Snowbird travel insurance: frequently asked questions

Because medical costs in the United States can be very high, even for a situation that seems simple at first. A fall, an infection, a cardiac episode, a hospital stay or an ambulance ride can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. Travel insurance protects your health, but also your assets.

Yes. A recent medication change, a new dose, a pending test or a condition that is not stable can affect eligibility or a future claim. Before you leave, it is important to fully understand the insurer’s stability criteria.

Stability does not simply mean that you feel well. The insurer may look at whether there has been a change in medication, dosage, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment or medical recommendation during a specific period before departure. That period varies by age, product and insurer.

Yes, it can matter. An omission or an inaccurate answer in the medical questionnaire can complicate a claim, even if it was unintentional. For snowbirds, it is better to take the time to answer correctly than to choose insurance too quickly.

Some contracts allow temporary returns to Canada without cancelling coverage, but the rules vary by insurer. Check whether the return interrupts the contract, how many days are allowed and whether coverage resumes automatically when you leave again.

It is sometimes possible to extend travel insurance, but it is not guaranteed. The request generally has to be made before the contract expires and before any health issue arises. If you think you may stay longer, it is better to plan for it from the start.

It depends on the contract. Some snowbirds spend the winter in Florida but also take a cruise, a trip to Mexico or a visit to another state. Check whether those trips are included, especially if you temporarily leave your main destination.

The main coverage is generally medical emergency, but some contracts can also include cancellation, trip interruption, early return, baggage or other benefits. For a long stay, trip interruption can be useful if you have to return to Canada earlier than planned.

In an emergency, get the care you need first. That said, you are generally required to contact the insurer’s assistance service as quickly as possible. This can help direct care, confirm coverage and avoid certain billing problems.

Often, no. Credit cards sometimes cover only a limited number of days, with restrictions based on age, health or trip type. For an extended stay, it is important to read the contract limits rather than assume the coverage is enough.

Yes. Most travel insurance requires you to be covered by your provincial health plan for the entire trip. If you spend a lot of time outside your province, you also have to respect your province’s residency rules.

Generally, yes. The cost can vary with age, length of stay, destination, health, pre-existing medical conditions, the deductible chosen and the coverage amount. That is why a personalized comparison matters.

Yes, some contracts let you add a deductible to reduce the premium. This can be worthwhile for some travellers, but you need to understand the amount you would pay yourself in the event of a claim.

That is possible, but price should not be the only criterion. Two policies can look similar yet differ significantly on pre-existing medical conditions, the stability period, exclusions, the deductible, the maximum length of stay or the claim rules. If you find a cheaper option elsewhere, we can help you compare it against the available coverage to check whether it really meets your needs.

Before choosing insurance, check the exact length of your stay, pre-existing medical conditions, the stability rules, exclusions, temporary returns, side trips and the claim procedure. At Protecto Assurances, we can help you compare the options and choose coverage suited to your snowbird situation.

The maximum absence depends on your province. In Quebec, RAMQ requires you to be present at least 183 days per calendar year, which leaves a maximum absence of 182 days; absences of 21 consecutive days or less do not count toward that calculation. Elsewhere in the country, most provinces allow absences of 180 to 212 days per year: Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador allow 212 days; British Columbia and Manitoba allow 180 days. Check with your provincial plan before planning your stay.

Most snowbird plans cover medications prescribed following a covered medical emergency that occurs during the stay. They generally do not cover medications you already take regularly for a pre-existing condition. Bring enough of your usual medications for the whole trip.