by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 2:30 PM ET, Tue August 11, 2026
Gen Z has embraced travel in a big way, however, a report from the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THIA) shows that they have yet to cozy up to travel insurance with the same enthusiasm and that the information they have may not be giving them the whole picture.
Young people are a travelling bunch. 74 percent of Gen Z Canadians are planning to travel this year, compared with 54 percent of Boomers. There seems to be a disconnect though when it comes to knowing what would happen if they were injured or became ill abroad. Nearly half (45 percent) say they trust travel health information they see on social media. Of course social media can be a good source of information, the trouble is, it isn’t always.
“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,” says Will McAleer, THIA spokesperson. “Your For You algorithm 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.”
THIA’s 2026 Smart Traveller Survey found that Gen Z is the generation most likely to participate in risky travel activities (87 percent), with one in four saying they would take part in an extreme sport while travelling. Of concern for worried parents and travel professionals is the fact that 40 percent say they would travel without purchasing travel health insurance.
To help separate fact from fiction, THIA shares the following information that young people and those who care about them should know:
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 percent) 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 percent 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 percent) 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 percent) is more likely to partake in a “risky” travel activity than any other generation.
- 25 percent would partake in an extreme sport, 44 percent would consume alcohol, 40 percent would hike, 30 percent would participate in activities with strangers, 25 percent would get a tattoo and 25 percent 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.
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