Insurance for the elderly (travelers? medical?)

Jenny, I suspect you'll get lots of feedback to this question. My wife and I have always used Access America for travel insurance when we've traveled outside the USA - mostly to provide medical coverage and medical transport home in the case of a serious accident. We've only had one medical issue (in Australia) that we paid for, submitted the receipts on our return, and were fully compensated. That said, you really need to inspect with the carrier what is considered a pre-existing condition (such as a minor heart attack) to be sure you're not left holding the bag if your Nan has a medical emergency.

I'm not sure if the policies listed are only for US citizens traveling abroad, or if they work both ways, but you might look at www.insuremytrip.com and see what they offer. You can compare lots of policies there. If nothing else, perhaps you can get the names of some companies to contact to see if they offer anything that fits your situation. And you are right, it WILL be expensive. Several years ago, when booking a trip with my parents (in their 70's), I got travel insurance through a company on insuremytrip.com. Because of their ages, though, they ended up getting the insurance that the tour company offered because it was cheaper than an independent company. I hope you will be able to find something that works for you.

I don't know how it works for British subjects but I used American Express (you have to have a card from them, any card, no need for a platinum). The price was very reasonable four years ago, under $15/month. You have to sign up a few weeks in advance to cover preexisting conditions but once you get back home, you can cancel the insurance. It kicks in once you're about 35 miles from home or so. It covers repatriation (they ship you home if you become disabled and also if you die overseas) and is, of course, medical insurance that covers what your own insurance doesn't pay.

Jenny, You mention that she is British and I'm assuming that she is coming from the U.K. If this is the case, I'd suggest that you look into insurance from UK companies. It is quite common for UK citizens to buy insurance when they purchase an airline ticket. I know that British Airways has an option to buy insurance when you purchase a ticket, but I've never looked closely to see what it covers. Hopefully one of the current UK residents can give more info.

Jenny, There are two options you can check into. 1.) Ask your Nan to check with local Travel Agents and full-service Insurance firms in her area, as that would be the best way to obtain travel insurance, given her "pre-existing conditions". It might be a good idea to take along a note from her Physician which states that she's allowed to travel. She will likely have to pay a bit more for the pre-existing conditions. You might mention to her that they'll probably try to sell her not only medical coverage but also trip cancellation and baggage insurance. She can decide which add-ons best fit her situation. 2.) You might check with your local full-service insurance firms, as they may offer "Visitor" insurance. I'm not sure if it's still available, but I've bought "Visitor to Canada" insurance in the past, to cover relatives visiting from the U.S. It tends to be a bit expensive, so I'd suggest that your Nan pursue option 1 if possible. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding and good luck with the insurance!

When my mother visited us in USA we found affordable health insurance on the web. It is available from many USA insurance companies. Do a web search and you will be amazed how many you find We didnt have to make a claim- so cant comment on the company we used

Thank you everyone for your advice and tips, it has been really helpful. It had never occurred to me that we could end up having to foot a bill even if we had the insurance, so I will be diligent in asking questions around her pre-existing condition. I've been calling some local companies like travel-guard, but my mom is going over to visit my Nan in a few weeks so she's going to have a sit down with a UK travel agent and talk about the options they provide as well. If anyone has had a positive or negative experience with any specific companies, I'm open to feedback. Fingers crossed!! Thanks again =)

I always get travel insurance here in Israel for my trips. The HMO's here offer it but it's easiest for me to email my Israeli insurance agent, who emails me back the policy. Perhaps the national health service in the UK has it too. The typical policy includes compensation for lost luggage, etc., but it is mainly for medical - including hospitalization and evacuation back to Israel. Just be sure the coverage is adequate for U.S. hospital charges in case Grandma gets run over by a reindeer. I pay about $15 plus $2.30/day. I think it goes up after age 70, but even at $5/day or so, it is still a lot less than the other travel expenses.