Escaping the frigid temperatures of Canada this winter?

If you’re heading to a warm destination, whether it’s for the entire season or just a few weeks, planning a trip can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re a first-time snowbird.

Here we answer six of CAA Members’ most frequently asked questions about travel insurance.

Do I need travel insurance if I’m healthy?

While you may be in good health before your departure, unexpected medical emergencies can still happen while you’re away from home.

If you get sick or injured, travel insurance is important to ensure your medical treatment is covered, along with any related out-of-pocket expenses.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes, some plans do have age maximums, but others do not. It’s best to speak with one of our CAA Travel Insurance experts.

If you're over 60, you’ll need to fill out a medical questionnaire that will help determine the right plan for your medical needs.

What’s on the medical questionnaire?

You’ll be asked about your medical history. The information you provide helps CAA Travel Insurance experts find the best coverage possible for your trip.

It’s important to fill it out correctly as errors could affect your claims. If you’re uncertain about anything, speak to your doctor.

If I have a pre-existing medical condition, will I be covered?

Pre-existing condition exclusions don’t apply when travelling in Canada.

You can still get emergency medical coverage with a pre-existing condition, as long as your condition is stable.

This means that if you’re 69 or younger*, in the three months before you travel you haven’t needed medical treatment or had a change in medication or in dosage. If you’re over 70, the stability period is six months.

If you have an unstable medical condition, you can choose a pre-existing condition rider, which reduces your stability period to seven days before your departure.

Is Covid-19 coverage included?

Yes, you’re usually covered for medical costs, trip cancellation and interruption if you or a travel companion gets Covid-19 while travelling.

But trip cancellation and interruption coverage will not apply if a level 3 travel advisory, which advises to avoid non-essential travel, is in place for your destination when you book your trip.

Emergency medical coverage applies if there is a level 3 travel advisory and you’re fully vaccinated.

Which plan is right for me?

There is a wide range of travel insurance options to ensure your well-being and peace of mind while away.

A Multi-Trip plan is ideal for frequent travellers who love the convenience of purchasing once and vacationing several times a year.

You’ll be covered for multiple individual trips outside your Canadian province or territory for up to four, eight, 15, 30 or 60 days each trip. Also, travel within Canada is unlimited and no pre-existing condition exclusion applies.

The Multi-Trip plan provides emergency medical treatment to a maximum of $5 million, including virtual emergency medical assistance and house call service for access to 24/7 treatment from medical professionals.

It also covers hospital stays, lab tests, X-rays, nursing and ground ambulance, as well as emergency dental expenses, medical repatriation and medical follow-up in Canada.

If you’re only enjoying one getaway this year, consider the Single Trip Medical Plan which will provide all the same coverage for your one trip.

Enjoy the warmth this winter in a sunny southern destination, knowing you'll be fully covered if something unexpected happens with the right travel insurance.

​​*This applies to any other condition but a lung condition. For a lung condition requiring Prednisone, the age is 0-59 and additional three months (six months).

Protect you and your trip

CAA Travel Insurance experts can help you find the most suitable coverage for your trip south this winter. For more information on travel insurance plan options, visit the website or review the online policy guide here.

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