Travel insurance for Canadian seniors is ideal for elderly Canadians who are not going to let their old age limit their explorations. The coverage can cover their medical expenses, trip delays, and dental care. However, certain services are not included in the coverage.
In this article, you will discover the types of coverage available for seniors in the country.
Travel Insurance for Canadian Seniors: What’s Covered?
In addition to the standard travel protections, seniors can also get the following:
1. Dental Treatment
Seniors traveling outside Canada may need to visit a dentist. In that case, the dental protection requires the insurer to settle the dentists’ fees.
Note that this is payable only when the seniors see a dentist outside the country.
2. Pre-Existing Illness Coverage
This is a bit tricky and needs to be fine-tuned with the insurer. Seniors are liable to suffer from pre-existing conditions. Traveling to another country with the conditions may trigger additional health challenges.
Confirm with the insurer the specific medical conditions that are covered in this case. With that being done, the insurer will have to settle the bills for medical treatments relating to the conditions.
3. Trip Cancellations
If your trip got canceled, the coverage can be used. Most insurance companies provide travel insurance for seniors in Canada to cover trip cancellations and delays.
Depending on the insurer, you may get up to $10,000 in reimbursements.
4. Emergency Medical Expenses
Got an emergency health issue while aboard a flight? Your insurer can see the medical bills. The emergency coverages typically focus on illnesses and injuries sustained during a flight.
5. Home Burglary
While away, there are chances that your home will be burgled. But you needn’t worry if you already have travel insurance for Canadian seniors over 70.
The insurance company pays for damages to your property if your home got burgled while you are away. The company also settles the costs of repurchasing the items you lost during the burglary.
6. Baggage Damage/Loss
Lost your property during a flight? Maybe your bags weren’t loaded on the flight or they got misplaced? Your travel insurance company will provide the exact amount of the content of the baggage.
What’s Not Covered in Travel Insurance for Canadian Seniors?
While medical expenses and property protection are common, some coverages are not supported. Below are some of the coverages you shouldn’t expect in typical travel insurance:
1. External Injuries
Most travel insurance companies only insure policyholders for injuries caused by pre-existing conditions. Injuries caused to oneself by excessive use of drugs or alcohol may not be covered.
These are considered to be “self-made injuries” and are, therefore, the responsibility of the policyholder.
Your best option is to stay away from alcohol and drug abuse during the tenor of the policy.
2. Life-Threatening Conditions
Some travel insurance insurers may not cover expenses triggered by life-threatening conditions. These conditions are not a part of the pre-existing medical conditions that are covered.
3. Illegal Loss of Properties
Your properties may not be insured during and after your travel if you lost them illegally. If those properties were not stolen aboard a flight or misplaced, the chances of reimbursement are slim.
Therefore, Canadian seniors that engage in felony, illegal activities, and criminal acts may not mandate the insurer to replace their lost items.
4. Self-Inflicted Harm
Canadian seniors who are suicidal or depressed have a lower chance of travel insurance coverage. This is because insurers may be dragging their feet to cover them, especially when they are at risk of self-harm.
5. Traveling Against Your Doctor’s Advice
It is pertinent to apply for Canadian seniors only after getting the go-ahead from your doctor. First, wait for the test result or terminal prognosis of your pre-existing medical condition to be released before traveling. Second, make sure your physician deems you fit to fly before embarking on the journey.
That way, you will be able to claim if anything goes wrong during the flight.
6. Your Regular Checkups May Not be Covered by the Policy
Depending on the insurer, routine checks may not be covered.
Tips on Buying Travel Insurance for Canadian Seniors
Here are some valuable tips to help you buy the cheapest travel insurance for Canadian seniors:
1. Find Out if You are Qualified
The typical consideration for seniors is the age of 60 and above. However, some travel insurance companies reserve the right to make modifications to the age. Also, different coverages are offered to different age groups of seniors.
So, check with different travel insurance insurers to find out if you meet the age requirements.
2. Compare Different Travel Insurance Policies
Shop around to get the cheapest travel insurance for Canadian seniors. Start with making a Google search to get a list of the different insurance companies within your location.
Visit their websites and check their plans. Request quotations and compare the coverages, deductibles, and coverage limits.
3. Consider the Specifications for Pre-Existing Condition
What does the travel insurance insurer offer based on the pre-existing medical conditions? It is imperative to declare any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. This helps the insurer to explore all possible means to offer you the best coverage.
This may lead to a higher deductible. But when you consider that the coverage is all-encompassing, it can be worth it.
4. Put Everything in Writing
To ensure that all parties are bound to the agreement, get the policy in writing. This can come in handy when you want to make a claim.
Besides, you can always refer to the written copy of the policy to get answers to any questions you may have.
5. Don’t Forget to Ask Questions
Always ask questions when you don’t understand certain details of the coverage. It will interest you to know that some travel insurance insurers provide additional benefits and services that may not have been documented on paper.
Final Thoughts
When you are shopping for travel insurance coverages, make sure to compare multiple options and the duration of the policy. To be on the safe side, consult an insurance expert to help you choose the best travel insurance for seniors.
