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Get travel insurance for seniors in Canada

Whether you're taking a quick retirement getaway or embracing the snowbird lifestyle, we can help – get a customized travel insurance plan from our verified partner today.

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What is senior travel insurance?

Senior travel insurance is a specialized type of travel insurance plan, designed to meet the unique coverage needs of older individuals (e.g. 55 years old and above). Like standard plans, these policies can help pay for emergency medical expenses while travelling, such as hospitalization fees, physician services, prescription drugs, and more. Plus, coverage for trip cancellation or trip interruption can also be added. 

Senior travel insurance takes into account the unique vulnerabilities associated with factors such as age, health status, and extended trip durations to ensure that older travellers are adequately protected during their time away.

What are the different types of senior travel insurance plans?

As a senior, there are many different travel insurance plans you can choose from. Here, we cover three common types of policies, so you can select the one that best meets your coverage needs. Keep in mind that your options may differ depending on the provider you choose, so be sure to seek out assistance from an insurance representative if needed.

Plan Description
Single-trip insurance This type of travel insurance plan covers you for the duration of one trip, from the policy start date to the policy end date.
Multi-trip insurance Also known as an annual plan, this type of policy covers you for all trips within the year – but there may be a set duration limit for each trip you take (e.g. 30 days).
Top-up insurance This type of travel insurance is exactly what it sounds like – it provides additional protection on top of any existing coverage you may already have (e.g. credit card travel insurance).

What is snowbird travel insurance for seniors?

Snowbird travel insurance is a specialized policy designed for people who travel during the winter season, often for months at a time. This type of policy accounts for the risks associated with an extended trip duration and older age. Snowbird insurance often carries higher premiums than a regular travel policy because of the extended coverage time it requires.

What are common coverages in a travel medical insurance plan for seniors?

Travel medical insurance is arguably the most important type of coverage you'll need as a senior. These policies cover you for a wide range of medical-related expenses in the event of an emergency. Here, we cover a few common coverages that most policies for seniors include – but as always, be sure to read your terms and conditions carefully, as policy features may differ from insurer to insurer.

  • Hospital fees

    If you end up in the hospital while you're on your trip, travel medical insurance can cover related expenses – physician fees, room occupancy, and more.

  • Ambulance services

    Travel medical insurance can cover the cost of an ambulance. And it may also pay for transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility, if none are local.

  • Diagnostic services

    Travel medical insurance can help cover various diagnostic services that you no longer have health coverage for – MRI scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, and more.

  • Prescription drugs

    If you need to fill a prescription while you're away from home – which your regular health insurance won't cover – your travel medical insurance can step in.

  • Emergency dental care

    Travel insurance can help pay for dental care needs – but it'll need to be emergent. You won't be able to claim a regular teeth cleaning session.

  • Emergency transportation home

    Aside from ambulance services, travel insurance can help cover an emergent return home or pay for a companion to fly out to your bedside.

Can I get senior travel insurance with a pre-existing condition?

Yes, it's possible to secure travel insurance if you have a pre-existing condition, but availability and coverage terms may differ from provider to provider. Travel insurance quotes are generally calculated for healthy individuals, so expect to pay higher rates if your health status isn't the best.

It's important to disclose your pre-existing condition ahead of time. Many travel insurance companies will require you to complete some form of a medical questionnaire once you reach an older age. Make sure you're completing this with accuracy – the last thing you want is for a claim to be denied while you're in need of a payout abroad. 

Also, note that many travel insurance plans which cover those with pre-existing conditions will require the condition to be stable for a set period of time (e.g. 90 days). If there are changes to your condition during this time, travel claims related to the health issue may be limited. 

Speak to an insurance representative for more details on coverage options while you're travelling with a pre-existing condition. Every insurer and every policy is different, so it's important to do your research in order to select the most suitable option for your needs. 

Get travel insurance for seniors in Canada today.

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What are other types of travel insurance for seniors?

Aside from medical coverage, you can also consider other types of travel policies, such as trip interruption insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and baggage insurance. Many providers will offer these options along with their medical plan as one premium package.

Trip cancellation insurance


Trip interruption insurance


Baggage & personal effects insurance


What is the difference between senior travel insurance and regular travel insurance?

Some travel insurance providers offer standard plans for seniors, while others may provide specialized plans that cater to unique coverage needs. Here, we cover the main differences between a senior travel insurance policy and a regular one, including the cost, medical evaluation requirements and age limits.

Feature Senior travel insurance Standard travel insurance
Age limits Policies are designed for travellers of older age (e.g. 65 years old and above). Policies are designed for travellers of all ages, including children and adults.
Pre-existing conditions Policies may include coverage for pre-existing conditions, depending on the provider and plan selected. Regular travel insurance plans may have stricter limits on coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Medical evaluation You may need to complete some form of medical examination, such as a questionnaire, in order to be approved for coverage. In most cases, you won't need to complete a medical questionnaire – but it's a good idea to disclose pre-existing conditions anyway.
Trip duration Senior travel insurance plans are often designed for snowbirds or retirees, accounting for a longer duration of stay. There may be a set limit on the number of days your trip can be insured for (e.g. maximum of 30 days per trip on an annual plan).
Coverage limits Coverage limits will differ by policy, but senior travel insurance plans can come with higher limits for medical needs due to the added risk. Coverage limits may be lower, depending on the plan you choose. You may also opt for less coverage if you're young and healthy.
Cost The cost of these policies tends to be more expensive due to risk factors regarding age, health, and medical status. Regular travel insurance tends to be cheaper as plans are designed for individuals who are generally healthy and younger in age.

How much does travel insurance cost for Canadian seniors?

The cost of senior travel insurance can vary greatly based on your age, destination and trip duration. Generally speaking, the more risk you and your trip bring, the more it'll cost to insure. For reference, here are three sample quotes we pulled from top travel insurance providers in Canada, ranging from $538 to over $1400. Each quote represents an all-inclusive plan with emergency medical, trip interruption, and trip cancellation coverage.

  • $538

    1-week trip to Banff, Canada

    for two seniors, 65 years old ($3,000 trip cost)

  • $1,431

    2-week trip to Paris, France

    for two seniors, 68 years old ($10,000 trip cost)

  • $1,464

    1-month trip to Cancun, Mexico

    for one senior, 73 years old ($7,000 trip cost)

What are the factors that impact a senior travel insurance quote?

Factors that impact the cost of a senior travel insurance quote include age, health status and trip destination. Here, we cover six main factors, so you can better understand how insurers calculate your risk level as a travelling senior.

  1. Age

    As a senior, your age can pose a risk to insurers. So the older you are, the more expensive your premium will be.

  2. Health status

    If you have a pre-existing condition, you may be subject to higher travel insurance rates due to the added risk you bring.

  3. Destination

    Travelling to high-risk places for incidents such as crime and illness can increase the cost of your insurance.

  1. Trip cost

    Expensive trips come with expensive insurance – this is especially the case for trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

  2. Trip duration

    It's no surprise that longer trips come with a higher possibility of an emergency – so expect to pay higher insurance rates.

  3. Coverage options

    All-inclusive plans inevitably cost more than basic medical plans. And higher coverage limits don't come without an added cost.

Ready to secure your senior travel insurance?

We can help – get a low-rate travel insurance policy with our verified partner today.

Frequently asked questions on senior travel insurance

Why should seniors consider travel insurance?


Where can I get affordable travel insurance for seniors?


What is the best travel medical insurance for seniors?


At what age does travel insurance increase in price?


Can a 90-year-old get travel insurance?