My 78-year-old father visited me in Japan. He fell and broke his hip. I called to arrange a medical transport home. Every provider told me: “Sorry, our repatriation coverage cuts off at age 70 or 74.” He was stranded. We had to pay $60,000 out of pocket for a commercial stretcher.
Key Takeaways
- The “75 Cliff”: Most travel insurance and evacuation memberships (like standard Medjet) have a hard age limit of 74 or 75. After this, you are either ineligible or need special approval.
- Diamond/Senior Plans: You must buy specific “Senior” memberships. Medjet has a “Diamond” membership for ages 75-84, but it requires a physician’s statement before travel.
- Medical Underwriting: Over 75, you can’t just click “Buy.” You have to submit a medical history form. If you skip this, the policy is void.
- Global Rescue’s Limit: Global Rescue covers up to age 79 (extended) but requires careful reading of the “Extended Plan” terms.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Auto-Renewal Ignorance.”
You might have been a member for 10 years. You assume it auto-renews. But when you hit 75, the auto-renew often fails or switches to a “limited” plan without you noticing.
- The Crisis: You think you are covered. You call for a jet. They say, “You aged out.”
The Investigation: I Called Them
- Medjet (Diamond): “For ages 75-84, you must have your doctor fill out a General Health Questionnaire. We review it. If approved, you get the full membership.” Cost is roughly $450/year.
- Global Rescue: “We offer coverage up to age 79. Above 80, it is case-by-case.”
- Insured Nomads: “Our ‘World Explorer’ plan covers up to age 69. For 70+, you need the ‘GlobeHopper Senior’ plan from IMG.”
Comparison Table: Senior Evac Options
| Feature | Medjet (Standard) | Medjet (Diamond) | Global Rescue | IMG GlobeHopper Senior |
| Max Age | 74 | 84 | 80+ (varies) | 80+ |
| Medical Form | No | YES (Mandatory) | No (usually) | Yes |
| Cost | ~$315 | ~$450 | ~$600+ | Varies |
| Transport | Hospital Choice | Hospital Choice | Nearest Suitable | Nearest Suitable |
[IMAGE: Photo of a ‘General Health Questionnaire’ form with a stethoscope]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check Your Parents’ Policies: Do not let them travel on a “Standard” policy if they are 75+. It likely pays $0.
- Download the Diamond Application: If using Medjet, download the medical form and have their GP sign it 2 weeks before the trip.
- Consider “Medigap” Foreign Travel: Some US Medigap plans (F and G) cover emergency care abroad ($50k lifetime limit), but they DO NOT cover evacuation jets. Do not rely on them for transport.
- Buy Cruise Insurance: If they cruise, buy the cruise line’s protection (or Allianz) as they are often more lenient on age for evacuation.
FAQ
Does AARP offer evac insurance?
They partner with companies (like The Hartford or Medjet), but the age limits still apply. Being an AARP member doesn’t waive the physics of aging.
What if they turn 75 during the trip?
Usually, coverage is valid until the expiration date of the current term. But check the fine print.
Is there a plan for 90-year-olds?
Very rare. MASA (Medical Air Services Association) sometimes covers higher ages.