Here's what you need to know about snowbird travel insurance

Are you dreaming of trading snow for warm temperatures this winter? You’re not alone. Many Canadians over 60 are gearing up to head south as cold weather approaches. Now is the perfect time for snowbirds looking to plan their winter getaways.  

When budgeting for travel, plan for any medications or doctor visits. Work benefit plans typically end when you retire, so securing travel medical insurance for when you’re abroad should be a priority.   

If you have a pre-existing condition like diabetes, even if the condition is manageable, your travel insurance rates will increase after age 60 due to increased risks. Travel insurance rates generally increase every five years after you turn 60. Additionally, Canadians over 60 must complete a medical questionnaire before they’re eligible to purchase a travel medical insurance plan.   

What changes if you have a pre‑existing condition?

Canadians should always get emergency medical coverage, especially while travelling. A pre-existing medical condition won’t hold you back, but it does change the conditions of your insurance. Typically, once you are over 60 and have a pre-existing medical condition, you must be stable for three months before your departure. Once you turn 70, the stability period is six months before your departure date.   

However, CAA Travel Insurance offers a pre-existing medical condition rider¹ that shortens the stability period. You only need to be stable for seven days before your departure, making it easier to access coverage. 

What seasoned travellers should know before heading south?

Consider an annual travel insurance plan if you're a frequent traveller who takes getaways throughout the year. CAA multi-trip plan² provides medical coverage for unlimited vacations throughout the year for a single premium. Plus, the more you travel, the more you will save. A multi-trip plan starts each time you leave Canada, so you do not need to sign up for a new plan before each departure. Plus. CAA Members save up to 20 per cent on CAA Travel Insurance³.

Travelling can be expensive enough, and pricey overseas medical bills are only one of many ways to ruin a vacation. If your vacation gets cancelled, the last thing you want is to be on the hook for hotel and flight bookings. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance protects your wallet if you fall ill, your flight is delayed, or your travel plans are interrupted in any other way.   

Plus, you can bundle cancellation and interruption with any of CAA’s travel medical insurance plans. You can even get cancellation and interruption insurance with a multi-trip plan³ with a CAA multi-trip vacation package⁴. 

No matter your age or medical needs, there is a CAA Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. You can visit a CAA Store, call 1-800-705-1803 or get a quote online.

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 is required if you are 60 years of age and older. Quotes are valid for 30 days.

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

2. Medical Multi-Trip 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.

3. 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 1-800-705-1803. CAA Premier Members save 10% and earn 10% in CAA Dollars® when booking online.

4. Multi-Trip vacation packages covers 4, 8, 15 or 30 days per trip depending on the plan purchased. Top-Up coverage is available for longer trips. Coverage cannot exceed 365 days from departure date or effective date. There is a maximum travel coverage of 63 days including Top-Up for travellers aged 60 to 84 years of age.

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