Traveling south to escape the Canadian winters is something many Ontarian snowbirds look forward to every year. But being away from home for a 5- or 6-month trip means additional planning, especially for seniors with health care concerns. Fortunately there are a number of options when it comes to travel insurance. You can:
- Purchase a single-trip travel insurance policy that covers the entire duration of your trip. This is the most straightforward option, but it can be expensive, especially if you are planning to travel to a country with high medical costs like the US.
- Buy an annual travel insurance policy that provides coverage for you and your family for multiple trips within a 12-month period. This can be more cost-effective, but it’s essential to ensure that the policy covers you and your loved ones for the entire time you’ll be out of the country.
- Acquire a snowbird travel insurance policy. Yes, there are policies designed specifically for snowbirds who are taking extended trips. They typically offer more comprehensive coverage than traditional travel insurance policies.
No matter which option you choose, you should carefully read the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy before you purchase it. This will help you understand what is and is not covered, and help you avoid any surprises if you need to make a claim.
Canadian Snowbird Travel Insurance Options
Here are the different travel insurance options available to Canadian snowbirds who are planning a getaway for many months, along with a brief explanation of each:
| Option | Coverage | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single trip policy | Covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, and interruption, and other basic coverages. | Varies depending on the trip’s length, the age of the travelers, and other factors. |
| Annual policy | Covers multiple trips within a year, and can be a more cost-effective option for snowbirds who travel frequently. | Varies depending on the number of trips, the age of the travelers, and other factors. |
| Top-up coverage | Can be added to a single-trip or annual policy to extend the coverage period or add additional benefits, such as rental car insurance or lost passport reimbursement. | Varies depending on the length of coverage and the additional benefits. |
| Comprehensive plan | Provides comprehensive coverage, including medical expenses, trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, emergency medical transportation, and repatriation. | More expensive than other options, but can be a good choice for snowbirds with pre-existing medical conditions or who are traveling to remote areas. |
In all cases, it’s best to purchase travel insurance before you leave Canada. However, with an annual policy or top-up coverage, during your trip is also acceptable. But be aware that you may not be adequately covered for part of your travels.
Tips for Canadian Snowbirds
So what do snowbirds do about travel insurance? Here are additional things to consider before leaving on your multi-month trip:
- Make sure the policy covers all of the activities you plan to do while you’re away, for example, golfing, skiing, or hiking.
- Consider your health needs. If you have any pre-existing conditions, make sure the policy provides coverage.
- Check the policy’s maximum payout. This is the maximum amount of money the insurance company will pay you if you make a claim.
- Read the policy carefully and ask questions if you don’t understand something.
It’s also important to remember that travel insurance is not a substitute for medical care. If you become ill or injured while you’re away, you should seek medical attention immediately. Accidents and emergencies happen, but there are also precautions you can take to avoid getting sick while traveling.
Are you an Ontarian snowbird planning a getaway this winter? Don’t leave home without travel health insurance! A travel health insurance policy can protect you from financial loss in case of an emergency and provide peace of mind. Learn about Ontario Blue Cross travel insurance, or talk to one of our travel insurance specialists today.