Why more travellers are choosing travel insurance that goes beyond medical coverage
4 Minute Read
Summary
- Travellers in 2026 increasingly seek travel insurance that offers greater flexibility and customizable coverage.
- Growing demand centres on trip cancellation and interruption benefits, especially through comprehensive package plans.
- Early purchase within 72 hours of booking ensures access to key protections, including Cancel For Any Reason coverage.
Travel can come with plenty of excitement, but it also brings a fair share of uncertainty. One detail that’s often overlooked is how early insurance decisions can help ease that uncertainty from the start.
As travel continues to be shaped by weather disruptions, shifting policies and global uncertainty, more travellers are looking for ways to protect the money they've invested in their trips.
New data from Orion Travel Insurance points to growing interest in coverage that includes trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits. Plans that include those protections saw growth in 2026, with package plans increasing by 11 per cent and non-medical plans by four per cent.
“Travel plans can change, and without the right coverage, that could mean a significant financial loss,” says Lia Kupchanko, director, retail and call centre sales at CAA North & East Ontario.
“That’s where Cancel For Any Reason coverage comes in. It can give travellers added flexibility if plans change after booking.”
Protecting the trip investment
More travellers are choosing coverage that can help protect them if plans change before or during a trip.
Whether it’s a family emergency, severe weather or another unexpected event, trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage can help travellers avoid losing money they’ve already spent.
Package plans combine several types of protection into one policy, including emergency, medical, trip cancellation and interruption, and baggage loss coverage. According to Orion Travel Insurance, these plans have been a particularly strong area of growth.
For travellers looking for the most flexibility, timing is an important part of the equation. Some benefits are only available when coverage is purchased shortly after a trip is booked.
Flexibility is top of mind, but timing matters
Timing can be just as important as the coverage when it comes to travel insurance. Kupchanko notes that with CAA Travel Insurance, buying coverage early can be as important as the coverage itself.
“If you wait until just before departure to buy insurance, you may miss out on key benefits,” she says. “Not purchasing within the first 72 hours of booking could limit your coverage and, in some cases, put your entire trip investment at risk.”
What Cancel For Any Reason coverage includes
When travel plans change, having more flexibility can make a real difference. Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows travellers to cancel for reasons not typically covered and recover part of their non‑refundable costs.
Lesley Scharf, a CAA Travel Agent with CAA North & East Ontario, says this type of coverage should be considered early in the planning process.
“Budgeting for any trip is vital. Travel insurance cost and inclusions are an essential component when creating the idea of a holiday,” Scharf says. “When one purchases Trip cancellation insurance with CAA within 72 hours of booking your vacation with us, you will automatically qualify for our Cancel For Any Reason coverage.”
She adds that the benefit can extend close to the departure date. “This ensures that if life happens up to three hours before departure, you can cancel your holiday and claim 75 per cent back if travel is booked with CAA Travel, and up to 50 per cent back if booked elsewhere.”
Travel disruptions are common during busy travel periods, such as the summer season or holidays. Knowing what your policy covers ahead of time can make it easier to navigate delays, cancellations, and other travel issues if plans change.
If your trip is abroad, travellers are encouraged to review the terms and conditions of their insurance policy before leaving Canada, including any limitations or exclusions.
This is especially important for trip cancellation and interruption coverage, as some events, such as fuel shortages or regional conflicts, may not be covered.
Peace of mind starts early
To make the most of your coverage, book your travel insurance within 72 hours of your initial trip payment to qualify for the Cancel For Any Reason protection.
To get started, book an appointment with a CAA Travel Agent or get your online quote. CAA Members save up to 20 per cent* on policies.
CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. A Medical Questionnaire may be required if you are 60 years of age and older. Quotes are valid for 30 days.
*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.
®CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association.
