Every winter, thousands of Canadian snowbirds flock south to escape the harsh winters and bask in the warmth of destinations like Florida, Arizona, and Mexico. And while the idea of spending the winter months somewhere warm and sunny is no doubt appealing, there are several important considerations to keep in mind before you make the journey south.
One such item on the pre-trip agenda is making sure you have Canadian snowbird travel insurance. While this may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you're packing for a winter on the beach, travel insurance is essential for any Canadian who plans to leave the country for an extended period of time.
To help you choose the right plan, we'll go over everything you need to know about snowbird travel insurance for seniors and other Canadians, including why it's important and what to look for.
Why Do Snowbirds Need Travel Insurance?
Some people don't realize this, but provincial health plans won't cover the cost of healthcare treatment outside of Canada. If you have a private health insurance policy such as an employer-sponsored plan, you might be covered, but it isn't a guarantee.
Without any insurance coverage, healthcare costs in places like the United States and Mexico can be a massive financial landmine. And while you may not plan on going to the doctor or hospital while you're abroad, medical emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere.
For seniors traveling abroad for the winter, snowbird travel insurance is even more important. Not only are seniors more likely to need medical attention during extended trips, but many also have pre-existing conditions that will virtually guarantee the need to purchase medication or receive medical care while abroad. This makes snowbird travel insurance for seniors essential for any snowbird who's been flying for more than 55 years!
What to Look for in a Snowbird Travel Insurance Policy
When it comes time to purchase travel insurance for an extended trip, Canadian snowbirds have a lot of different options to choose from. While having options is always a good thing, it also means it's important to carefully do your research before choosing a policy. Remember that not all travel insurance policies are the same, and there are several key factors for snowbirds to consider.
That said, here are some of the most important things for Canadian snowbirds to look for/consider in a travel insurance policy:
1. Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions
First and foremost, always be honest about any medical conditions you have when purchasing travel insurance to avoid claim denials. If you do have any pre-existing conditions that may require you to purchase medication or seek medical care while you're traveling, be sure to choose a policy that offers ample coverage for these conditions. Be sure to also check the policy's "stability periods", as these define how long a pre-existing condition must be stable before it is covered.
In most cases, snowbird travel insurance for pre-existing conditions is readily available to Canadian snowbirds. As long as you correctly disclose your medical history and choose your policy carefully, you can enjoy complete peace of mind while abroad.
2. Emergency Medical Coverage
Emergency medical coverage is the cornerstone of any travel insurance policy, but terms can vary. You'll want to start by making sure that your policy has a high enough coverage limit ($1 million is recommended). The plan should provide coverage for hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription medications, which may all be required if you have a medical emergency while traveling.
Another key thing to look for in a travel insurance policy's emergency medical coverage is evacuation and repatriation benefits. If offered, these will help cover the cost of emergency medical transport (such as ambulance or helicopter transport) and the cost of transport home to a medical facility in Canada (if it is deemed necessary and safe).
3. Trip Interruption and Cancellation
Health insurance is the primary focus of snowbird travel insurance, but there are some additional benefits that some policies include as well. The biggest one to look for is trip interruption and cancellation coverage. This benefit will allow you to be reimbursed for things like airfare and hotel stays if you have to cancel your trip or leave early.
In many cases, the need for trip interruption and cancellation coverage is directly tied to the need for healthcare coverage. For example, if you get sick while traveling and need to return home early, then both are helpful to have.
4. Policy Duration and Renewability
Since snowbirds often spend several months out of the country, it's important for them to choose a travel insurance policy that will cover the entire duration of their stay. It's also a good idea to look for a plan that offers the option to renew or extend coverage. That way, if your plans change and you decide to stay longer than you originally intended, you won't have to purchase an entirely new travel insurance plan.
5. Destination-Specific Coverage
Where you plan to travel can impact the travel insurance policy you should purchase. In the United States, for instance, the cost of healthcare services tends to be quite high, meaning you may want to purchase a plan with a higher coverage limit. If you're going to Mexico or another country with limited healthcare infrastructure, consider purchasing a plan that covers private hospital visits so you can access higher-quality care.
These are just a couple of examples of things you should consider based on where you are traveling. Be sure to do a little research about your destination beforehand, including things like the cost of care and how the healthcare system works there, so you can choose a travel insurance policy accordingly.
6. Snowbird Travel Insurance Reviews
One great way to learn more about a travel insurance policy and the company that's offering it is to check online reviews. These reviews serve as an unbiased source of information and feedback you can use to help evaluate different policies.
While reviews may not be able to tell you more about a policy's specifics, what they can tell is things like how easy the company is to work with and how quickly they process claims. You don't have to read all of them, but it is a good idea to browse through them before purchasing a policy.
Common Mistakes Snowbirds Should Avoid
With a little care and planning, you can easily choose a travel insurance policy that will perfectly meet your needs when traveling abroad. However, there are a few common pitfalls that snowbirds need to avoid when choosing a travel insurance policy, including things like:
- Underestimating Coverage Needs: Opting for the cheapest policy can leave you exposed to significant risks. A policy that offers comprehensive coverage and at least a $1 million limit is recommended, but you may want to opt for more than this depending on factors like where you're traveling and your medical history.
- Ignoring The Policy's Fine Print: At GMS, we try to be as upfront and transparent as possible about the details of our travel insurance polices, but this isn't the case with every insurer. That's why it's important to always read over your policy carefully before you sign the dotted line so that there are no unexpected surprises.
- Failing to Disclose Pre-Existing Conditions: We've mentioned this already, but it bears repeating: you should always accurately disclose any pre-existing medical conditions when purchasing travel insurance. Failing to do so may cause any claims related to those conditions to be denied.
How GMS Travel Insurance Supports Snowbirds
At GMS, we understand the unique needs of Canadian snowbirds, and we offer a variety of travel insurance policies designed to meet those needs. With options like comprehensive emergency medical coverage, snowbird travel insurance for pre-existing conditions, and flexible policies to support changing plans and extended stays, we make sure that snowbirds have all the coverage they need for complete peace of mind.
When it comes time to start planning your trip, be sure to check out the travel insurance policies offered by GMS. Or, if you have any questions about choosing the right travel insurance policy, feel free to contact us!