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The essential guide to car rental excess insurance

Knowing whether you need to purchase car rental excess insurance is a good start when you decide to rent a car. Making sure you’re protected if there’s an accident is important, but do you need the extra car rental insurance options that are offered when paying for your rental ? The short answer is not always. But let’s find out more.

In this post

What is car rental excess insurance?

How much is the excess you have to pay for your car rental, what is covered by car rental excess insurance, how does it work, do i need a car rental excess insurance, what is the best way to cover rental car excess, the collision damage waiver as an alternative, frequent question about car rental insurance excess.

Car rental excess insurance cover (or supplemental car rental insurance) is a protection plan for a fee that provides coverage for out-of-pocket expenses you may incur if there’s an accident or damage to a car rental . Rental agreements can include an excess amount or high deductible that you are responsible for if a rental car is in an accident, stolen, or damaged.

Car rental excess cover or deductible amounts can vary wildly. Factors include the rental company, the rental car type , the location and the rental agreement terms. Excess amounts are usually outlined in the rental agreement and can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.

Depending on the policy’s terms and conditions, the insurance can cover some or all the costs should you get in an accident.

In the U.S., car rental companies will typically offer four types of coverage:

• Liability coverage: This can vary from state to state but it is meant to protect you if you hurt someone or damage property during an accident.
• Collision or loss damage waiver: The waiver helps cover the cost if you damage a rental car.
• Personal effects coverage: This covers personal belongings if they are stolen from a vehicle (though it’s worth noting if you have renters' or homeowners’ insurance, this will typically be covered).
• Personal accident coverage: This covers medical bills if you or your passengers are injured in a car rental accident.

In Europe, rentals nearly always include liability coverage, but not the risk associated with damage to the vehicle itself or theft. Since your personal U.S. auto insurance will not apply in Europe, you will have three main options:

• Buying a collision damage waiver from the car rental company
• Using zero-deductible collision coverage that comes with some credit cards
• Purchasing collision coverage through a travel insurance provider.

This depends. If you have liability and comprehensive insurance for your vehicle, the coverage likely extends to when you are driving a rental car in the U.S. for personal reasons. If you’re traveling abroad, for business purposes, or simply want more coverage, you might need extra rental car insurance.

In Mexico, for example, you must buy extra coverage from a travel insurance provider or a rental car company to satisfy the mandatory insurance requirements .

Other instances where you will want to consider purchasing extra insurance include if you don’t own a car and you rent one occasionally (in this case, you probably don’t have personal auto insurance), or if your personal policy only includes liability insurance and not comprehensive or collision coverage.

One of the best car rental excess insurance options or ways to cover rental car excess is to buy insurance from a third-party company. The price for extra protection insurance can be lower than buying additional coverage from a rental company.

The only downside is that if the car gets damaged, you’ll have to pay the rental company first and then claim it back to your insurance.

Car rental companies typically offer a collision damage waiver when you make an online reservation and again when you pick up the vehicle. When you buy one, the company forfeits the right to charge you for damages to the rental car , but note that CDWs typically don’t cover tire and side mirror damage or damage from “gross negligence,” such as speeding or driving while intoxicated.

Hopefully, we've taken the headache out of the rental car process at home and abroad, and if you're ready to rent a car for your next vacation, we're here to help.

How does KAYAK know what to put in this guide?

I have been traveling the world for over 20 years. I’ve rented cars in Mexico, Italy, France, Ireland, the U.K. and throughout the U.S. Some experiences went smoothly, while others did not, like when I rented a compact manual car and got stuck trying to drive up a steep Tuscan hillside. Through trial and error, I’ve learned when to purchase extra insurance and when not to. Renting a car can be intimidating, but with the help of KAYAK and through my experience and mistakes, I want to help you learn.

About the author

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June 1, 2020

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The Savvy Traveler's Guide to Overseas Rental Car Insurance

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• Car hire excess versus travel insurance

     Car Hire Excess vs Travel Insurance

It's true, many travel insurance policies do include car hire excess cover, but there are quite a few restrictions to pay attention to. If you're not sure whether you need a standalone excess reduction policy or if travel insurance is enough, we're here to help. Don't feel wooly headed, get geared up and ready to go with our 8 pros of hire car excess.

1. You get more cover

Travel insurance policies typically only cover up to around $6,000, if you’re needing more cover for a camper or fancy set of wheels standalone policies like ours cover up to $8,000.

2. You pay NO excess

3. windscreen, tyres & underbody covered, 4. all are welcome, 5. all drivers included, 6. there are no timing restrictions, 7. there are no distance restrictions, 8. our policies are cheaper for longer, don’t forget, there's no medical cover with domestic travel insurance.

The main reason people purchase travel insurance is because of the medical benefits. However domestic policies generally do not include these.

So what are you waiting for?

You’d be baaarmey not to buy car hire excess with Baaaney instead. A policy with CHE could cost as little as $10* a day and if you do have an accident, no matter if it's to the underbody or tyres, you pay nothing, zero, zilch, nada! Get a quote now! For heaps more handy helpers, check out our rental excess guides.

Further reading

What is car hire excess anyway ?

Going from A to B? Car Hire Excess saves your wallet from a wipeout!  

Avis car hire

Still deciding on your rental company? Learn all about Avis right here.

B udget car hire

Looking for car hire on a budget? Find cheap car hire wth Budget.

Europcar hire car

Heading overseas or around Oz. Europcar's selection of vehicles has you covered.

Thrifty car hire  

Still deciding on your rental company? Learn all about Thrifty right here.

Car Hire Excess

Customer service, other links.

"Car Hire Excess" is a trading name of the Insurance Geeks Pty Ltd ABN 35 612 507 785. The Insurance Geeks is an authorised representative of Coffre-Fort Pty Limited ABN 66 125 358 518, AFS Licence No. 472457. This site contains general guidance only on insurance products available to you. Before you buy a policy, you should consider the Target Market Determination (TMD) and Product Disclosure Document (PDS) in light of your personal circumstances to determine if this product suits your needs. This insurance is underwritten by HDI Global Specialty SE - Australia.

• Please enter your Home Country to select the right insurance options - we have policies for residents of most countries Worldwide

Car Hire Excess Insurance

This policy provides a great value alternative to the Collision Damage Waiver offered by the Rental Company. Available to cover just one hire, or on an Annual basis if you rent vehicles more than once a year. Cover is available for residents of most countries worldwide.

get an instant Insurance Quote

This should be where you are currently living at a residential address for no less than 6 months of the year

• Distances from EU Ports
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Benefits of Car Hire Excess Insurance

• Covers Car Rental at Home or Abroad Renting a Car on holiday gives you flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. Short-term Car Rental at home may be necessary while your own vehicle is repaired, or for occasional use as part of a car share scheme. Whatever your reasons for hiring a car - make sure you're not left with the bill if the vehicle is damaged or stolen whilst in your care.
• Easy to arrange insurance to suit your needs If you don’t hire often, we offer single hire insurance. Alternatively, if you are likely to hire two or more times a year, Annual multi-trip insurance gives fantastic value and year-round peace of mind.
• Why pay your Rental firm's costly Collision Damage Waiver? Collision Damage Waiver is offered by most Car Rental companies, enabling you to remove or reduce the amount charged for damage to the car. This add-on can be expensive and may not cover all costs, particularly relating to tyres, windows and underbody. Our car hire excess insurance acts in place of CDW, at a much lower price and covering damage to any part of the vehicle
• Protection If your holiday rental car is damaged or stolen, you are usually liable to pay an Excess, or Collision Damage charge. Even if the damage was not your fault, you will be charged.

Is a Car Rental Policy not for You?

Motorhome rental insurance.

Hiring a Motorhome or Campervan? We cover you for excesses charged by the Rental Company following damage or theft of the vehicle, including damage to the vehicle underbody, roof, windows & tyres. Suitable for hires at home or overseas. Max cover £5,000

Van Rental Insurance

Hiring a Van in the UK for short-term, private non-commercial use? Cover the excesses charged by the Rental Company in the event of damage to the vehicle. Option to extend cover to include taking the vehicle to Continental Europe. Max cover £2,500

Need to hire a Car?

If you haven't booked your Car Rental yet, click here for competitive prices! Its easy to book online through Holiday Cars Direct

What to look out for when buying Vehicle Rental Insurance

Pay less for your collision damage cover.

Renting a car while overseas gives you tremendous freedom to explore your destination. But it can be expensive, especially when car rental excess insurance is factored in. Some customers are only offered a collision damage waiver when they collect their car – an often expensive fee that can further stretch the budget.

There’s no denying that a collision damage waiver can give you extra peace of mind – especially on unfamiliar roads overseas – but car rental companies often charge a hefty fee for this important add-on.

Car Hire Excess Insurance from Worldwide Insure gives you all the protection you need in the event of a collision – but for a much lower price. Many holiday makers are becoming wise to the high fees charged by car rental firms for excess cover, which is why buying separate car hire excess cover has become so popular.

Get a quote for low-cost car hire excess insurance above.

• Worldwide Travel Insurance, a specialist in travel insurance and related products, has over 20yrs experience in offering high quality cover at great prices.
• All policies purchased online are emailed immediately - ideal for last-minute bookings.
• Cooling-off Period: You have 14 days following receipt of your documents during which you can obtain a full refund provided that the start date shown on your certificate has not passed and you are not claiming.

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Our policies include:, your security with worldwide travel insurance:.

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Rental Vehicle Excess cover

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What is Allianz Rental Vehicle Excess cover?

Our Rental Vehicle Excess cover is designed to provide cover towards the excess you’re liable to pay if your hire vehicle is damaged or stolen 1 . It’s included as a standard benefit in all Allianz  Comprehensive ,  Multi-Trip   and  Domestic   Travel Insurance plans.

Allianz Rental Vehicle Excess cover is an alternative to excess reduction products sold by car rental companies. See the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for all terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits that may apply.

What does it cover?

Rental Vehicle Excess cover 1 is included as a standard benefit in all Allianz Comprehensive , Multi-Trip and Domestic Travel Insurance plans policies at no added cost.

This is a limited summary of some of our Rental Vehicle Excess covers only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply. For full details and before making a decision, consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) .

• Benefits we offer
• Excess payment If your rental vehicle is involved in an accident while it’s being driven by you and you're the nominated driver, or it’s damaged or stolen while in your custody, we’ll pay you the lesser of (up to your benefit limit) 1 :
• the amount specified that you’re liable to pay under the rental vehicle agreement, or
• the property damage for which you’re liable.

If you’re diagnosed by the treating medical adviser as unfit to return your rental vehicle to the nearest depot, we’ll pay the cost of returning the vehicle (up to the applicable benefit limit). Note: This cover only applies if:

• you hire a rental vehicle from a rental company or agency;
• you’re a nominated driver on the rental vehicle agreement; and
• the rental vehicle agreement specifies a maximum amount that you must pay if the rental vehicle is damaged or stolen. 
• More than just cars Rental vehicle means a campervan/motorhome that does not exceed 4.5 tonnes, a sedan, coupe, hatchback, station-wagon, SUV, four-wheel drive or minibus/people mover, rented from a licensed rental company or agency. Rental vehicle doesn’t include any vehicle other than those listed, irrespective of use or weight.
• All licensed rental companies Your policy covers the excess (up to your benefit limit) 1 charged by any licensed motor vehicle rental company. This includes all the major car hire brands such as Avis , Budget , Enterprise , Europcar , Hertz and Thrifty .

Why choose us?

Thousands of satisfied customers, network of medical experts, emergency assistance available, we’re an established insurer, ready to get started, frequently asked questions.

If you buy an Allianz Travel Insurance policy and select a plan that includes the Rental Vehicle Excess benefit, you can claim in the event you’re required to pay an excess, deductible or damage liability fee to a car rental company if your rental car is accidentally damaged or stolen.

Your policy is designed to cover the excess, deductible or damage liability fee charged by any licensed motor vehicle rental company, up to the benefit limit stated in the Benefits Table in the PDS, including all the major car hire brands. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for details.

Allianz Comprehensive, Multi-Trip, Domestic and Non-Medical Travel Insurance policies provide a benefit for Rental Vehicle Excess cover as an alternative to paying the car rental company’s increased fees to lower the excess.

You’ll need to assess your requirements and financial situation before buying a policy.

We're here to help

Give us a call, or send us a message, follow us on, *conditions apply.

• Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply. Refer to Rental Vehicle Excess in the  Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for full details.
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Any advice here does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply. Before making a decision about this insurance, please consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)/Policy Wording and Supplementary PDS (if applicable). Where applicable, the PDS/Policy Wording, Supplementary PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD) for this insurance are available on this website.

Travel Insurance is issued and managed by AWP Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 AFS Licence No. 245631, trading as Allianz Global Assistance (AGA) as agent of the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No. 234708 (Allianz). Travel Insurance is underwritten by the insurer Allianz. Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply.

We don’t provide advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision, please consider the Product Disclosure Statement available on this website. If you purchase this insurance, AGA will receive a commission that is a percentage of the premium. Ask us for more details before we provide you with any services on this product.

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Enter the destination(s) you plan to visit or select them from the list of countries and regions in the dropdown.

Planning a stopover? If you’re in a country for less than 72 hours, you do not need to list it as a destination.

Don’t currently know all the countries you’ll be visiting? You can select a region to obtain cover for all countries within that region, or you can select “Anywhere in the world”. Important: If selecting “Anywhere in the world”, your policy will not provide cover for claims arising in countries that are subject to sanctions. Your safety is paramount, so please read and familiarise yourself with the “ Standing Travel Alert for High Risk and Sanctioned Countries ” when undertaking worldwide travel – and before making any side trips to neighbouring countries – to ensure you have adequate cover.

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Want to come to Australia on our Inbound Plan? Select “Australia Inbound”.

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When do you return?

Enter the date you will arrive home based on AEST (considering any time differences/zones and travel times).

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Select the maximum trip duration that best suits your needs.

The maximum trip duration you select will apply to each separate trip you take during the 12-month period of your policy.

For cover to apply, you cannot take trips that exceed this maximum duration. If you make a claim related to a trip that exceeds this maximum duration, it may be declined.

The maximum trip duration you select will be shown on your Certificate of Insurance.

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Rental Car Insurance Excess Cover and More

Get cover for your next driving holiday with Cover-More

Are you planning to hire a car, campervan, or caravan while you’re travelling? Or maybe you’re taking your own car on your driving holiday within Australia?

Before you hit the road, you might want to consider how travel insurance can help protect your driving holiday.

Our Cover-More plans offer a range of benefits to drivers at home and abroad – from insurance excess cover for your own and rental vehicles, to comprehensive cover for hired vehicles.

Ready to protect your vehicle with rental car excess insurance cover or more? Get a free quote online  before you hit the road.

Jump ahead to read:

Does cover-more travel insurance provide cover for driving holidays.

• What does Cover-More consider a rental vehicle?

What is rental car excess insurance?

What does cover-more’s rental vehicle insurance excess cover include.

• Does Cover-More’s rental vehicle insurance excess cover motorcycles and mopeds?

What does Cover-More’s rental vehicle comprehensive cover include?

Will cover-more cover me if i’m driving my own car, what does cover-more’s personal vehicle insurance excess cover.

• What doesn't Cover-More provide cover for on driving holidays?

If you’re taking a road trip, we offer three different types of coverage to help protect you on the road:

• Rental vehicle insurance excess: this cover applies to your rental vehicle’s excess only and is available on our Domestic/International Comprehensive and Comprehensive+ Plans and Inbound Plan.
• Rental vehicle comprehensive cover: this extra coverage applies to your rental vehicle only and is available on our Domestic/International Comprehensive+ Plan only.
• Personal vehicle insurance excess: this cover applies if you have comprehensive car or motorcycle insurance for your own vehicle that is being used on your road trip within Australia. It is available on our Domestic Comprehensive and Comprehensive+ Plans only.

Read on to decide what coverage is right for your driving holiday, whether you’re renting a vehicle or driving your own.

What does Cover-More consider a “rental vehicle”?

At Cover-More, we cover more than only rental cars.

When we refer to the term “ rental vehicle ” we mean a:

• campervan/motorhome/caravan that does not exceed six tonnes
• station wagon
• people mover
• convertible
• four-wheel drive or

…rented from a licensed motor vehicle rental company, car club company, or agency.

If you have included our Motorcycle/Moped Cover in your policy for an additional premium, a motorcycle or moped is also considered a “rental vehicle”.

Rental car excess insurance helps to protect you from expenses related to the damage or theft of your rental vehicle while travelling.

It’s a type of insurance coverage that covers the insurance excess that you might have to pay if your car is damaged or stolen, as typically your rental car hire insurance will require you to pay the excess on the policy held for the vehicle.

At Cover-More, we refer to this as rental vehicle insurance excess.

Our Cover-More travel insurance plans can help put your mind at ease with rental vehicle insurance excess.

Our Domestic and International Comprehensive and Comprehensive+ Plans include rental vehicle insurance excess to help protect you in the event you run into car trouble on your trip.

This excess cover applies if you:

• hire a rental vehicle (including a motorcycle or moped if your policy includes Motorcycle/Moped Cover);
• are the nominated driver on the rental car agreement; and
• have comprehensive motor vehicle insurance for the rental car for the hire period.

If the rental car is damaged or stolen whilst in your control during the journey, cover is provided for the lower of the rental car insurance excess or the repair costs to the rental car that you become liable to pay. It is your responsibility to provide the final loss/repair report to substantiate your claim.

The maximum benefit limit for our rental vehicle insurance excess benefit is: 

Any limits, exclusions, and conditions on what is and isn’t covered is in the PDS .

Does Cover-More’s rental vehicle insurance excess cover motorcycles/mopeds?

You will need to include our Motorcycle/Moped Riding Cover option in your policy (an additional premium applies) for insurance excess cover to apply should you become liable to pay for damage to or theft of a motorcycle or moped rented from a licensed motor vehicle rental company.

If you are a Cover-More Domestic Plan policyholder and driving your own motorcycle within Australia on your trip, we can provide cover for insurance excess if your motorcycle is covered by comprehensive motorcycle insurance.

There is no cover for liability in respect to damage caused to someone else’s property or the injury or death of someone else.

Want cover beyond rental vehicle insurance excess? Our Domestic and International Comprehensive+ Plans include comprehensive cover for rental vehicles.

As a Comprehensive+ policyholder, this cover applies if you:

• hire a rental vehicle;
• are the nominated driver on the rental vehicle agreement; and
• have comprehensive motor vehicle insurance for the rental vehicle for the hire period.

…and you must also:

• take all reasonable steps to protect the rental vehicle against loss and damage; and
• ensure the rental vehicle value does not exceed $200,000 and that it is not more than 10 years old.

The maximum benefit limits for our rental vehicle comprehensive cover are: 

This cover is not included in the following Cover-More plans: International Comprehensive, International Basic, Inbound, Domestic Comprehensive, and Domestic Basic.

If you’re thinking about taking a self-driving holiday in Australia, we can help. After all, not all domestic driving holidays involve renting a vehicle – especially if you already own your own vehicle and can drive or ride it to your intended destination.

See below for more details.

Our Domestic Comprehensive and Comprehensive+ Plans offer up to $2,500 in personal vehicle insurance excess cover. It is ideal for self-driving holidays within Australia where you’re able to take your own car or motorcycle to get to your destination.

However, this cover only applies if you have comprehensive car or motorcycle insurance on your own vehicle.

Please  read the PDS  for full details about this benefit and any limitations or exclusions that apply.

Learn more about our other travel insurance benefits here.

What doesn’t Cover-More provide cover for on driving holidays?

Our travel insurance is created to protect our customers from unforeseen incidents, and it doesn’t cover all scenarios.

If you’re contemplating protecting your trip with one of our comprehensive Cover-More travel insurance plans that include cover for driving holidays, there are conditions and exclusions you need to be aware of. This includes conditions related to our insurance excess benefits for both personal and rented vehicles and our comprehensive rental vehicle cover.

Please check out the PDS for full policy conditions, including any limits and exclusions relevant to your trip and chosen plan.

Want coverage before you hit the road?

Find out how we can protect your driving holiday with travel insurance today.

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Mark founded MoneyMaxim in 2008, with the aim of delivering an impartial and independent service. Mark is a regular money saving expert in the press and writes regular news and articles for the MoneyMaxim news pages sharing his views on banking, personal insurance and the utilities (gas, electricity, mobile and home phones, broadband and pay TV) market with customers.

Mark Bower is one of our Team of Experts

6 February 2024

Travel insurance – travel policies with car hire excess insurance built in, want your car hire excess insurance included in your travel insurance now available through moneymaxim.

We are occasionally asked by users of our Car Hire Excess Insurance comparison service whether it is possible to buy a combined Travel and Car Hire Excess insurance policy.

Whilst this was offered by a couple of insurers, recently the car hire excess insurance cover has been withdrawn as an inclusive benefit and now the insurers who are offering cover are tending to add it as an optional upgrade rather than an automatic inclusion.

This can sometimes (but not always) make this a rather expensive way of getting excess insurance.

For example, the insurer Staysure now offers Car Hire Excess Insurance as an upgrade when travellers buy either the Comprehensive or Signature version of their travel insurance policies.

This cover costs £24 on a weekly European policy - almost double the cost of a standalone car hire excess insurance policy from MoneyMaxim.

However, on an annual policy it costs just £25, which is cheaper than an annual European car hire excess insurance policy.

The cover also is rather thinner, with a maximum claim limit of £4000 (the policies on MoneyMaxim all have limits between £5,000 and £10,000) and elements such as lock out and misfuelling are not included.

Do understand that it is primarily a travel insurance policy with a car hire insurance additional benefit rather than a policy designed to meet all the risks covered in a standard car hire excess insurance policy.

It will, however, cover those of any age.Older drivers aged over 71 can only hire a car for a maximum of 35 days on an annual policy but there is no formal maximum age.

Another difference is that, whilst car hire excess insurance policies will cover additional drivers (those added to a car hire agreement at the desk) free of charge the Staysure policy would require all drivers, primary or additional to be insured under the travel insurance policy. This might work well for family groups, but possibly is less flexible for friends travelling together.

However it represents a good way to cover at least the headline risks connected to your car hire along with your other travel insurance requirements.

To get a quote simply click through to the Staysure website.

Alternatively simply purchase separate policies for Travel Insurance and Car Hire Excess Insurance .

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Moneymaxim aims to inform its visitors through its journalistic sourced information, but things change rapidly in our market and we cannot guarantee everything will be perfectly up to date. Please do be aware you use the information at your own risk, that the information provided is not financial advice and that your own independent research is essential to make sure that any product or service used is right for your circumstances. We cannot accept liability for any decision you take as a result of information provided on moneymaxim. This service is free to you but to operate this service moneymaxim may receive commissions from the partners you are referred to.

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• Best overall
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for annual plans

How we reviewed travel insurance for seniors

Best travel insurance for seniors of may 2024.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Reaching your golden years doesn't mean your adventures have to end. In fact, in this stage of life, you'll hopefully have more time and resources to travel. But as a senior citizen, you'll want to ensure you have travel insurance that covers any health-related issues arise while you travel.

Our top picks for the best senior travel insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic trips: World Nomads Travel Insurance

Best for annual plans: Travel Guard

How we rate the best senior travel insurance companies »

Compare travel insurance for seniors

Your health gets more unpredictable as you age, which makes travel insurance more important for seniors. Unfortunately, it's also more expensive. The best travel insurance for seniors won't have too steep of a price hike compared to rates for younger travelers. It will have high coverage limits for emergency medical coverage, trip cancellations, and and emergency medical evacuation. It's also important that your travel insurance offers pre-existing condition waivers , ideally at no extra cost to the traveler. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance coverage for seniors in 2024.

Best overall: Allianz

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
• Single and multi-trip plans available
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the most widely recognized names in travel insurance, and it stands out as one of the top travel insurance providers for seniors. It offers a wide range of policies covering medical treatments overseas and emergency medical transport.

Allianz also provides options for varying trip lengths. Its annual multi-trip policies , for example, cover any trip you make during your policy period, even if they aren't yet planned, making it an excellent option for seniors who vacation multiple times per year.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for expensive trips: John Hancock

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 3 travel insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason rider available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable travel insurance premiums
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews of claims process are mixed
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers may not get specialty coverage for sports equipment and other high value items
• Trip cancellation for 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000 per person
• Medical evacuation coverage of up to $1,000,000

John Hancock Travel Insurance plans for seniors offer some of the best coverage available. It provides generous maximum benefit amounts while still offering affordable prices.

Each plan includes coverages like trip cancellation, emergency accident, and emergency medical, with the option to add benefits like CFAR (cancel for any reason) . Plus, getting a free online quote is a quick and straightforward process.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance is a great choice for active senior citizens under 70 who want comprehensive travel insurance. The key difference between World Nomads and many other providers is that it covers 200+ adventurous activities like scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing, skiing, and even bungee jumping. In addition, World Nomads' trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage includes COVID-19-related issues. Many other insurers are excluding that type of coverage now.

For adventurous senior citizens over the age of 70 years, World Nomads suggests working with its partner, TripAssure .

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard  offers comprehensive insurance plans for shorter and longer trips. One of its more unique offerings is its Travel Guard Annual Plan.

This annual travel insurance comes with standard coverage benefits (trip delay, baggage loss, etc.) and substantial coverage amounts, which is important for seniors who travel multiple times per year. Travel Guard also offers a preexisting medical condition waiver, meaning those with certain medical issues can still gain coverage.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review here.

Understanding travel insurance for seniors

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what travel insurance is and why it's particularly important for senior travelers. The best travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events affecting your trip, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Types of coverage

• Medical Coverage: Ensures your medical expenses are covered in case of illness or injury.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Provides reimbursement if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Coverage: Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal items during your trip.

Benefits of travel insurance for seniors

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered in case of emergencies can make your travel stress-free.
• Financial Protection: Shields you from potentially overwhelming medical costs and trip cancellations fees.
• Assistance Services: Many plans offer 24/7 assistance services, providing help whenever and wherever you need it.

Making the most of your plan

After choosing a plan, it's crucial to understand your policy fully and know what services are available to you in case of an emergency.

Understanding your policy

• Read the fine print and understand the claims process to avoid surprises.

Emergency assistance services

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency assistance services offered by your plan and keep all necessary contact information handy.

How to pick senior travel insurance

It's wise to compare several different travel insurance policies for the best coverage and pricing, as premiums vary widely between insurers and depend on factors like your age and travel destination.

That said, some of the more essential coverages to look for if you're a senior citizen include:

• Travel medical coverage - This coverage will pay for your medical bills outside the US.
• Medical evacuation coverage - If you're injured or become sick while traveling, this coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if your condition necessitates it.
• Preexisting conditions - Coverage for known health conditions. You'll need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time period from when you book your trip to qualify for a preexisting condition waiver .
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) - The name says it all! It'll cost extra and you'll need to purchase insurance early, but it's the most comprehensive trip cancellation coverage you can get. Note that CFAR insurance usually only covers up to 75% of your trip fees.
• Trip cancellation insurance - This coverage provides reimbursement for your prepaid and nonrefundable costs if you cannot make your trip due to an unforeseen event.
• Baggage delay insurance - This coverage will reimburse you for essentials like toiletries and clothes if your bags are delayed.
• Lost luggage insurance - This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount if your bags get lost en route.

Of these, the most critical to note are whether or not your policy covers preexisting conditions and the limits for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.

Some insurance companies offer a waiver that will cover preexisting conditions. You'll have to follow the requirements for adding a waiver to your policy, like insuring the entire cost of your trip. Or purchase the policy within a specific time after making your first trip deposit payments.

You'll also want to find a policy with high maximum limits for travel medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage. These types of expenses can be substantial, so you want to have appropriate coverage.

When comparing senior travel insurance options, we looked at the following factors to evaluate each travel insurance provider:

• Coverage limits: We looked at each travel insurance company's coverage amounts for benefits like medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
• Flexibility: We looked at how customizable a policy is, so you can choose what your travel insurance policy covers .
• Coverage for preexisting conditions: Preexisting conditions are one of the more critical factors for travel insurance for senior citizens, so we looked at travel insurance companies that offer the best coverage for preexisting conditions.
• Price: We compared travel insurance providers offering reasonable basic and comprehensive coverage rates.
• Benefits geared towards seniors: We compared travel insurance companies that offer solid coverage for senior citizens, like medical evacuation, COVID-19 coverage, and trip cancellation.

You can read more about our insurance rating methodology here.

Seniors should look for travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive medical coverage, including for preexisting conditions and emergency medical evacuation. They should also consider policies with higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection. Additionally, seniors should seek travel insurance plans that provide 24/7 assistance services, as well as coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage protection.

The cost of senior travel insurance coverage can vary depending on your age, overall health, state of residence, travel destination, and length of your trip. However, assuming all other factors are the same, you'll pay more for travel insurance at 70 than at 30.

All travel insurance companies, except World Nomads, included in this guide offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as long as you buy your policy within the qualifying period from when you placed your trip deposit.

Allianz is the best travel insurance for seniors due to its wide array of medical coverages and emergency medical transport. Allianz also offers multi-trip insurance policies , which could make sense for seniors who travel frequently.

In some instances, travel insurance companies will have age eligibility restrictions, often only insuring people 80 years old and younger.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

Moscow Public Transportation

The public transportation system in Moscow is moderately accessible, much to the surprise of many. Use of this transportation network will require some planning for disabled travelers, especially those in wheelchairs. An ability to understand and recognize the Cyrillic alphabet will also make its use much easier for travelers of all abilities. The city’s subway system is not accessible to wheelchairs. The vast majority of city buses and trolley buses offer step-free access.

Metro Subway

The Moscow Metro Subway is spread across 12 lines and serves 196 stations throughout the city. While some stations have recently had elevators installed, the system cannot be considered wheelchair accessible. Large gaps of up to 6 inches exist between the subway train and station platforms. Trains are often not level with the platform and require a step up of a similar distance.

Stations without elevators require travelers to ascend or descend long flights of stairs. I strongly recommend that you use the accessible city bus network and avoid the subway.

City Bus and Trolleybus System

Moscow is served by an increasingly modern city bus system with hundreds of routes/lines. Every major city street is served by at least one bus line. Busses are numbered and lettered with route information. The network consists of normal, gas-powered city buses and the largest electricity-powered trolleybus system in the world.

The majority of city buses and trolleybuses now have lowered floors and are wheelchair accessible. The door at the center of the bus is equipped with a manual ramp which the bus operator will extend for wheelchair users. These ramps can be quite steep, but the bus operator can assist with pushing the wheelchair up the ramp. Wheelchair accessible buses are equipped with a securement space for wheelchairs with tie downs/straps and a seatbelt. Priority reserved seating is available for seniors and persons with disabilities.

All wheelchair accessible buses are marked with the international symbol of access (the wheelchair icon) at the center door or on the front of the vehicle. Wheelchair entry is possible only through the center door, where the retractable or fold out ramp is located. Wheelchair travelers ride the city bus and trolleybus free of charge. You should flag down the approaching bus if wish to ride, so that the operator can maneuver the bus close to the curb for ramp deployment.

On-street rail trams

The City of Moscow is served by 44 on street tram lines, which run on recessed rails and are powered by electricity. All trams require riders to climb several steps in order to access the passenger cabin. There are no implements which make wheelchair access possible. Disabled travelers should plan to avoid any routes which require the use of a tram. City buses adequately serve all parts of the city in which the trams operate.

City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-on/off Tour Bus

Although it is not managed by the city, the City Sightseeing Moscow tour bus travels to all of the major sights in Moscow and allows patrons to hop-on and hop-off at nearly 40 stops. The bus stops at or near all of the sights I have reviewed on this website. The next bus is available 30-40 minutes after the one before and the entire route circle takes 60 minutes to complete. Buses are wheelchair accessible, with fold-out ramps at the rear doors. One dedicated wheelchair space is available on each bus.

Passengers are provided with a set of headphones which can be plugged in to the at-seat ports. An audio guide is available in multiple languages, including English. Tickets for adults, good for 24 hours from the time of purchase, are available for 700 RUB. They can be purchased online with credit card, or onboard the bus with cash.  Tickets are provided free of charge to wheelchair users and for other persons with proof of disability. Discounts are also available to seniors with identification. For additional information on the Moscow City Sightseeing Bus or to download route maps, visit  city-sightseeing.com .

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Is It Safe in Moscow?

Stanislav Solntsev / Getty Images

When you visit Moscow , Russia, you’re seeing one of the world’s largest, and most expensive, capital cities . While there is a history of violent crime against foreign journalists and aid personnel in Russia, a trip to Moscow is usually safe for mainstream travelers. Most tourists in Moscow only face potential issues with petty crime, though terrorism is also a concern. Visitors should stick to the principal tourist areas and abide by the local security advice.

Travel Advisories

• The U.S. Department of State urges travelers to avoid travel to Russia because of COVID-19 and to "exercise increased caution due to terrorism, harassment, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws."  
• Anyone exploring more of Russia should avoid "The North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, due to terrorism, kidnapping,   and   risk of civil unrest." Also, travelers should stay away from "Crimea due to Russia’s occupation of the Ukrainian territory   and   abuses by its occupying authorities."  
• Canada states travelers should use a high degree of caution in Russia due to the threat of terrorism and crime.  

Is Moscow Dangerous?

The Moscow city center is typically safe. In general, the closer you are to the Kremlin , the better. Travelers mainly need to be aware of their surroundings and look out for petty crime. Be especially careful in tourist areas such as Arbat Street and crowded places like the Moscow Metro transit system. The suburbs are also generally fine, though it is advised to stay away from Maryino and Perovo districts.

Terrorism has occurred in the Moscow area, leading authorities to increase security measures. Be more careful at tourist and transportation hubs, places of worship, government buildings, schools, airports, crowds, open markets, and additional tourist sites.

Pickpockets and purse snatching happen often in Russia, perpetrated by groups of children and teenagers who distract tourists to get their wallets and credit cards. Beware of people asking you for help, who then trick you into their scheme. Don’t expect a backpack to be a safe bag bet; instead, invest in something that you can clutch close to your body or purchase a money belt . Always diversify, storing some money in a separate location so that if you are pickpocketed, you'll have cash elsewhere. Keep an eye out for thieves in public transportation, underground walkways, tourist spots, restaurants, hotel rooms and homes, restaurants, and markets.

Is Moscow Safe for Solo Travelers?

Large cities like Moscow in Russia are overall fairly safe if you are traveling alone, and the Moscow Metro public transit is a secure and easy way to get around. But it is still a good idea to follow basic precautions as in any destination. Avoid exploring alone at night, especially in bad areas. You may want to learn some basic Russian phrases or bring a dictionary, as many locals don't speak English. However, in case you need any help, there are tourist police that speak English. Also, exploring with other trusted travelers and locals or on professional tours is often a good way to feel safe.

Is Moscow Safe for Female Travelers?

Catcalling and street harassment are infrequent in Moscow and the rest of Russia and females traveling alone don't usually have problems. There are plenty of police officers on the streets as well. Still, it serves to stick to Moscow's well-lit, public areas, avoid solo night walks, and use your instincts. Women frequenting bars may take receive some friendly attention. Females can wear whatever they want, but those entering Orthodox churches will be required to cover up. Though women in Russia are independent, domestic violence and other inequality issues take place regularly.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Russia is not known as a gay-friendly country. However, Moscow is one of the more welcoming cities with a blooming LGBTQ+ community and many friendly restaurants, bars, clubs, and other venues. Hate crimes in Russia have increased since the 2013 anti-gay propaganda law. Openly LGBTQ+ tourists in this conservative country may experience homophobic remarks, discrimination, or even violence, especially if traveling with a partner. Also, while women hold hands or hug publicly—whether romantically involved or not—men should avoid public displays of affection to prevent being insulted or other issues.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

Moscow  and other big cities in Russia have sizable populations of various cultures, so discrimination against BIPOC travelers is rarer than in other parts of the country where it can become dangerous. Some people living in Russia who are Black, Asian, Jewish, and from other backgrounds have experienced racial discrimination and violence. Tourists won't usually experience overt racism but may be the recipients of some stares. If anyone should bother you, be polite and resist being taunted into physically defending yourself.

Safety Tips for Travelers

Travelers should consider the following general tips when visiting:

• It's best not to drink the tap water. If you do, boil it before drinking, though showering is safe and the amount used to brush teeth is generally not harmful. Mineral water is widely drunk, especially at restaurants, and if you prefer not to have it carbonated ask for “ voda byez gaz” (water without gas).
• If you need emergency assistance in case of fire, terrorism, medical issues, or more, dial 112 in Russia for bilingual operators.
• Be judicious about taking photographs, especially of police or officials. This can potentially bring unwanted attention to yourself by members of law enforcement who won’t mind asking to see your passport. Also avoid snapping photos of official-looking buildings, such as embassies and government headquarters.
• Carry your passport in as secure a manner as possible. If you get stopped for any reason by the police, they can fine or arrest you if you don't have the document with you. Also, keep photocopies of your passport, the page on which your travel visa appears, and any other documents that relate to your stay in Russia.
• Use official taxis only and steer clear of illegal taxi companies, especially at night. Ask your hotel to call a reputable taxi company.

U.S. Department of State. " Russia Travel Advisory ." August 6, 2020.

Government of Canada. " Official Global Travel Advisories ." November 19, 2020.

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Rent a Car in Moscow and other Russian Cities

Driving in Russia is very cheap: the petrol costs only about 60 ¢ per liter (€2 per gallon), the infrastructure is relatively good, and there's almost no road toll charges, so it's a great way to explore the country, especially if you're two or more.

In order to rent a car in Russia you just need your driving license (the plastic card one), a credit card, and your passport — no extra paperwork is needed (you don't even need a translation).

The insurance excess and security deposits are usually limited to about €200, and the daily rent is about €20 for a standard car and €30 for an SUV. We've partnered with the two biggest car rental aggregators, so you can use the form below to find the best car rental deals for Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian cities from major local and international providers, such as Hertz, Europcar, Avis and others.

Option #1: RentalCars.Com

Option #2: cartrawler.

Use this aggregator if you're renting a car for a longer period — two weeks and more — or if you're renting a car in Siberia.

Option #3: Car Sharing

Russia car rental faq.

• Moscow Airport Transfers
• Arrival and Departure: St. Petersburg Airport, Train Stations, and Bus Stations
• Arrival and Departure: Moscow Airports, Train Stations, Buses

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