Why Travel Insurance Matters More After 50
Booking a trip is exciting—packing the bags, planning the itinerary, counting down the days. Yet one detail many travellers skim over is travel insurance. This can be a costly mistake, especially if you’re over 50. As we age, insurers look more closely at health conditions, trip length, and even the type of holiday you’re planning. That’s why it pays to read the fine print, not just the bold headline price.
The Common Traps to Watch For
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
One of the most common reasons claims are declined is undisclosed health conditions. Insurers often define “pre-existing” more broadly than people realise—anything you’ve been treated for, even if it’s under control. If you change medication, even slightly, you should check whether that needs declaring. Kiwi Holiday Insurance allows travellers to apply for cover for pre-existing conditions, provided they disclose them at the time of purchase. Leaving something out could invalidate your cover, so honesty really is the best policy.
Many insurers quietly cap cover or significantly raise premiums once you hit certain age brackets—65, 70, or 75 are common turning points. It can be unsettling to discover your usual insurer won’t cover you for your next big adventure. Unlike many providers, Kiwi Holiday Insurance has no upper age limit, meaning you can keep travelling with cover in place no matter your age.
Adventure and “Everyday” Activities
Policies often exclude activities that sound more adventurous than they feel. A simple e-bike tour, snorkelling off a cruise ship, or hiking on a guided trail may not be automatically included under basic cover. Kiwi Holiday Insurance includes cover for many recreational activities, though it’s still worth checking the list to ensure your chosen holiday pastime is included.
Travel Disruptions & Cancellations
Cancelled flights, weather events, or sudden illness can derail a trip in an instant. Not all policies cover every cause of disruption—some exclude pandemics, natural disasters, or strikes. If you’ve prepaid a cruise or tour, make sure the sums insured match the cost.
Baggage and Valuables Limits
That shiny new smartphone, prescription glasses, or even hearing aids can be surprisingly expensive to replace overseas. Policies usually cap cover for electronics or valuables. Kiwi Holiday Insurance, for example, sets specific item limits for baggage and personal effects, so it’s important to double-check what you’re carrying fits within those caps—or look at adding extra cover if needed.
Cruises and Multi-Country Travel
If your trip includes a cruise, always check the fine print. Some insurers exclude cruises entirely or require a special add-on. Kiwi Holiday Insurance includes cruise cover, which means you’re protected whether you’re at sea or onshore during a port excursion. The same goes for multi-country trips—be sure all your destinations (including transit stops) are covered under your policy.
Double-Check These Before You Buy
Here’s a quick checklist to keep handy before you hit “purchase”:
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Does the policy cover your age bracket?
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How does it define pre-existing conditions, and have you declared everything?
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Are all your destinations, including transit stops, included?
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Does it cover the activities you plan to do?
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Is the medical and evacuation cover sufficient for your destination? (Kiwi Holiday Insurance offers unlimited cover for emergency medical evacuation, a key safeguard in remote or high-cost regions.)
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Does the cancellation cover match the value of your trip?
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What are the baggage and single-item limits?
Tips for Getting the Right Cover
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Compare policies, not just prices. A cheaper option may leave out the very cover you’ll need.
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Call if unsure. Kiwi Holiday Insurance and other reputable providers encourage travellers to phone and clarify—always get advice in writing.
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Declare everything. It may bump up your premium, but it ensures peace of mind.
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Consider multi-trip policies. If you travel several times a year, an annual cover can save money and hassle.
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Use a travel agent. Agents are familiar with which policies suit certain trips, and can be an advocate if things go wrong.
Before You Pack
Travel insurance is the safety net you hope you’ll never need. Yet for over-50s, who may have more complex itineraries and health considerations, it’s one of the most important parts of planning a holiday. Kiwi Holiday Insurance is one option that caters well to older travellers, with cover extending to any age, unlimited emergency evacuation, and built-in cruise protection.
Before you zip up the suitcase, take time to read the fine print and check the details. A few minutes now could save you thousands later—and let you travel with the confidence that you’re properly covered.
