Part of the Planning is Making Sure Things Go Smoothly
Insurance doesn’t seem like a subject that fits in when you’re planning a destination wedding. Whether your plans include heading to a Caribbean island or the Amalfi Coast of Italy, you’re focused on the logistics and details of planning a wedding away from home and dreaming about the day, probably with a lot of help from Pinterest. Insurance for the trip is likely pretty far from your first thought. Here’s why you might want to consider it.
Severe Weather Can Affect Multiple Regions at One Time
It’s not pleasant to think about, but if you’re planning a wedding in the Caribbean, your plans might be affected by a hurricane or tropical storm, either at the wedding location or at home. Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30 each year and peaks in September and October, and once a storm has formed, it’s too late to buy coverage.
Traveling Worry-Free is One Thing You Can Check Off Your List
Typically, a comprehensive plan will offer a variety of benefits covering a wide range of concerns. If something comes up and you need to head home early, a comprehensive plan may help reimburse you for the unused portion of your trip. Flight delay, baggage loss or damage, 24-hour assistance and some travel medical coverage are also included in comprehensive plans.
Coverage is Key – Buying Early Helps Maximize Your Choices
Trip Cancellation and Cancel for Any Reason coverage are two of the most popular benefits used by travelers. A destination wedding or a honeymoon often involves a big investment – you want to protect that investment. Every plan is different and will have a varying list of covered reasons for standard trip cancellation insurance.
If you are concerned that the reasons listed as covered reasons to cancel may not be enough, consider optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage when choosing a plan. Cancel for Any Reason reimburses up to 75% of the trip cost for cancellation due to any reason at least two days prior to departure. This benefit must be purchased within 7-21 days of your initial trip payment, which is important to know if your wedding date is a year or two out and you’re booking arrangements now.
Tip for Parents – You Can Buy Insurance for Gifted Travel
If you’re the parents of the bride or groom, you may be thinking about insurance before they do if you’re giving a gift of travel. Unlike other types of insurance, you can purchase a travel insurance plan for someone else. You will need basic information about the travelers like their age, gender, home address and birthdates. Don’t feel like you have to wait until after you give the gift to insure it. As soon as any non-refundable part of a trip is booked, whether for a destination wedding or a honeymoon, you can purchase a plan to cover it.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article serves as a general overview of benefits and should only be used for informational purposes. Refer to your individual certificate of insurance for specific coverages, exclusions and benefits. When in doubt, please contact one of our licensed agents for additional assistance.
These are the types of questions we get every day from concerned travelers. At InsureMyTrip, the health and safety of travelers is our primary concern. We recognize the need to educate travelers about this topic and explain what travel insurance benefits may provide the maximum safeguard and protection available.
What is Ebola?
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a rare but severe disease that can be carried in people and nonhuman primates. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the Ebola virus is spread through direct contact with:
Bodily fluids of a person who is sick, has died or has recovered from Ebola
Object contaminated with body fluids from a person sick with Ebola
Infected fruitbats or nonhuman primates
Someone who contracts Ebola will not show signs or symptoms right away, and the disease cannot spread until after an infected person has developed symptoms of the illness.
Symptoms for Ebola Virus Disease may appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after contact. Many common illnesses can have the same symptoms as Ebola, and diagnosing the disease can be difficult.
How Can Travelers Protect Themselves?
In the United States, Ebola is a very rare disease. The only cases of Ebola within the U.S. were first contracted in other countries and later spread via human to human transmission.
Travelers visiting an affected area should avoid coming in contact with blood and bodily fluids. This includes any items that may have come in contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids such as clothing, bed linens, needles, or medical equipment. The CDC also suggests avoiding funeral or burial rituals that require the handling of the body.
Presently, there are no FDA approved vaccines to prevent the Ebola virus. An experimental vaccine called rVSV-ZEBOV is currently not commercially licensed but has so far been shown to be safe and protective against the Ebola Virus. Research for the vaccine is ongoing, and the CDC expects FDA licensure in 2019.
Trip Cancellation
A few travel insurance policies offer travelers the option to cancel a trip in the event the CDC issues a travel warning to their destination prior to departure. Trip cancellation coverage is available provided there were no CDC issued warnings for their destination before purchasing the policy.
This coverage protects pre-paid non-refundable expenses, including penalties, fees, and other costs that may be incurred due to cancellation. To be eligible for these benefits, the warning must be in effect during your dates of travel.
For assistance finding the right plan with this coverage, we strongly encourage you to call our licensed travel insurance agents at 1-800-487-4722.
What if the Airline Cancels Due to an Outbreak of Ebola or if the Flight has to be Quarantined?
Each airline may handle this process differently. Typically, the airline would reimburse a traveler or try to book them on an alternative flight if possible.
Comprehensive plans do offer coverage for quarantine, but each company writes the coverage differently, so be sure to call or check the certificate for the exact language.
What if I am Nervous about Going on the Trip and Want to Cancel?
There is an optional travel insurance benefit called Cancel for Any Reason that allows travelers to cancel a trip for any reason, including concern over the Ebola outbreak. The CFAR benefit allows travelers to cancel a trip for any reason and receive reimbursement of up to 75% of their insured trip cost.
To add CFAR coverage to your policy, you’ll need to match specific eligibility requirements – you can find them on InsureMyTrip.
How am I Covered if I Contract the Ebola Virus?
Your plan may cover you if you or someone traveling with you, as long as they are named on the policy, contracts Ebola while on the trip and requires medical attention.
Travel insurance can help provide coverage for unforeseen illnesses or injuries that occur while you are on your trip.
If the Ebola Virus is contracted while on your covered trip, your insurance provider would coordinate with the CDC to ensure you are receiving adequate treatment. However, each insurance company is handling this situation on a case by case basis.
Can I Get Evacuated Back Home if I Contract the Ebola Virus?
At this time, only the CDC has appropriate transportation means to evacuate someone who has contracted the Ebola Virus. Travel insurance may provide assistance with health care and emergency transportation cost.
If you are traveling to an area of the world that is experiencing an outbreak, be sure to look into travel medical coverage and medical evacuation coverage specifically.
We always recommend traveling safely and with as much knowledge as possible. Knowing the area of the world to which you are visiting and reviewing any CDC travel notices are a great place to start. Consider purchasing travel insurance that will cover you for any possibility that may fit your situation.
Is Ebola Covered Since It’s a Pandemic?
Typically, epidemics and pandemics are excluded under most policies. Each policy is different though, so please check the policy certificates, including the section listing exclusions accordingly.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article serves as a general overview of benefits and should only be used for informational purposes. Refer to your individual certificate of insurance for specific coverages, exclusions and benefits. When in doubt, please contact one of our licensed agents for additional assistance.
New York City officials recently declared a public health emergency and ordered mandatory vaccinations to stop an outbreak of measles in parts of Brooklyn. According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2019 there have been confirmed cases of measles in 19 different states. This is the second-greatest number of cases reported in the United States since measles was eliminated in 2000.
Measles is a highly contagious virus. A simple cough or sneeze can spread the virus into the air, where it can remain suspended in the airspace for nearly two hours. Overall, the United States has a high vaccination rate against measles, and much of the population is protected by herd immunity. Most cases of measles in the U.S. result from an unvaccinated person traveling internationally. With measle outbreaks on the rise both domestically and abroad, there are steps travelers can take to protect themselves and those around them.
What is Measles?
Measles is an infectious virus that is highly contagious. The symptoms of measles generally appear one or two weeks after a person is infected. Measles typically begins with
High fever
Cough
Runny nose (coryza)
Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Two to three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots may appear in the patient’s mouth. Fever and a rash of flat red spots break out typically after three to five days. (Source: CDC)
How Can Travelers Protect Themselves?
If travel plans bring you to an outbreak area and you or a traveling companion has not been vaccinated, there is an extreme risk of contracting measles. Up to 90% of people who come in contact with a contagious person will also become infected if they are not immune to the virus.
For travelers taking domestic trips, they should follow the CDC recommended vaccination schedule. The CDC recommends that children get two doses of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The first dose starts at 12-15 months, and the second dose should be between ages 4-6. For adults who do not have evidence of immunity, the CDC recommends at least one dose of the MMR vaccine.
For travelers going abroad, the CDC suggests an expedited schedule. Babies should receive their first dose between 6-11 months and a second dose between 12-15 months. Infants who receive a dose before they are at least one year old should receive a third dose, and all vaccinations should be at least 28 days apart.
If you are traveling to the outbreak area with young children or unvaccinated companions, comparing travel insurance plans is a good idea. Most providers will have plans that cover all children traveling with you. Some, however, do not cover any child under the age of 6 months, so read the details of the plan you purchase carefully. Because children are most at risk for contracting the measles, you’ll want to insure them as well as you.
Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR)
Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) provides greater flexibility than a standard travel insurance policy, enabling travelers to cancel a trip due to fear of an outbreak. The CFAR benefit allows travelers to cancel a trip for any reason and receive up to 75% of their trip cost returned. To add CFAR coverage to your policy, you’ll need to match certain eligibility requirements – you can find them on InsureMyTrip website.
Trip Cancellation
Trip cancellation coverage may apply if someone traveling has been diagnosed with measles after insurance has been purchased and cannot travel. With a doctor’s note, a traveler can file a claim with their provider to get a refund on the trip cost covered by the plan.
Medical Coverage
Your plan may also cover you if you or someone traveling with you contracts measles while on the trip and needs to be hospitalized or evacuated.
We always recommend traveling safely and with as much knowledge as possible. Know the area of the world to which you are visiting, review the CDC travel notices, and consider purchasing travel insurance that will cover you for any possibility that may fit your situation.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article serves as a general overview of benefits and should only be used for informational purposes. Refer to your individual certificate of insurance for specific coverages, exclusions and benefits. When in doubt, please contact one of our licensed agents for additional assistance.
The current deadline for Real ID enrollment is May 7, 2025. The deadline has been postponed several times and was previously May 3, 2023.
Real ID: What You Need to Know
In 2005, the U.S. Congress passed the Real ID Act which “set standards” for state-issued identification documents, such as a driver’s license. It prohibits federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), from accepting non-compliant identification. Once this goes into effect, travelers must have the Real ID or another TSA-approved ID to pass through a TSA checkpoint. The deadline for REAL ID enforcement is May 7, 2025.
What is Real ID?
The Real ID is an identification card that meets the standards laid out by the U.S. government in the Real ID Act of 2005. It is legislation that was passed by the 9/11 Commission is being rolled out by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Which States Require Real ID to Fly?
All states and territories will be required to issue the Real ID or an adequate alternative to their citizens. All residents from these states must have a Real ID or a TSA-approved ID to pass through a TSA checkpoint.
How Do I Get a Real ID?
According to the DHS website, you can obtain the Real ID from a state DMV. You will need to present documentation showing:
full legal name
date of birth
social security number
two proofs of address to principal residence
lawful status
States may have additional requirements. Make an appointment with your local DMV and be sure to bring all necessary documents when you attend.
What Does Real ID Look Like?
The Real ID driver’s license looks very similar to your current driver’s license, except it includes a new star icon on the top right corner or edge. Below are examples of the icon that could appear on your Real ID. It will vary by state.
Will Real ID Replace a Passport?
No. If you are traveling outside of the United States, you will still need a passport or passport card. However, a valid passport or TSA-approved ID is an acceptable alternative for the Real ID.
Can I Use an Enhanced Driver’s License in Place of a Real ID?
Yes. Washington, Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota and New York issue enhanced driver’s licenses (EDL). They will serve as an acceptable alternative to the Real ID-compliant cards. EDL’s will be accepted by the TSA and other government agencies as official identification and meet the real ID requirements.
How Did Brexit Affect Travel Insurance for U.S. Travelers?
Brexit had minimal impact on how travel insurance works for U.S. citizens visiting the United Kingdom and European Union. U.S. travelers do not need to purchase separate insurance policies when visiting the UK and then the EU, or vice versa. A single comprehensive policy will generally cover all destinations included in a single trip, regardless of the UK’s EU membership status.
That said, Brexit did mark the end of automatic alignment between UK and EU travel policies. As a result, travelers should pay close attention to entry requirements and healthcare systems when planning multi-country trips across the UK and Europe.
When Did Brexit Take Effect?
The UK officially exited the European Union on January 31, 2020, followed by a transition period that ended on December 31, 2020. Since January 1, 2021, the UK has fully operated outside of EU structures, including those affecting border control and travel policy.
How Has Travel Insurance Changed Post-Brexit?
While coverage for Americans traveling to the UK or EU remains broadly consistent, there are some administrative differences post-Brexit. For example, medical systems in the UK and EU now operate independently, so policies that rely on local healthcare access may differ between regions.
What Should UK Citizens Consider When Buying Travel Insurance?
Post-Brexit, UK travelers may no longer have reciprocal access to EU healthcare systems. A travel medical insurance plan is recommended for anyone visiting the EU, particularly for trips longer than a few days or involving high-cost destinations.
Several UK-based insurers now offer Brexit-specific protections such as “travel disruption coverage” that addresses delays or cancellations resulting from new border procedures or travel policy shifts.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa to Visit the EU?
No, UK citizens can still visit most EU countries for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, travel beyond that window may require a visa, depending on the country and purpose of visit.
What Has Changed with UK Passports?
Since 2021, UK passport rules have changed for EU travel. British passports must now have:
At least 6 months of validity remaining on the day of travel
A date of issue less than 10 years before your planned return
These rules apply to travel within the EU and also to associated countries such as Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. They do not apply to travel to Ireland.
Travelers can use the UK government’s passport checker tool to ensure they meet these requirements.
Also note that the EU Pet Passport scheme no longer applies. UK residents traveling with pets to Europe must now follow new procedures. See the full guidance on gov.uk.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article reflects the current post-Brexit travel environment. Travelers should always consult official government websites and review their policy documents carefully. For personalized assistance, contact one of our licensed travel insurance agents.
Once you’ve made the first deposit, it’s time to find travel insurance for your Disney trip. When starting your plan search, you’ll be asked to provide your total trip cost for your Disney vacation – but what does that include?
Most likely, the first time you tally your “total” trip cost for a trip to Disney, you won’t get it right. When purchasing a travel insurance plan, you’ll only be able to cover pre-paid, non-refundable costs. What does that mean? First we need to look at what Disney DOES provide for reimbursement options.
Disney Trip Cost, Refundable Items & Change Limitations
According to a Disney reservation representative, here are the details of reimbursement for a Disney Vacation Package:
You have up to 30 days prior to arrival at Disney to cancel your trip.
Modifications to your trip (change hotel, change dates or meal plan) within 30 days of departure are subject to a $50 change fee.
Canceling your trip within the 30-day window of departure is subject to a $200 penalty.
If you cancel on or after your day of arrival, you forfeit the full amount of your trip.
What does this all mean? GET A SEPARATE TRAVEL INSURANCE PLAN! The cost of a trip to Disney is getting more and more expensive. (Seriously, they have increased their ticket prices again in 2019.) Why risk the possibility of losing the money you invested in your family vacation?
This information also sheds light on what may be considered “insurable” and what isn’t. Below we have listed the travel expenses you’ll most likely have when booking a trip to Disney. With each expense, we clarify how they fit may into your “pre-paid, non-refundable” trip cost to mark when quoting a travel insurance plan.
Disney Package Cost Calculation Should Include Total Amount
As noted above, there comes a point in time when you will no longer be able to get a refund for your Disney Vacation Package. Because of this, you should include the total amount when insuring your Disney vacation. It’s important to note that if you cancel your trip and are provided a refund with fees, your travel insurance may only cover the amount of the incurred fees. You are not able to receive reimbursement for refundable costs. However, if you cancel within the non-refundable period, you’ll be glad you have insured the total cost.
Flight Cost
Several travelers fly on airlines that provide refunds for ticket changes and no cancellation fees. However, if you are traveling on an airline with a non-refundable ticket or does include cancellation fees, you will want to add the flight costs to your travel insurance plan. If you are unsure which type of ticket you purchased, call your airline or review your reservation.
Rental Car Cost
Much like the airline industry, rental car companies have different policies for cancellation. If your rental car company does not provide refunds for pre-paid rentals or has a fee for canceling, you should include the expense in your travel insurance plan. If you aren’t paying until you pick up the car or the rental is refundable with no fees, you shouldn’t add it to your plan.
Additional Entertainment
Orlando is a fun place with so much more to offer than Disney World. Likewise, Anaheim can offer a lot to a family vacation off of the Disney property. Planning to attend any amusement parks, baseball games, or shows on your vacation? If any costs for activities are not included in your Disney Vacation Package, you should double-check whether you would receive a refund. If they are non-refundable and you have an invoice dated prior to your departure, you can add these costs to your total trip cost when buying a travel insurance plan for your Disney trip.
What If You Add to Your Disney Trip Cost After Purchasing a Plan?
After you purchase travel insurance, you may decide to upgrade your room or extend your vacation. Don’t worry! You can increase your total trip cost after you’ve purchased a plan. Sometimes it may increase the premium on the plan – but it can be handled expertly by one of our licensed travel insurance representatives!
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article serves as a general overview of benefits and should only be used for informational purposes. Refer to your individual certificate of insurance for specific coverages, exclusions and benefits. When in doubt, please contact one of our licensed agents for additional assistance.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Packing for a flight can be a challenge due to diminishing room in overhead bins and space in general. We’ve put together a list of tips for not only packing for a flight but also making sure your carry-ons are compact and lightweight. After all, who wants to pay for additional baggage fees when it’s avoidable? Learn how to pack efficiently while saving your precious travel budget.
Airlines have changed since their inception. Everything evolves, but the industry has gone from being a luxurious mode of transportation to flying Greyhound buses filled with sweatpants and headphones. I’m glad smoking was banned, but the ham sandwich dinner option (when there actually is an option) is far from the prime rib dinners of the late 60s. Sure, some airlines offer lavish quarters with lay-down seating, televisions and showers. Yet here we are, spending most of of the time in the middle seat watching a B movie through spotty Wi-Fi as the guy in the window seat asks to exit for the bathroom for the third time in 45 minutes. But then again, the flight only cost $212.00.
Because the cost is so low, we tend to suck it up. That’s the way we’ve convinced ourselves to be okay with minimal leg room and peanuts alongside four hours of confinement. But the minute airlines start dipping into our wallets unnecessarily, we become resentful. It’s difficult to justify paying for that spotty Wi-Fi, and travelers always prefer their bags fly free.
How can you charge a person for flying with stuff? Who could head across the country for two weeks, but not bring anything with them?
So how can airline passengers beat the system? How can travelers give a big “not my bag” gesture to the airlines? Pack smart, pack light, and leverage carry-ons. If you’re like most travelers, you have have no intentions of handing over more money to the airline once you’ve purchased your tickets.
How to Pack for a Flight
1. Buy a Small, Lightweight Carry-On Bag
Treat yourself. Get a fun color, something you’ll love, because this will be your only bag. Make sure the one you select meets TSA guidelines and fits easily in the overhead bin. Samsonite offers high quality luggage for all types of travelers.
2. Don’t Pack Extras
You don’t need that extra jacket; you have a jacket on. Yes, it will be warm enough. You still don’t think so? Then wear the other jacket and leave the lightweight one at home. No, I’m sorry, but if you’re looking to maximize space in your carry-on, you probably can’t bring both.
3. Pack for Half Your Trip
If you’re going for 7 days, pack for 4. Laundry service is typically still cheaper than forking over more money to the airlines.
4. Rubber Bands
You can roll clothes even tighter when you secure them in rubber bands or hair elastics to save even more space in your luggage. But if you plan on rolling your clothing, you should probably master that hotel iron too. For a more organized option, packing cubes can help make the most of your luggage space.
5. Skip the Toiletries
If you’re staying somewhere that doesn’t offer you shampoo, conditioner, soap and face wash, you should step up your travel game. Leave that room in the bag for something else.
6. No Books
Seriously, take a nap or watch a show on the spotty Wi-Fi. Times have changed so now you can easily download a book to your Kindle or tablet. This saves valuable space that bulky books would otherwise monopolize.
7. One Pair of Shoes
You’ll already be wearing one pair of shoes when boarding your flight. How many feet do you have? I know, it seems like a challenge. It’s up to you. For many travelers, it’s not the $35 fee they’re looking to avoid but the principle of being presented low-fares and then hit with non-essential add-ons.
You Decide
Our guide to packing for a flight may just be what your travel game needs. However, if you insist on bringing more than a carry-on on your trip, you may want to consider insuring your baggage to protect against delay, damage, or loss. Whatever you decide, see you in the air! We’ll be in the middle seat enjoying the free pretzel sticks until they take those away too.
Golden Getaways: Exploring Senior-Friendly Destinations
The golden years are some of the best to travel in, to be able to explore new places and discover new cultures. Whilst traveling is enjoyable at any age, not worrying about the stress of work and being able to travel with your grandchildren make some of the best vacations. Whether that be a trip of a lifetime touring the temples of Thailand or relaxing on the beaches of Greece.
Traveling can come with its own challenges, and at InsureMyTrip we’ve created an index that ranks 50 cities worldwide, considering what is important for senior travelers. An overall score for each city allows you to see what we believe is the best city for senior travelers. You can also see how cities rank for each category.
Rank
City / Country
Country
Overall
1
Istanbul,Turkey
Turkey
8.09
2
Athens,Greece
Greece
8.03
3
Rome,Italy
Italy
7.99
4
Bangkok,Thailand
Thailand
7.92
=5
Tallinn,Estonia
Estonia
7.68
=5
Vilnius,Lithuania
Lithuania
7.68
=7
Prague,Czech Republic
Czech Republic
7.61
=7
Riga,Latvia
Latvia
7.61
9
Berlin,Germany
Germany
7.53
10
Helsinki,Finland
Finland
7.50
11
Vienna,Austria
Austria
7.44
=12
Abu Dhabi,United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates
7.42
=12
Lisbon,Portugal
Portugal
7.42
=12
Ljubljana,Slovenia
Slovenia
7.42
=15
Madrid,Spain
Spain
7.41
=15
Tirana,Albania
Albania
7.41
17
Copenhagen,Denmark
Denmark
7.34
18
Zagreb,Croatia
Croatia
7.31
19
Shanghai,China
China
7.30
20
London,United Kingdom
United Kingdom
7.29
=21
Hong Kong,Hong Kong *
Hong Kong *
7.27
=21
Oslo,Norway
Norway
7.27
23
Stockholm,Sweden
Sweden
7.23
24
Budapest,Hungary
Hungary
7.21
25
Belgrade,Serbia
Serbia
7.20
26
Melbourne,Australia
Australia
7.19
=27
Warsaw,Poland
Poland
7.18
=27
Zurich,Switzerland
Switzerland
7.18
29
Doha,Qatar
Qatar
7.15
30
Singapore,Singapore
Singapore
7.14
31
Manama,Bahrain
Bahrain
7.10
32
Amsterdam,Netherlands
Netherlands
7.09
33
Seoul,South Korea
South Korea
7.04
34
Bucharest,Romania
Romania
7.02
35
Toronto,Canada
Canada
7.00
36
Minsk,Belarus
Belarus
6.98
37
Auckland,New Zealand
New Zealand
6.91
38
Sofia,Bulgaria
Bulgaria
6.83
39
Tokyo,Japan
Japan
6.78
40
Colombo,Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
6.77
41
Dublin,Ireland
Ireland
6.75
=42
Paris,France
France
6.73
=42
Sarajevo,Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina
6.73
44
New York,United States
United States
6.69
45
Buenos Aires,Argentina
Argentina
6.66
46
Bratislava,Slovakia
Slovakia
6.59
47
Luxembourg,Luxembourg
Luxembourg
6.50
48
São Paulo,Brazil
Brazil
6.49
49
San José,Costa Rica
Costa Rica
6.44
50
Antwerp,Belgium
Belgium
6.03
Best City for Senior Travelers
The best city for senior travelers is Istanbul Turkey, with an overall score of 8.09, the average quality of things to do at 4.63/5 stars, and the city has just 2,523 people per km². Boasting Mediterranean beaches and ancient cities Turkey is a great place to visit for travelers wanting a bit of everything.
In second place is the ancient city of Athens, Greece with an overall score of 8.03 and over 180 senior tours on offer and an average population age of 45 this city is great for people looking for a more adventurous vacation. In third place is another ancient city, this time the capital of Italy, Rome, with an overall score of 7.99, the average quality of things to do at 4.65/5 stars.
The remaining cities in our top ten are Bangkok, Thailand (7.92), Tallinn, Estonia and Vilnius, Lithuania (7.68), Prague, Czech Republic and Riga, Latvia (7.61), Berlin, Germany (7.53) and Helsinki, Finland (7.5).
Best Cities for Seniors: Tourism
For some tourism is the most important factor when booking a vacation, whether that be requiring a lot of tours to fill the days or highly rated attractions. Sneaking into first place for the best rated attractions is Vilnius, Lithuania with 4.66/5 stars. Boasting a mix of highly rated museums and gardens, Vilnius has a broad range of attractions to enjoy.
Our cities with the highest number of tours are Athens, Greece with 181, Colombo, Sri Lanka with 121 and Rome, Italy with 107. All these tours are designed for people over seventy and can be short one-day tours or up to a weeklong.
Best Cities for Seniors: Wellbeing
Sometimes things don’t always go to plan when traveling, and if medical care is required it’s important to be in a country with a good healthcare system. From the cities analyzed Seoul, South Korea has the highest score on the Numbeo Healthcare Index with a score of 83. We would recommend always purchasing travel health insurance to avoid any unexpected costs when traveling abroad.
Another important element of wellbeing is how peaceful a country is, feeling safe and wandering around is an important factor in picking a vacation. According to the Global Peace Index, New Zealand is the most peaceful country on our list, with a score of 1.27.
Best Cities for Seniors: Mobility
The elevation of a city can be preferable to those who don’t want to walk up steep hills, from our data the city with the least hills is Amsterdam, Netherlands. The city lies 6.6ft below sea level, some of the inclines in the city are the bridges over the extensive canal system.
Public transport is also an important factor for those with less mobility as, when spanning a whole city, it can be a great way to get from attraction to attraction. Of the cities analyzed the one with the highest number of public transport users is Zurich, Sweden whose network uses a mix of trams, buses, boats and trains.
Best Cities for Seniors: Demographics
It can be important when traveling to blend in with those around you, to be a similar age, and not feel too crowded in a small space. Tokyo, Japan has the highest average population age at 49, meaning that the city is more likely to be designed for older travelers. The least crowded city on our list is Bratislava, Slovakia with 1,297 people per km2, making it a less stressful environment to be in.
Methodology
Each data point consists of the latest research available from reputable sources. The data was standardized using minmax normalization. The minmax normalization value is multiplied by 10 to create a score (between 0-10). A score of 10 is always the best result, while a score of 0 is the worst. Each city is then ranked on their overall average rating across all data points which includes both city-level data and three country-level data point.
InsureMyTrip segmented factors into four categories (Tourism, Well-being, Mobility and Demographics). In addition, we’ve provided an “Overall Rating” for each location. The categories were organized in order of the most important and relevant factors while travelling as a senior. As some seniors may struggle more with mobility issues, this gives these seniors an opportunity to target cities that are solely appropriate for this criterion. On the other hand, seniors may be anxious about their health while traveling, hence “Well-being” gives these seniors an opportunity to solely target high performing cities in this category. Alternatively, the “Overall Rating” gives seniors an encompassing view of which cities are the most appropriate across all relevant factors.
Sources
Quality of Things To Do
The average review for the top things to do in each city Google Travel
Choice of Senior Tours
The number of tours aimed at seniors in each city Tour Radar
Healthcare
An estimation of the overall quality of the health care system Health Care Index
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Some credit card companies provide trip cancellation, travel medical, or rental car insurance as a “built-in” benefit. The coverage typically only applies if you use the same credit card to book your vacation or rental car and coverage may be limited. While this can seem like an economical way to secure travel insurance, travelers should be aware that coverage is often minimal, cannot be customized, and may not cover everything you need. Learn more about the difference between credit card travel insurance and comprehensive travel insurance.
Through Your Online Travel Agent or Reservation Website
Oftentimes when you work with a travel agent or book your trip through a reservation website online, you’ll see an option to add travel insurance during checkout. Although this may seem like a seamless way to add coverage to your trip, travelers should know exactly what they are paying for. In many cases, those booking travel are pleasantly surprised by the low cost of coverage and think they’re getting a great deal. Unfortunately, the one-size fits all coverage you receive when clicking the box for travel insurance cannot be customized and leaves you unprotected.
Through a Travel Insurance Provider Directly
Travelers can also choose to buy from one of many insurers directly through their website. While these sites can provide some information and recommendations, each provider only offers their own plans. What’s more is that there’s no way to compare similar plans from other companies if you’re only shopping on one site. Buying directly does not allow travelers to compare pricing and coverage levels. In some cases, direct provider plans leave gaps in the coverage but do not offer supplemental plans to accommodate specific customer needs.
Through a Travel Insurance Comparison Site
With travel insurance comparison site InsureMyTrip, travelers can look for plans from the industry’s top providers all in one place. Customers can also compare plans with varying coverage levels and price points to find the best value for their specific trips. Additionally, travelers shopping on InsureMyTrip have access to thousands of reviews written by fellow customers who actually purchased and used the plans. These reviews can be filtered by provider, specific plan, destination, and even whether or not a claim was filed. The impartial feedback from fellow travelers helps you make an informed decision and find the right plan. Furthermore, InsureMyTrip differs from other comparison sites in that our algorithm uses traveler and trip details to recommend the top-rated and most well-matched plans.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article serves as a general overview of benefits and should only be used for informational purposes. Refer to your individual certificate of insurance for specific coverages, exclusions and benefits. When in doubt, please contact one of our licensed agents for additional assistance.
If you’re shopping for travel insurance online using a comparison website, you might be wondering which site is right for you. Sometimes InsureMyTrip is compared to Squaremouth, but how similar are these two sites really?
Which Comparison Site is Best for You?
While the sites offer some similar functionality, InsureMyTrip features:
More years in business
Unbiased comparison of plans from only our trusted partners
Highly responsive and award-winning customer service, which includes licensed travel insurance agents and a one-of-a-kind Anytime Advocates® program that can provide claims assistance
Strong 3rd Party Ratings
InsureMyTrip puts customers first, and the quality of service and responsiveness of the company sets it apart from others comparison sites. After all, how helpful are customer reviews if a company doesn’t respond and resolve customer issues?
Both InsureMyTrip and Squaremouth have over 30k reviews on the 3rd party review site, ResellerRatings. Both companies have excellent overall scores above 4.5 stars.
While Squaremouth has a higher overall rating, InsureMyTrip is proud to rate higher in the specific categories of Customer Service, Reply Back Rate, and Resolution outreach.
(These ratings are based on data from user reviews and are accurate as of the time of publication. Be sure to check ResellerRatings.com for the current comparison between the two sites.)
While we don’t want travelers to run into any issues, we do want them to feel secure in knowing our Customer Care team is available for them six days a week. Our specialized Anytime Advocates® are in constant communication with the insurance providers and happy to help in the event you need to file a claim. This means you can rest assured that you will have our support before, during, and after your trip.
Accredited by the Better Business Bureau
InsureMyTrip is proud to be accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has received an A+ rating.
Squaremouth is also listed on the BBB listings with an A+ rating.
We Won’t Sell You a Plan You Don’t Need
While some comparison sites return results for the plans that will make them the most money, the licensed agents at InsureMyTrip only provide recommendations that meet the customer’s needs. To put it another way, InsureMyTrip won’t sell you a plan you don’t need – even if the “best” plan for them is “no plan at all.”
Squaremouth features several of their own comprehensive plans that often appear first when customers search for a plan. On the other hand, InsureMyTrip only shows comprehensive travel plans from our trusted providers.
While it’s true that InsureMyTrip does offer its own IMT Travel Accident Plan, this plan is used as an add-on for travelers looking to supplement gaps in accidental death and dismemberment coverage. Additionally, we will not recommend this plan over other providers’ plans.
This “customer first” approach is not just some arbitrary tagline. Rather, it’s a philosophy that has been part of the InsureMyTrip mission since its founding in June 2000.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article serves as a general overview of benefits and should only be used for informational purposes. Refer to your individual certificate of insurance for specific coverages, exclusions and benefits. Please contact one of our licensed agents for additional assistance if you have questions. Please note that InsureMyTrip is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Squaremouth or their products. The information presented in this article is true and accurate as of the time of publication.
Trip Cancellation and Cancel for Any Reason coverage are two of the most popular benefits used by travelers. A destination wedding or a honeymoon often involves a big investment – you want to protect that investment. Every plan is different and will have a varying list of covered reasons for standard trip cancellation insurance.
