Travel Insurance & Tips
Lost and found
Losing your personal effects when you travel can be expensive and time consuming. Now a simple tag or sticker can help you recover lost possessions.
Yougetitback is a simple, new solution which provides you with tags, stickers and keyrings, each detailing a unique identification number, which is registered to you, with all your contact details held centrally. Anyone finding your lost gadget, keys, wallet, etc, anywhere in the world, can call a freecall numbers and report them found. You are then contacted and advised that your property has been found.
It’s up to you how you get your goodies back, either by courier, arranging to meet the finder, or any other method which suits. Each sticker, tag and keyring is valid for three years.
Yougetitback operates 24/7 and currently protects 10 million items worldwide. If you’re one of the many travellers who often lose their personal belongings, or just want peace of mind when travelling, see what yougetitback can do for you.
Sheila’s UK pension news
Sheila has written in to inform the @boutSeniors online community that if they are British and returning there from Australia for a visit they can receive a full pension whilst in Britain.
Sheila writes: All ex Brits who receive a part pension from the UK should advise the pension people in the UK before they leave as the visit entitles them to a full pension whilst they are there. I didn’t know about this until I had been there over three weeks, when I saw it in a Saga magazine. I immediately contacted the pension people but they said that I would only receive the full pension from the time I had notified them. As this was only another couple of weeks, I therefore ‘missed out’. They said I could state, “Why I hadn’t notified them sooner”. My answer that “I didn’t know” didn’t qualify. So I hope you will be able to ‘tell’ prospective ex Brits in your newsletter.
Air travel companion
Australia’s first travel assistance service makes qualified carers available to escort young, elderly or infirm travellers on long flights, ensuring they travel comfortably and arrive safely.
Registered nurses will accompany your friend or relative from door-to-door, organising assistance with wheelchairs, special seating and medication, as well as providing companionship and other assistance as needed.
At times like Christmas, it can be problematic for families with parents living overseas – not everyone has the time and money to travel over to their parents and then back with them in time for the celebrations. This is a great idea for anyone concerned about their loved ones travelling alone. For more information, click here
Travel insurance Q&A
The complexity of finding the right travel insurance at the right price are made simple and clear by Duncan Rogers from Seniors travel.
Q. Margaret
My husband and I are planning to visit UK and Europe for three months this year. My husband is 81 and will turn 82 whilst we are away. He is on some medication relating to a heart condition but is fit and healthy, attends a gym twice a week and is a keen walker.
Having read the Q&A section of this website, I see a mature age application form for travel insurance needs to be completed. Can you please advise on this and also on how we can obtain competitively priced travel insurance. We may extend to six months. If so, would this be possible and how much would the premium be?
A. Due to your ages and current health issues, you will certainly need to complete the appropriate medical form. There is no standard form, each insurance company has their own form. There are usually two parts, one to be completed by the passenger, and a second part to be completed by your doctor.
Travellers Assistance (Mondial) offer this online at www.travellersassistance.com.au. Premiums can also be gained from this site.
If a pre-existing medical condition exists, they will not permit an extension once you are overseas. You would therefore be better to take out cover for the possible duration (six months) and then if there has been no claim, and you return early, gain refund for the policy difference for the shorter duration. A refund will only occur if there has been no claim. If a claim of any type is made, the six month premium stands. Proof of return, such as your boarding passes for your return flight will be required.
Premiums for such a policy will vary depending on the assessment of the pre-existing medical conditions. Currently base premiums for three and six months stays for travellers 81 years old plus are $1452 and $2239 respectively.
For more information on seniors travel click here
Insurance for South Africa
Gail is visiting South Africa with her mother soon – and wants a quick quote of how much she might need to pay for travel insurance. Duncan from Seniors Holiday Travel shares his reply here.
Q. Gail
We will be traveling to South Africa for 6 weeks and need to know what the travel insurance is going to cost. I will be 52 and my mother is 75. Please could you give me a quote?
A. Travellers Assistance Insurance quotes based on ages provided and with no pre-existing Medical Conditions are:
6 Weeks – 52 years of age $349.00
6 Weeks – 75 years of age $523.00
This policy has a $100 excess which can be removed by payment of an additional $15 per person.
Technology Travel Tips
While guidebooks may be a traveller’s best friend when exploring new and unusual places, sometimes they fall short in providing up-to-date information.
A University of Queensland PhD student is studying the potential of ‘mobile information sharing’. While on the road, people can share their experiences with other travellers electronically.
If you need information in a hurry, instead of hoping to find the right person by chance, this technology means you could be notified when you are near them, or be able to rapidly search travel diaries of relevant people.
It’s not meant to replace guidebooks, travel agents or bulletin boards. The concept, called a ‘social pairing system’, could eventually be used by other types of mobile groups or communities such as business travellers, delivery workers or taxi drivers. People who have a common interest, but have never met before, could easily communicate and share common experiences.
Imagine ‘geo-tagging’, where people leave behind ‘electronic graffiti’ for fellow travellers or other location-based services. It’s just one example of how technology is advancing into every area of ordinary people’s lives. The traveller of the future will have access to more and more information at the press of a button. And how do you find out more information on this amazing technology? By clicking here
Who’ll Look After Fido or Rover?
Who looks after your best friend when you go travelling? Once it was babysitting, but now maybe your main concern when leaving home is that Fido or Rover is well cared for. The Lonely Pets Club may just have the answer.
From dogs and cats, to budgies, chickens, geese and possums, the Lonely Pets Club pet sits them all. The trend to have animals ‘pet sat’ by qualified carers has been booming in America and the United Kingdom for the past 15 years; the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that the number of ‘animal caretakers’ (a category that includes pet walkers and pet sitters) would increase 38 percent between 1990 and 2005. According to a recent Lonely Pets Club survey, the main reason pet owners use a pet sitting service is because they believe their animals are happier at home: 98 per cent cite this to be ‘very important’ or ‘important’.
Other benefits to having animals pet sat include: not having to transport them to and from a boarding establishment; pets are less at risk from contagious diseases and parasites, which can be picked up at kennels and catteries; and pets experience less stress by staying in their own familiar environment than by boarding. So if you’re a pet-owner, you can stop feeling guilty now.
Visit www.lonelypetsclub.com.au or phone 1300 302 895.
England Bound
Q. Ian. I am leaving with my wife for the UK on Emirates on 31 August, intending to stay till 10 October. I am currently 70 years old, with my next birthday on 16 September. I play golf three or four times each week, and I take a 15 to 20 minute walk down and up a hill each morning, to buy a paper.
My pre-existing conditions are: Type 2 Diabetes since at least 1987, well controlled with medication and insulin. I have had my annual visit to the diabetes ophthalmologist and been given a clean bill of health for another year. Because of long term previously uncontrolled glucose levels, I suffer from fairly severe peripheral neuropathy, partially controlled by medication.
I am on a mix of medication for hypertension, and have had about six episodes of atrial fibrillation since 1980, which is controlled by daily medication. I have recently undergone a stress test with a doppler ECG, and the results were satisfactory. I have also had a Hiatus Hernia since about 1980 for which I take Zantac am and pm. I would be very grateful if you could advise me on this.
A. A base policy for you and your wife (assuming she is under 70 years old or less and you purchase your insurance policy prior to your 71st birthday) would be priced at $287 per person. This price does not include pre-existing medical cover.
Travellers assistance will automatically cover you for diabetes if you are Non- Insulin Dependant providing you were diagnosed over 12 months ago and have not had any complications in the 12 months prior to the application for this policy. You must also have a blood sugar level reading between 4 and 10. As your diabetes is controlled by insulin, you may be required to contact the pre-existing medical department on 1800 024 458 to clarify where you stand with your application. You may need to visit your doctor to complete a medical declaration Form. You may also need to speak to them regarding your condition of Peripheral Neuropathy, Atrial Fibrillation and Hiatus Hernia.
Travellers Assistance automatically cover Hypertension provided you do not suffer from a known cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes, which in your situation you do, and therefore you will need to mention this to the pre-existing medical department.
You can view more of these details on www.seniorsholidaytravel.com.au and click on travel insurance. I hope this has provided you with some assistance and if you require anything further, please contact me.
Heart Attack Insurance
Q. Mary. I am really struggling to find a travel insurance company willing to cover my husband's three previous heart attacks. He is aged 68, but in good health now, since they put a stent in one of his arteries early this year. I am 60, and have nothing pre-existing.
A. We deal with Travellers Assistance, who have previously covered some of my client's pre-existing medical conditions of one or more heart attacks. They do charge a fee of $40 to $75 on top of the base premium to cover pre-existing medical conditions and will often add in some certain conditions.
I highly recommend you visit our website - Seniors Holiday Travel and take a look at the travel insurance page.
Travel Insurance For An 84-Year-Old
Q. My mother who has just turned 84 is travelling to the USA (Arizona) for two weeks accompanied by my sister and has been refused travel insurance by two companies. She lives in Tasmania and is becoming quite worried. Can you suggest anyone?
A. The travel insurance company we offer is called Mondial Assistance. Just to give you an idea of the cost for your mother, they generally charge $341 for an 81 to 85 year old to travel to USA for two weeks.
Travel Insurance 80+
Q. My father is aged 83 and travels regularly. So far he has not had a problem getting travel insurance. This time his regular insurance provider will not cover him. I notice from your website that you have access to a company that offers insurance for the 80+ age group. Please let me know how I should go about accessing this travel insurance. Can you help me?
A. We would need to be advised of your fathers pre-existing health conditions he would like assessed for cover. Otherwise if he only requires a base policy, Here is an example of some costs as follows.
Single Travel throughout Australia (no age limit)
5 Days - $66
1 Week - $70
2 Weeks - $90
3 Weeks - $110
Single Travel to New Zealand, Fiji, Norfolk Island & Bali (aged 81 to 85)
5 Days - $1110
1 Week - $123
2 Weeks - $168
3 Weeks - $225
Please note that even when your father turns 86, we are still able to provide him with Travel Insurance as long as he is able to complete a Mature Age Application Form and signed by his doctor (subject to the Medical Boards approval).
Travel Insurance and Car Hire
Q. Marty: We are travelling to New Zealand have taken out an insurance policy to cover any unforseen problems. We are hiring a motorhome and will be in the south island only. In the insurance policy it states we have a $3000 hire car cover and I also took out an extra policy for $2000 which is the total excess the hire company requires up front in case of an accident. Would you advise us to take the offer of $18.00 per day cover that the hire company offer. I believe that we still have to give them the $5000 before pick up and we get it back provided there is no damage. Your assistance with this would be appreciated.
A. It sounds like the insurance you have taken will cover the amount of the excess on the hire vehicle. If so, there is no need to take additional cover with the hire company. You will still have to give a security deposit which will be refunded on return of the vehicle if undamaged. This is usually by a credit card swipe. Check with the hire company as sometimes the funds are frozen from your account, so you will need to make sure your credit limit is adequate to cover the deposit and the rest of your holiday.
Insurance In UK For 75-Year-Old
Q. Heather: My father who is 75 is travelling to the UK in August for 4-6 weeks. He has high blood pressure which is under control. If he has a doctor's clearance, will he be able to get health insurance to cover his return to Australia if he gets ill and approximately what will this cost?
A. Your father will need to complete the medical assessment form and submit it for approval. If they approve his pre-existing medical conditions, then he will have full cover. The insurance company will advise if there is any additional premium. The standard premium for a 75 year old to UK for six weeks is $519.00.
Europe for 8 weeks
Q. Teresa: My dad has just booked a holiday to Europe for two months. His travel agent told him today that insurance for the flights and a two month stay in Europe would cost him $800. He is absolutely gobsmacked as am I. Is this a normal fee for senior travel insurance? Is there an alternative for my dad or should he bite the bullet. I'm not happy about him considering travelling with no insurance coverage.
A. You did not say how old your father is. Premiums quoted are for passengers with no pre-existing medical:
70-74years - 8 weeks to UK/ Europe - premium $491.00
75-79years - 8 weeks to UK/Europe - premium $619.00
If he is older than 79 years, then he will need to complete a medical assessment form and apply for coverage and a premium.
Car Hire Insurance
Q. Peggy: My husband and I are hoping for a holiday in Scotland in June for about a month. Because my husband has Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, although he is in remission just now, will he need any special insurance for both the holiday and car hire and what would the cost be? Also because he is 76 will car hire be a problem?
A. As your husband has a pre-existing medical condition which he requires cover for, he will need to complete a medical assessment form and forward it to the insurance company.
Hiring a car will not be a problem as there are several car hire companies with no age limit for drivers.
-Six Months Insurance for Europe
Q. Larry: I am a 53-year-old veteran tennis player wishing to travel to Europe for six months to play tournaments and maybe to coach. Could you please advise me of what sort of insurance I should be looking for and how much it would cost me.
A. A six-month travel insurance policy is available for Europe at a cost of $724.00. You will have full coverage except for "claims involving participation in sports activities in a professional capacity". If you would like to advise your mailing address, I will forward a brochure. Before you purchase your ticket, ensure you check on your visa requirements.
Travel Insurance in Australia
Q. Myree: Would like to enquire about travel insurance for a married couple aged 72 and 74, self-funded retirees with Senior card and seniors health card. Travelling to Tasmania on the Spirit of Tasmania from Sydney and then back to Melbourne (with a two-day break in Tasmania). Taking car on board and driving back to Sydney.
A. There is no age limit on insurance for travel within Australia. You will have full coverage except for any pre-existing medical condition. Medical cover in Australia is covered by Medicare or your own private fund but cancellation and luggage, etc is covered. You can take a cancellation only plan which is based on a dollar value, e.g. $200 per person cover for $9.00 premium per person. The full policy for five days would be $46 per person.
Travel Insurance Period
Q. Maggie: My husband and I are planning on a trip to Europe next April for a few months(maybe 4-5). We won't be making any exact dates, apart from departure, as we will be staying with relatives and meandering around. My question is about insurance. Is there a flexible policy available or are they all for a pre-determined period before leaving home?
A. Yes, all policies must be taken out for a specific time period but can be extended if you decide to stay longer. For example, if you had taken a policy for two months with our office and later decided to stay on for another month, you just need to contact our office, give the new dates and we extend the policy for that length of time.
