As Canadian snowbirds head south to escape the long, harsh winters, travel insurance often takes a backseat to planning the warmer side of life—booking accommodations, checking road routes, or counting down the days to the beach.
But for anyone spending an extended period outside of Canada, especially in the United States or other destinations with costly medical systems, travel insurance isn’t just a good idea — it’s a necessity.
Don’t Rely Solely on Provincial Coverage
One of the most common misconceptions among snowbirds is that their provincial health insurance will fully protect them while they’re abroad.
In reality, all provincial and territorial health plans in Canada offer limited coverage for out-of-country medical expenses — and only for a set amount of time.
Most provinces require you to reside in your home province for at least six months of the year to maintain your eligibility. If you’re out of the country for more than 183 days (roughly six months), you could risk losing your provincial coverage altogether.
Even if you remain within the allowed timeframe, provincial plans often cover only a small portion of emergency medical costs abroad. A single hospital stay in the U.S. can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars, far beyond what your provincial plan will reimburse.
Coverage for the Entire Trip Duration
Because of this, it’s essential to make sure your travel insurance covers you for the entire duration of your time away. Some snowbirds purchase annual multi-trip policies assuming they are covered, but these policies often cap the length of any single trip (for example, 30 or 60 days).
Always confirm that your policy aligns with your actual travel plans — especially if you plan to be gone for several months.
If you extend your trip mid-way, be sure to extend your policy before it expires — or purchase a top-up. Once your insurance expires, it may be impossible to get coverage for incidents that occur afterward, and new policies often won’t cover pre-existing issues that started during an uncovered period.
Know the Rules Around Pre-Existing Conditions
Many snowbirds are retired or semi-retired and may be managing chronic medical conditions. Most travel insurance policies include a stability clause, meaning that pre-existing conditions must be stable for a certain number of days or months before departure (typically 90 or 180 days, depending on the provider).
This means no new symptoms, tests, changes in medication, or treatments during that time. Failure to meet the stability requirement could result in your claim being denied—even if your condition is minor or well-controlled.
Some policies also exclude certain medical conditions entirely. It’s crucial to review your policy carefully to ensure your specific health needs are covered.
Speak to an Experienced Travel Insurance Agent
Given the complexity of travel insurance — especially for longer stays and pre-existing medical conditions—it’s wise to consult with an experienced travel insurance agent.
Not all policies are created equal, and an agent who specializes in snowbird travel can offer multiple coverage options, help you understand the fine print, and ensure you’re properly protected for the full length of your trip.
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Don’t take unnecessary risks with your health or your finances. Get the right travel insurance, and travel south with peace of mind.
We, at Arbetov Insurance are always happy to answer all your questions, listen to your concerns and find you the best possible plan. Give us a call or chat with us online!
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