Do seniors need travel insurance?
Russian compulsory medical insurance (OMS) does not work abroad, and medical care for tourists is paid almost everywhere. For older travellers this matters even more: a sudden spike in blood pressure, a heart problem or a fall on a slippery hotel staircase can end in hospital. Travel medical insurance (known in Russia as VZR) pays for emergency care, prescribed medicines and, if necessary, transport home.
If you travel on a visa, insurance is mandatory regardless of age. For a Schengen visa you need at least EUR 30,000 of cover for the whole Schengen area and the whole trip. Visa-free countries do not formally require a policy, but it is not worth risking your own money.
Why age affects the price
Insurers set their rates with age in mind: older travellers pay higher loading factors, and some insurers restrict certain programmes by age. Age is usually counted on the start date of the trip. That is why the same trip can cost noticeably different amounts with different companies, and some programmes for older ages will simply not appear in the calculator.
Comparison helps here: the calculator at polisre.ru only shows offers available for the age you enter, so you immediately see the difference in price and terms.
Which options to choose
- Chronic conditions. Without this option a flare-up of an existing illness (hypertension, diabetes, joint disease) is usually not covered. With it, the insurer pays for treating the acute episode.
- Early return. Useful if you have to cut the trip short because a close relative falls ill at home.
- Relative's visit. If you are in hospital for a long time, the insurer arranges for a close person to come.
- Flight after treatment. A ticket home if hospitalisation made you miss your flight.
- Emergency dental care and accident cover — optional.
If you plan a sanatorium or thermal spa stay, remember that spa treatment itself is not paid by insurance; the policy is for sudden illness or injury.
How to choose the sum insured
For nearby visa-free destinations many travellers choose USD 30,000–50,000; for long-haul countries with expensive medicine, a higher sum. The older the traveller and the more expensive local medicine, the more sensible it is to have a margin. For a visa, check the consulate's minimum, for example on the insurance for a visa page.
Be honest in the application
Do not hide known conditions. If an illness existed before the trip and the "Chronic conditions" option was not selected, the insurer may refuse to pay. Planned treatment, check-ups and medicines you take regularly are not covered — bring a supply with you.
What to take with you
- The policy in electronic form and on paper, in case your phone battery dies.
- A medical summary of chronic conditions and a list of medicines with their international names — this makes things easier for a doctor abroad.
- A supply of regular medicines for the whole trip plus a few extra days.
What to do if something happens
First call the assistance company — the insurer's service provider; the phone number is in your policy. Describe the situation and you will be referred to a clinic the insurer works with. Do not pay for treatment yourself without approval, and keep all documents, prescriptions and receipts. More details are in the "Insured event" section.
How to buy a policy online at polisre.ru
- Enter the country, dates and age of each traveller in the travel insurance calculator.
- Add the options you need, above all "Chronic conditions".
- Compare offers from 16 insurance companies — quotes and purchase run through Polis Re's partner, the Cherehapa service.
- Enter details exactly as in your international passport and pay by card.
- The policy arrives by e-mail. It is issued by the insurance company you choose.
Travelling with grandchildren? See insurance for children. If you travel often, an annual policy may work out cheaper.