The future of travel is evolving far beyond traditional sightseeing, with Canadians factoring in both cost-coping mechanisms and personal beliefs. Younger travellers, whose habits were shaped by post-pandemic challenges, are now taking a more agile, risk-aware and conscious approach to how they travel.

According to the Blue Cross Travel Study, Canadians are rethinking how they travel, not if they want to travel. They’re adjusting their plans to not only overcome economic barriers but also factor in the impact their travel will have on the world. 

This shift is leading to more intentional planning, such as choosing destinations that align with their values while also considering risks like extreme weather. With this mindset, Canadians are prioritizing flexibility and peace of mind with the goal for them to travel with greater confidence.

BC travellers lead the way in smart, insured travel

British Columbians are among the most insured travellers in Canada, with only 12% opting out of travel insurance. This suggests a strong preference for financial security and peace of mind while exploring the world. Many BC travellers also take additional steps to stay prepared – 58% prioritize staying connected and 56% carry photocopies of their identification.

BC travellers are also adventure-seekers, with a growing interest in remote and unique destinations like Antarctica (20%) and remote islands in Scotland, Denmark and Norway (37%). At the same time, BC residents travel strategically, keeping potential risks in mind. Nearly one-third (31%) avoid destinations with extreme climate risks, while 40 per cent choose off-peak seasons to minimize costs and travel disruptions.

Beyond practical considerations, British Columbians are also responsible and respectful travellers who support local wherever they go. They take active steps to minimize their impact, respect local customs (65%), engage with local culture (47%) and support family-owned businesses (47%) when travelling.

Planning a trip over 30 days? A travel checklist can help.

Why BC travellers choose travel insurance

For many British Columbians, travel insurance plays an important role in trip planning, offering both financial and mental security. More than half (52%) seek insurance primarily for financial protection, with 59% aiming to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses and 48% valuing access to medical support while abroad. This reinforces the importance of having a safety net when traveling far from home.

Beyond financial concerns, many travellers also prioritize their wellbeing. Nearly half (47%) choose coverage to reduce stress, while 44% cite peace of mind as a key reason for purchasing insurance, ensuring they have the support they need if the unexpected happens.

Travelling with health challenges 

Managing a pre-existing health condition shouldn’t stop you from exploring the world with confidence. With optional Pre-Existing Condition Coverage, you can travel knowing you’re protected for up to $10 million in eligible emergency medical expenses – as long as your symptoms don’t change seven days before you leave. Add this to your Emergency Medical plan for worry-free travel and ultimate peace of mind.

Regardless of any existing conditions, travel insurance can provide broader protection against all other accidents not related to that condition, like emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations or interruptions. Learn more about travel insurance for pre-existing conditions.

Coverage for the whole family 

Travel should be a stress-free experience for all families. That’s why we cover kids for free when you buy Travel Medical insurance. And we mean all families – whether you're a single parent, grandparents traveling with grandkids, or an aunt exploring with nieces and nephews.

No matter the size your family, you can travel with confidence, knowing you have the coverage you need to enjoy your vacation. Explore our top tips for choosing the best travel insurance for family trips.

Meeting the needs of modern travellers

These findings reinforce the growing need for assistance-focused travel insurance. Canadians want resources to support their shifting travel needs, given constantly changing risks – whether medical emergencies, trip disruptions, or climate-related challenges.

As BC’s trusted provider, Pacific Blue Cross serves over 100,000 travellers every year. Our local experts understand the unique needs of BC residents and provide reliable coverage, whether you’re traveling within Canada or abroad. Learn why you should pack Pacific Blue Cross travel insurance.

About the Blue Cross Travel Study

To create the 2025 Blue Cross Travel Study, Research + Knowledge = Insight, an independent research company, conducted an online survey in November 2024. The comprehensive sample for this survey included 2,047 adult Canadians. The study has a margin of error of plus or minus 2%, 19 times out of 20. 

To learn more about the Study, please visit bluecross.ca/travelstudy.