Holiday Travel Is Changing for Canadians — And So Are the Risks
More Canadians will travel this winter than any year since 2019, but our destinations and travel habits are shifting dramatically, according to a new report from the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada and Canadian Underwriter (source: Canadian Underwriter).
Here’s what’s changed:
- Baby boomers are avoiding the U.S.: A sharp decline! Boomers travelling to the U.S. dropped by two-thirds (down to 10%).
- Younger Canadians are still going… but “quietly”: Gen Z travel to the U.S. dropped only 18%, but many are now practicing “quiet travelling” — avoiding social posts about U.S. trips due to political tension and safety concerns.
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Major airline shift away from U.S. travel: Air Canada is cutting U.S. flight capacity and increasing flights to:
- Caribbean
- Latin America
- Europe
- Costs, politics and safety concerns are changing travel choices: The USD exchange rate, U.S. political tension, and rising trip costs are pushing Canadians to new destinations — each with different risks and insurance needs.
- Medical emergencies abroad are expensive: In September 2025, a B.C. woman made national headlines after receiving a US$108,000 hospital bill due to gaps in her coverage. (source: Global News)
Why Holiday Travel Insurance Matters More Than Ever
Winter = the highest travel risk season in Canada.
- Snowstorms cause widespread delays
- Baggage mishandling spikes
- Medical emergencies increase due to holiday stress
- Many Canadians mistakenly rely on “included” coverage they don’t fully understand
If you’re travelling from Ontario or Alberta, having the right travel insurance means:
- No surprise medical bills
- No out-of-pocket costs for lost bags
- Refunds if your trip is cancelled
- Coverage for winter sports, cruises, or adventure activities
What Does Holiday Travel Insurance Cover? Here are some quick Q&A:
“What does travel medical insurance cover?”
Up to $5 million for emergency medical care, hospitalization, surgery, prescriptions and ambulance.
“What is trip cancellation or trip interruption?”
Reimbursement for prepaid, non-refundable expenses if:
- You get sick
- Your travel partner is injured
- Weather cancels your flight
- A family emergency occurs
“Does travel insurance cover lost baggage?”
Yes — compensation for lost, stolen or delayed luggage, often $500–$2,000+ depending on the plan.
“What about rental cars?”
Coverage for damage to rental vehicles — helpful in winter driving conditions.
All-Inclusive Plans
Combine:
- ✔ medical
- ✔ cancellation
- ✔ interruption
- ✔ baggage
- ✔ travel accident
- ✔ winter sports (optional)
Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR)
Maximum trip flexibility — cancel for ANY reason and be reimbursed for a portion of trip costs.
Winter Sports Add-On
Skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, snowmobiling, winter adventure parks.
Emergency Air Evacuation
Covers $20,000–$70,000 medical transport back to Canada.
Travel Insurance Mistakes Canadians May Make…
1. “I’m covered by my group benefits.”
Maybe — but there are major limitations:
- Trips longer than 10–30 days
- Pre-existing conditions
- Cruise-specific medical bills
- Trip cancellation/interruption
- Adventure activities
- Out-of-province transport
- Winter sports
→ Consider a top-up to your existing coverage.
2. “My credit card gives me travel insurance.”
This is only true if:
- You paid for the trip using that card
- You meet the age and trip length limits
- You qualify for the card’s medical criteria
Credit card insurance usually does NOT cover fully with:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Multi-week vacations
- Children or seniors
- Extreme sports
- Evacuations
→ Credit card insurance is helpful but incomplete. Often has high deductibles that may apply in the event of any claim.
What to Watch for When Booking Your Holiday Trip?
Air Travel
- “Economy Light” fares = non-refundable
- Storm-related delays
- Limited baggage compensation
- APPR rules don’t apply to all disruptions
Cruises
- Cruise ship medical care is private (expensive)
- Missed departure = trip interruption claim
- Some cruise lines require proof of travel medical coverage
International Destinations
Provincial health plans (OHIP, AHCIP) do not cover:
- Ambulance
- Hospitalization
- Medical air evacuation
- Out-of-country medication
Domestic Travel (Canada)
Many travellers don’t realize:
- Ambulance costs vary by province
- Some medical services aren’t fully covered outside home province
How to File a Travel Insurance Claim (Simple Guide)
If it’s medical:
- ✔ Call your insurer before receiving treatment
- ✔ Keep all hospital paperwork
- ✔ Save prescriptions & receipts
If your trip is cancelled/interrupted:
- ✔ Get written proof from airline/cruise
- ✔ Save booking confirmation emails
If baggage is lost:
- ✔ File airport claim before leaving
- ✔ Keep replacement-item receipts
Factors That Impact the Cost of Travel Insurance
- Age
- Destination
- Trip duration
- Number of travellers
- Pre-existing conditions
- Type of coverage
- Trip value
Your MIB travel insurance specialist will compare multiple insurers to find the right fit.
Final Thought
Canadians are travelling differently this year: new destinations, new risks, new expectations. Whether you’re flying to Florida, visiting family in Vancouver, cruising the Caribbean, or exploring Europe, holiday travel insurance helps you travel with peace of mind.
A few minutes of planning can prevent tens of thousands in unexpected costs.
At My Insurance Broker, we make it easy for you to understand the fine print, fill coverage gaps, and choose the right travel insurance for your needs, your destination and your budget. Contact our travel insurance specialist today at 1-833-266-2268 or travel@myinsurancebroker.com. Get a quick quote before your holiday trip.