Why travel insurance for seniors is important

Whether it’s an annual winter escape, day trips across the border, or visits with family in another part of the country, Canadians over age 65 are travelling more often than they might realize. It’s no wonder why so many Canadian senior travellers are taking to the road, sea or air each year for these and many other reasons.

Before you get ready to take off on your next adventure, there are some things you need to know when shopping for travel insurance for seniors. We're here to lend a helping hand and assist you with your travel needs in the event  of any unexpected emergency by having the right coverage when exploring the wonders of the world.

Because seniors tend to travel more frequently and take longer and more expensive trips, unexpected events such as travel delays, baggage loss, and unused hotel nights can often result in significant, unplanned costs, which makes them just as important to protect. For these and similar situations, travellers should consider purchasing a plan that includes trip cancellation and interruption coverage. It may help travellers recover non-refundable trip-related expenses if they need to cancel, interrupt or delay their trip unexpectedly due to an eligible covered reason.

Travel insurance with emergency medical coverage may also be essential for domestic trips. Did you know that your provincial health insurance plan may not fully protect you if you experience a medical emergency outside of your home province? Accidents can happen at any time during your trip. In this situation, a travel insurance plan with emergency medical treatment and transportation benefits would be suitable.Ensure your policy includes benefits for unexpected medical emergencies including hospitalization, surgery, doctor’s visits and filling and refilling prescriptions. But don’t forget that travel insurance does not cover everything, therefore it is very important to read the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions associated to your plan.

Suppose you travel two or more times within the year. In that case, a Multi Trip Plan may be the ideal coverage for seniors for year-round protection. Moreover, you may also save on travel insurance with emergency medical benefits when compared to purchasing travel protection for every single trip. The plan provides benefits for unlimited trips regardless of whether it is a trip outside of their home province or country for 365 days from the policy's effective date.

Each trip length cannot exceed the number of days per trip mentioned in their plans. For example, if you buy a 35 Day Multi Trip Plan, your plan will be effective for any amount of trips taken during 365 days, but each trip cannot exceed 35 days in length.

Therefore, if the plan is to travel for more than 35 consecutive days, you would be required to buy coverage for the extra days to be eligible for coverage throughout the entire trip. With this plan, Canadian seniors and snowbirds should feel well prepared for both planned and impromptu trips.

Some of the most alluring aspects of travel are thrill and adventure. Many travellers enjoy adventure activities such as hiking and biking. You may be eligible for coverage for accidents that happen during these physical activities. However, accidents that occur during higher stakes activities such rock climbing, skiing, and sky diving will most likely not be included in your policy. Be aware of any coverage exclusions for high-risk sports and understand the limits of your policy regarding activities and sports.

Whether you are purchasing a single or Multi trip plan for travel insurance policy, you should review your coverage details to see what you are eligible for. Taking the time to do so can also help determine if the coverage is appropriate based on factors such as traveller's age, trip duration, planned activities and current health status. Particular areas to pay attention to include the benefits, eligibility, exclusions and limitations.

Also check if your policy’s benefit amount for emergency medical treatment is sufficient for the destination you are travelling to. In countries such as the United States that have high medical costs for emergency treatment, any policy with lower benefit amounts (ex. $50,000) may not get you very far if you need intensive care or repatriation.

Furthermore, if you opt for non-medical coverage that is available from Trip Cancellation and Interruption insurance, it is important to check if any belongings (i.e. an expensive camera or equipment) you take on a trip may or may not be eligible for coverage if your luggage is lost or stolen. Some policies may cover only up to a certain dollar amount, which could be much less than the value of such items.

If you have questions about any of the coverage offered by Allianz Global Assistance, please call for pre-trip assistance.

For non-medical emergencies such as baggage loss and trip delay, for example, even if you claim after returning home from your trip, it's highly advisable to contact your insurer’s assistance hotline as they can provide valuable help in better navigating the ongoing situation. In the case of damaged or lost baggage, file a complaint with the airline immediately. If your baggage is stolen, you will need to file a police report right away. Always keep all the original documents/receipts, which you will need when you submit a claim.

Travel insurance is meant to protect you against unforeseen emergencies, which is why it is important to purchase your travel insurance policy as soon as you book your trip.

Let’s say you planned a sightseeing and beach trip in Bermuda this summer, but the danger posed by a predicted hurricane caused you to cancel the trip. If you purchased your policy before the storm was forecasted, then you may be protected by trip cancellation benefits.

Research the location you are travelling to and know of any travel risks. You can stay aware by checking the country’s safety status on the Travel Advice and Advisories by Destination page by the Government of Canada. You can also subscribe to daily email updates on travel advisories by the Government of Canada.

Many insurers offer assistance via phone and online. Choose plans that provide help at all hours and can be reliably reached to assist you with filing claims, live translation, navigating health facilities and more.

As a world leader in travel protection, Allianz Global Assistance helps million Canadians and visitors to Canada answer the call of adventure with confidence every year. Let us be there for you too.

Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators group of companies and administered by Allianz Global Assistance. Allianz Global Assistance is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc. and AZGA Insurance Agency Canada Ltd.