Are you a senior planning that dream trip to Europe, Asia, or beyond?
Many mature travelers don’t realize that Medicare typically provides little to no coverage outside the United States, leaving them financially vulnerable during international travel.
I’ve seen this scenario play out dozens of times in my 30+ years as a travel insurance advisor. One client, a 72-year-old retired professor, had a heart attack in Italy and faced over $45,000 in medical bills that Medicare wouldn’t cover.
Another needed emergency evacuation from a cruise ship in the Mediterranean, costing more than $35,000 out-of-pocket.
These situations highlight why specialized travel medical insurance is absolutely essential for seniors traveling internationally.
In this article...
About the Company
International Medical Group (IMG) has been a recognized leader in the travel insurance market since 1990. Based in Indianapolis, IMG specializes in international medical insurance solutions and has built a strong reputation for their senior-focused products.
Their GlobeHopper Senior plans are underwritten by either SiriusPoint America Insurance Company or United States Fire Insurance Company, both of which maintain solid financial ratings.
This financial stability is crucial when considering a policy that might need to cover significant medical expenses abroad.
IMG sells directly through their website and through various insurance brokers. They’re particularly known for their responsive customer service and international provider network, which can be invaluable when navigating foreign healthcare systems.
Ideal Buyer Profile
The IMG GlobeHopper Senior plan is specifically designed for:
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents age 65 and older
- Travelers already enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B
- Those with a supplemental Medigap or Medicare Advantage Plan
- Seniors traveling outside the United States
- Both occasional travelers (Single-Trip option) and frequent travelers (Multi-Trip option)
- Those concerned about pre-existing conditions while traveling
It’s not suitable for travelers under 65, those seeking primary insurance coverage within the U.S., or individuals looking for trip cancellation benefits as the primary focus.
Recommended Plans
Up to $2,000,000 of Overall Maximum Coverage, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19, Trip Interruption & Travel Delay.
Coverage for in-patient and out-patient medical accidents up to $1 Million, Coverage of acute episodes of pre-existing conditions, Coverage from 5 days to 364 days (about 12 months).
Up to $8,000,000 limits, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Coinsurance for treatment received in the U.S. (100% within PPO Network), Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Conditions covered.
Plan Overview
Global HopperSM Senior plan addresses the insurance needs of U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent resident seniors who need temporary medical insurance while traveling outside the U.S. It serves as a Medicare supplement for international travel, bridging the coverage gap that exists when seniors leave the country.
The plan comes in two main variants: Single-Trip (for individual journeys of 5 days to 12 months) and Multi-Trip (for multiple journeys throughout a 12-month period, with each trip covered up to 30 or 45 days). Both options provide comprehensive medical coverage, emergency evacuation benefits, and some coverage for pre-existing conditions.
What makes this plan stand out is its specific design for seniors on Medicare, serving as secondary coverage to your existing health plans while providing robust protection abroad.
Coverage Details
The GlobeHopper Senior plan offers substantial coverage across several key areas:
Medical Maximum Limits: The GlobeHopper Senior plan is very popular for seniors as it provides coverage up to $1,000,000 for travelers less than 79 years and $100,000 for travelers more than 80 years old. This flexibility allows older travelers to still obtain meaningful coverage regardless of age.
Emergency Medical Evacuation: Emergency Medical Evacuation $250,000 lifetime maximum – This crucial benefit covers the cost of medically necessary transportation to appropriate facilities or back to the U.S.
Pre-existing Conditions: This plan covers Sudden and Unexpected Recurrence of a Pre-Existing Condition up to $2.5k maximum limit for single trip and Up to $5k for Multi trip. While limited, this coverage is valuable as many travel policies completely exclude pre-existing conditions.
Hospital Indemnity: Hospital Indemnity $250 per night, 30 overnights maximum (For approved overnight hospital stays outside the USA, you additionally receive $250 per night, in addition to all covered expenses and benefits.)
Accidental Death & Dismemberment: Accidental Death and Dismemberment $25,000 principal sum
Common Carrier Accidental Death: Common Carrier Accidental Death $100,000 per adult/ $250,000 per family lifetime maximum
Terrorism Coverage: Terrorism $50,000 lifetime maximum. (Not subject to the deductible)
Return of Mortal Remains: Return of mortal remains is covered up to $50,000 maximum with both of these plans.
Exclusions and Limitations
Understanding what’s not covered is just as important as knowing what is:
• Limited Pre-existing Condition Coverage: While some coverage is provided, it’s capped at relatively low limits ($2,500 for Single-Trip, $5,000 for Multi-Trip).
• Coverage Area Restrictions: GlobeHopper Insurance is not offering coverage for residents of Belarus, Russia, or Ukraine and travelers visiting Belarus, Russia, or Ukraine.
• Secondary Coverage: This plan is designed as supplemental coverage to Medicare and your Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, not as primary insurance.
• No Coverage Within the U.S.: Benefits only apply while traveling outside the United States.
• Reduced Benefits for Oldest Travelers: Maximum coverage limits decrease significantly for travelers over 80.
• Limited Trip Protection: This is primarily a medical plan, not comprehensive travel insurance with robust trip cancellation/interruption benefits.
❌ Avoid: This plan if you want trip cancellation protection for non-medical reasons. GlobeHopper Senior is focused on medical coverage rather than reimbursing you for canceled trips due to other circumstances.
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Plan Highlights
• Medicare Supplement: Specifically designed to work with Medicare when traveling internationally.
• Age-Appropriate Coverage: We like that the IMG GlobeHopper Senior Travel Medical Insurance for seniors (over 65) with pre existing conditions plan has no max age limit.
• Pre-existing Condition Coverage: Unlike many travel policies, provides some protection for sudden recurrence of pre-existing conditions.
• Flexible Trip Options: Choose between Single-Trip for occasional travel or Multi-Trip for frequent travelers.
• Non-Emergency Medical Evacuation: The plan also includes a Non-Emergency Medical Evacuation benefit. This covers situations where immediate evacuation isn’t required but medical treatment locally is inadequate.
• Hospital Choice: Freedom to choose your preferred hospitals and doctors rather than being limited to a specific network.
• Secondary Coverage Design: Works in conjunction with your existing Medicare coverage.
Features
| Coverage Category | Single-Trip Plan | Multi-Trip Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Limits (age 65-79) | $50,000-$1,000,000 | $50,000-$1,000,000 |
| Maximum Limits (age 80+) | $50,000-$100,000 | $50,000-$100,000 |
| Deductible Options | $0-$2,500 | $250 only |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Up to $2,500 | Up to $5,000 |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | $250,000 lifetime | $250,000 lifetime |
| Trip Duration | 5 days to 12 months | Multiple trips up to 30-45 days each |
| Coverage Period | Single trip | 12 months |
| Renewal Option | Up to 12 months | Up to 24 months |
Pricing Insights
The GlobeHopper Senior plan is designed to be affordable while providing meaningful coverage. Cost starts at about $1/day. However, actual premiums vary based on several factors:
- Your age (with significant increases for travelers in their 80s and beyond)
- Coverage maximum selected
- Deductible chosen
- Length of coverage (for Single-Trip)
- Optional riders added
For context, a 70-year-old traveler purchasing a two-week Single-Trip plan with a $250 deductible and $100,000 maximum might pay approximately $60-80. The same traveler selecting a Multi-Trip annual plan might pay around $190-250 for a full year of coverage.
The Multi-Trip plan represents excellent value for seniors who travel internationally 3+ times per year, as the annual premium is often less than purchasing separate Single-Trip policies for each journey.
💡 Personal Note: I’ve recommended the GlobeHopper Senior Multi-Trip plan to dozens of retired clients who enjoy frequent international travel. One couple in their early 70s purchased this plan before their European river cruise. When the husband developed pneumonia in Germany, IMG coordinated with a local hospital for admission and handled all the billing directly. The clients were particularly impressed with how IMG’s assistance team communicated with both the hospital and their Medicare supplement provider back home to ensure a smooth claims process. This real-world experience demonstrates the value of having specialized senior travel medical insurance.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Designed specifically for seniors on Medicare | Limited pre-existing condition coverage |
| No maximum age limit | Secondary coverage only |
| Emergency evacuation up to $250,000 | No coverage within the United States |
| Available as Single-Trip or Multi-Trip | Limited trip cancellation benefits |
| Non-emergency medical evacuation option | Reduced benefits for travelers over 80 |
| Hospital indemnity benefit | Higher premiums for oldest travelers |
Mini Comparison
When comparing emergency evacuation coverage, the GlobeHopper Senior offers $250,000, while many standard travel insurance plans for seniors cap evacuation at $50,000-$100,000.
For older travelers with health concerns visiting remote destinations, this additional evacuation coverage could be crucial if medical transport becomes necessary.
User Feedback
User reviews for the GlobeHopper Senior plan are generally positive, with travelers particularly praising:
- Ease of purchasing and extending coverage online
- Responsive customer service
- Claims handling for medical emergencies abroad
- Value for the coverage provided
Some criticism centers around the limited pre-existing condition coverage and documentation requirements for claims. Several reviewers have noted that having existing medical records handy when traveling helped expedite claims for pre-existing condition emergencies.
✅ Pro Tip: Keep digital copies of your medical history, current prescriptions, and physician contact information in an easily accessible cloud storage service when traveling. If you need to make a pre-existing condition claim, having this documentation readily available can significantly speed up the claims process.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for alternative senior travel insurance options, consider:
- Allianz MedEvac: Offers higher emergency evacuation limits (up to $500,000) but typically with higher premiums and less coverage for pre-existing conditions.
- Travel Guard Silver: Includes more substantial trip cancellation benefits alongside medical coverage, though at a higher price point.
ℹ️ Fun Fact: According to travel insurance industry data, senior travelers (65+) file approximately 25% more medical claims while traveling internationally compared to younger travelers, with the average claim amount being 40% higher. This underscores why specialized senior coverage like the GlobeHopper Senior plan is so valuable for mature travelers.
Bottom Line
IMG’s GlobeHopper Senior Travel Medical Insurance fills a critical gap for senior travelers that Medicare simply doesn’t address. Its age-appropriate design, flexible options, and focus on medical coverage make it an excellent choice for seniors traveling internationally.
While not a comprehensive travel insurance solution that covers extensive trip cancellation and other travel-related issues, the GlobeHopper Senior excels at its primary purpose: providing critical medical protection when Medicare coverage ends at the U.S. border.
For seniors planning international travel, particularly those who travel frequently throughout the year, the GlobeHopper Senior represents an excellent balance of coverage, value, and specialized benefits tailored to mature travelers.
Always review the full policy wording carefully before purchasing. Safe travels!
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