With files from Jessica Ho
Planning to escape the cold Canadian winter this year? Whether you’re a snowbird heading to Mexico, Florida, or somewhere else warm, you’ll want to be prepared. A seasonal getaway should be a time for relaxation, but trip disruption can happen at any point. Lost baggage, last-minute cancellations, and medical emergencies can ruin your entire trip.
To avoid a potential travel disaster, it’s important to be protected with travel insurance. Some companies offer dedicated travel plans for snowbirds who are gone for long periods of time. Here’s what you need to know about snowbird travel insurance.
Key takeaways
- Snowbird travel insurance is a special type of policy that accounts for a snowbird’s specific circumstances, such as older age and longer trip durations.
- The most common coverage on a snowbird policy is travel medical insurance, which covers hospitalization, prescription drugs, and more.
- Review all the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy. For instance, you’ll want to make sure your insurer can cover you for claims related to pre-existing conditions (if you have any).
- Travel insurance may not be the only coverage you’ll need. Before taking off, look into rental car insurance, cottage insurance, and tenant insurance to make sure you’re adequately prepared.
- Don’t forget to inform your home insurer of your extended travel plans to make sure your vacant property is protected.
Snowbird travel insurance is a type of travel policy designed specifically to meet the needs of snowbirds during their winter vacation. These plans are typically intended for seniors and account for the extended time you’ll be staying away from home.
What travel insurance coverage is most common for snowbirds?
The most common coverage for snowbirds is travel medical insurance, which includes:
- Hospitalization and treatment
- Medical appliances
- Ambulance services
- Physician services
- Prescription drugs
- Emergency dental work
- Emergency return to Canada
- Repatriation of remains (in case of death)
All-inclusive policies also tend to provide coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, as well as baggage loss and delay. If you don’t already have these coverages included in your travel package (and you want the protection), you can purchase them as standalone products.
What doesn’t snowbird travel insurance cover?
Snowbird travel insurance typically does not cover elective medical procedures, regular check-ups or non-emergency dental work. But every policy is different, so read the terms and conditions carefully to see what your plan doesn’t cover.
What are common travel insurance mistakes snowbirds make?
One of the biggest travel insurance mistakes snowbirds make is not reading their policy carefully. Every carrier is different, and you don’t want your claim denied when you need it most. When looking for snowbird travel insurance, keep in mind the policy’s time and age limits, whether it covers multiple trips, and whether it covers pre-existing conditions. You should also inform your home insurance provider of your travel plans before you leave to avoid a potential denied claim if your home is damaged while vacant.
Single-trip vs. multi-trip plans
Many snowbird policies are multi-trip plans, meaning you’ll be covered for several trips during a set period of time. But every insurer is different, so make sure to double-check your policy before you plan a short visit home in the middle of your getaway.
Time limits
Snowbird travel insurance is supposed to be designed for long-term vacations, but there can still be caps on the length of stay that’s allowed. Make sure your policy aligns with your travel plans. You wouldn’t want to be uninsured during the last few days of your trip.
Age limits
Old age statistically leads to more health complications, so some insurers offer travel insurance plans exclusive to seniors. It may be harder to get approval for a conventional package, so research all your options.
Pre-existing conditions
If you have a pre-existing condition, travel insurance just got a little more complicated. Some insurers may only provide coverage if your condition is proven to be stable, or you may need to look into a specialized package. It’s a good idea to talk to an agent about your case before making the purchase.
Home insurance
Aside from travel insurance, one common home insurance mistake snowbirds make is not informing their insurer about their long-term travel plans. Home insurance companies have different rules for insuring vacant properties, so make sure to give your provider a quick call before you leave. If your basement floods or your home is broken into while you’re away, you could be denied a claim if your insurer was unaware the home was vacant.
Also read: 7 winter home insurance tips for Canadian snowbirds
How much does snowbird travel insurance cost?
A snowbird insurance policy can cost upwards of $500 because you’ll need coverage for an extended period of time. However, personalized factors such as the trip length and destination, your age and health status and the coverage details you choose will determine the exact rate you’ll pay.
Trip length
Taking a longer trip will result in more expensive travel insurance. With a longer duration, you’ll need more coverage.
Age
Old age comes with higher premiums due to increased risk factors that may lead to a health-related claim.
Pre-existing conditions
Unfortunately, living with a pre-existing condition tends to increase your rate when it comes to travel insurance.
Destination
The location you’re travelling to has an impact on your travel insurance premium. Visiting areas with expensive healthcare or high crime rates can hike up your premium.
Policy coverages
An all-risk plan will be more expensive than one that only provides medical coverage. The added peace of mind doesn’t come without a cost.
Policy deductible
If your plan has a deductible, setting a higher amount can lower your rate. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll need to pay more out-of-pocket if you need to make a claim.
Get snowbird travel insurance with us today.
In just a few steps, you can get a customized travel insurance quote to fulfill all your snowbird coverage needs.
Which Canadian insurance companies offer snowbird insurance?
Blue Cross, Desjardins and Medipac offer specialized snowbird insurance plans. Not all travel insurance companies do, so instead you can use a regular travel policy for your winter getaway if your insurer allows it.
Blue Cross – You can get up to $5 million in emergency healthcare coverage, plus protection against baggage loss, trip cancellation, and trip delay if you select the package plus plan.
Desjardins – You can also receive up to $5 million in emergency healthcare coverage (along with 24/7 travel assistance help) with Desjardins.
Medipac – You can get coverage up to $2 million USD with a standard plan, which includes medical insurance and even returning your vehicle home.
Can you get snowbird insurance after leaving Canada?
Some insurers will let you get snowbird insurance after you leave Canada, but you may face restrictions, such as being unable to make a claim for the first 48 hours after you buy your policy. If you find yourself in a medical emergency during this time, you’ll be dealing with all the bills on your own. That’s why it’s always best to get coverage before you embark on your trip.
Does snowbird insurance cover cancellations or delays caused by fuel shortages or airline disruptions?
Whether snowbird insurance covers travel delays and cancellations due to fuel shortages or other airline disruptions depends on the provider and exact details of the policy. During the jet fuel crisis earlier this year, some insurers treated it as a ‘known event’ and excluded cancellations caused by the shortage after a certain date. To protect yourself from any potential disruption, it’s best to opt for a comprehensive policy that includes the ‘cancel for any reason’ endorsement. With this add-on, you’ll still get some reimbursement for disruptions caused by a non-covered reason.
Also read: Will travel insurance cover delays or cancellations due to fuel shortages?
What other insurance types should snowbirds consider?
Beyond travel insurance, snowbirds should consider rental car insurance, tenant insurance, and cottage insurance (if applicable) to protect themselves financially during their winter getaway.
Rental car insurance – If you plan to rent a vehicle during your winter vacation, buying coverage from the rental company won’t be cheap. Instead, check whether your personal auto insurance policy includes an endorsement that extends to rental vehicles. If not, you may have credit card rental car insurance available. Check your cards’ terms and benefits.
Cottage insurance – If you’re a snowbird who goes to the cottage every winter, make sure your second home is adequately protected. Seasonal property insurance provides the same coverage as a conventional home policy and accounts for increased risks while it’s vacant.
Tenant insurance – If you’re renting a property during your time away, it’s worthwhile to get tenant insurance. Not only does it protect your personal belongings, but it can also pay for new living accommodations if your rental home becomes uninhabitable during your stay.
Travel tips for snowbirds returning to Canada
The Canada Border Services Agency and the Canadian Snowbird Association are encouraging Canadians who have spent the winter months away to plan ahead for a smooth return to their home country. Here are some of their tips:
- Have travel documents handy
- Check border wait times if you’re driving home
- Declare in advance with the smartphone app if you’re flying home (in select cities)
- Be prepared to declare your goods when entering the country
- Check the rules about travelling with specialty items (i.e. medications, firearms)
- Check the rules about importing a vehicle into Canada
- Have the right paperwork in place if travelling with a pet
The bottom line
Snowbird travel insurance is a specialized policy designed to meet the needs of long-term travel. One financial emergency can ruin your entire winter getaway, so make sure your trip is covered with the right plan ahead of time. Find affordable coverage today by comparing travel insurance quotes online on Ratehub.ca.
