- The Best Seniors Travel Insurance Plans
- What is seniors travel insurance?
- What is the price of seniors travel insurance?
- What does seniors travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of seniors travel insurance
- The importance of seniors travel insurance
- How to Choose the Right seniors Travel Insurance
- Do My Current Insurance Policies Cover Seniors Travel Insurance?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Seniors travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Seniors travel insurance is specialized coverage for Canadians over 60, protecting against unexpected medical and travel-related emergencies.
2. Price: For a one-week trip to Europe, expect to pay between $75 and $250 CAD, depending on age.
3. Coverage: It typically covers emergency medical care and repatriation but often excludes unstable pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Provincial plans (like OHIP, RAMQ) and credit cards offer very limited coverage, especially for travellers over 65.
5. Tips: Always declare all medical conditions and check the policy's stability period requirements before you purchase your insurance.
6. Other useful info: For travel to the USA, ensure your policy has at least $2 million CAD in emergency medical coverage.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts are here to share everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for seniors.
The Best Seniors Travel Insurance Plans
Here is a selection of the best seniors travel insurance plans available for residents of Canada in 2025. These policies stand out for their high medical limits, low deductibles and simplified terms, providing optimal protection for worry-free travel.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | CA$750,000 | CA$0 |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | CA$750,000 | CA$0 |
|
| Tourist Card | CA$375,000 | CA$45, CA$90 for USA/Canada |
|
| World Travel | CA$525,000 (USA/Canada), CA$225,000 (others) | CA$75 per claim |
|
| Globe Partner | CA$225,000 | CA$0 |
|
| Globe Traveller | CA$375,000 | CA$0 |
|
- Coverage up to age 85.
- Includes medical evacuation.
- 24/7 multilingual customer service.
- Guarantee of reimbursement for medical equipment.
- Mobile app for easy claims.
- 24/7 emergency number.
- Covers hospital stays for companions.
- Age-based premium freeze at 70.
- Quick online enrollment.
- Cancellation cover included.
- Legal aid during trip.
- Easy claim refund.
- Covid-19 is covered.
- Passport loss support.
- Access to psychological counseling.
- Emergency evacuation included.
- Simple paperless application.
- Lifetime eligibility.
- Fast online claims.
- Good for multi-country trips.
- Up to 12 months cover.
- No age-based increase after 65.
- Multilingual helpline.
- Suitable for yearly travel.
The best seniors travel insurance may vary depending on your needs. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the one that suits you and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance policies for freeI compareWhat is seniors travel insurance?
Seniors travel insurance is a specialized policy designed to protect travellers usually aged 60 or 65 and over during trips outside or within Canada. Its main purpose is to cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation and interruption, and risks such as pre-existing conditions or age-related health issues.
Coverage limits are typically higher, and benefits are adapted to seniors’ specific needs.
This type of insurance is sometimes called elderly or retiree travel insurance.
Seniors travel insurance is often offered as an optional add-on to standard travel insurance policies.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where purchasing seniors travel insurance is especially important for residents of Canada:
- When you have any pre-existing medical conditions, even if stable.
- For trips to countries with high healthcare costs, like the USA.
- When travelling outside your province, as provincial health plans are limited.
- For extended stays, like snowbird trips, lasting several weeks or months.
- If your credit card insurance excludes travellers over the age of 65.
- To cover expensive emergency medical evacuation back to Canada for treatment.
- To protect non-refundable trip costs if a health issue arises beforehand.
What is the price of seniors travel insurance?
On average, seniors travel insurance costs between 6% and 12% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost (CA$) | Indicative price per person (CA$) |
|---|---|---|
| 2-week vacation in Florida | 3,000 | 180 to 360 |
| 1-month river cruise in Europe | 7,000 | 420 to 840 |
| 3-month winter stay in Mexico | 9,000 | 600 to 1,500 |
| 2-week cross-Canada rail journey | 4,000 | 240 to 480 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your seniors travel insurance depends on several factors:
- age: the higher the age, the more expensive the coverage.
- duration of the trip: extended stays increase the premium.
- destination: countries with high medical costs, such as the USA, lead to higher prices.
- pre-existing medical conditions: requiring coverage for existing conditions can increase the cost.
- level of coverage: higher medical limits, lower deductibles, and more options raise the premium.
- selected options: cancellation insurance, adventure activities, or baggage protection affect the total price.
What does seniors travel insurance cover?
Seniors travel insurance is intended for Canadians aged 60 or above who travel either abroad or within Canada. Its main purpose is to cover unexpected medical emergencies, cancellations, and trip-specific risks that are more likely for older travellers.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refunds your non-refundable trip costs if you must cancel before departure for a covered reason. | At least $1,500 is recommended, with a deductible under $100. Change of mind, pre-existing illness, and lack of paperwork are often excluded. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent hospital, doctor, and medication costs while travelling abroad. | Never accept less than $1 million cover. Deductibles should be less than $250. Unstable pre-existing conditions and non-emergency care are excluded. |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation/repatriation | Key guarantee. Covers air ambulance return to Canada or transport to a better hospital if medically required. | Choose at least $100,000; unlimited is ideal. Deductible should be $0. Non-emergency or unapproved evacuations are not covered. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Covers unused, non-refundable costs if you cut your trip short for a covered reason. | Minimum $1,000 is best. Avoid high deductibles. Personal choice and undocumented reasons are not covered. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or delay | Compensates for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage and essential personal effects. | Have at least $1,000 cover, deductible under $50. Unattended bags and fragile items are rarely covered. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Pays for meals or accommodation if your transport is delayed for a covered reason. | $100+ after 4-hour delay with no deductible recommended. Carrier strikes and short delays are often excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent dental treatment following sudden pain or accident abroad. | A minimum of $250 cover, with deductible under $30. Routine or cosmetic treatments are not included. |
| 👴 Pre-existing condition waiver | Optional coverage for emergencies from stable pre-existing conditions declared before travel. | Seek plans that allow coverage after a 90–180 day stability period. Recently changed conditions or non-disclosure will void claims. |
| 💲 Accidental death/dismemberment | Lump sum if you die or are severely injured in an accident while travelling. | Choose at least $25,000 for peace of mind. No deductible is typical. Alcohol, drugs, and extreme activities are excluded. |
| ☎️ 24/7 assistance services | Gives access to a support hotline for medical, legal, or travel help anytime while abroad. | Ensure 24/7 assistance is included with direct payment to hospitals. It is a service, not a reimbursement, so exclusions rarely apply. |
Change of mind, pre-existing illness, and lack of paperwork are often excluded.
Unstable pre-existing conditions and non-emergency care are excluded.
Non-emergency or unapproved evacuations are not covered.
Personal choice and undocumented reasons are not covered.
Unattended bags and fragile items are rarely covered.
Carrier strikes and short delays are often excluded.
Routine or cosmetic treatments are not included.
Recently changed conditions or non-disclosure will void claims.
Alcohol, drugs, and extreme activities are excluded.
It is a service, not a reimbursement, so exclusions rarely apply.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the seniors travel insurance best suited to your trip and health needs, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of seniors travel insurance
To activate your seniors travel insurance and guarantee valid protection, important conditions must be met.
- Timing of purchase: you must buy your policy before leaving Canada, preferably before your departure date is confirmed.
- Age limits: you must be within the age range allowed by the insurer, often 60 to 80, sometimes higher.
- Trip duration compliance: coverage only applies for the number of days specified in your contract and cannot be exceeded.
- Residency requirement: you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident when purchasing the insurance.
- No ongoing travel: you cannot take out seniors insurance if you are already abroad at the time of subscription.
- Full medical disclosure: you must declare all pre-existing conditions, treatments, and medications or risk denied claims.
- Incident notification: you must contact the insurer’s emergency helpline promptly in case of illness, accident, or hospital admission.
- Destination restrictions: travel to destinations under official Canadian government travel advisories is usually excluded from coverage.
Watch out!
A common misunderstanding for Canadian seniors is the “stability” clause for pre-existing conditions. Many assume they’re covered if their condition is managed. However, any change in medication, dosage, or treatment within a set period (e.g., 90 days) before your trip can void your insurance coverage.
The importance of seniors travel insurance
When travelling, medical emergencies and accidents can occur at any age, and the costs for seniors can be especially high abroad.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Heart attack (hospitalization and treatment) |
| Up to $10,000,000, depending on policy |
| Hip fracture (surgery and hospital stay) |
| Up to 100%, subject to coverage limits |
| Prescription drugs (per course) |
| Often capped at $5,000–$10,000 |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Partial, usually up to $2,000 |
| Repatriation for serious medical reasons |
| Up to $1,000,000 or full cost, if required |
- Europe: $20,000
- North America: $100,000+
- Asia: $10,000
- Europe: $15,000
- North America: $60,000
- Asia: $7,000
- Europe: $100
- North America: $300
- Asia: $50
- Europe: $300
- North America: $900
- Asia: $150
- Europe: $10,000
- North America: $40,000+
- Asia: $8,000
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
Along with medical expense coverage, most seniors travel insurance policies also offer trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed luggage, worldwide 24/7 assistance, repatriation, civil liability, and sometimes a pre-existing condition waiver for added security while abroad.
Good to know
Provincial health plans cover only a fraction of costs abroad. Avoid catastrophic out-of-pocket medical bills for an unexpected illness or fall. A dedicated seniors plan, like those from Mondialcare, provides the financial protection and 24/7 assistance you need to travel worry-free.
How to Choose the Right seniors Travel Insurance
Not all seniors travel insurance policies offer the same protection: reimbursement amounts, claim limits, and eligibility vary widely.
That is why it is important to compare specific criteria to get the coverage you really need as a Canadian senior.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Medical emergencies abroad can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. | Select at least $1,000,000 in coverage for trips to the USA or expensive destinations. |
| 📉 Deductible | The amount you pay out of pocket in a claim can be high if deductible is excessive. | Choose low or zero deductible for medical care to avoid unforeseen high expenses during a health crisis. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Rules on stability periods and purchase deadlines affect eligibility for claims. | Read the small print on pre-existing condition rules and buy early after booking for cancellation cover. |
| 👴 Traveller’s age | Some insurers restrict access or increase premiums after a certain age. | Check if the maximum age is high enough for your entire trip duration and coverage needs. |
| 🚑 Pre-existing conditions | Most plans exclude or limit coverage for recent or unstable health conditions. | Look for a pre-existing condition waiver or a short stability period, preferably 90 days or less. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Longer trips may exceed plan limits or become much more expensive. | For extended travel, consider annual multi-trip or special long-stay seniors plans for better value. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Coverage and premiums vary greatly by region and country visited. | Ensure USA/Canada travel is included if crossing the border, as costs are highest in these areas. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Some seniors have extended workplace, credit card, or retiree travel coverage. | Carefully compare your existing coverage, especially for age limits and exclusions before buying new insurance. |
| 🖥️ Online application | Seniors may appreciate the convenience and speed of enrolling digitally. | Pick an insurer offering a simple, senior-friendly online sign-up and direct document access. |
Do My Current Insurance Policies Cover Seniors Travel Insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, like credit card insurances or public health system, can offer you a seniors travel insurance, but unfortunately it is often not enough. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Seniors travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (OHIP, MSP, RAMQ) | Never | Only very limited emergency care abroad, such as hospitalization, with daily maximums of $50–$400. No repatriation, cancellation, baggage loss, or personal liability coverage are included. | Travel insurance can offer up to $10,000,000 in emergency medical coverage and cover cancellation, baggage, repatriation, and personal liability. |
| Private health insurance (Canada Life, Sun Life) | Almost Never | Optional add-ons might include emergency care abroad up to $1,000,000–$5,000,000, but with strict conditions. No comprehensive trip interruption, cancellation, or stable pre-existing condition waiver included. | Travel insurance extends to trip interruption, cancellation up to $10,000, and comprehensive pre-existing condition coverage and medical assistance. |
| Classic credit card (RBC Avion Visa, TD First Class Travel Visa) | Never | Emergency medical abroad up to $2,000,000 but only for travelers under 65 and short trips. No coverage for seniors over 65, repatriation, trip interruption, or pre-existing conditions. | Travel insurance provides coverage at any age and trip length with pre-existing condition waivers and repatriation up to $1,000,000. |
| Premium credit card (Scotiabank Gold Amex, BMO World Elite Mastercard) | Almost Never | Emergency medical for travelers under 65, up to $2,000,000 for max 21–25 days per trip. No stable pre-existing conditions or comprehensive protection for seniors. | Travel insurance specifically offers tailor-made coverage for seniors, including stable pre-existing conditions, long stays, and worldwide assistance. |
No repatriation, cancellation, baggage loss, or personal liability coverage are included.
No comprehensive trip interruption, cancellation, or stable pre-existing condition waiver included.
No coverage for seniors over 65, repatriation, trip interruption, or pre-existing conditions.
No stable pre-existing conditions or comprehensive protection for seniors.
Expert advice
Your bank card or provincial health plan may not cover trip interruptions for a relative's illness or death. Always read the fine print to avoid costly surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance policy tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is seniors travel insurance mandatory?
Seniors travel insurance is not legally required for most destinations, but some countries, such as Cuba or Schengen states, make it a visa prerequisite. Even when not mandatory, it is strongly recommended. For example, a hospital stay in the USA can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars—insurance protects you from major out-of-pocket expenses.
When is it recommended to purchase seniors travel insurance?
The best time to purchase seniors travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip, ideally within a few days of your first payment. Early purchase means you can benefit from trip cancellation protection and begin coverage for unexpected events before departure. This also avoids possible changes in health status that could affect eligibility.
How do I purchase seniors travel insurance?
1/ Compare: Use HelloSafe’s platform to assess offers tailored to seniors.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions: Carefully review the terms regarding pre-existing conditions and age limits.
3/ Purchase online: Choose your policy and complete the transaction via the insurer’s secure website.
4/ Receive the certificate: Your travel insurance certificate is sent by email for immediate proof of coverage.
Can I purchase seniors travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can buy insurance after booking as long as you do it before departure. However, for maximum benefits like comprehensive trip cancellation coverage, it’s best to purchase soon after your initial trip payment to lock in the full protection right away.
How do I make a claim with seniors travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurance provider’s 24/7 assistance number immediately in an emergency. Gather all needed documentation such as medical reports, receipts, and proof of travel. Submit your claim online or by mail according to your insurer’s process, and follow up if required for faster processing.
Are pre-existing conditions covered under seniors travel insurance?
Some policies offer coverage for stable pre-existing conditions, usually if your health has remained unchanged for a specified period (often 90 or 180 days before departure). Always disclose all pre-existing conditions honestly and check policy terms carefully to ensure your medical needs are covered.
Does seniors travel insurance cover multiple trips per year?
Many insurers offer annual multi-trip plans for seniors, letting you travel several times under one policy within a year. These plans usually have per-trip duration limits, such as 30 or 60 days. If you travel often, this can be a cost-effective and convenient way to stay protected.
Is seniors travel insurance mandatory?
Seniors travel insurance is not legally required for most destinations, but some countries, such as Cuba or Schengen states, make it a visa prerequisite. Even when not mandatory, it is strongly recommended. For example, a hospital stay in the USA can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars—insurance protects you from major out-of-pocket expenses.
When is it recommended to purchase seniors travel insurance?
The best time to purchase seniors travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip, ideally within a few days of your first payment. Early purchase means you can benefit from trip cancellation protection and begin coverage for unexpected events before departure. This also avoids possible changes in health status that could affect eligibility.
How do I purchase seniors travel insurance?
1/ Compare: Use HelloSafe’s platform to assess offers tailored to seniors.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions: Carefully review the terms regarding pre-existing conditions and age limits.
3/ Purchase online: Choose your policy and complete the transaction via the insurer’s secure website.
4/ Receive the certificate: Your travel insurance certificate is sent by email for immediate proof of coverage.
Can I purchase seniors travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can buy insurance after booking as long as you do it before departure. However, for maximum benefits like comprehensive trip cancellation coverage, it’s best to purchase soon after your initial trip payment to lock in the full protection right away.
How do I make a claim with seniors travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurance provider’s 24/7 assistance number immediately in an emergency. Gather all needed documentation such as medical reports, receipts, and proof of travel. Submit your claim online or by mail according to your insurer’s process, and follow up if required for faster processing.
Are pre-existing conditions covered under seniors travel insurance?
Some policies offer coverage for stable pre-existing conditions, usually if your health has remained unchanged for a specified period (often 90 or 180 days before departure). Always disclose all pre-existing conditions honestly and check policy terms carefully to ensure your medical needs are covered.
Does seniors travel insurance cover multiple trips per year?
Many insurers offer annual multi-trip plans for seniors, letting you travel several times under one policy within a year. These plans usually have per-trip duration limits, such as 30 or 60 days. If you travel often, this can be a cost-effective and convenient way to stay protected.
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