Sports Travel Insurance for Senior Canadian Golfers: What to Look For

Golf feels low-risk, but accidents still happen, especially with golf carts, slips, falls, and fractures. This guide explains what sports travel insurance should include for senior Canadian golfers in 2025, plus a real-world style example so you can see how costs add up.

What should senior golfers look for in sports travel insurance?

If you’re a senior traveler and you golf on trips, here are the main coverages to check:

• Emergency medical coverage (this is the big one, especially for U.S. trips).
• Ambulance and emergency transportation (ground, and sometimes air, when medically required).
• Diagnostic tests (X-rays, CT scans, labs ordered by a doctor).
• Medical appliances (example: sling, crutches, brace) when prescribed.
• Follow-up care rules (some policies cover limited follow-ups while you’re still traveling).
• Pre-existing condition rules (stability periods and exclusions vary by policy).
• Sports/activities wording (confirm golf, cart use, and common scenarios are not excluded).
• Emergency assistance process (many benefits require contacting the assistance line early).

Example: a golf cart accident and an ER visit in the USA

Here’s a simple example that mirrors what can happen on a golf trip. A 73-year-old Canadian golfer (we’ll call him “Ron”) was golfing in South Carolina. While driving a cart back to the clubhouse, he swerved to avoid an animal. The cart tipped, and he was thrown onto the pavement.

Ron hit his head and injured his shoulder. He was taken to the hospital. Doctors stitched a scalp cut, checked him with imaging, and found a small collarbone fracture that did not need surgery. He was discharged the same day with a sling and follow-up instructions.

How much could something like this cost?

Costs vary by hospital and location, but in the United States, even “same day” emergencies can become expensive. When you combine ER fees, imaging, physician fees, and supplies, it can land in a range like:

This is why many seniors don’t want to travel without emergency medical coverage. With suitable insurance, a traveler may be protected from large out-of-pocket costs (subject to policy terms, exclusions, approvals, and eligibility).

Do golfers need a sports add-on?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Golf is often treated as a regular activity, but policies differ. The best move is to check two things:

• Is golf (and golf cart use) included under standard coverage?
• Are there exclusions that could affect common scenarios (falls, fractures, cart incidents, etc.)?

If you see confusing wording, ask before you buy. A quick question can prevent a bad surprise later.

A simple “before you buy” checklist for senior golfers

• Confirm your destination and trip length (USA usually needs stronger coverage).
• Check pre-existing condition rules if you have any health history.
• Confirm golf and cart use are not excluded.
• Know the emergency assistance phone number and when you must call it.
• Keep your policy certificate accessible while traveling.