Senior travellers: why is travel insurance essential for retired travellers?

Your transport and accommodation are booked, and all you can think about is getting to your holiday destination. We understand! However, as a senior citizen, it's essential to take a few precautions, and in particular to take out travel insurance, to ensure that your stay goes as smoothly as possible.
To help you prepare for your trip as a senior citizen, here's a list of things to do and check before you go.

How do you prepare for your trip when you're a senior citizen?

If you're going abroad, the first thing to do is check that your passport and visa are still valid. And, to make sure that your means of payment and mobile phone will work outside Switzerland, contact your bank and telephone operator.

Then, whatever your destination, we recommend that you make copies of all your health documents (blood group card, prescriptions, etc.), travel documents (tickets, reservations, travel insurance, etc.) and identity papers. Keep the originals with you for presentation to the various departments concerned, and keep the duplicates in your suitcase. If you have a smartphone, scan all your documents, save them on the device and send them to your e-mail address.

To ensure that your senior trip goes as smoothly as possible, take along something to keep you busy and comfortable, especially if the journey is long. In a bag, take along a book, a game, a cushion to rest your head, etc. Air-conditioning on planes, trains and buses is sometimes too strong. To avoid catching a cold, remember to pack a sweater or plaid in your hand luggage.

When packing your suitcase, avoid overloading yourself. Don't forget that you'll have to carry it for the whole trip. Choose models with wheels. They're much easier to move, especially when you're a senior citizen.

Finally, take out travel insurance to cover you if necessary.

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What health precautions should senior citizens take when traveling?

Before leaving on a trip, we always advise senior citizens to visit their GP. This allows them to take a health check and, if necessary, be prescribed compression stockings. These prescription medical devices should be worn during air travel because of the pressure, and in any mode of transport where the sitting position is prolonged.  By compressing the veins in the legs, they help to improve blood circulation, eliminating the risk of venous problems.

As a senior citizen, you may be suffering from a chronic illness that requires daily treatment. To cover all eventualities during your trip, take more medication than you need. This way, if your return date from your trip is delayed, you'll have enough to take care of yourself. Your first-aid kit should also include medicines for digestive problems, aches and pains, fever and coughs, as well as a few band-aids and creams to soothe mosquito bites and protect you from the sun.
Find out about the nearest hospital and medical services to your vacation destination, and write down their numbers so you can have them to hand quickly in an emergency.

If you have a hearing aid, it's a good idea to have it checked before you leave, and to take spare batteries with you. And if you wear glasses, pack a second pair.

Is travel insurance for seniors essential?

Travel insurance is highly recommended, whatever your age, and it's essential if you're a senior citizen. As a senior citizen, you're more prone to falls and health problems of all kinds. 
Our travel insurance for seniors covers you all year round, whether you're traveling in Switzerland or abroad.

Essential annual travel insurance from Europ Assistance Switzerland

This annual insurance Essential :

- covers your expenses in the event of cancellation and/or interruption of your stay (transport, accommodation, activities, etc.).
- provides immediate assistance at your vacation destination by organizing repatriation and/or emergency transport.
- covers search and rescue costs.
- manages the loss, theft or destruction of all your travel documents.
- takes care of everything, so you don't have to return home if your home is burgled or flooded while you're away.

>> Discover our insurances without age limit and calculate your premium <<

Comfort annual travel insurance from Europ Assistance Switzerland

This annual Comfort travel insurance policy offers the same services as the Essential travel insurance policy, plus :

- coverage of your medical expenses.
- coverage of your expenses if your trip is cancelled or interrupted because of your pet.
- an exclusive concierge service. As part of this service, you will be given a telephone number for all your travel queries. 

>> Discover our insurances without age limit and calculate your premium <<