Every winter, there’s typically a mass exodus of retirees and even digital nomads from Canada as they flee the frigid temperatures in favour of a more tropical climate. These “snowbirds”, as they’re affectionately called, tend to spend a good chunk of the winter season down South, whether in Florida, Arizona, California, or any other southern destination.
If you’re looking to spend a few months out of the year in a warmer place this winter, you’ll need to think about a few other things aside from booking your flight and reserving a long-term rental. During this extended time away from home, you’ll need to make sure you’re adequately covered in case the unexpected happens.
While Canadian provincial health care plans might cover medical care at home, they don’t provide coverage while outside the country. That’s where a snowbird travel insurance plan comes in handy.
What Is Snowbird Insurance?
Snowbird insurance is designed for Canadians who live in warmer climates outside of Canada for a few months out of the year and require medical coverage. If you ever get sick or injured while you’re outside of Canada, your snowbird insurance policy will cover the medical bills you may incur as a result.
Who Is Eligible For Snowbird Travel Insurance?
Insurers in Canada that offer snowbird travel insurance plans typically require applicants to meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Be 55 or older
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Travel outside their province or territory for any time over a month and up to 212 days. Many provinces allow you to be absent from your province for up to 212 days and still keep your provincial health care active.
That said, there are some variations to these requirements. For instance, some insurers allow policyholders to be younger than 55 years old. Other companies may provide multi-trip plans that cover several trips in a year, though each trip must not exceed the maximum number of days allowed.
What Does Snow Bird Travel Insurance Cover?
Snowbird travel insurance typically covers the following:
- Doctor visits
- Prescription medication
- Hospitalization
- Medical procedures, including surgery
- Medical equipment
- Ambulance fees
- Emergency dental work
- Non-medical emergency evacuations
This type of insurance may also go beyond medical coverage and may also include protection against trip cancellations and interruptions, travel accidents, and lost luggage.
| Note: It’s important to find out whether or not the policy you take out covers emergency transportation back to Canada in case of a medical emergency. Known as ‘medical repatriation coverage’, this type of coverage will pay to have you flown back to Canada if you suffer a medical emergency. The costs of repatriation can be very high, and some policies may not cover these services. As such, you’ll want to find out whether or not this type of coverage is offered if you feel it’s important to you. |
How Much Coverage Can You Get With Snowbird Insurance?
You can choose the coverage amount that you want, though it typically ranges anywhere from $1 million to $5 million.
Where Can You Get Snowbird Insurance?
A snowbird insurance policy can be purchased from any provider that sells travel insurance such as banks, insurance companies and insurance brokers. Here are some of the best snowbird travel insurers:
SoNomad
SoNomad is a customer-focused company that strives to help travellers save money on travel insurance. They offer travel medical, trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance in addition to snowbird insurance. Their snowbird insurance policy covers the following:
- Emergency medical assistance
- Ambulance (including air ambulance)
- Hospitalization
- Physician visits
- COVID-19 coverage
- Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions
Snowbirds can also enjoy savings of up to 25% on exclusive insurance products from SoNomad.
Desjardins
Desjardins offers up to $5 million in emergency medical coverage for snowbird travellers. Members can take advantage of exclusive savings, including the following:
3-day discount: Covers 3 days of travel insurance free of charge.
Family premium: Only the oldest two family members pay a premium if multiple members of the same family are named in the same insurance policy. If you’re travelling with kids, they’re insured for free for Emergency Healthcare, Baggage and Accident.
Desjardin’s snowbird travel insurance coverage includes:
- Emergency healthcare
- Trip cancellation
- Lost or damaged baggage
- Accidental death or disability
Moreover, those aged under 61 don’t require any medical questionnaire. Snowbirds who travel multiple times a year can also opt for Desjardain’s multi-trip policy.
Canada Life
Canada Life’s travel medical insurance plan for snowbirds includes the following coverage:
- Emergency medical care
- Emergencies due to a pre-existing medical condition (stability eligibility requirements apply)
- Medical evacuation
Existing Canada Life policyholders can add travel medical insurance to their personal insurance plans. Annual travel medical insurance is also available for those who travel in and out of the country multiple times per year. A multi-trip plan can help policyholders save in premiums compared to taking out individual plans.
Blue Cross
All Blue Cross snowbird insurance plans include the following:
- $5 million in coverage for emergency medical care per trip
- Hospitalization
- Doctor visits
- Up to $2,000 for emergency dental treatment
- Emergency repatriation
- Up to $5,000 for the return of a vehicle to Canada
- Up to $3,000 for meals and accommodation due to a delay in return to Canada due to a medical emergency
Coverage may also include the following (depending on the plan):
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Lost or stolen baggage
Can You Use A Travel Insurance Broker To Find Snowbird Travel Insurance?
One of the best ways to find a snowbird insurance policy is to use an insurance broker. Rather than calling individual insurance companies to get different quotes, a broker will do all the insurance policy shopping for you.
One such insurance brokerage you may consider is Policy Advisor. The company combines innovative online tools and a user-friendly design with real human experts to help you find and buy the right snowbird travel insurance policy for you. Here are just a few perks to using an online brokerage to find snowbird insurance:
- No added brokerage fees
- Live advisor support
- Quick and simple online quotes
- Comparison shopping is done for you
- Vast network of Canada’s leading insurance providers
Am I Eligible For Snowbird Travel Insurance If I Have A Pre-Existing Condition?
A pre-existing medical condition does not mean that you will be automatically denied insurance coverage when you travel. You should still be able to take out a travel insurance policy, though your condition could impact your coverage somewhat, depending on your condition and the insurance provider you work with.
For instance, some insurance companies offer riders that you can add to your policy to provide additional coverage for a pre-existing condition. Others include a stability clause.
| What Is A Stability Clause? A stability clause means the insurer will cover a pre-existing condition as long as it has been under control for a certain amount of time. These ‘stability periods’ typically range from 7 to 365 days, depending on your exact condition and the insurance company. Otherwise, there may be reduced stability periods for an unstable pre-existing condition. |
Generally speaking, your snowbird insurance policy could be more expensive as a result of your pre-existing medical condition.
It should be noted, however, that some pre-existing conditions may not be covered, depending on the insurance company. Just make sure to closely review any exclusions to the policy when you obtain a quote. Similarly, always be honest about any medical conditions when applying for a policy as lying on your medical questionnaire would void your insurance policy.
How Much Does Snowbird Travel Insurance Cost?
Your policy’s cost will depend on several factors, including the following:
- Your age. As is the case with the average life insurance policy, age plays a role in the cost of premiums. The older you are, the more you’ll pay for your policy. Similarly, your gender may play a role as well.
- Duration of your trip. The longer your trip is, the more expensive your policy may be.
- Pre-existing conditions. Like a life insurance policy, a pre-existing condition could impact the price you pay for your snowbird insurance policy.
- Whether or not you smoke. Smokers or cannabis users will pay more for travel insurance than non-smokers.
- Coverage amount. Higher coverage amounts tend to come with higher premiums.
- Deductible. Higher deductibles can decrease the premium amount you pay, and vice versa.
- Single versus couples’ policy. A couples’ policy will be more expensive than a single policy because more people are being covered. That said, you may find it more cost-effective to buy a couple’s policy instead of two single policies if you are travelling with your spouse or partner.
While the above-mentioned factors play a key role in exactly how much you will pay, the average snowbird insurance policy for Canadians hovers around the $700 mark.
Snowbird Travel Insurance: Should You Get A Single Trip Or Multi-Trip Policy?
If you’re heading south for the winter and are not planning to go back to Canada until the end of your trip, then a single-trip policy will do. Single-trip policies will protect you on one trip and will expire when you get back home. During the time you’re away, you can visit multiple destinations and will still be covered until the trip is done.
But if you plan to go back and forth a handful of times throughout the winter, then a multi-trip policy would be best. A multi-trip or annual policy will cover you for multiple trips taken over 12 months. It’s more convenient and cost-effective than taking out a single-trip policy every time you head back down after a quick visit back home.
Going on a long trip? Don’t plan on driving your car for a while? Find out if you can get temporary car insurance.
How To Get The Best Snowbird Policy
To make sure you’re getting the best coverage at the lowest rate, consider the following tips:
- Give yourself plenty of time before your trip to look into various insurance companies and policies.
- Compare quotes from a handful of insurance companies to find out where the most affordable rates are.
- Compare policy coverages among each insurer in addition to the prices charged.
- Verify policy coverage inclusions, exclusions, and limitations.
- Go over the insurance policy thoroughly before you buy into it to ensure you’re getting what you’re paying for.
Consider Working With An Insurance Broker
If you would like to save time and have an expert do all the leg work for you, consider working with an insurance broker. An insurance broker can take the lead by comparing providers and finding the best policy to meet your needs.
Do I Need Snowbird Insurance If My Credit Card Offers Travel Insurance?
Depending on the type of travel insurance your credit card offers and what you need, you may not always need snowbird insurance. If you’re just heading down South for a week, then perhaps your credit card’s insurance offerings may be enough.
But if you’re planning to spend a lot more time away from home and are looking for more comprehensive coverage, then you may want to look into a snowbird insurance policy. It will ensure that you’re covered for the entire duration of your travels and that you’re sufficiently covered.
Why Your Credit Card’s Travel Insurance Might Now Be Enough
- One size fits all travel insurance, can’t be customized.
- Typically has a time limit, might not be enough to cover your whole trip.
- Often there is an age limit.
- Coverage is often limited to specific situations, and may not provide the coverage you need.
- May only cover the primary cardholder.
Should You Get Snowbird Travel Insurance?
If you’re planning to escape to a warmer climate at any point this winter, then it’s worth it to take out a snowbird insurance policy. You just never know when illness or injury may strike, and if you’re caught without coverage while abroad, you could find yourself having to pay a hefty bill.
Medical care is very expensive in the US, so even a minor situation could cost you a few thousand dollars. Before you head to the airport or cross the border, be sure to have some type of travel insurance policy with you.
Final Thoughts
A snowbird insurance policy is a necessity if you plan to spend part of the winter in a southern destination. In most cases, it’s not worth the risk of falling ill or getting injured while abroad, only to find yourself requiring medical attention and having to pay out-of-pocket for service received. Before you head south for the winter, consider taking out a comprehensive snowbird insurance policy.
