Travel insurance for seniors & snowbirds
65+ pricing, health questionnaires and extended trips
Travel insurance for Canadians 65+ costs 3-5x more than for younger travellers, and snowbirds face extra rules. Planning ahead matters more than price.
1. Why seniors pay more
Hospitalization rates climb steeply with age, so medical limits and premiums follow. Some insurers cap coverage for travellers over 75-80.
A medical questionnaire is standard for seniors; stable, declared conditions are usually covered after a stability period.
2. Snowbird rules
Standard annual multi-trip plans cap each trip at 15-30 days. Snowbirds need extended-duration or snowbird-specific plans covering 60-180+ days.
Watch the "visiting residence" rules — returning to Canada mid-trip can reset some coverage clocks, but each insurer defines it differently.
3. How to buy smart
Compare at least 3 carriers on the same health declaration — definitions of "stable condition" and stability periods differ a lot.
Buy before departure, keep the 24/7 emergency line in your phone, and carry your policy card with your passport.
FAQ
Is travel insurance worth it for seniors?＋
A single US hospital visit can exceed $50,000-$100,000. For seniors, the insurance is almost always the cheaper option — the question is choosing the right one.
Do I need a medical exam to buy?＋
No exam — just an honest health questionnaire. Undeclared conditions are the number one cause of denied travel claims.
Can I buy a plan for 6 months abroad?＋
Yes. Extended/snowbird plans cover 90-180+ days. Standard multi-trip plans will not cover a single 6-month trip.