For that last question, we have a helpful solution: travel insurance.
What's covered? Trip cancelations or interruptions, baggage and personal effects coverage, major medical coverage, accidental death during a flight, or flight accident. Details for these categories will vary per policy.
How long does coverage last? Coverage can be bought as per-trip coverage, multi-trip coverage, or an annual policy.
Travel insurance is important, especially if you're going on an international trip. You can cover accidents, sicknesses, coverage for a ticket and more. Here are some tips for seniors on travel as you plan your getaways in your retirement years:
- Choose destinations that suit your interests and your active levels.
- Check your health insurance and your Medicare Supplement Insurance policies. Are there any covered travel benefits? Do they provide international emergency coverage? Is there medical evacuation coverage?
- Bring medications with you, just in case. It's wise to order a 90 day supply in advance.
- Carry a medical information card with you - your personal details, medications you take, basic medical history. You never know when that will be needed.
- Carry a mini emergency medical kit/first aid kit with you.
- Think about having a pre-trip medical exam, find out if, and what, shots may be required when traveling internationally. See if there are any health risks for traveling there.
- Find a trusted agent to help you with buying travel insurance.
Sources:
- Travel Insurance, Investopedia
- "10 Important Tips for Traveling Seniors", April 1, 2013, Damian Tysdal, Travel Insurance Review