Upper age limits on travel insurance - family member illness/death

[Horatio]

Hi

My wife and I will be overseas for a couple of weeks in Europe in April. We each have one living parent (me, dad, 86 - wife, mum, 92). They're both actually in decent shape, so a serious illness or death would be a big surprise. But you never know.

We've been thinking for the first about coverage in case something happens while we're away and we need to return quickly. I know for a fortnight the risks are low, but it's also something that will have more relevance the longer they're around, and if we're able to take a longer trip.

I rang Allianz who provide the policy for our St George credit card, and the cut-off age for family issues was 81. Closer with the AMEX Platinum, where the family member has to be under 91 when the trip commences. Another that a travel agent contact suggested also wouldn't suit. So no coverage for MIL at this stage.

Does anyone have direct experience of a company or policy that will cover family in their 90s if the travellers need to return for illness or injury?

I know there are some similar threads/questions in this forum, but all that I was 8+ years old, so perhaps there is some updated info or experience.

Thanks very much,
Horatio

 

[Beer_budget]

Honestly at those ages, throwing yourselves on the mercy of your airline's compassionate fare policies may be the best/only option available. I'm in a similar boat and that's the best I've come up with, but maybe someone here has a better suggestion.

 

[Seat0B]

I too am in a similar boat - my Mum is 91 and FIL is 95. I have not found any insurer that would cover their ages. So we largely “self insure” this risk by booking all accommodation and local tours with flexible cancellation. We would have to suck it up with a non-refundable safari in Africa booked in April this year, and last year we took the risk on a 14 day cruise. It is clearly a high risk for insurers but I do feel like they are maybe not keeping up with the greater longevity being experienced by our parents’ generation.

ETA and we also book flexible airfares and know the costs of making changes if the airline is not compassionate.

 

[AuSammy]

Knowing no insurer is likely to cover 98yo, we made an effort to spend some quality time before departure and hoped for the best. There are some things that are out of our hands.