Your Guide To Canadian Travel Insurance for Snowbirds

Now that travel is back in full swing, hundreds of thousands of snowbirds are expected to fly south for the winter. We’re not talking about actual birds. We’re talking about Canadians. 

During the winter, people from Canada escape from the chilly weather to vacation in warmer climates such as Florida. If you’re one of these people, there’s something that you need to take care of before you go. 

You need to buy Canadian travel insurance. Without it, you won’t be able to receive medical help in emergencies. 

There are a few facts that you need to know before you get travel insurance. Check out this guide for a complete rundown.

What Is a Snowbird? 

Canadian winters can be bitterly cold. That’s why people escape from it by heading to warmer climates. In most cases, these people are retired senior citizens. 

They stay gone for months at a time. Some stick to one place during their entire vacation and others hop around from Florida to the Caribbean. 

What Is Canadian Travel Insurance? 

Snowbird insurance is travel health insurance that’s geared toward Canadians who go south for the winter. 

The main thing that sets this type of insurance apart from others is the duration. Most travel insurance companies will cover you for about 21 days. Snowbirds get to enjoy coverage for 212 days or more. 

Snowbird travel insurance will take care of trip cancelation, medical emergencies, stolen items, prescription medications, emergency evacuation, and certain pre-existing conditions. 

Why Do You Need Travel Insurance? 

The truth of the matter is that you never know when an emergency is going to come up. If you have to spend 5 days in the hospital, that cost can quickly climb up if you don’t have health insurance. 

If you’re a senior citizen (as most snowbirds are), you’ll be more susceptible to getting sick. Going over 200 days without health insurance is a gamble even when you’re not traveling, as well. 

How Does It Work? 

So, how does snowbird health insurance work? There’s only one real requirement to qualify for it. 

Most companies have a stability period for pre-existing conditions. What this means is, that you have to go a certain amount of time without a flare-up. The requirement can span anywhere between 90 to 180 days. 

If your condition has escalated or you’ve experienced new symptoms outside of the stability period, you may still be able to find coverage, but you’ll have to pay a higher premium. It will also affect the level of coverage you’re able to get. 

Some policies require you to be 55 years of age. You must also be a permanent resident in Canada. 

Types of Plans 

Now that you know a little more about health insurance for Canadian snowbirds, it’s time for you to choose a policy. 

Many people go with general health coverage. If you plan to take multiple trips throughout the year, it might be a wise decision to opt for multi-trip insurance. 

Medical Insurance 

Many insurance plans that you can get as a Canadian snowbird are single-trip ones. If you’re going to Florida and are only going to stay there for the duration of your trip, you’ll get to enjoy general health insurance. 

Your policy will cover you in the event of a sudden medical emergency. In most cases, pre-existing conditions and preventive checkups are excluded from these plans. 

Depending on what type of policy you qualify for, you might be able to get coverage for the acute onset of a pre-existing condition. 

Multi-Trip Insurance 

If you tend to spend your time away moving around from place to place, or you take a lot of trips during the year, you may need to opt for multi-trip insurance. 

Unlike general travel insurance, multi-trip insurance doesn’t have an expiration date. You can renew it every year. 

It will cover you for several mini-vacations. Depending on your policy, you’ll have to limit your trips to 30 to 45 days at a time. 

Multi-trip insurance is cheaper than taking out a regular travel insurance policy. However, if you decide to extend your vacation, you will need to purchase general travel coverage on top of your multi-trip insurance. 

Cancelation Insurance 

You don’t only have to worry about your health while you’re traveling. You also have to worry about your baggage. What if someone steals your suitcase at the airport? 

If something comes up, you may have to delay or even cancel your trip. Without insurance, you’ll be out the money you already spent on vacation expenses. 

Cancelation insurance can take care of all of these emergencies and more. Most policies will cover your belongings for up to 30 days. 

When Should You Purchase Travel Insurance? 

Ideally, you should purchase travel insurance before you start planning your trip. You might be able to get a policy after you leave, but it’s not something you should bank on. 

The insurance company will penalize you for opening a policy after you go abroad as well. You’ll have coverage, but it will be limited. 

Enjoy Warmer Climates Without the Stress

Do you want to escape the cold winters of Canada? Before you plan your trip, take the time to buy Canadian travel insurance. 

Having a policy will ensure that you’re well taken care of in the event of a medical emergency. You’ll also have the ability to refill any of your prescription medications. 

Some policies don’t only protect you. They protect your belongings too. If your bag is stolen at the airport, your insurance company will step in. 

For tips that will help you plan your escape to warmer climates, visit the Entertainment section of our blog.