The right travel insurance for the golden years
As leaves fall and cold weather sets in, snowbirds are planning their trip down south. With thousands of Quebecers getting ready to flee our harsh winter, CAA-Quebec would like to remind everyone of the importance of travel insurance covering the three main causes of hospitalization—especially for older travellers.
Among snowbirds, travel-related hospitalizations fall into three core categories, namely pneumonia, heart problems, and gastrointestinal disorders. These health issues are among the most frequent claims submitted to travel insurers—including Orion, CAA-Quebec’s insurer—by Canadian travellers on extended stays in warmer regions.
Why are these health issues prevalent?
Traveller age: Most snowbirds are travellers aged 60 and over with increased vulnerability to respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and digestive disorders.
Environmental factors: The warmer climate or changes in diet (e.g., spicier or richer food) or lifestyle (e.g., disrupting one’s routine, changing sleep habits) may trigger certain health problems.
Lack of awareness of one’s health status: Difficulties in consulting a family physician and overcrowded emergency rooms mean many people don’t have up-to-date knowledge regarding their health status upon leaving on their trip. Moreover, the stress and changes associated with travel may bring out latent issues.
“Snowbirds need to realize that while their health might appear stable before their trip, some conditions remain unpredictable and costly to treat abroad. Proper preparation and travel insurance therefore provide the best protection.”
Suzanne MichaudVice President, Insurance, CAA-Quebec
Travel has no age
Contrary to popular belief, no travel insurer sets an age cap. Even at age 85 or beyond, specialized insurance products are available. While travellers can still purchase travel insurance past a certain age, some conditions apply and careful planning remains essential. Older travellers must deal with specific factors:
Higher premiums: Costs go up fast past age 60 due to the greater medical risk. Premiums can total $1,000 or more for a stay longer than 30 days.
Mandatory medical questionnaire: Insurers are increasingly requiring such a questionnaire be filled out starting at age of 60. Travellers should have their medication list on hand to correctly answer the questions therein.
Longer stability period often required: Insurers will impose a three-month stability period for travellers around age 30. But as of age 60, that stability period could go up to six months or even a year after starting a new medical treatment to deal with a health issue.
Limited length of stay: Some insurers reduce coverage periods for older travellers. While young snowbirds can sometimes leave for up to 180 days, some credit card issuers reduce the travel insurance coverage period for emergency medical care to eight or 15 days of travel.
A few tips
Talk to your doctor before leaving, especially if it’s been more than five years since your last check-up.
Compare the specialized products offered by different insurers.
Plan a shorter stay, if necessary.
Always take out travel insurance, even for a short stay, as medical expenses incurred abroad can be astronomical.
Don’t consider yourself covered by your credit card as you did back when you were 50 years old, as several credit card issuers set their age cap at 75.
Carry an emergency first-aid kit with the items you regularly use in Quebec, in addition to a supply of your prescription drugs.
About CAA-Quebec
CAA-Quebec offers a wide range of assistance services in a wide variety of sectors, drawing on a human approach. As a socially committed organization, CAA-Quebec strives on a daily basis to protect the interests of its members. And in keeping with its values of reliability and benevolence, it fosters responsible consumption and promotes road safety.
–30–