Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

Travel dreams don’t have an expiry date and, for many of us, retirement is our time to finally check off those bucket list destinations — maybe a Mediterranean cruise, a Serengeti safari, or a road trip across Canada.

That said, before you hit the open skies, seas, or roads, it’s important to make sure you’re properly protected. The unfortunate reality is that we can become more susceptible to illness and injury as we age, and medical treatment abroad can be costly.

From pre-existing conditions to age considerations, here’s how to make sure your next travel adventure is as worry-free as possible.

Why is travel insurance important for seniors?

It’s a frustrating part of getting older: as we age, our health can become more of a risk. Conditions like arthritis and heart disease become more common, our immune systems may no longer fight off illness the same way, and we may be more likely to injure ourselves if we fall.

While anyone planning a trip should consider travel insurance, it becomes more important when you’re a senior. Without the right coverage, a medical emergency far from home can turn into a serious financial burden.

However, older Canadians need to get the right travel insurance as some policies may have age restrictions or exclude pre-existing conditions.

What to look for in the best travel insurance for seniors

Travel insurance plans vary in what they cover, how much they pay out, and who they’re designed for, so it’s important to know what to look for.

Emergency medical coverage

Most Canadians are at least partially covered for medically necessary care anywhere in Canada, even if it’s outside their own province or territory.

However, there may be limitations depending on your province’s health care plan, especially when travelling to another country. In many cases, you may not be covered at all for medical emergencies abroad.

And those costs can add up fast if you’re in a country with high medical fees. In the U.S., for example, a hospital visit can cost over C$4,000 per day.

RBC’s medical travel insurance for seniors provides unlimited coverage for eligible medical expenses that aren’t covered by your provincial or territorial health plan. It also includes air ambulance and medical evacuation coverage in case you need to be transported to another facility or even another country for treatment.

Pre-existing condition coverage

If you have a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes, arthritis, or an autoimmune disorder, you’ll want to make extra sure you’re covered.

Typically, you’ll need to complete a medical questionnaire and be stable for the required duration outlined in your policy, prior to your departure. For insurance purposes, a condition is generally considered “stable” if you’ve had:

Trip cancellation and interruption

The unexpected can always happen, whether that’s a health emergency that prevents you from traveling, bad weather that delays your flight or cruise, or  a medical emergency of a family member that forces you cancel your trip.

In these scenarios, trip cancellation and interruption insurance will reimburse you for non-refundable pre-paid travel expenses, as well as out-of-pocket costs such as having to pay for extra nights in a hotel or meals at an airport.

Always buy this coverage sooner rather than later — ideally, as soon as you have an estimate of the trip’s full cost or put down your initial deposit. It only takes effect when you buy it, not retroactively to when you booked the trip.

Additional emergency coverage

To get the most value from your policy, look for additional coverages such as 24/7 emergency assistance. With RBC Insurance, for example, you get access to multi-lingual professionals and registered nurses who can guide you in getting proper medical care.

Another important feature is transportation to the nearest medical facility — this can be especially critical in a remote location. Consider coverage that also includes transportation for a friend or family member to be at your bedside.

Look for emergency dental coverage, should you need treatment to repair or replace your teeth due to an accident while travelling. Some plans also include continued treatment once you return to Canada.

Finally, you may want to inquire about return transportation for your travelling companion, your children and an escort, or even your pet if they’re with you on your trip and you need to return to Canada because of your medical condition.

What seniors should consider when getting travel insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference in both coverage and cost.

Multi-trip vs single trip coverage

If you travel two or more times in a year, you may want multi-trip travel insurance. Not only is this more convenient than buying a new policy each time, but it also saves you money.

Plans are available for multiple trips of 9, 16, 30 or 60 days.

Destination considerations

Where and how long you travel is a big consideration when choosing the right insurance. Consider:

For example, if your trip is to the U.S., you’ll want a plan that can cover high medical costs. If you’re a snowbird who spends several months in Mexico, you’ll need a plan that covers the full length of your time away.

An expensive walking tour in Europe may require high-limit emergency evacuation and enough trip cancellation coverage for the full costs of the trip. While an all-inclusive resort in Aruba may not expose you to as much medical and financial risk, should you require help.

If you’re going on a cruise, look for insurance that will cover you in case you miss the ship’s departure due to a delayed or cancelled flight.

Age restrictions and coverage structure

Different travel insurance policies have different coverage structures. You can typically choose a limited standard plan with one type of coverage or a comprehensive plan that includes emergency medical, trip cancellation/interruption, and baggage.

Some plans have age requirements, but there are designated options for seniors. RBC offers three comprehensive travel insurance plans, depending on your age and trip duration:

How to choose the best travel insurance for seniors

Before you buy any travel insurance, do a bit of prep work and research to make sure you’re getting the right plan for you.   

Assess your health

It’s a good idea to check with your doctor before travelling, especially if you have any conditions that need monitoring.

Once you’re cleared to travel and ready to purchase insurance, make a list of your medications and any other notable health info. You may need to complete a medical history questionnaire as part of your quote, so it’ll be handy to have that information on hand.

Understand your pre-existing conditions

Different insurers define pre-existing conditions differently. Make sure you understand what your insurance policy considers “pre-existing.”

Typically, any pre-existing conditions need to be stable for a set period to be eligible for coverage. Be honest when completing a medical questionnaire — if you don’t disclose known health conditions and need to file a claim later, you could be denied coverage.

Compare coverage options and costs

Get quotes from multiple insurers or for different plans. As you compare, consider both the maximum coverage limits and what coverage is included. For example, does the plan offer 24/7 emergency support and direct billing? Is emergency dental included?

Read the fine print and make sure you understand what’s excluded, so you’re not caught by surprise later.

Consider your travel plans

Estimate what kind of coverage you’ll need for your trip. Are you headed to a destination with high medical costs or where medical access may be limited? If so, you’ll want high coverage limits for emergency medical treatment or even evacuation.

How long is your trip? Do you travel once per year or take multiple trips? Check the policy’s duration or consider a multi-trip plan if you’re a frequent traveller.

Lastly, consider what activities you’ll be taking part in. Some high-risk activities like mountain climbing may not be covered. Look for a policy that doesn’t exclude the things you’ll be doing on your trip.

Common exclusions for senior travel insurance

While travel insurance covers a lot of things that could go wrong, it doesn’t cover everything. Thankfully, the things that typically aren’t covered are preventable, so long as you take the proper precautions.

Here are some common exclusions:

Tips for buying travel insurance for seniors in Canada

Travel insurance solutions for seniors

The right travel insurance policy can mean the difference between a worry-free trip and a costly nightmare — so it’s worth taking the time to find one that truly fits your needs.

RBC Insurance offers travel insurance plans specifically suited to seniors, with unlimited emergency medical coverage and 24/7 emergency assistance. You can quickly get a quote online to see what’s available to you.

RBC Travel Insurance

If you need help during your trip for a medical or other travel emergency, help is available 24/7.

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