Special Insurance Considerations for Senior Citizens

Yesterday I wrote about travel insurance being a must. Another consideration, if you depend primarily on medicare for your medical insurance, is what might happen if you have a health emergency while on a cruise in foreign waters?

Many people are unaware that the Social Security Medicare/Medicaid Program does not provide coverage for hospital or medical expenses incurred outside the United States.

For travelers who are injured or who become seriously ill overseas, obtaining medical treatment and hospital care can be very costly and difficult. A serious medical expense or a medical evacuation can easily cost $20,000 to $75,000, depending on your location and condition.

Combining medical benefits with the travel policy is a wise decision for those who are covered by Medicare. The plan we selected from TravelGuard provides $25,000 in medical coverage and $500,000 for evacuation services, if required.

I can't even imagine the cost of evacuation, if you had to be transported from the ship while midway between Barcelona and Miami. I'm glad I don't have to worry about it.