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Free travel in Ireland

What is the free travel scheme, how to use free travel, where can i use free travel, how to qualify for free travel, how to apply for free travel, where to apply for free travel, senior smartpass for travelling in northern ireland.

The Free Travel Scheme allows you to travel, free of charge, on public transport and some private bus and ferry services.

Everyone aged 66 and over, living permanently in Ireland, can get the Free Travel Scheme.

People with disabilities and carers aged under 66 may also qualify for Free Travel.

If you qualify for Free Travel and you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, your partner may travel with you for free if you meet certain criteria (see ‘Spouses, civil partners and cohabitants’ below).

If you can’t travel alone for medical reasons, you may get Free Travel for a companion. This allows a person aged over 16 to travel with you for free.

Changes to the Free Travel Scheme in 2024

From 29 July 2024, you will qualify for the Free Travel Scheme if you are aged over 17 and under 66, and:

• Have never been able to drive due to a disability
• Have a driving licence and are medically certified as ‘not fit to drive’ for at least 12 months.

While the change won’t take effect until July, you can download and fill in an application form for Free Travel for people medically certified unfit to drive (FTM) (pdf) now.

In this case, your spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant cannot accompany you free of charge when travelling.

If you qualify for Free Travel, your Public Services Card (PSC) will have FT (for Free Travel) in the top left-hand corner. The letter following it shows who can travel for free with you:

• FT-P - you can travel for free
• FT+S - your spouse, partner or cohabitant can travel with you for free
• FT+C - you can have a person (over 16) travel with you for free

You must show or scan your Public Services Card to the travel operator when you are travelling on public transport. Find out more about 'How to use your public services card for free travel' .

Paper travel passes are no longer being issued but you can still use your paper pass, if it is valid.

You can use your Free Travel on most Iarnród Éireann , Bus Éireann , Dublin Bus , DART and Luas Services and on certain private bus and ferry services (pdf) .

Free travel is also available on Dublin Bus Nitelink , Go-Ahead Ireland and TFI (Transport for Ireland) Local Link services .

Free travel does not include some special services such as Dublin Bus AIRLINK services .

You can find a full list of services where you can use Free Travel (pdf) on gov.ie.

There are no restrictions on the times you can use your Free Travel.

Living on the Aran Islands or Tory Island

If you are permanently living on any of the Aran Islands, you may get up to 12 single (or 6 return) air trips each year between the islands and Galway City.

People who live permanently on Tory Island (Co. Donegal) are entitled to 8 (or 4 return) free journeys on the seasonal helicopter service operating between the island and Falcarragh on the mainland.

If your public services card includes free travel for a companion, spouse, partner or cohabitant, they can also travel with you for free on the above services.

Going to Northern Ireland

You may also travel free of charge on certain cross-border services between Ireland and Northern Ireland. But to travel free in Northern Ireland, you must have a Senior Smart Pass – see ‘Senior SmartPass for travelling in Northern Ireland’ below.

To get Free Travel you must be living in Ireland and meet one of the following conditions:

• You are aged 66 or over
• You are getting Disability Allowance , Blind Pension , Carer's Allowance or an Invalidity Pension
• You are blind or visually impaired and meet the medical conditions for Blind Pension
• You have been getting Incapacity Supplement or Workmen's Compensation with Disablement Pension for at least 12 months
• You are a specified carer for a person getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relative's Allowance
• You are getting a social security invalidity payment (or similar payment) from a country covered by EU regulations or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement for at least 12 months

Widow or widower or a surviving civil partner

If you are a widow or widower or a surviving civil partner aged 60 or over, living in Ireland and your late spouse or civil partner had Free Travel, you can get Free Travel, if you are getting one of the following payments:

• Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Partner's (Contributory) Pension
• Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Partner's (Non-Contributory) Pension
• One-Parent Family Payment
• Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Partner's Pension under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme
• A similar social security pension or benefit from a country covered by EU regulations or a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement
• You are getting an ordinary Garda widow's pension

Spouses, civil partners and cohabitants

If you are entitled to Free Travel and you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, your partner may be able to travel with you for free.

Your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant cannot travel with you for free, if you are under age 66 and getting Free Travel because you are:

• Getting Carer's Allowance
• The nominated carer for a person getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relatives Allowance

Your PSC card must have FT-S on it to allow your partner travel with you. To add your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant to your Free Travel - see ‘How to apply for Free Travel’ below.

If you can’t travel alone

If you are unable to travel alone , you can have a person, over 16 years of age, travel with you for free. Your PSC card must have FT-C on it. To add a companion to your Free Travel, see ‘How to apply for Free Travel’ below.

Free travel companion card for children

A child with a visual impairment can get Free Travel for a companion if they are under 18 and they either:

• Satisfy the blindness condition for a Blind Pension, or
• Are registered with Vision Ireland or the National League of the Blind of Ireland

The person they travel with (companion) must be age 16 or over.

Work and Free Travel

You can keep your Free Travel for 5 years, if you moved from one of the following disability payments to work:

• Disability Allowance
• Invalidity Pension
• Partial Capacity Benefit (from Invalidity Pension)
• Disablement Benefit paid along with Incapacity Supplement

You can also keep your Free Travel for 5 years if you transferred from Disability Allowance or Invalidity Pension to a Community Employment , SOLAS or a Back to Work scheme.

If you are aged 66 or over and are getting a State pension, your Public Services Card (PSC) will be issued showing that you have Free Travel automatically.

If you are under 66, you will get Free Travel automatically issued on your PSC if you get one of the following payments:

• Blind Pension
• Carer’s Allowance

If you are married or in a civil partnership, your PSC will be issued with FT-S on it. If you are cohabiting, you must fill in Part 1 and 2 of the Free Travel application form FT1 (pdf) .

If you are not getting one of the payments above but you are eligible for Free Travel, you must fill in the Free Travel application form FT1(pdf) and send to the Free Travel Section in the Department of Social Protection.

If you can’t travel alone and need a companion

If you are unable to travel alone, you can apply for Free Travel for a Companion, using either of the following forms:

• Over 70 Companion pass form (pdf)
• Under 70 Companion pass form (pdf)

You can get an application form for Free Travel from the Department of Social Protection. The form is also available at your local post office and Citizens Information Centre .

Lost or damaged Free Travel pass or PSC

There are currently 2 types of Free Travel Pass:

• A paper Free Travel Pass
• A Public Services Card with Free Travel (with F-T written in the top left-hand corner)

Paper passes are no longer being issued so if you need a replacement for a lost or damaged paper pass, you must undergo SAFE registration and get a Public Services Card .

If your Public Services Card Free Travel is lost, stolen or damaged, you should telephone 0818 837 000 to request a replacement card.

Free Travel

Social Welfare Services College Road Sligo Ireland

If you are 66 or over and have Free Travel, you can travel free of charge on all bus and rail services within Northern Ireland using a Senior SmartPass card.

If you are 66 or over and have Free Travel, you do not need to meet the residency condition in Northern Ireland to apply for a Senior SmartPass card.

How to apply for a Senior SmartPass

To get a Senior SmartPass, you must fill in an application form (FTNI1). You can get this form from your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office. It is not possible to get this form online .

You should not use a photocopy of the form as each form is barcoded. The application form must be filled in with black ink only and returned in person (not posted) to your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.

You must bring each of the following items with your application form to your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office:

• Your Irish Free Travel pass/Public Services Card
• Proof of your address, (for example, a gas, electricity, phone bill or bank statement)
• Proof of your identity, (for example, your driving licence, passport or another form of photo identification)
• A recent passport standard colour photograph

It may take up to 6 weeks to process your application. There is further information on the extension of the Free Travel Scheme .

Travelling with a partner or companion

A spouse, civil partner, cohabitant or companion cannot travel with you for free on public transport within Northern Ireland.

However, your Irish Free Travel allows your spouse, civil partner, cohabitant or companion to travel for free on certain cross-border services between Ireland and Northern Ireland. For example, a cross-border train journey that starts in Ireland and ends in Northern Ireland or vice versa.

Renewing and replacing a Senior SmartPass

Your Senior SmartPass will expire after 5 years.

• If you have electronically used your card within the last 2 years, you will get a new card automatically in the post from Translink when your card expires.
• If you have not used your card in the last 2 years, you will be sent a renewal application form to fill in. The renewal form is not the same as a first-time application and you do not need to supply a photograph.
• If you have never used your card, you will not hear from Translink at all. If you wish to get it renewed, you must contact Translink by email at [email protected] , or telephone 00 44 289 075 9129 or 028 90 66 66 30 and they will send you a renewal application.

If you lose or need to replace your Senior SmartPass for travel in Northern Ireland, you can fill in form (FTNI 2) (pdf) .

Brexit and the Senior SmartPass

On 31 January 2020 the UK exited the EU . Senior SmartPass holders can continue to travel in Northern Ireland on the bus and train.

Related documents

• Tax-free purchases for non-EU travellers The Retail Export Scheme, allows visitors to Ireland (from outside the European Union) to buy goods in Ireland to take home with them and benefit from tax relief. 2876.0732
• Customs regulations for travellers to Ireland Find out about the important rules in place regarding customs regulations for people travelling to Ireland. 2634.451
• Travelling from Ireland for healthcare in Europe Introduction to the options for Irish residents who want to access healthcare in other countries in Europe. 2555.332

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

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Interagency senior annual and senior lifetime passes.

Love of parks can be a lifelong journey or an adventure here for you to discover. If you are a US citizen or permanent resident ages 62 years or older, there are special entrance pass options for you to enjoy your public lands! The America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series offers a lifetime and annual Senior Pass option.

Find more information about all options for entrance passes or learn more about the Senior Passes below.

Who is eligible and what are the age requirements for a Senior Pass?

US citizens or permanent residents 62 years or older are eligible for a Senior Pass.

How much does a Senior Pass cost?

The Senior Lifetime Pass is valid for your lifetime and costs $80.

The Senior Annual Pass is valid for one year and costs $20. (The Senior Annual Pass can be upgraded to a Senior Lifetime Pass in-person at a participating federal site that distributes Senior passes .

How can I purchase a Senior Pass?

Get in person.

Senior Passes can be purchased at participating federal recreation sites, including national parks, that charges an entrance or standard amenity (day-use) fee. Proof of age and residency is required. See the complete list of sites where the pass is available .

Order online

Passes can also be purchased online or through the mail from USGS; an additional processing fee will be added to the price. Visit the USGS store to buy the pass online or find instructions for purchasing by mail . Allow three weeks for delivery.

Where can I use my Senior Pass?

Annual and lifetime Senior Passes provide access to hundreds of recreation sites managed by these six federal agencies:

• National Park Service
• US Fish & Wildlife Service
• Bureau of Land Management
• Bureau of Reclamation
• US Forest Service
• US Army Corps of Engineers

Search this list of entrance fees by park to plan your trip to national park sites .

What are the benefits of my Senior Pass?

The passes cover entrance and standard amenity (day-use) recreation fees and provide discounts on some expanded amenity recreation fees at sites managed by participating federal agencies.

The Senior Passes admit the passholder and passengers in a noncommercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and passholder plus three adults, not to exceed four adults, where per-person fees are charged. Children under 16 are always admitted free. The Senior Passes may also provide the passholder (only) a discount on some expanded amenity fees such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours.

What if my current Senior Pass is lost or stolen?

Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. If lost or stolen, you will have to purchase a new pass.

What if I have an older version of the Senior Pass?

All older versions of the Senior Pass, including the Golden Age Passports, are still valid. We encourage visitors with a Golden Age Passport to exchange it for a new Senior Lifetime Pass for free. Exchanges can be done in person at a park that charges an entrance fee . Remember to bring your Golden Age Passport with you.

Senior Passes Benefiting Your Parks

Why is the senior lifetime pass $80.

The legislation states that the cost of the lifetime Senior Pass be equal to the cost of the annual America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, which is currently $80. 

When did the price increase?

In August 2017, the price of the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass increased for the first time since 1994. The price increase was the result of the Centennial Legislation P.L. 114-289 passed by the US Congress in December 2016.  

The additional revenue  is used to enhance the visitor experience in parks.  

What if a senior citizen is on a fixed budget?

The legislation established an annual Senior Pass for $20. That pass is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Additionally, access to most National Park Service sites remains free—less than a quarter of more than 400 National Park Service sites have an entrance fee.

Does the money from the sales of Senior Passes benefit national parks?

Yes, the funds from all Senior Passes purchased in a national park will go to a National Park Foundation Endowment and a National Park Centennial Challenge Fund, both authorized by the Centennial Legislation. 

What is the National Park Foundation Endowment?

The first $10 million collected by the National Park Service in each fiscal year from Senior Pass sales will be deposited in the Second Century Endowment for the National Park Service managed by the National Park Foundation . The foundation is the congressionally authorized philanthropic partner, or official charity, of the National Park Service. Funds within the Second Century Endowment will be expended on projects and activities approved by the Secretary of Interior to further the mission and purpose of the National Park Service. 

What is the National Park Centennial Challenge Fund?

All revenues collected from sales by the National Park Service of National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Passes, that are in excess of $10 million will be deposited in the National Park Centennial Challenge Fund. The funds will be used for projects and programs approved by the Secretary of the Interior to the mission of the National Park Service and to enhance the visitor experience in National Park System units. Projects and programs will require at least a one-to-one match by non-federal donations. 

Where does the money go if I purchase a Senior Pass from another agency?

Eighty to one hundred percent of funds from Senior Passes sold by the other five agencies will be retained by the site where they are sold and spent on visitor-related projects and programs. 

Last updated: June 13, 2024

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Over 70 Companion Free Travel Card Application Form (FT O/70)

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Apply for an older person's bus pass

If you live in england or wales.

In England you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age .

If you live in London, you can travel free on buses, tubes and other transport when you’re 60, but only within London.

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Lifestyle for Older Adults

Safe travel tips for older adults.

Dec 12, 2022

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Donya Currie

Senior Editor at NCOA

Key Takeaways

Traveling is vital for our mental health.

Whether you’re traveling thousands of miles a year, or taking the occasional short trip, you can avoid extra risks by following these tips.

Planning ahead and having a back-up plan can help you dodge common travel hazards and pitfalls.

Many of us put our travel plans on hold at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. And the thought of travel can still cause worry, whether that's related to the fear of catching COVID-19 or the unease stemming from a lack of practice. But being prepared and taking precautions can help ensure you enjoy a much-needed trip.

In general, traveling, going to new places and meeting up with family and old and new friends is really vital for our mental health,” said Kathleen Cameron, senior director of NCOA's Center for Healthy Aging.

When planning a trip, and while you're on the road to adventure, follow these tips to help everything go as smoothly as possible.

1. Follow public health guidance

On a recent business trip to Austin, Texas, Cameron noticed only about 10% of people were wearing face masks in the airport and on the plane. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone wear face coverings on public transportation to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. Following that advice is particularly important for older adults, Cameron said.

“Anyone over the age of 50 should wear masks, while in the airport, at their gat,e and on the plane their entire trip.”

CDC has a wealth of travel guidance, including frequently asked questions and tools for gauging COVID-19 risk by desination, at  cdc.gov/travel .

2. Choose a hotel that meets your needs

While most hotels can accommodate a guest’s mobility, some places that are off the beaten path or historical haven’t been updated. This can mean falls hazards on stairs or uneven floors, or accessibility issues at the entrance to the hotel and to the rooms.

Before booking a hotel, call ahead to make sure the hotel has elevators, and ask if the elevator is wheelchair accessible if you need it. If not, ask if they can accommodate a first-floor request.

Even if you’re traveling with a tour company, don’t hesitate to call a hotel directly if you have concerns about accessibility.

3. Don’t publicize your trip on social media

It’s natural to want to share your excitement about an upcoming trip, but think twice before posting it on social media. There are many reported cases of thieves using social media to target homes when the owner announces they’re going on a long trip.

Facebook’s default privacy setting isn’t particularly private. You may think only your closest friends can see your post, but unless you have strict privacy settings enabled, anyone who is friends with your friends, and even some people who aren’t acquainted with you at all, can see your post.

You also might want to consider asking a trusted friend or family member to house sit while you’re away.

4. Know the TSA rules

While you’re trying to figure out where to pack your sunhat and flip flops, don’t forget about your prescriptions. If you are one of the nearly 9 in 10 older adults who takes at least one medication, 1 always pack it in your carry-on where you can access it easily, and it can’t be lost by an airline.

“Carry your medications with you on your person and not in your luggage,” Cameron advises.

If your medication is a liquid and requires that you also have syringes, pumps, freezer packs, or IV bags, the TSA will allow you to carry it all on the plane. Before you pack, check the TSA’s rules, so you know how to pack them.

It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong.

Make sure to take a list of your medications , doctors, and the location of a pharmacy covered by your insurance (or Medicare) at your destination.

Bonus: If you’re 75 or older, TSA usually allows you to go through the security pre-check line, which means you don’t have to remove your shoes or separate laptops or liquids from your carry-on. For those younger than 75 who can’t—or don’t want to—stand in long security lines, the TSA Precheck or Global Entry program are options. TSA Precheck is for flights between U.S. airports, and Global Entry is for international flights. Each program has a non-refundable application fee, and you have to apply for the program well in advance of your travel. But if approved, your status lasts for five years.

5. Stay healthy on route to, and on, the plane

Busy airports and tight spaces while getting on an airplane can be a fall risk. The airline will help if you call ahead and ask about priority boarding.

You’ll also want to talk with the airline if you have a chronic condition that has dietary restrictions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension, and you’re taking a long flight that overlaps when you know you should eat. A representative can tell you if they can accommodate your dietary needs. If they can’t, pack food for yourself.

Airplane air can pose challenges. A plane cabin at high altitudes typically has much less humidity than a normal environment, 2 which can put you at higher risk of dehydration and respiratory diseases. Be sure to drink lots of water on the plane.

"On really long airplane trips, be sure you walk in the aisle to prevent blood clots, particularly for those at high risk," Cameron said. That includes people who've had surgeries or recent hospitalizations, cancer, or have a family history of blood clots.

It’s also good to take steps to protect your immune system, which naturally weakens with age. Pack anti-bacterial wipes in your carry-on so you can disinfect your seat, seatbelt, tray, and armrest. Before your trip, talk to your doctor to make sure you’re up-to-date on all of your immunizations , including the flu shot and COVID-19 boosters.

"Many older adults, they’re still unaware of the booster or, frankly, its importance—that it’s an extra layer of protection different than those initial dosages," said NCOA President and CEO Ramsey Alwin .

6. Don’t be a target for theft

Older adults are targets for theft and fraud. Whether you’re traveling alone or with a group, take precautions to protect yourself both inside and outside of your hotel room.

Check with your hotel to see if it has a safe in your room for your passport, jewelry, or excess cash. And always double-check to make sure the code works before placing your belongings inside. Keep anything you consider valuable inside the safe.

Consider also investing in pick-pocket proof travel clothes. Many companies design fashionable pants and jackets that come with deep inside zipper and magnetically sealed pockets that help keep your valuables safe from pick pocketers.

If you’re traveling internationally, consider using cash for most purchases.

Credit card fraud is prevalent in tourist destinations. Unless you plan to monitor your transaction history via a mobile app, cash will reduce your risk.

Getting foreign currency is easier than ever. Check with your home bank to see if you can use your debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs at your destination. Some banks will even let you withdraw without additional fees. Plus, you may get a better conversion rate doing it this way.

If you opt for the credit card route, call the credit card issuer before your trip to let them know where and when you’re traveling. They can tell you if there is a foreign transaction fee for using your card abroad and how the conversion rate is applied to charges. Alerting the company allows it to more easily track potential fraudulent activity and issue a refund quickly if you get hit. However, most credit card companies will deactivate your card in the case of fraud and will only mail a replacement to your account address. So take a back-up card just in case.

7. Keep important documents on hand

Before leaving home, make copies of your important documents, like your passport, driver’s license, Medicare card, and itinerary. Pack an extra set with you, and make sure to leave copies with people you trust at home (or have access to scanned versions). If you lose your ID or it’s stolen, this will make it easier to get replacements.

Also, always make sure to carry emergency contact information and identification on you while out and about. If a medical emergency happens, the people providing assistance will need to know your emergency contact and a health care provider at home.

Now that you’re equipped with these smart travel tips, enjoy your trip and make wonderful new memories! Happy travels!

1. Kaiser Family Foundation. Data Note: Prescription Drugs and Older Adults. 2019. Found on the internet at https://www.kff.org/health-reform/issue-brief/data-note-prescription-drugs-and-older-adults/

2. National Research Council U.S. Committee on Air Quality in Passenger Cabins of Commercial Aircraft. The Airliner Cabin and the Health of Passengers and Crew. Environmental Control. 2002. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207472/

Other Contributors

Healthy Aging Team

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Free Travel

• January 11, 2019

Everyone aged 66 and over, legally resident and living permanently in the State, is entitled to the Free Travel Scheme. Some people under 66 also qualify. If you qualify for free travel, you are issued with a card that you must carry with you when using public transport. In some cases, a Free Travel Companion Card is available which allows a person to travel with the holder (if they are unable to travel alone). Free Travel Cards are non-transferable and can only be used by the named person.

Free travel is available on all State public transport (bus, rail and Dublin’s LUAS service) with some exceptions.

Free travel is also available on a limited number of services operated by private bus transport companies. Private bus transport operators that have opted in to the Free Travel Scheme accept free travel cards. You should contact the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection to check whether your private bus operator accepts free travel cards – see ‘Where to apply’ below.

If you abuse your entitlement to free travel, the Department will review your entitlement to a Free Travel Card. For example, abuse could include wrongfully presenting a card for travel or engaging in anti-social behaviour while using the card. When you use your Free Travel Card you must also follow the rules that apply to your mode of transport.

SAFE registration and Public Services Card

The SAFE registration process (pdf) is used to establish and verify your identity. Your free travel pass will be contained in the  Public Services Card (PSC)  that issues following this registration. You must undergo SAFE registration when requested to do so by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. Your entitlement to free travel will be disallowed or withdrawn if you don’t register.

If you are entitled to free travel, when you are issued with your new Public Services Card it will also be your Free Travel Card. ( The Public Services Card will eventually replace the Free Travel Pass .) The card will have F-T printed in a yellow octagon in the top-left-hand corner of the card.  You can see a sample card on welfare.ie (pdf) .

You must show your Public Services Card to the travel operator when you are travelling on public transport. (In some cases, you may be asked to scan your Public Services Card, though not all transport operators have this facility.) When you receive your new Public Services Card, you must return your old free travel pass to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (see ‘Where to apply’ below).

There are 3 categories of free travel:

• If  FT-P  is written on your Public Services Card, you personally are entitled to free travel.
• If  FT+S  is written on your Public Services Card, your spouse, civil partner or  cohabitant  can join you for free when you are travelling (they cannot travel for free alone). A cohabitant is one of a couple who live together, but are not married or in a civil partnership. Your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant’s name will not be on the card.
• If  FT+C  is written on your Public Services Card, a companion (over 16) can travel with you for free (because you are unable to travel alone for medical reasons).

Read FAQs on the Public Services Card and free travel (pdf) . Note that the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is no longer issuing paper passes.

You can also read ‘ How to use your public services card for free travel’ (pdf) .

Spouses, civil partners, cohabitants and companions

If you are entitled to free travel and you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, you are entitled to a Free Travel Card which allows your partner to accompany you free of charge when travelling. (This does not apply to people under age 66 who are getting  Carer’s Allowance  or who are nominated carers for people getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relatives Allowance from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection).

If you are unable to travel alone, you may get a  Free Travel Companion Card . This allows you to be accompanied by any person over 16 years of age, free of charge. To qualify for a Free Travel Companion Card, you must satisfy certain conditions. Entitlement to the Companion Free Travel Card may be subject to periodic review. You can read about these conditions in the  Free Travel Scheme guidelines .

Senior SmartPass for travelling in Northern Ireland

The All Ireland Free Travel Scheme allows a Free Travel cardholder (those aged 66 and older) to travel free of charge on all bus and rail services within Northern Ireland using a  Senior Smartpass  card. Similarly, Northern Ireland Senior Smartpass holders are entitled to travel for free on services in Ireland using their existing Senior Smartpass. If your Free Travel Card allows you to be accompanied by a spouse, civil partner or cohabitant or companion, they may continue to travel with you for free on cross-border journeys but they cannot accompany you for free on public transport within Northern Ireland.

Free Travel cardholders wishing to avail of the All Ireland Free Travel scheme within Northern Ireland must first get a Senior SmartPass card. To get a Senior SmartPass card you must fill in an application form (FTNI1). It is  not possible to get this form online . To get a form you must contact your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.

The application form must be filled in with  black ink  only and returned  in person  (not posted) to your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office. You must bring the following items with your application form to your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office:

• Your current Free Travel Pass/Public Services Card and
• Evidence of your address, (for example, a gas, electricity, phone bill or bank statement) and
• Evidence of your identity, (for example, your driving licence, passport or another form of photo identification) and
• A recent passport standard colour photograph.

It may take up to six weeks to process your application. However you can only apply 3 weeks before your 66th birthday. If you apply more than 3 weeks before your 66th birthday, your application will be rejected. There is further information on the  extension of the Free Travel Scheme .

You should continue to use your current Free Travel Card for travel in this State.

Renewing a Senior SmartPass

Your Senior SmartPass will expire after 5 years.

• If you have electronically used your card within the last 2 years, you will get a new card automatically in the post from  Translink  when your card expires.
• If you have not used your card in the last 2 years, you will be sent a renewal application form to fill out. (The renewal form is not the same as a first-time application and you do not need to supply a photograph.)
• If you have never used your card, you will not hear from Translink at all. If you wish to get it renewed, you must contact Translink on 048 9075 9129 who will send you a renewal application.

Brexit and the Senior SmartPass

On  31 January 2020 the UK exited the EU .  Senior SmartPass  holders can continue to travel in Northern Ireland on the bus and train.

COVID-19 and the Free Travel Scheme

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has confirmed that all transport operators are allowing customers with a PSC Free Travel Card to continue to avail of the Free Travel Scheme during the COVID-19 public health emergency, even if the card has expired.

You may be entitled to free travel if you are legally resident and permanently living in the State and:

• You are aged 66 or over
• You are getting Disability Allowance,  Blind Pension ,  Carer’s Allowance  or an  Invalidity Pension  from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
• You have been getting Incapacity Supplement or Workmen’s Compensation with Disablement Pension for at least 12 months
• You are blind or visually impaired and meet the medical conditions for Blind Pension
• You are a specified carer for a person getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relative’s Allowance from the Department
• You are getting a social security invalidity payment, or similar payment, from another EU member state or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement for at least 12 months
• You are a widow or widower or a surviving civil partner aged 60 or over whose late spouse/civil partner held a free travel pass and who is getting one of the following payments: Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Partner’s (Contributory) Pension, Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Partner’s (Non-Contributory) Pension, One-Parent Family Payment, Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Partner’s Pension under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme or a similar social security pension/benefit from an EU member state or a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement, or an ordinary Garda widow’s pension.
• You have confirmed your identity through the  SAFE registration process (pdf)  when requested to do so

Where free travel can be used

Free travel is available on most Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, DART and Luas Services and on certain private bus and ferry services. Free travel does not include some  special services such as Dublin Bus AIRLINK services . You may also travel free of charge on certain cross-border services between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Free travel is also available on the Dublin Bus NITELINK service.

If you are permanently living on any of the Aran Islands, you may get up to 12 single (or 6 return) air trips each year between the islands and the mainland. People who live permanently on Tory Island (Co. Donegal) are entitled to 8 (or 4 return) free journeys on the seasonal helicopter service operating between the island and the mainland.

There are no restrictions on the times you can use your Free Travel Card.

Working and keeping entitlement to Free Travel

Since 6 April 2017, under the  Make Work Pay  initiative, if you move from a long-term disability payment (see list below) to a job, you can keep your entitlement to Free Travel for a period of 5 years, provided you have registered for a Public Services Card.

•Disability Allowance

•Invalidity Pension

•Partial Capacity Benefit (from Invalidity Pension)

•Disablement Benefit paid along with Incapacity Supplement

•Transfer from Disability Allowance or Invalidity Pension to a Community Employment, SOLAS or Back to Work scheme.

How to apply

If you are aged 66 or over and are getting a social welfare pension, the Free Travel Card will issue automatically if you have confirmed your identity through the SAFE registration process when requested to do so. If you have not SAFE registered, you will be requested to do so before your Free Travel Card issues to you.

If you are under age 66 and have confirmed your identity through the SAFE registration process, you will get a Free Travel Card automatically when you are awarded an Invalidity Pension, a Blind Pension, Disability Allowance or Carer’s Allowance. If you have not SAFE registered, you will be requested to do so before your Free Travel Card issues to you.

In all other circumstances, you must apply for free travel by completing a  Free Travel application form FT1 (pdf) .

You can get this form and additional information from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection – see ‘Where to apply’ below. The form is also available at  your local post office .

If you are married or in a civil partnership and either of you apply for free travel, or are issued a card automatically, the appropriate type of card (to allow your spouse or civil partner to accompany you free of charge) will be issued. If you are cohabiting, you must apply for this type of card by completing PART 2 of the application form above.

If you are unable to travel alone, you apply for a Free Travel Companion pass separately, using either an  Over 70 Companion pass form (pdf)  or an  Under 70 Companion pass form (pdf) .

Lost or damaged Free Travel Passes

There are currently 2 types of Free Travel Pass – a paper Free Travel Pass and a Public Services Card Free Travel (with F-T written in the top left-hand corner). Paper passes are no longer being issued so if you need a replacement for a lost or damaged paper pass you must undergo SAFE registration and get a  Public Services Card .

If your Public Services Card Free Travel is lost, stolen or damaged, you should telephone 1890 837000 to request a replacement card.

Where to apply

Free travel section.

Social Welfare Services College Road Sligo Ireland

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Free travel scheme, free travel scheme.

Everyone aged 66 and over, legally resident and living permanently in the State (Republic of Ireland), is entitled to the Free Travel Scheme. Some people under 66 also qualify. If you qualify for Free Travel, you will be issued a card from the Department of Social Protection. You must carry your Free Travel Card with you when using public transport. In some cases, a Free Travel Companion Card is available, which allows a person to travel for free with the holder (if they are unable to travel alone). Free Travel Cards are non-transferable and can only be used by the named person.

If you abuse your entitlement to Free Travel, the Department of Social Protection will review your entitlement to a Free Travel Card. For example, abuse could include wrongfully presenting a card for travel or engaging in anti-social behaviour while using the card. When you use your Free Travel Card, you must also follow the rules that apply to your mode of transport.

SAFE registration and Public Services Card

The  SAFE registration process establishes and verifies your identity. Your Free Travel Pass will be contained in the Public Services Card (PSC) that is issued following the SAFE registration process. You must undergo SAFE registration when requested to do so by the Department of Social Protection. Your entitlement to Free Travel will be disallowed or withdrawn if you don’t register.

If you are entitled to Free Travel, when you are issued with your new Public Services Card, it will also be your Free Travel Card. ( The Public Services Card will eventually replace the Free Travel Pass .) The card will have “F-T” printed in a yellow octagon in the top-left-hand corner of the card. 

You must show your Public Services Card to the travel operator when you are travelling on public transport. When you receive your new Public Services Card, you must return your old Free Travel Pass to the Department of Social Protection (see ‘Where to apply’ below).

There are three categories of Free Travel:

• If  FT-P is written on your Public Services Card, you personally are entitled to Free Travel.
• If  FT+S  is written on your Public Services Card, your spouse, partner or  cohabitant can join you for free when you travel (they cannot travel for free alone). Your spouse, partner or cohabitant’s name will not be on the card.
• If  FT+C  is written on your Public Services Card, a companion (over 16) can travel with you for free (because you are unable to travel alone for medical reasons).

Note that the Department of Social Protection is no longer issuing paper passes.

Spouses, civil partners, cohabitants and companions

If you are entitled to Free Travel and you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, you are entitled to a Free Travel Card which allows your partner to accompany you free of charge when travelling. (This does not apply to people under age 66 who are getting Carer’s Allowance or who are nominated carers for people getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relatives Allowance).

If you are unable to travel alone, you may get a Free Travel Companion Card. This allows you to be accompanied by any person over 16 years of age, free of charge. You must satisfy certain conditions to qualify for a Free Travel Companion Card. Entitlement to the Companion Free Travel Card may be subject to periodic review. You can read about these conditions here .

You may be entitled to Free Travel if you are legally resident and permanently living in the State and:

• You are aged 66 or over;
• You are getting Disability Allowance,  Blind Pension ,  Carer’s Allowance  or an  Invalidity Pension ;
• You have been getting Incapacity Supplement or Workmen’s Compensation with Disablement Pension for at least 12 months;
• You are blind or visually impaired and meet the medical conditions for Blind Pension;
• You are a specified carer for a person getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relative’s Allowance;
• You are getting a social security invalidity payment, or similar payment, from another EU member state or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement for at least 12 months;
• You are a widow or widower or a surviving civil partner aged 60 or over whose late spouse/civil partner held a Free Travel Pass and who is getting one of the following payments: Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Partner’s (Contributory) Pension, Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Partner’s (Non-Contributory) Pension, One-Parent Family Payment, Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Partner’s Pension under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme or a similar social security pension/benefit from an EU member state or a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement, or an ordinary Garda widow’s pension.
• You have confirmed your identity through the  SAFE registration process when requested to do so.

There are no restrictions on the times you can use your Free Travel Card.

Working and keeping entitlement to Free Travel

Since 6 April 2017, under the  Make Work Pay  initiative, if you move from a long-term disability payment (see list below) to a job, you can keep your entitlement to Free Travel for a period of 5 years, provided you have registered for a Public Services Card.

• Disability Allowance

• Invalidity Pension

• Partial Capacity Benefit (from Invalidity Pension)

• Disablement Benefit paid along with Incapacity Supplement

• Transfer from Disability Allowance or Invalidity Pension to a Community Employment, SOLAS or Back to Work scheme.

How to apply

If you are aged 66 or over and are getting a social welfare pension, the Free Travel Card will be issued automatically if you have confirmed your identity through the SAFE registration process when requested to do so. If you are not SAFE registered, you will be requested to do so before your Free Travel Card is issued to you.

If you are under age 66 and have confirmed your identity through the SAFE registration process, you will get a Free Travel Card automatically when you are awarded an Invalidity Pension, a Blind Pension, Disability Allowance or Carer’s Allowance. If you are not SAFE registered, you will be requested to do so before your Free Travel Card is issued to you.

In all other circumstances, you must apply for Free Travel by completing a Free Travel application form FT1 (pdf) .

You can get this form and additional information from the Department of Social Protection – see ‘Where to apply’ below. The form is also available at your local post office .

If you are married or in a civil partnership and either of you applies for Free Travel or are issued a card automatically, the appropriate type of card (to allow your spouse or civil partner to accompany you free of charge) will be issued. If you are cohabiting, you must apply for this type of card by completing PART 2 of the application form quoted above.

If you are unable to travel alone, you should apply for a Free Travel Companion Pass separately, using either an Over 70 Companion Pass form (pdf)  or an  Under 70 Companion Pass form (pdf) .

Lost or damaged Free Travel Passes

There are currently two types of Free Travel Pass: a paper Free Travel Pass and a Public Services Card Free Travel (with F-T written in the top left-hand corner). Paper passes are no longer being issued, so if you need a replacement for a lost or damaged paper pass, you must undergo SAFE registration and get a Public Services Card .

If your Public Services Card Free Travel is lost, stolen or damaged, you should telephone 0818 837000  to request a replacement card.

Where to apply

Free Travel Section Social Welfare Services College Road, Sligo, Ireland

If you wish to talk to someone face-to-face about your entitlements, you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre ,  Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office .

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How to Save the Most on an Amtrak Trip If You're 65+

Retirement is the perfect time to see the U.S. by train — here's every Amtrak discount seniors can take advantage of.

Traveling by train around the United States is romantic, convenient, and comfortable — but it's not always cheap.

Booking one of Amtrak’s wide, plush seats or overnight cars can be an expensive proposition, but it doesn’t have to be if you just take a few minutes to dig around the Amtrak site to find every discount, sale, and savings option the train service offers. And Amtrak discounts can be especially huge for one select group: those aged 65 and over.

Amtrak Discounts for Seniors

Amtrak always offers specific discounts to seniors, including its regular 10 percent discount on most rail fares on most Amtrak trains. And, as Amtrak explained on its site, “On cross-border services operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada, a 10 percent senior discount is applicable to travelers aged 60 and over.”

Amtrak Downeaster Line Discounts

Amtrak also offers even bigger savings on specific routes including a 50 percent discount on Downeaster line tickets.

“Catch the train to Portland, ME and explore the Old Port, or head to Boston for a day of shopping, museum visits or a walk along the Freedom Trail. Travel to any destination on the Downeaster and save 50 percent with this special offer available only to seniors (65 and up),” Amtrak explained.

Amtrak Early Bird Discounts

Combine that with Amtrak's ongoing sale for early birds — who can save 25 percent on their fare when they book a minimum of 7-21 days in advance — and you've got yourself quite the affordable train fare.

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The Guide to Senior Travel Insurance

Ramsey is a freelance travel journalist covering business travel, loyalty programs and luxury travel. His work has appeared in Travel+Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Reader's Digest, AFAR, BBC Worldwide, USA Today, Frommers.com, Fodors.com, Business Traveler, Fortune, Airways, TravelAge West, MSN.com, Bustle.com and AAA magazines. As someone who flies more than 450,000 miles per year and has been to 173 countries, he is well-versed in the intricacies of credit cards and how to maximize the associated perks and services.

Megan Lee joined the travel rewards team at NerdWallet with over 12 years of SEO, writing and content development experience, primarily in international education and nonprofit work. She has been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and elsewhere, and has spoken at conferences like that of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Megan has built and directed remote content teams and editorial strategies for websites like GoAbroad and Go Overseas. When not traveling, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

The best senior travel insurance options

Tips for selecting travel insurance for seniors, what else seniors need to know about travel insurance, travel insurance for seniors, recapped.

Travel insurance is a smart way to protect the money you have invested in a big trip in case unforeseen hurdles stop you from traveling. Seemingly now more than ever, last-minute changes can disrupt a trip, and in some cases, the money spent on nonrefundable purchases is at risk. There are numerous travel insurance options for people older than 65, but it is important to understand the nuances of senior travel insurance.

Medical issues or situations at (or en route to) your destination can stifle even the best-laid plans. Many credit cards include travel insurance as one of their benefits. These plans can assist in the event of lost or delayed baggage, flight delays and cancellations, and other adjustments to a trip paid for with that particular card.

When buying supplemental senior citizen travel insurance, don’t rely on the default option presented by your travel provider. There are many considerations to take into account, like how far from home you plan to be, the potential for injury or sickness (including your pre-existing medical conditions), and what may already be covered by other insurance plans you have.

For example, medical evacuation may not be covered, but local transportation to a hospital may be. And remember that U.S. health plans or Medicare coverage are especially limited outside of the country.

Here are some options worth reviewing from a handful of insurance providers: Allianz, Medjet, Travelers and your specific travel provider.

Here are a select few senior travel insurance options for people 65 and older.

Allianz offers excellent coverage for travelers over 65. It can help make payments for medical treatments overseas, even in the local currency and their preferred payment methods, to keep you from paying out of pocket.

For longer trips, it offers an AllTrips Prime Plan in increments of three, six or 12 months (ideal if you plan to vacation elsewhere during the winter months, for example). This plan covers emergency medical transport. The company takes into account certain pre-existing medical conditions so be sure to read the fine print.

If you fall ill or need assistance during your travels, Medjet ’s supplemental coverage for medical transportation helps you get to your home or the hospital of your choice. It includes air medical transport. This is a membership program that covers emergencies and can be tacked onto trips or purchased annually. While not technically travel insurance, this company offers an additional medical transport option for emergencies.

This coverage can be helpful if you're planning to travel in remote or unfamiliar areas, such as on safaris, to secluded islands and other far-flung destinations.

» Learn more: Does travel insurance cover medical expenses?

Most other travel insurers might only get you to the nearest appropriate hospital facility. For travelers younger than 75, Medjet offers no pre-existing medical condition exclusions and it doesn't rule out the same number of activities that other providers might.

3. Travelers

With the option to buy an annual, multi-trip protector, Travelers insurance covers a whole year of trips with the option to upgrade several features. The add-ons include “Cancel For Any Reason” insurance and trip interruption coverage.

4. Your travel provider’s own plan

On certain types of trips, say a cruise or a Caribbean resort that is prone to hurricanes, using the travel provider’s recommended insurance can be a good bet. This coverage is usually offered as an add-on during the booking process, but it can also be added after the reservation.

Most likely, these policies are designed to cover delay or cancellation issues, but be sure to read the fine print to see if medical transportation or trip interruption is also included.

Choosing a provider of your own can make sense when planning your own travel (let’s say a honeymoon to Paris or the Maldives). If a cruise line or safari outfitter offers insurance of its own, that might be the most comprehensive when it comes to that particular provider’s operations.

» Learn more: The best cruise insurance

Deciding if you need travel insurance is the first hurdle. Next comes the task of selecting the right one without spending more than the cost of what you are actually trying to protect. These are some important tips to consider.

Compare plans

It is wise to compare the options available using aggregator websites like SquareMouth (a NerdWallet partner) and InsureMyTrip.com. These sites compare the options from dozens of different providers detailing what they do and do not cover.

Seeing the exclusions as well as considering them within the framework of your trip can help you select the best plan for your travel needs.

Consider existing coverage

Review your existing coverage, whether that is via your health insurance or any credit card protections you may have. Some of the benefits you might be paying extra for when getting supplemental travel insurance may already be covered.

Read the fine print

Don’t base your final decision on price, as sometimes the cheapest policy may be the most restrictive — and the most expensive policy may give you coverage for activities you won't even be doing.

What may seem like an inclusion may actually be disallowed due to a technicality (terrorist attack or war). If you’re not sure, pick up the phone and ask if your specific situation is covered.

Timing is key. The sooner you buy your travel insurance coverage, the more time you have to benefit from it. The price could also rise the closer you get to departure. If you wait until the departure date to buy it, you would be out of luck if the week before you get sick or the destination closes its borders. Buying insurance after an issue arises won't help you.

Travel insurance is a safe way to protect that sunken cost. Spending money on travel, even with the benefit of loyalty program miles and points to offset some of the cost, can be a significant investment. Chances are that you won’t even need it, but like other insurance policies, it can pay off in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Weigh the cost of potential expenses with the insurance plan. Canceling a rental car for a road trip may not be a big deal, but business class flights and a nonrefundable cruise might be.

Credit card coverage only protects you if you use that card to pay for your travel. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express also offer travel insurance benefits when paying with points, too. Terms apply. Using the right card for your trip can help save money on other potential travel insurance costs.

» Learn more: Best travel insurance options for older adventurers

What may seem like an unnecessary extra cost can actually help save the day in certain circumstances.

It can pay dividends to understand what your existing coverage includes (especially via a particular credit card) so that travelers over 65 make the most advantageous insurance decision for their trips.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

85,000 Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Older travellers; Travel in your 80s and beyond

Older Travellers; Travel in your 80’s and beyond For curious and adventurous individuals, the thirst for new experiences doesn’t cease with age. Wanting to discover more about the world doesn’t stop when you get older,…

10 Nov 19 · 8 mins read

Older Travellers; Travel in your 80’s and beyond

For curious and adventurous individuals, the thirst for new experiences doesn’t cease with age. Wanting to discover more about the world doesn’t stop when you get older, it just means you go about it in new ways. This blog details travel in your 80s and beyond. Odyssey Traveller welcomes octogenarians on our small group tours, even a solo traveller with an interest in our style of vacation and adventure travel with a group of like-minded people.

Our varied destinations and itineraries cater to seniors and mature travellers of differing ability. You’re not just watching the world from a bus window, you explore these landscapes and scenery, learning about countries’ histories from our leaders and local guides. As a traveller in your late 70s and 80s, you benefit from our years of expertise in senior travel. We like to boast that our most senior traveller is aged 91 years old, and going strong! You are never too old to go on travel adventures, exploring the Pyramids of Giza, the glaciers of Iceland, or go on shore excursions in Chile and Argentina!

Understanding, care and flexibility

We offer understanding, care, and flexibility. Most of our activities are optional, meaning you are welcome to sit things out if you prefer. Best of all, on an Odyssey Traveller small group tour, you will be travelling with like-minded individuals. And, with a bit of luck, making lifelong friends. Read on for tips on travel in your 70’s & 80s. For more information on Odyssey Traveller and our educational small group tours, visit our website. Alternatively, please call or send an email. We’d love to hear from you!

Why travel in your 80s?

Simple answer? Why not! Many octogenarians speak of the sense of freedom they experience in their eighth or ninth decade. It might be the freedom of more spare time, or freedom from caring about the expectations of other people.

But of course, there are logistical issues to consider. Your mobility might not be what it used to be, and it can be nice to feel supported in the far-flung destinations you choose to visit. This is why a small group tour can be ideal. You get to share your experiences and reactions with like minded people. You can feel confident with the expertise of your group leader and guides. And you will be a valuable part of a small group with our capped participant numbers: at Odyssey Traveller, our tours average eight participants. Below are 16 tips on travel in your 70s, 80s and beyond!

1. Be honest with your travel provider, and yourself.

At Odyssey Traveller, our number one priority is that you have an enriching and enjoyable experience. In order to make this happen, it’s important we understand you and your individual needs. For travel at any age, an honest relationship with your travel provider is important. Sharing with them your hopes and limitations will help them to tailor your holiday to your needs. For those fascinated by the industrial revolution, Britain’s History through its Canals and Railways could be the perfect fit! Or perhaps you are drawn to the arts: consider the Gilbert and Sullivan Festival small group tour to explore their beguiling operas. Or, for the adventurous, perhaps the pyramids of Egypt is on your bucket list? Talk to us about your own bucket list today!

2. Older travellers must pace themselves!

Your enthusiasm for travel may not have dampened, but, of course, some accommodations must be made! Our tour leaders are approachable and understanding. Wherever possible, you are welcome to opt out of an activity, or perhaps spend a day at leisure close to the hotel. We recommend you familiarise yourself with the full itinerary of your tour. This way you can anticipate the energy stores you will need to get yourself through. Rest up in your evenings and take care of yourself (and each other) each day of the tour. This begins from the moment you leave home for the airport.

3. Work with the airline about your needs, and have an active flight!

A significant part of your overseas journey will be the flight itself. Be open with the airline about your needs. Detail your mobility and mention any aides you will need to pack with you. On the flight itself, it’s best to avoid alcohol and sleeping pills. Instead, commit to move as much as you can. Drink plenty of water and undertake regular leg exercises. Qantas has provided a great guide to healthy flying here .

An aisle seat is a great option because it enables you to walk up and down the aisles and stretch your legs. If you are at risk of deep vein thrombosis or DVT , consider wearing compression socks. Your GP can help you to arrange this. More travel tips especially for seniors can be found here .

4. Assessing and maintaining your health

Before setting off on your next adventure, it’s important to check you are in good health. We want your travel experience to run as smoothly as possible. It can be helpful to understand and anticipate potential health issues, and know how to manage them so they have minimal impact on your participation in your tour. Remember, age doesn’t have to be a barrier if you are fit and healthy! Know your abilities, as well as your limitations. And take them seriously.

5. Check with your GP or relevant specialists

We recommend that senior travellers make an appointment with their GP or relevant specialists while planning their trip. Tell them your intentions and ask for their honest opinions on your capacity to get the most out of your tour. Ask them for recommendations on how to safely improve your fitness. It’s also a good idea to pay another visit just prior to your departure. They can check you are in good health and have all the medications and first aid you need to pack with you. Don’t forget to enquire about vaccinations, too.

6. Visit your dentist

Make sure you are up to date with your dental appointments. The last thing you want is a toothache to impact your time away.

7. Think about your diet.

An enjoyable part of small group tours is the anticipation and preparation. Now is the time to try to achieve the best level of readiness you can. Be mindful of how you are treating yourself in the lead up. Eat well. You might also like to familiarise yourself with the cuisine of your chosen destination! This is a fun way to prepare.

8. Improving your fitness

A reasonable level of fitness will mean that you can participate in more, and feel less tired. Under the advice of your health professional, work on how you can improve your fitness. This may be as simple as taking walks instead of driving, or getting out and playing with the dog. Ask your friends about their fitness routines. Your upcoming trip might be the perfect motivation to form a neighbourhood walking group or join a class at the local gym or community centre.

9. Our fitness level indicators for older travellers

All of our tours feature an Activity Level. The description of these is available here . Your job, in concert with your health and fitness providers, is to assess your fitness level so you can be sure the tour is well suited to you. Even though Odyssey Traveller offers flexibility, and you can opt out of activities wherever possible, for your own enjoyment and a feeling of being part of the group, its best to be on the safe side. Better to underestimate your fitness than overestimate it. Just try to become the healthiest version of yourself that you can. Here are all of our level 1 tours – these are classed as introductory and include our summer schools. Level 2 tours can be found here . Our tours range all the way to level 5 so do check the classification of the tour you are interested in.

10. Use of a walker and other mobility aides.

Another thing to bear in mind is the use of walkers and other physical aids. You are, of course, welcome to bring these along, but its essential you let your travel company know in advance. You will also need to inform the airline and speak with them about accessibility. Some of Odyssey Traveller’s tours cover uneven terrain. This is often detailed in the Activity Level. If you are concerned, get in touch with your travel provider for a chat. We are always happy to speak to future travellers.

11. Courtesy to your group members

One of the very best parts of a small group tour is the people you meet and the friendships you form. At Odyssey Traveller, you will be travelling with like minded individuals and couples aged in their 50s and over. Of course, group travel also means that each member impacts on the others. In a way, you are working as a team. It’s important to be honest about your abilities because you don’t want to hold others back. Although you are welcome to sit out particular activities, tour members want to share experiences as a group. This is why it’s important to talk to your travel provider while planning your tour.

12. A companion may be ideal

It can be helpful to travel with a companion, especially if you have mobility issues. It can assist you to feel supported, and we’re sure your companion will enjoy themselves too! Having a companion might mean that you can participate that little bit more. So consider whether you have a partner or friend who is interested in small group, educational travel, too. Alternatively, if you are a solo traveller, you might like to read this article for further advice .

13. Travel insurance for seniors is available

Travel insurance for seniors is a must for any overseas holiday. Many insurance companies have experience with travellers aged over 80. Speak to your travel provider or a trusted agent about your options. This is for the sake of your own peace of mind. Odyssey Travellers can assist with independent advice. A key product many mature and senior travellers are purchasing is cancellation insurance for up to a year out from departure. Some travel insurers for seniors offer cancellation insurance as part of their standard package.

14. Consider your destination and do some research

Okay, so your next steps? Number one, of course, is to consult your bucket list. Where are the places you have been dreaming of visiting for as long as you can remember? Or the far-flung destinations that hold memories for you? Perhaps you are looking to revisit sentimental cities. Or you might want to learn more about a culture that interests you. Once you have identified the places you wish to visit, start researching! Head to the library, search the internet. Track down people you know who have visited. Check out the reading lists we recommend for each of our tours. And then, with some knowledge, think about how you can make your dream a reality. Perhaps the walking tour of France isn’t possible, but the Senior Travellers guided educational small group rural tour of France might be just perfect for you.

15. Record your memories

This is so important! Come home and share your stories with your friends and family. Inspire others around you to be as adventurous and inquisitive as you are, and to know that octogenarians are valuable contributors to our world.

Are you ready to join your first (or another!) Odyssey Traveller tour? All of our Guaranteed departures are listed here . Odyssey Traveller will in good faith guarantee a tour to proceed when it reaches the minimum number of participants required to operate the tour. See our Terms and Conditions , and visit our FAQ page if you have any questions. We also have several articles you can read to prepare:

• Small Group Tours: A Definitive Guide
• Graceful Ageing
• Practising Responsible Travel
• EU Introduces New Authorisation System for Visa-Free Travellers
• Trans-Siberian Railway Travel Advice
• Problem of “Overtourism”
• Women’s Walking Shoes
• Selecting Shoes and Socks

Originally published on November 20, 2017.

Updated on November 10, 2019.

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Get an older person's travel pass.

You can get a pass for free bus travel anywhere in England when you reach the female State Pension age. It does not matter if you’re a man or a woman.

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If you live in the West Midlands, you can use your pass on the buses from 9.30am until 11.59pm. You can also get free travel on:

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If you want to travel before 9.30am, you can get a £1.50 single fare on National Express West Midlands buses. Show your travel pass to the driver and ask for a £1.50 single ticket.

If you often travel before 9.30am, you can get a pre-9.30 add-on ticket. Use our ticket finder to find pre-9.30 add-on tickets .

You can also use your travel pass as a pay as you go card. This means you can use it to pay for:

• travel before 9.30 am

To use your travel pass as a pay-as-you-go card, you need to either:

• register your card online

Check if you're eligible

You can find out if you've reached the age for free bus travel on the GOV.UK website.

You can get a West Midlands older person's travel pass if you live in the West Midlands. You must live at a property where council tax is paid to one of these councils:

• Wolverhampton

If you do not live in the West Midlands, contact your local authority to apply.

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• download an application form to print out and send in the post

If you apply through the post, send your application to the address on the form.

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We'll write to you 4 to 6 weeks before your pass expires and tell you how to renew it.

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Benefits and Entitlements

If you're 60 or over or you have a disability, you might be eligible for public transport concessions – from discounts on your rail journeys to a free bus pass.

What transport concessions are available?

Can i get a free bus pass, can i get a discount on train travel, can i get a london freedom pass, what if i have difficulty using public transport, what if i'm unable to use public transport, more travel concessions questions.

There are several national public transport concessions available to older and disabled people. Some entitle you to discounts on your fares, while others allow you to travel for free.

Eligibility for these concessions depends on whether you have a disability or your age. 

Depending on your age and your circumstances, you might be able to get one of the following free bus passes, which allow you to travel free on local buses:

• an older person's bus pass
• a disabled person's bus pass

What age do I have to be to get an older person's bus pass?

You can get an older person's bus pass when you reach State Pension age, which is currently 66 for both women and men.

Apply for your older person's bus pass on GOV.UK

If you're 60 or over and live in London, then you can get free travel on buses, trains and other modes of transport in and around London with a 60+ London Oyster photocard.

Apply for your 60+ London Oyster photocard on the TFL website

How can I get a disabled person's bus pass?

There's no central provider of the disabled person's bus pass – to find out if you're eligible and how to apply, you need to get in touch with your local council.

Find your local council and apply for a disabled person's bus pass on GOV.UK

Are there any other discounts if I'm an older person or I'm disabled?

It's a good idea to contact individual transport operators to see if they offer discounts.

For instance, National Express offers Coachcards. These are discount cards for older or disabled customers. You buy them for a set fee of £15.00 and they get you a third off the cost of your travel across the year.

Find out more and order a Coachcard on the National Express website

Depending on your age and circumstances, you might be entitled to one of the below railcards:

• a Senior Railcard
• a Disabled Person's Railcard

Both railcards are discount cards. You buy them for a set fee to last either 1 or 3 years and they get you a third off the cost of your train travel.

Can I get a Senior Railcard?

The Senior Railcard is available for anyone aged 60 or over to buy.

You can apply on the Senior Railcard website using a valid passport or UK driving licence as ID. Or, you can apply in person at most staffed railway stations.

Find out more about the Senior Railcard and apply online

Can I get a Disabled Person's Railcard?

The Disabled Person's Railcard is available to you if you meet one of the following criteria:

• you're registered as deaf or use a hearing aid
• you're registered as having a visual impairment
• you have epilepsy
• you receive a disability-related benefit, such as  Personal Independence Payment
• you receive War or Service Disablement pension
• you receive Attendance Allowance
• you receive Severe Disablement Allowance
• you receive War Pensioner's mobility supplement

Find out more about the Disabled Person's Railcard and apply online

Freedom Passes give London residents free travel in the city – including National Rail services, the Underground, buses, river services and trams – and free local bus journeys nationally.

If you live in London, you can apply for a Freedom Pass if one of the following applies to you:

• you've reached State Pension age
• you have a disability.

Find out more about Freedom Passes and apply on the London Councils website

National Rail has an interactive tool called Stations Made Easy, designed to help people find their way around stations and find more accessible routes, avoiding potential difficulties like stairs. This may be helpful if you have difficulty using public transport because of your health. 

Find out more and use the tool on the National Rail website

If you're disabled, you can't use public transport, or you don't have access to a car, you might also be able to use a community transport scheme – such as a social car, dial-a-ride, or taxicard scheme.

Shopmobility schemes help people shop in town centres by lending out wheelchairs and scooters. Some local councils also offer concessions on local public transport.

To find out what's available in your area, you can contact your local council or your local Age UK.

Find your local council on GOV.UK

• Please select a search type
• Please enter a valid postcode

No, you can't use a free bus pass on National Express buses. To get senior concessions on National Express you need to buy a senior coachcard, which costs £15 a year.

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Yes, your bus pass will give you free travel on buses across England, including London. However, there may be specific rules about when you can travel for free, so check your local council's free bus pass guidance before travelling.

Find your local council's older person's bus pass guidance on GOV.UK

Want more information?

Apply for an older person's bus pass on GOV.UK

Apply for a disabled person's bus pass on GOV.UK

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Last updated: Apr 09 2024

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'The travel pass fee is reasonable for over-60s'

Free bus and train passes for over-60s are staying in Northern Ireland - but there is concern by some about a new fee for first-time applicants .

The fee, thought to be about £20, was announced by Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd.

It came after a public consultation last summer, in which the Department for Infrastructure asked the public if eligibility rules should change.

For more than 15 years, Stormont has funded free public transport for all over-60s, regardless of their income, to alleviate social exclusion.

But since then, the cost of providing the service has risen significantly , as has the percentage of the population over 60 who qualify for a SmartPass.

Margaret Nowotarski, 79, uses her free bus pass almost everyday.

"We find it very helpful, we can easily get the bus from Groomsport to Bangor and we never have to worry about parking or anything."

Travelling often to see family abroad, Margaret also uses her bus pass to get to the airport and "for a wee day out to Dublin".

Speaking about the fee for first-time applicants, she said: "I think the fee is reasonable for younger people, we were 60 when we first got it, but I think it is a reasonable fee, as long as it is free after that."

Her husband Andrew added that they had "worked hard all their lives" and they are "happy to make use of the free pass".

For Victor Murphy, the joint chair of trade union Unison's Retired Members' Forum, the pass' retention was a "good decision" but the application fee is not.

"We have the highest rate of pension poverty in the UK and quite a few will find it difficult to pay that,” he said.

“There should not be a fee."

Mr Murphy was one of a number of people who protested outside the Department for Infrastructure last year during the public consultation.

“The passes bring benefits in terms of climate change and mental health – people are moving out of their cars and using public transport," he added.

The Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland, Eddie Lynch, said he was "delighted" the Smartpass for people aged over 60 had been retained, adding that it was "essential to support our aging population and keeping people active, engaged and healthy".

But how does Northern Ireland compare to other places in relation to free public transport for those 60 and over?

What is the situation in Northern Ireland?

Stormont Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has said application fees are to be introduced for people aged over 60 when they apply for a Translink Smartpass for the first time.

Over-60s are entitled to travel on public buses and trains for free in Northern Ireland, regardless of their income, and this system will continue.

But Mr O'Dowd has announced that a "nominal fee" will soon be charged to passengers making a first-time application for a Smartpass.

The one-off fee is expected to be about £20 for people aged 60-64.

A reduced application fee of about £12 will be charged to older passengers aged 65 and over as they qualify for a Senior Smartpass , the Department for Infrastructure said.

What is the situation in the Republic of Ireland?

The free travel scheme for public transport in the Republic of Ireland is available to:

Everyone who is 66 years or over and legally living permanently in the state

Certain people who are under 66 years and legally living permanently in the state, who meet certain conditions to qualify

The Irish government says the free travel scheme allows those eligible to travel, free of charge, on all public transport owned by the state. It says this includes bus, rail, Local Link and the Luas, with some exceptions.

It added that there are "currently no plans to introduce a fee for people entitled to the Free Travel Scheme within the Republic of Ireland".

What about England, Wales and Scotland?

In England, people can get a free bus pass when they reach the state pension age.

Those living in London, can travel free on buses, tubes and other transport when they are 60 years old, but only within London.

In Wales, people can get a bus pass when they reach 60 years.

In Scotland, those aged 60 or over, who are resident in Scotland are eligible for free bus travel with the National Entitlement Card .

Should all over-60s keep their free bus passes?

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Introduction to Cat 70 Travel Insurance

• Coverage Options
• Purchasing and Managing Your Policy
• Customer Support and Claims Reviews

Compare Cat 70 Travel Insurance

• Why You Should Trust Us

Cat 70 Travel Insurance Review 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.

Anyone taking a trip should consider travel insurance. It can help offset the cost of emergency medical care and reimburse you for lost belongings, canceled flights, or other issues that may come up while you're away.

If you're looking for a reputable travel insurance provider that offers a straightforward and easy-to-understand travel insurance policy, Cat 70 Travel Insurance is a great option. Cat 70 is backed by the well-known and respected travel insurance comparison provider Squaremouth. Its Travel Plan, the only policy it offers, can be used for domestic and international trips.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High emergency medical coverage limit
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver available, so you can still get coverage regardless of your health history
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a "cancel for any reason" policy
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Premiums are generally lower than the industry average
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only one travel insurance policy available, so there's less opportunity to customize your coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some other companies offer higher coverage amounts for trip delay and baggage loss
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not available in all states and does not cover all major destination countries
• Cat 70’s Travel Plan policy was designed for travelers who want comprehensive coverage for an affordable price. This plan provides travelers with popular benefits, including Trip Cancellation and extensive Emergency Medical Coverage.
• Travelers whose trips are protected by Cat 70’s Travel Plan have $500,000 of Primary Emergency Medical coverage, as well as $500,000 of Medical Evacuation coverage.
• Policy holders also have Trip Cancellation coverage for illnesses, injuries or other accidents, hurricane and weather, and terrorism. Additional benefits include Baggage and Persnonal Item Loss, Travel Delay, and Missed Connection.

Cat 70 is one of the simplest travel insurance companies on the market. Operated by travel insurance aggregator SquareMouth, Cat 70 offers just one single trip policy aptly and simply named Travel Plan. The policy covers trips that cost up to $30,000 and last up to 90 days. Travelers up to 83 are eligible for coverage.

One of the best aspects of Cat 70's Travel Plan is its sizable emergency medical coverage limit of $500,000. The plan also covers a wide range of other potential problems, including stolen baggage, trip delays, and more.

While the simplicity can be nice for buyers who don't want to spend a lot of time researching, it's not great for travelers who want more niche coverage. For example, Cat 70 won't cover most sports activities, excluding sports that involve body contact and organized sporting events.  

Coverage Options Offered by Cat 70

Below are the coverages and corresponding coverage limits of the Cat 70 Travel Plan.

Cat 70 also offers a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver, which means that your coverage won't be restricted because of your health history. This will apply only if you buy the Travel Plan to cover the full cost of the trip within 14 days of making your first trip deposit.

Additional coverage options from Cat 70

Cat 70 offers a "cancel for any reason" policy , which allows you to cancel your trip without being penalized, even if the reason is not already listed in the base policy. Say, for example, that you find out your favorite football team is playing an important game during your planned dates — under this coverage, you could easily get a refund. 

Cat 70's CFAR coverage will reimburse 75% of what would have been non-refundable otherwise. Just make sure to purchase Cat 70's CFAR within 14 days of initially putting down a deposit for the trip, and be mindful that claims must be made at least 48 hours before departure time.

Cat 70 Travel Insurance Cost

The premium you pay will depend on various factors, including the age of the travelers, destination, and total trip costs. The  average cost of travel insurance  is 4% to 8% of your travel costs.

After inputting some personal information, such as your age and state of residence, along with your trip details, like travel dates, destination, and trip costs, you'll get an instant quote for Cat 70 travel insurance plans available for your trip. And from there, it's easy to compare each option based on your coverage needs and budget.

Now let's look at a few examples to estimate Cat 70 travel insurance coverage costs.

As of 2024, a 23-year-old from Illinois taking a week-long, $3,000 budget trip to Italy would pay $113. Premiums for Cat 70 travel insurance plans are between 3.7% of the trip's cost, just below the average cost of travel insurance.

A 30-year-old traveler from California heading to Japan for two weeks on a $4,000 trip would pay $152 for travel insurance. Once again, the premium for Cat 70is 3.8%, below the average range of travel insurance costs.

A Texas family consisting of two 40-year-old parents with a 10-year-old and 4-year-old on a two-week trip to Australia for $20,000 would pay $828, which is 4.14% of the trip's cost.

A 65-year-old couple looking to escape New Jersey for Mexico for two weeks with a trip cost of $6,000 would pay $419, which is 7% of the trip's cost. While covering this trip is more expensive, older travelers often pay higher rates for insurance. However, Cat 70's premiums for older couples doesn't have as high of a price spike compared to other travel insurance companies. 

You can find our guide on the best senior travel insurance here.

Purchasing and Managing a Cat 70 Policy

Purchasing Cat 70 travel insurance is simple. You'll need to obtain a quote on its Squaremouth page by inputting the following information:

• Travel dates
• Destination
• State of residence
• Number of travelers
• Age of traveler(s)
• Date of first deposit
• If your trip is paid in full 
• Whether you want cancellation coverage

There are a few particularities to note. For one, Cat 70 policies will not show up if you're looking for travel insurance the same day you pay your deposit. Additionally, you won't see Cat 70 quotes if you opt out of cancellation coverage.

Once you get a quote, you'll also have the option to add CFAR insurance as long as you're purchasing insurance within the purchasing window. 

How to File a Claim with Cat 70 Travel Insurance

To file a travel insurance claim with Cat 70, start by downloading and filling out a claims form to initiate the process. You can also call 800-567-3512 to request a claims form by mail or email. Claims must be submitted within 20 days of the loss occurring.

Cat 70's claims department can be reached Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST at 866-477-6741, or by email at [email protected].

Cat 70 Customer Support and Claims Reviews

Cat 70has few reviews to speak of. It averages 4.08 stars out of five on its Squaremouth page across just over 100 reviews. That said, many five star reviews come from customers who didn't have to file a claim or people who haven't filed claims yet. Customer service was reportedly very responsive to customizations and questions from buyers.

Reviews from claimants are mixed, reporting a complicated claims process, unresponsive agents, and long wait times. 

Learn more about how Cat 70 Travel Insurance compares to industry-leading travel insurance policies. 

Cat 70 Travel Insurance vs AIG Travel Insurance

Travel Guard is another popular travel insurance company. We'll use Travel Guard's mid-tier Travel Guard Preferred plan to compare coverage with Cat 70.

With Travel Guard Preferred plan, you'll get trip cancellation coverage up to $150,000, trip interruption coverage up to $225,000, emergency medical coverage of $50,000, coverage for baggage loss, theft, or damage up to $1,000, and travel delay coverage of up to $800.

The piece that stands out most prominently when comparing the two is the emergency medical coverage limits. Cat 70's coverage of $500,000 is 10x more than Travel Guard's Preferred plan. But otherwise, the two plans are relatively comparable, with the Travel Guard Preferred plan offering a bit more coverage for travel delay and baggage loss, theft, or damage.

Read our AIG Travel Insurance review here.

Cat 70 Travel Insurance vs AXA Travel Insurance

Now we'll look at how Cat 70 compares to another popular travel insurance provider, AXA Assistance USA . AXA offers three levels of coverage, Gold, Silver, and Platinum. But for the purpose of this review, we'll use the Silver plan. 

With AXA's Silver plan, you'll get up to 100% of trip costs for trip cancellation and up to 150% of trip costs for trip interruptions. You'll also get $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, baggage loss coverage up to $1,500, and travel delay coverage of $1,000.

Those coverage limits are comparable to Cat 70's Travel Plan in many ways. But Cat 70's emergency medical coverage is superior. At the same time, AXA's coverage for things like baggage loss and trip delay are better. The right plan for you will depend on which coverages are most important.

Read our AXA Travel Insurance review here.

Cat 70 vs Credit Card Travel Insurance

Do your research before buying a travel insurance policy if you already have a great rewards credit card. Standard coverage for a rental car is often included in credit card benefits.

Say you have no non-refundable trip costs and are driving to your destination. In this scenario, the coverage from your credit card may be sufficient. Another time it could work is if you're in good health and have health insurance that covers you while overseas, and you aren't concerned with potential medical expenses during your trip.

Just remember, credit card travel protection is often secondary. So if you have an accident or loss and need to file a claim, you must first file with the other insurance company before contacting your credit card provider.

Read our guide on the best credit cards with travel insurance  here.

Cat 70 Travel Insurance FAQs

Yes, Cat 70 typically provides comprehensive coverage for international travel, including medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and other standard travel insurance benefits.

Most high-risk activities are excluded from Cat 70's coverage, such as sports involving motor vehicles, spelunking, parachuting, bungee jumping, and sports involving bodily contact. The policy also excludes coverage for organized sports. 

Cat 70 treats COVID-19 coverage like any other illness and will cover cancellations due to COVID-19 illness as long as the traveler can provide documentation of a positive test.

Cat 70 is often recognized for its simplicity and its low costs.

Customer feedback indicates that Cat 70's claims process is complex and the claims team is unresponsive.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Cat 70 Travel Insurance

In our review of Cat 70's travel insurance, we compared Cat 70's coverage alternatives to those from the best travel insurance providers . We looked at various coverage choices, claim limitations, what is covered, available extras, and extra services provided by the company.

When selecting a policy, the most crucial aspect isn't simply the cost — it's ensuring that you're getting adequate coverage, too. Filing a claim should be straightforward if you ever have to utilize your policy.

Read more about how Business Insider rates insurance products here.

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.

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