60 and over? Here’s what you should know about travel medical insurance

Machu Pichu. The Mexican Riviera. The Italian Riviera, for that matter. Once you’re over 60 and ready to travel and tick things off your bucket list, the world is full of possibilities. It’s also full of different considerations, particularly when it comes to travel and your health. Where the only thing you once worried about was having a valid passport, seniors looking at travel insurance should know that it can become more complex and costly. If you’re wondering about options for economical travel insurance, high-risk insurance quotes and holiday insurance for the elderly, CAA can help with options for seniors.

What do you need to know

• You need to fill out a medical questionnaire before you’re eligible to purchase a travel medical insurance plan.
• You should budget for medication and doctor’s visits. Do you have medical benefits through work? Keep in mind that once you retire, those benefits will probably go away. Don’t forget to secure yourself health and dental insurance for home and travel medical insurance for travels abroad.
• Diabetes becomes more expensive. Diabetes is a manageable condition, but when you turn 60, travel insurance rates will increase due to increased risk of complications.
• Plan your travel budget for rate increases as you age. As you age, travel insurance rates increase every five years.

How do I know which travel insurance to choose?

CAA has many options for those without health concerns or those who have experienced symptoms, sickness, injury, or medical conditions requiring waiting for a specialist, hospitalization, medication change or treatment change before your trip. There is no age limit for emergency medical travel insurance; however, coverage depends on having stable health for a certain length of time before you travel:

• Age 59 and under: three months stable prior to each departure date (excludes coverage for lung conditions treated with Prednisone three months prior to departure).
• Age 60 – 69: three months stable prior to each departure date.
• Age 70 and over: six months stable prior to each departure date.

Picking The Right Insurance Plan for You

CAA offers single-trip and multi-trip plans. Here is what each plan covers: 

Single Trip Plan: 

Protect against the cost of unexpected medical emergencies for the duration of your trip.

• For one trip only
• Travel for up to 365 days with GHIP approval
• Extended coverage available if you stay away for longer than originally planned
• Only pay for the coverage you need

Multi-Trip Plan: 

Protect against the cost of unexpected medical emergencies for multiple individual trips (up to 4, 8, 15, 30, or 60 days each) throughout the year. Your Multi-Trip Plan starts each time you leave Canada. If you stay longer than the days included in the plan, a top-up can be purchased.

• For an unlimited number of trips in one year1
• Travel for up 4, 8, 15, 30, or 60 days per trip
• Away for longer? Top-up is available
• Travel within Canada is unlimited and a top-up is not necessary
• Purchase once and be covered for an entire year

Don’t forget Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance

Does travel insurance cover you if you have to cancel your trip? Yes! Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance are two additional coverage types that protect you against both bad luck and tough circumstances. 

Here are some covered reasons for trip cancellation or interruption:

• If your family member gets sick while you’re vacationing, it’ll pay for transport back home to be at your family’s side.
• If inclement weather forces you to miss a flight on your way to board a cruise, it’ll pay up to $2,500 to book a seat on the next available plane.
• If the airline loses your luggage, it’ll pay up to $500 to purchase new clothing and essentials.

Good to know: You can add trip cancellation and trip interruption to any of our emergency medical travel insurance plans. And CAA Members save up to 20% on their policy.2 Learn more about CAA Travel Insurance online. Or click here to get a quote in just a few simple steps. Want to speak with a CAA Travel Consultant first? Visit a CAA Store or call 1-800-267-8713.

~CAA Travel Insurance is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance Company, a CAA Company. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire may be required to purchase travel insurance. Quotes are valid for 30 days.~

~All pre-existing medical conditions must be stable within 7 days prior to departure. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply.~

~1. Medical Multi-Trip Annual Plans cover 4, 8, 15, 30, or 60 days per trip depending on the plan you purchased. Top-Up coverage is available for longer trips. Coverage cannot extend beyond 365 days from departure date or effective date.~

~2. Applies to CAA Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by Membership expiry date). Up to twenty percent (20%) savings applies to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Subject to change without notice. Excludes Visitors to Canada Insurance. CAA Everyday, Classic®, and Plus® Members save 10%. CAA Premier® Members save 20% at CAA Stores or by calling 1-800-267-8713. CAA Premier Members save 10% and earn 10% in CAA Dollars® when booking online.~

~®CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association.~