Only 28% of Canadians know travel advisory changes can affect insurance coverage

Only 28% of Canadians know that a change in a destination’s risk level can affect travel insurance coverage and potentially lead to denied claims, highlighting a significant awareness gap as Canadian snowbirds prepare for winter abroad.

A 2026 survey commissioned by Global Affairs Canada found that 56% of respondents were unaware of the potential impact, while 16% were unsure.

The issue is particularly relevant for older travellers spending extended periods in the US, where medical expenses can be substantial and policy exclusions may leave travellers exposed.

Canada’s US travel advisory remains at its lowest risk level, ‘take normal security precautions’. However, updates on 24 September and 15 October included health information, notably a dengue outbreak alert for Florida’s Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa.

Although health alerts do not constitute formal travel advisories, policy wording can determine whether regional warnings affect coverage. Insurers also differ in how they respond when an advisory escalates during a trip.

Entente Plus, for example, provides 10 days of coverage in an affected area following an advisory change, while GMS says its TravelStar emergency medical plan maintains coverage until policy expiry if a top-level advisory is issued after arrival.

The implications are significant for snowbirds, who may face additional underwriting risks associated with age, pre-existing conditions, and longer stays.

Insurers and brokers should encourage clients to review destination advisories, confirm maximum trip durations, and obtain written clarification on exclusions and advisory-related claims. Travellers should also verify pre-existing condition stability requirements and coverage for hospitalisation, medical evacuation, and repatriation.

As Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada Executive Director Will McAleer said: “One unexpected trip to the ER can cost more than the vacation itself.”