Get travel insurance for seniors in Canada

Since Canada's healthcare system is publicly funded by taxes, many Canadians don't directly see how expensive doctor appointments, emergency care, surgeries, and other procedures can be. The cost of medical care and hospital stays in the United States as well as in other countries is high, especially for foreign visitors.

If anything is covered at all, Canada's provincial and territorial health plans may only pay for a small portion of out-of-country costs. It's a tiny slice of the steep fees you could potentially be charged when seeking medical help abroad, especially in cases of serious illness, accident, or injury. That's why travel insurance is important for seniors who may have more health issues than younger travellers, as well as snowbirds who reside in a foreign country for months at a time.

As a senior, snowbird, or both, getting the right travel insurance coverage is something to seriously consider. While you're away from home – and especially if you leave the country – you're exposed to many different financial risks. Global Affairs Canada reminds travellers that your Canadian public health insurance is almost never valid outside of the country, foreign hospitals can be quite costly, and the government won't cover bills for accidents and illnesses abroad. 

Some companies offer special travel insurance for seniors while others may offer regular plans, without a limit to the insured's age. Just be sure that the policy you select caters to your unique needs – such as coverage for pre-existing conditions.

If you're a snowbird, you may need to find a special snowbird insurance policy that can cover your trip for an extended time period. Also, note that there may be residency requirements to maintain your provincial health benefits (which some personal insurance plans require you to carry). The amount of time differs by province and territory, but you may be required to reside in your home province for a few months in a calendar year to remain enrolled in your provincial health insurance plan.

The best travel insurance for seniors should provide a broad range of health coverages while accounting for pre-existing conditions – this can include funds for medical emergencies, medical evacuation, and repatriation if needed. In terms of non-health-related aspects, look for policies that also include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or delayed baggage, and around-the-clock emergency assistance.

It's important to compare prices when looking for the best senior travel insurance to find your cheapest option. But at the same time, be sure to look over what each policy covers and excludes while considering your personal needs as a traveller.

The age at which travel insurance rates start to go up will depend on the provider. However, it's common for premiums to start increasing more substantially when travellers reach about 60 years old. Keep in mind that age is only one factor in the calculation of your quote – insurers also look at your health status, and having a pre-existing condition can hike up your rate quickly.

A pre-existing condition encompasses any injury, illness, disease, or medical condition that you were aware of before your departure. While the specific definition may vary among travel insurance providers, it typically includes any condition for which you've exhibited symptoms, received a diagnosis, undergone treatment, or been prescribed medication.

You can still get travel insurance coverage with pre-existing conditions, but many policies include a stability clause that requires your condition to be under control with no major changes for a set time period (e.g. 90 days). 

Yes, it's still possible to get travel insurance coverage for a 90-year-old, but the older an applicant is, the more expensive travel insurance becomes. Insurers typically require medical questionnaires after a certain age is passed (e.g. 60 years old), and if you have pre-existing medical conditions, you may be denied a mainstream plan. However, some insurers don't have age restrictions at all, and there are still plans out there designed specifically for older seniors.