’re travelling to (as some countries are riskier than others and may cost more for medical care), your trip duration, the level of cover you choose, the level of cancellation cover and excess you choose (where applicable), existing medical conditions, and extra coverage for activities such as riding motorcycles, skiing, and more.

Age is also a factor that determines how much you pay for travel insurance. The older you get the higher your risk of health issues, and your travel insurance premium is influenced by age groups that present a higher risk. The combination of these factors influences the premium we calculate to cover the risk, which is why you may find seniors travel insurance cover to be more expensive.