The travel scene for Canadians 60 and older is changing quickly. And five years later, more seniors are stuffing their bags, crossing borders and tapping early retirement or flexible work schedules to see the world — often several times a year. But as liberating as travel can be, it also exposes seniors to enormous, sometimes ruinous medical bills that can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in new debt.
On average, an emergency medical evacuation from the U.S. to Canada costs between $25,000 and $75,000, according to the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association. This can wipe out years of savings without proper coverage. That’s where annual multi-trip Travel Insurance in Canada comes in — uniquely designed for seniors, it’s a cost-effective and hassle-free additional layer of protection for frequent travellers.
We’re going to take you through how these plans work, why they are the new trump card when it comes to older travellers, and which features mean the most in 2025 — particularly if you’ve already got a Travel Insurance Plan with pre-existing coverage.
The Rise In Senior Travel And What It Means
In recent years, there has been a huge surge in travel by Canadians aged 60 and older. Thanks to better health care, more options for the digital nomad and families who can work remotely wherever they take their laptops, seniors are increasingly travelling with children or grandchildren rather than spending it all on cruises or heading south during Canadian winters.
And that’s not just anecdotal.
It’s now 30% of Canadian Travellers who are over the age of 60, according to Statistics Canada. This change requires smarter planning — particularly around medical risks overseas.
Why A One-Time Policy Is No Longer Enough
Conventional single-trip Travel Insurance is meant for occasional holidays. But many seniors are racking up more travel mileage these days and spending the entire winter in Florida, going on a spring cruise and then travelling across the country for quick family visits — or to Europe. And you had to buy a new policy each time? It’s expensive and time-consuming, and it leaves holes in coverage.
Which is why annual multi-trip Travel Insurance in Canada is so appealing. You pay once and are covered for an unlimited number of trips (typically 15 to 60 days per trip) over the course of a year. Not only is this more cost-effective in the long run, it’s peace of mind with constant coverage for spur-of-the-moment trips or emergencies.
What Does An Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance Plan Cover?
A quality Travel Medical Insurance Plan typically includes:
- Emergency medical care (doctor visits, hospital stays, ambulance fees)
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation
- Prescription drugs during emergencies
- Accidental dental treatment
- Trip interruption or cancellation (depending on the plan)
- Return of deceased (repatriation of remains)
- 24/7 assistance hotline
For seniors, some plans also include additional services such as:
- Return of pets if you’re hospitalized abroad
- Emergency return home for a family member’s illness
- Bedside visit expenses for a spouse or family member
The most critical benefit? Pre-existing coverage of a Travel Insurance Plan — a game changer for seniors with chronic conditions.
The Big Question: What About Pre-Existing Conditions?
Let’s be frank — by the time most of us hit 60+, a few health problems are essentially inevitable. Whether it’s well-managed hypertension, a past surgery or ongoing medication for cholesterol or diabetes, many older adults worry that such issues could cause their insurance to be voided.
Here’s where the rubber meets the road: not all Travel Medical Insurance Plans will provide coverage for pre-existing conditions, and the ones that do often have strict stability periods (which could be anywhere from 90 days to 180 days of not having changes in your condition or new treatments/tests).
Insurers are more lenient in 2025 — some policies have partial coverage and shorter stability period, particularly for mild or controlled conditions. But the fine print and all conditions need to be read carefully, and fully disclosed when applying. The most worthwhile spell out what is covered and what is not, as well as procedures for approval in special cases.
Real-Life Scenario: How One Missed Detail Cost A Senior $48,000
What about Helen, a 67-year-old who lived in Alberta and headed south to Arizona every winter? She bought what she thought was a comprehensive insurance package for her trip. Unfortunately, though she hadn’t revealed this to the doctor, her cholesterol medication had recently been changed by her doctor after a blood test just one month before her trip.
Two weeks after her second visit, she had a small heart episode. Although she had recovered without a physician’s care, her insurance company denied her full $48,000 claim because it decided that her pre-existing condition wasn’t “stable” as defined by the policy.
If she had opted for a Travel Medical Insurance Plan that offered flexible pre-existing conditions coverage or asked about the stability clause, her out-of-pocket cost would have never reached such an astronomical number.
Who Should Choose Annual Multi-Trip Coverage?
An annual multi-trip Travel Insurance Plan in Canada is ideal for:
- Snowbirds: Canadians who travel to warmer destinations like Florida, Arizona, or Mexico during the winter months
- Retired Couples: Taking multiple small trips throughout the year
- Grandparents Visiting Family: Frequent domestic and international visits to children or grandchildren
- Volunteers or Missionaries: Travelling abroad more than once a year
- Seniors With Grandchildren Studying Abroad: Who make regular overseas visits
This plan is also relevant for long-distance couples, dual-citizenship families, or anyone with flexible retirement plans.
How Family Trip Planning In Canada Affects Your Insurance Needs
Planning a family trip in Canada can be madness — coordinating flights, accommodations and schedules across the generations. Mixed in is insurance, which also often gets short shrift.
But here’s the reality: most family trips involve someone who is high risk — that could be seniors, kids under five or a family member with health needs, which is why it’s essential for everyone, but particularly for older adults, to have a robust travel health insurance plan.
When a senior falls ill abroad, the trip is derailed, and it often ends up costing an entire family a fortune in unplanned expenses. An annual multi-trip Travel Insurance Policy means that you’re covered and you don’t have to think about it every time.
How It Compares: Travel Insurance For Students Vs. Seniors
Travel Insurance for students often focuses on tuition reimbursement, study disruption, or non-medical losses. But seniors have completely different priorities — medical emergencies, mobility-related services, and repatriation.
The key difference?
- Student plans are longer-term and often bundled with educational travel
- Senior plans are short-term (per trip), but more medically intensive
- Students usually don’t need pre-existing condition coverage, while seniors must have it
So if you’re travelling with grandkids or children in university, don’t assume one family policy fits all. Seniors should always carry a separate policy, preferably an annual multi-trip, to avoid confusion or gaps in coverage.
Understanding Travel Insurance Rates In Canada In 2025
As of 2025, Travel Insurance rates in Canada for annual multi-trip plans have slightly increased due to rising global healthcare costs and inflation. However, insurers are offering more personalized plans, discounts for healthy seniors, and loyalty perks for repeat buyers.
Here’s a rough breakdown for seniors:
- Ages 60-69: ~$275–$450 per year for trips up to 30 days
- Ages 70-79: ~$450–$700 per year
- Ages 80+: Plans start from ~$700+, with stricter medical underwriting
These figures vary based on destination, trip length, health status, and add-ons. While it may sound steep, consider this: a single hospitalization abroad can cost 10x more than your premium.
Key Features To Look For In 2025
When choosing an annual multi-trip Travel Insurance Plan in Canada, here’s what to look for:
✅ Number of Trips Covered – Unlimited vs. capped
✅ Trip Duration Limit – Most offer 15, 30, or 60 days per trip
✅ Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions – Check stability period and definitions
✅ Medical Evacuation Coverage – Especially important for remote travel
✅ Custom Add-Ons – Adventure sports, rental vehicle damage, trip cancellation
✅ Customer Service Quality – 24/7 toll-free support and fast claims processing
Planning Tip: Match Your Insurance To Your Travel Style
If you’re a homebody who only travels once a year, a single-trip plan might be fine.
But if you:
- Spend winters abroad
- Frequently travel between provinces
- Visit family overseas multiple times
- Enjoy last-minute trips
…then paying annually for multi-trip coverage can save hundreds of dollars — and massive headaches.
Final Thought: Peace Of Mind Is Worth The Investment
There is a certain quiet confidence that comes from knowing you are protected — especially when the unexpected strikes in another country. Seniors have earned the right to travel, move freely and stay active — they should be able to do so without worrying that a medical emergency will send them into financial distress.
And in 2025, with new variants and even more stringent hospital protocols and ever-escalating medical costs around the world, being uncovered is patently irresponsible. From your heart medication to the history of your hip replacements or a chronic illness, ensure that your policy is tailored to you.
The proper annual multi-trip Travel Insurance Plan with transparent pre-existing protection is more than just a policy – it’s your safety net to enjoy life, take frequent trips and be covered every step of the way!
Learn More: Why Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance Is A Smart Choice For Frequent Travellers To Canada