64% of Canadians travel within Canada without insurance, putting trips and wallets at risk

These days, who doesn’t need a vacation? But without proper planning, your dream retreat could turn into a muddle of medical challenges, lost baggage or cancelled flights. 

A new study suggests that 64 per cent of Canadians admit to travelling within Canada without insurance. The survey, conducted by DIG Insights from a pool of 2,021 Canadians aged 25 to 64, aimed to pinpoint travel habits in 2026. 

Despite the necessity of travel insurance, even for short trips within Canada, some believed it was unnecessary, while others thought the government would cover them. Cost concerns were also a factor. For those who travelled with insurance, emergency medical expenses remained the most common type of coverage. 

As geographic and economic circumstances around the world shift, travel insurance can help you make the most of your trip without the stress. 

Canadians’ habits are changing, which reflects travellers’ broader concerns about their next trip away from home.  

Only 22 per cent of Canadians planned to visit the U.S. in 2025, down 11 per cent from 2024.  On top of that, 40 per cent are choosing to stay home or exclusively travel within Canada.  

Canadians are also feeling increasingly worried about geopolitical and economic factors. Fifty-one percent express concerns about instability in certain destinations and how it might impact their trip. Other concerns include rising inflation-related costs, new tariffs or border policies, managing flight disruptions, getting refunds for cancelled trips and political tensions that could impact their experience.  

"Canadians are adventurous by nature, but today’s travellers are making more thoughtful decisions," says Patricia Marques, Managing Director of Retail & Call Centre Sales and Operations for CAA North & East Ontario. "We’re seeing a clear trend toward exploring closer to home and seeking out new international experiences, all while keeping an eye on safety and value." 

To help mitigate these concerns, Canadians are booking direct flights, arriving earlier at airports and planning for delays. While preparedness and allowing extra time are important, many travellers are still missing a key piece of the puzzle: travel insurance.  

Travel insurance is essential for regaining your confidence about your next trip.  

The reality of your long-stay vacation or weekend getaway is that things can take a turn at any point—injury, flight cancellations, or even political instability are reasons you might want insurance. Your plan can also cover lost luggage, last-minute changes and other disruptions.  

Even though 29 per cent of Canadians think their province’s health care plan will cover them, your coverage changes once you leave your province. You might have to pay for costly interventions like ambulances, prescription drugs or assistive devices.  

“Recent stories have highlighted Canadians facing unexpected medical bills, trip interruptions, and emergency expenses while travelling within Canada, often because they didn’t realize their regular provincial health coverage or credit card benefits had limits,” says Marques.  

When selecting a policy, look for comprehensive emergency medical coverage—ideally at least $5 million, including repatriation. For trip cancellations, make sure your plan covers all non-refundable expenses. It is also wise to confirm that meals and accommodations are included in the event of lengthy delays. 

Travel insurance is your assurance against minor or major uncertainties that could ruin your trip. With changing travel habits, this is just one more vital way to make sure your dream vacation goes off without a hitch.