Working out which travel insurance is right for you can be a challenge, and when it comes to seniors travel insurance it gets even more complicated.

Older Australians are travelling more than ever before, but they have several extras to consider, with insurers setting different criteria depending on your age and pre-existing medical conditions.

If you are over a certain age, some travel insurance policies may only cover you for a particular length of time overseas – such as three months – so it’s a good idea to check the fine print.

It’s very important for seniors to compare travel insurance policies – especially those aged over 75 who don’t require any medication.

Travel insurance tips

NRMA Travel Insurance spokesman Maureen Mullins says seniors should buy travel insurance at the same time they book their trip so you are covered from day dot if you need to cancel.

Also be upfront about existing medical conditions.

“There are many conditions that are automatically included and some that need to be assessed,” she says.

Cruising is one of the most popular forms of travel for older Australians, but most on-board medical services are not covered by Medicare, so you will need travel insurance even if you are only cruising in Australian waters.

Ms Mullins also says you should leave a copy of your travel documents and itinerary with a friend or relative in Australia, and also keep a copy of your policy emergency numbers and travel documents with you.

It’s a good idea to visit your GP to discuss your travel plans before you book, and again for a general check-up before you leave to make sure regular vaccinations, such as the flu shot and tetanus, are up to date.

If you are taking medication with you, get a list from your doctor saying their generic names, dosages and how often you take them. Get a couple of copies and keep one separate from your main luggage.

Read your Product Disclosure Statement

The Insurance Council of Australia’s financial literacy program Understand Insurance says it’s important to compare products and features between companies, not just price.

“Most travel insurance policies have age limits or restrictions, but several travel insurers offer policies specially designed for retirees or senior travellers,” a spokesman says.

Make sure you let your insurer know if your health circumstances change before you head off on your holiday.

In certain countries, including the US, Japan and throughout Europe, it’s important to have unlimited hospital and medical cover.

It’s essential to read your Product Disclosure Statement and check you are covered for full medical evacuation in case you have to be flown home in an emergency.

Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements for seniors with some countries, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway and the Republic of Ireland, which means emergency care is available.

But you still need to get travel insurance. It’s also a good idea to check with Medicare for the latest information on countries participating in reciprocal healthcare agreements

Being connected whilst travelling or working remotely has become very popular over recent years. Now more people than ever are working from home either on a full-time or part-time basis, whether they are self-employed or they work for an employer.

One of the key requirements for any remote worker is a good computer, and many people choose to invest in a laptop because of their enhanced portability. If you are in the process of choosing a laptop for your remote work, here are five of the key features to look for.

1. Lightweight

One of the joys of working remotely is that you can take your work with you anywhere. You may want to work from home one day, in a café the next or even in the park. Having a good laptop makes this possible. However, if you are transporting your laptop around with you, you will want to ensure that it is as portable as possible, and this means choosing one that is lightweight.

Some of the latest ultrabook laptops are incredibly thin and lightweight, but they tend to be more expensive as a result. However, it could well be worth investing in one of these if you know that you will be carrying your laptop around with you a lot and want to make it as convenient as possible.

2. Long Battery Life

If you plan to work on your laptop in various different locations, you will not want the power to run out when you are in the middle of some important work. It is therefore a good idea to find a laptop that has a long battery life.

If you cannot find a laptop that has a long enough battery life, or you don’t want to buy an expensive laptop just because it has a good battery, another option is to buy a spare battery. For example, visit here for cheap laptop deals and then spend the money you save on an extra battery. This will ensure that you never run out of power when you most need it.

3. Webcam built in

If you are going to be making video calls to people back in the office or to your clients, it is a good idea to buy a laptop that comes with a built-in webcam. Most laptops come with a camera these days, but otherwise you can always buy one separately.

4. Fast Boot Time

If you are working on the go, you will not want to spend ages waiting for your laptop to boot up. You may want to open it up and write a few notes on the train, for example, without having to waste time waiting for it to get ready. It is therefore a good idea to choose a laptop that is fast to boot.

5. Sturdy

If you are carrying around a laptop with you every day, it is certain to pick up a few knocks from time to time. As well as investing in a good laptop case, try to buy a laptop that is sturdy and able to put up with a few knocks, as this will save you having to purchase another new laptop too soon.

Work Better on the Go

Choosing the right laptop can make a big difference to your remote working. It is therefore worth spending some time thinking over your specific requirements and finding the laptop that provides you with everything you need. Consider the above five areas when you start looking for the ideal laptop for remote working, and then find your perfect model.

So, you want to get the best deal on your travel money and ensure your money is safe and working hard for you whilst abroad?  Holidays are expensive enough as it is so it makes sense to take some precautions and do a little planning when it comes to exchanging, carrying and spending your cash abroad.

1. Take A Combination Of Cash And Cards

When travelling to foreign climes, it’s a good idea to take a mixture of foreign currency and debit and credit cards so that you are prepared for all possibilities. For example, some vendors abroad may not accept cards or you might not have enough cash to cover that big shopping purchase.

Take care with your cards and inform your bank that you are travelling in case they put a stop on your card whilst abroad. Take photocopies of your cards and keep your provider’s emergency number safe in case you lose your card or have your personal belongings stolen.

2.  Remember The Exchange Rate!

Many people don’t take a second glance at the exchange rate when changing their money and certainly many don’t think of comparing exchange rates before they travel.  But in doing so, you could save yourself a significant amount of money especially if you plan to change up large sums.  Most foreign exchange companies today offer 0% commission deals so ignore this – it’s really not that important.  What is important is the actual exchange rate you are being offered.

If you are thinking of exchanging money at your bank you might want to think again. Their exchange rate might be up to 5% different to that of a foreign exchange broker who has access to live market rates.

3.  Put Your Kids On A Leash! 

When you’re travelling with kids, holiday expenses can really spiral out of control! Those snacks, souvenirs, inflatables for the pool and fairground rides can eat into your budget really quickly.  To keep a tight rein on your holiday budget, why not consider giving your children a set allowance each day? This will not only help you to keep your money in check but will also teach your children that money doesn’t grow on trees and that they need to budget too.

4.  Pick A Card, But Not Just Any Card

On holiday it’s easy to forget about a budget and to be tempted by sheer overseas indulgence. And if you take a big arsenal of credit cards with you, you could end up spending more than you bargained for.  There is no problem with spreading your spend when abroad as long as you can pay off the balance when you get back home.  It’s also essential to check out the fees payable for international cash withdrawals or payments on your credit card.  If you really want to take a credit card with you for those little luxuries, shop around for a 0% credit card and limit yourself to a budget that you can afford to pay back quickly when you get back. It won’t be a good feeling paying off a credit card bill for a holiday you had years ago!

5.  Be A Savvy Duty Free Shopper

If you can’t ignore the lure of the duty free perfume, booze or tobacco, just be mindful that duty free stores are using a new trick to make more profits – giving you the option to pay for goods with your local currency.  This might seem convenient for you but there’s a hefty conversion fee to consider – this could be as high as 3%.  You’d be far better to pay for goods in any leftover currency you have or to use your debit card.

About the author: Born and raised in San Francisco, Aviva Tabachnik is the Head of Partnerships at MyTravelMoney, an OPP award winning travel comparison website. Aviva is a keen travel adventurist & semi professional dancer.

We all enjoy the chance to get away for a while with friends or family, whether it be a short city break or a fortnight on the beach. When all we need is a little rest and relaxation, the last thing we need during our precious time away is to worry about money, but for many of us this is the case.

Here, we consider several simple things you can do to make sure that your holiday isn’t ruined by financial worries.

Consider the exchange rate

Exchange rates fluctuate on a regular basis, changing the amount that it costs you to holiday in respective destinations. Keeping a close eye on the exchange rates at the time of planning your trip can therefore save you a considerable amount of money when the time comes to travel.

Rather than cutting down on the things you buy and the activities you take part in, securing a good exchange rate can ensure that you’re getting the most from your money, allowing you to spend it as you wish while you’re travelling.

Buy currency before you leave

The way in which you acquire your cash for your trip will have a bearing on the amount that you spend. If you run into poor exchange rates or high levels of commission when exchanging your currency, you can easily end up spending more than you need to while you’re away.

The important thing to know is that exchanges at the airport will usually offer some of the worst rates, or they will charge you a hefty commission for your currency. The best option is to allow plenty of time before you leave to compare the rates of exchange and commission at your local outlets.

Acquiring your currency in advance will give you plenty of options and will help to ensure that you find the best possible rate.

Know your options

When you arrive at your holiday destination, you’ll probably need to top up your cash, or to use a card for your spending. Taking an American Express Credit Card, for example, can make life easier, allowing you to manage your finances online or even on your mobile.

This will ensure that you are able to keep an eye on your finances throughout your trip, helping you stay within your spending budget from beginning to end.