Survey Finds Many Gen Z Canadians Unaware of Dangers of Uninsured Travel

It’s no surprise that travel insurance isn’t top of mind for young, healthy travellers. Most of us think we’re immortal when we’re 25. 

But Gen Z Canadians (born between 1997 and 2012) are the most eager generation to travel, and new data suggests many are departing with misconceptions about what would happen if they were injured or became ill abroad.

Gen Z Canadians are avid travellers, with 74% planning to travel this year, compared to just 54% of Boomers. But while young Canadians are eager to book trips, especially with nearly half (45%) saying they trust travel health information they see on social media.

“There’s a concerning credibility gap in how the generation that’s most likely to travel is learning about protecting their physical and financial health while abroad,” said Will McAleer, spokesperson for the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada. (THIA).

“Your ForYou algorithm (the one used by TikTok to decide which videos appear on a user’s For You Page) can be a starting point, but anyone planning to travel should understand what kind of health coverage they need or already have from their parents’ credit cards or group benefits plans,” McAleer added.

According to the THIA’s 2026 Smart Traveller Survey, Gen Z is the generation most likely to participate in risky travel activities (87%), with one in four saying they would take part in an extreme sport while travelling. At the same time, 40% say they would travel without purchasing travel health insurance.

To help travel advisors make the case for purchasing travel insurance, THIA offers the following ‘myth vs. reality’ comparison.

Myth vs. Reality: Common Travel Health Insurance Misconceptions

Myth: “I’m young and healthy, so I don’t need travel health insurance.”

Reality: Unexpected accidents and illnesses can happen to anyone, especially while participating in adventure activities or travelling in unfamiliar destinations.

Myth: “My parents’ credit card insurance automatically covers me wherever I travel.” Nearly half (48%) of Gen Z believe their parents’ credit card insurance would cover injuries sustained while travelling.

Reality: Coverage can vary significantly depending on age, dependency status, trip type and card benefits. Travellers should verify coverage before departure.

Myth: “Everything I need to know is on TikTok or social media.” (45% of Gen Z say they trust travel health information they see on social media.

Reality: Travel health requirements, risks and insurance coverage differ by destination, circumstance, provider and policy. Trusted expert sources remain essential.

Myth: “If I get injured abroad, getting home is straightforward.” More than half of Gen Z (53%) believe they would need to arrange their own transportation home if they were injured abroad

Reality: Medical transportation and emergency assistance can be complex and costly depending on the situation and destination.

Myth: “All travel activities are covered under every policy.” Gen Z (87%) is more likely to partake in a “risky” travel activity than any other generation. (25% would partake in an extreme sport, 44% would consume alcohol, 40% would hike, 30% would participate in activities with strangers, 25% would get a tattoo and 25% would dance on a bar.)

Reality: Coverage may vary depending on the activity and policy, making it important to understand exclusions and limitations before travelling. For instance, some policies will not cover injuries sustained with elevated blood alcohol levels. Others consider some hiking to be a high risk activity and exclude coverage.