Your Ticket to Confident Travel: Insurance and Safety Tips for Mature Explorers

By Fernando Heleno

You’ve booked the dream trip, packed your bags, and checked your passport. But have you packed peace of mind?

I’ve always believed that every great trip starts long before the journey begins. Whether it’s that long-awaited cruise, a cross-country road trip, or a snowbird escape to a sun-drenched beach, the best travel plans include being ready for the unexpected.

The Unseen Essential

Over the years, I’ve met countless travellers who plan every detail of their trip – except what to do if things go wrong. Delayed flights, lost luggage, or a sudden illness can turn an amazing vacation into a stressful situation.

From my experience, having the right travel insurance is a good habit. A comprehensive policy can help cover emergency medical care, hospital stays, trip interruption or cancellation, and lost, damaged or delayed baggage. If you’re travelling abroad, medical expenses can add up, and many hospitals ask for upfront payment. Beyond the coverage itself, many insurers also offer 24/7 worldwide assistance, so help is always just a call away.

Know Your Coverage

Before any trip, I take a few minutes to review what coverage I already have, to understand if it adequately meets my needs. In Canada, if you’re travelling outside your home province or territory, your provincial health plan – like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) – may not cover certain medical expenses.

Some travellers are covered through a retiree group benefits plan or a credit card. If that’s the case, review the coverage you have – such as trip interruption and medical – and see if you need a top-up. Discovering during a crisis that you’re only partially covered can cause unnecessary frustration and expenses. A small top-up, often just a fraction of the trip’s cost, can spare you stress and expenses that could exceed the price of your vacation.

Remember, insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all – your coverage should be as individual as you and your itinerary.

Health in Focus

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s important to know if your insurance covers it. Don’t hesitate to ask your provider questions – that’s what they’re there for.

Even if you’re in good health, accidents can happen. In my role, I’ve seen countless travel claims from simple things like a fall, food reaction, or sudden illness abroad. These situations can be unpredictable and expensive, so I suggest choosing a policy with a generous or unlimited coverage amount.

Smart Habits for Smoother Travel

In addition to having the right coverage, I’ve learned that thoughtful preparation goes a long way in making travel more enjoyable:

• Pack enough medication for your entire trip plus a few extra days. Keeping them in their original packaging helps if you are questioned at customs or need medical care abroad.

• Save your insurer’s emergency number in your phone and keep a printed copy with your travel documents.

• If an accident happens, keep receipts, reports, and any records of communication to make any claim easier. Travel at your own pace – travel should refresh you, not wear you out.

Confidence for Every Journey

For me, travel insurance isn’t about expecting problems – it’s about knowing I’m prepared if they arise.

Before your next adventure, take a few minutes to review your coverage. Ultimately, your travel insurance should fit you – your health, your plans, and your way of exploring the world.

About the Author

Fernando Heleno

Fernando Heleno serves as Senior Director, Creditor & Travel Products at RBC Insurance, where he guides the product strategy, development and enhancements across the Creditor and Travel Insurance portfolio.

Since joining RBC Insurance in 2013, Fernando has built a strong track record of delivering high-performing products and advancing initiatives that improve client outcomes. He brings extensive experience in product strategy, market analysis, and partnership development.

Prior to joining RBC, Fernando held progressively senior roles in the financial services industry.

Fernando holds a BA from Wilfrid Laurier University and an EMBA from the University of Fredericton.