How much is travel insurance for Canadian seniors?
Travel opens the door to adventure, whether it’s escaping to a sunny beach or exploring a new city. For Canadian seniors, having reliable travel insurance is essential to ensure you can enjoy your trip without unnecessary worries. But how much does travel insurance cost for seniors? Let’s break it down to help you understand the factors involved and how to find the right coverage for your needs.
The cost of travel insurance for seniors: what to expect
The price of travel insurance for seniors can vary widely depending on several factors, including:
- Your age: Insurance premiums generally increase with age due to the higher likelihood of health concerns.
- Trip duration: Longer trips often mean higher premiums, as the risk of requiring medical assistance increases the longer you’re away.
- Destination: Travelling within Canada is typically less expensive than international destinations. If you’re heading to countries like the United States, where healthcare costs are higher, expect to pay more for travel health insurance.
- Coverage type: Comprehensive travel insurance plans that include emergency medical, trip cancellation/trip interruption, and baggage coverage will cost more than basic medical-only plans.
- Pre-existing conditions: If you have pre-existing medical conditions, coverage may cost more—but it’s well worth it to ensure you’re protected.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the cost of travel insurance, most seniors can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200+ per trip, depending on the factors mentioned above.
What does travel insurance for seniors include?
Travel medical insurance for seniors is designed to cover a range of unexpected situations, including:
- Emergency medical expenses: Covers hospital stays, doctor visits, and other medical services while travelling.
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions: Many policies offer coverage for stable pre-existing conditions, provided certain criteria are met. “Your stability period is affected by any medication change, whether it is an increase or decrease in dose,” advises Greta Gerstner, Senior Insurance Advisor at Westland Insurance.
- Emergency evacuation or repatriation: Covers the cost of returning to Canada for medical treatment if necessary.
- Trip interruption or cancellation: Reimburses non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel or cut your trip short due to unforeseen circumstances. “Trip interruption coverage may also cover you if there is an unforeseen travel delay beyond your control, like weather conditions causing your flight to be cancelled,” advises Greta.
- Baggage loss or delay: Helps cover the cost of lost or delayed luggage.
Comprehensive coverage protects you against many risks, giving you peace of mind as you travel.
How to save on travel insurance
While travel insurance is a vital investment, there are ways to make it more affordable without compromising on coverage. Here are some tips:
- Compare quotes: Different providers offer varying rates and coverage options. At Westland Insurance, we make it easy to compare policies and find one that fits your budget.
- Choose the right plan: If you’re a frequent traveller, consider a multi-trip plan. These annual policies can be more cost-effective than purchasing single-trip coverage multiple times.
- Review your coverage needs: Avoid paying for coverage you don’t need. For instance, if you’re not taking expensive electronics, you might skip certain baggage coverage.
Get started today! Contact Westland Insurance for a personalized travel insurance quote and see how much you can save.
Pre-existing conditions: What you need to know
If you have pre-existing health conditions, it’s crucial to understand how they impact your travel insurance. Many insurers offer coverage for stable pre-existing conditions, but you’ll need to meet specific requirements. These typically include:
- A defined stability period (e.g., 90-365 days before your trip) during which your condition hasn’t changed or required new treatments. This includes a medication increase or decrease or investigative tests.
- Accurate disclosure of your medical history when purchasing the policy. “If you aren’t sure of a question on the application, complete the form with your doctor,” advises Greta.
At Westland Insurance, our knowledgeable advisors can help you navigate these requirements and find a plan that provides the coverage you need.
Why seniors need travel health insurance
Health emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere. For seniors, having travel medical insurance is especially important to avoid the high costs of healthcare abroad. Here are a few reasons why:
- Protection against unexpected medical costs: A single emergency room visit in the U.S. can cost thousands of dollars.
- Coverage for prescription medications: If you lose or run out of medications, your policy can help cover replacements.
- Peace of mind: Travel with confidence, knowing you’re prepared for the unexpected.
How Westland Insurance can help
At Westland Insurance, we understand that travel insurance isn’t just about protecting your trip—it’s about ensuring you can explore the world with confidence. Our approachable and knowledgeable team is here to simplify the process and find the right coverage for your needs.
We work with a range of insurance providers to offer comprehensive travel insurance for Canadians, including specialized options for seniors. Whether you’re looking for medical-only coverage or a policy that includes trip cancellation/trip interruption and baggage protection, we’ve got you covered.
Contact Westland Insurance today to get a travel insurance quote and start planning your next adventure worry-free.