Here's what you need to know about snowbird travel insurance
3 Minute Read
Are you dreaming of trading snow for warm temperatures this winter? You’re not alone. Many Canadians are gearing up to head south as the cold weather approaches Canada. Now is the perfect time for snowbirds looking to plan their winter getaways.
Our experts answer all your questions about travel insurance and what snowbirds over 60 should consider when booking their next getaway.
When it comes to getting travel insurance coverage, what are some things older travellers should know, even if they're as active and healthy as they were in their thirties?
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 fill out a medical questionnaire before they’re eligible to buy a travel medical insurance plan.
Give yourself ample time to secure a travel insurance policy that fits your needs. When looking at CAA Travel Insurance policies, you can always trust one of our Travel Consultants to help you find the right policy and any additional riders that are right for you and your travel plans.
Can travellers with pre-existing medical conditions still get coverage?
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.
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What are some ways to reduce costs for travellers over 60 and help Canadians save more money?
Consider an annual travel insurance plan if you're a frequent traveller who takes getaways throughout the year. CAA multi-trip plan 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 CAA Travel Insurance.
What other coverage should Canadian travellers and snowbirds get before travelling this fall and winter?
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 bookings like hotels and flights. 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.
Find your perfect travel insurance policy today
No matter your age or medical needs, there is a CAA Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Let a CAA Travel Consultant help you find the right policy by booking your appointment today.
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 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 when booking online.
3 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.
4 Multi-Trip Annual 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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