If your main concern is getting hurt or sick overseas rather than losing trip deposits, travel medical insurance is the focused, affordable option.
What is travel medical insurance?
Travel medical insurance is a focused policy that covers emergency medical and dental treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation while you're traveling — without the trip-cancellation and baggage benefits of a comprehensive plan. For seniors, this matters because Original Medicare generally does not pay for care outside the United States, and the limited foreign travel emergency benefit in some Medigap plans caps at a $50,000 lifetime maximum. A standalone travel medical plan can offer far higher limits, often $100,000 or more in medical coverage plus $250,000 to $1 million in evacuation. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP at 1-800-633-4427 to see how it fits your trip.
Who should choose medical-only coverage?
Travel medical insurance is the right fit when your trip costs are refundable or modest, but you still want protection against a costly overseas emergency. It's typically much cheaper than comprehensive travel insurance because it drops cancellation and baggage benefits. Seniors visiting family abroad, taking extended stays, or traveling on flexible bookings often prefer it. If you have a large amount of prepaid, non-refundable trip cost, a comprehensive plan that adds cancellation coverage may serve you better. Comparing both options ensures you don't pay for benefits you won't use — our licensed team can help you decide.