Navigating the new norm: Summer 2025 travel trends and the growing importance of travel insurance

As we head into the peak summer travel season, Canadians are once again packing their bags—but this year’s outlook tells a more complex story than simply a rebound in wanderlust.

According to Blue Cross’s Outbound Canada: Summer 2025 Outlook, international travel is trending up, with 1 in 3 Canadians planning an international trip this summer. Yet, the optimism is tempered by ongoing concerns around economic uncertainty, rising travel costs, and geopolitical instability in key destinations. In fact, financial worries are the #1 reason some Canadians are staying closer to home this season.

This duality—desire to travel vs. hesitation around cost and safety—is creating new opportunities for advisors to step in as trusted navigators.

• Domestic exploration is booming. Travel within Canada remains strong, with many Canadians opting for “closer-to-home” adventures. However, it’s a misconception that travel insurance is only needed when leaving the country. Unexpected medical emergencies, trip interruptions, or cancellations can happen anywhere—even within our own borders.
• Travel insurance isn’t just protection—it’s peace of mind. Whether clients are planning a European escape, a cross-country road trip, or a bucket-list cruise, today’s travellers are more aware of the risks of going uninsured. Advisors are in a unique position to help clients understand the value of travel insurance not as an afterthought, but as a core part of their travel planning process.
• A more uncertain world means a stronger need for preparation. From global unrest to climate-related disruptions and airline staffing shortages, we’re seeing the ripple effects of an unpredictable world on travel confidence. Helping clients prepare for the unexpected is no longer optional—it’s expected.

Saskatchewan Blue Cross: Tailored travel insurance solutions

Saskatchewan Blue Cross offers a range of travel insurance plans designed to meet the diverse needs of travellers:

• Annual Plans: Ideal for frequent travellers, these plans provide coverage for an unlimited number of trips within a 12-month period, with options for trip durations ranging from 4 to 180 days. Coverage includes Emergency Medical Care, Trip Cancellation or Interruption, Accidental Death or Dismemberment, and Baggage protection.
• Individual Plans: Perfect for those planning a single trip, these customizable plans allow clients to select only the coverage they need. Reduced rates are available for travel within Canada.
• Package Plus: Offers pre-selected combinations of popular coverage options for trips anywhere in the world, including Medical, Non-Medical, and All-Inclusive packages.
• Canada Package: Specifically designed for travel within Canada, this plan provides comprehensive coverage at reduced rates, including Emergency Medical Care, Trip Cancellation or Interruption, Accidental Death or Dismemberment, and Baggage protection.
• VIP Travel: Exclusively available to Personal Health Plan members, this benefit covers frequent travel up to 30 days per trip, with options to add additional days as needed.
• Visitors to Canada: Provides Emergency Medical Care coverage for tourists, immigrants, foreign workers or students, and Canadian citizens returning home after a long absence.

As a trusted advisor, your voice matters. Now’s the time to proactively engage your customers—ask where they’re going, what their concerns are, and how you can help make their trip memorable and secure.

Do you need updated brochures or talking points for your next customer conversation? Contact us – we’re here to help equip you for the season ahead.