Canadian snowbirds, who typically travel to warmer destinations in the United States during the winter months, have several options for insurance:

1. Canadian provincial health insurance: Canadian snowbirds may be covered by their provincial health insurance for medical emergencies while traveling within Canada, but coverage can vary depending on the province and length of stay.
2. Travel insurance: Travel insurance can cover a range of things, including medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen luggage, and emergency medical evacuation. Many travel insurance policies are available specifically for Canadian snowbirds, and it’s important to ensure that the policy covers the duration of the stay and any pre-existing medical conditions.
3. Private health insurance: Some Canadian snowbirds may choose to purchase private health insurance, which can provide more comprehensive coverage for medical expenses and emergencies. It’s important to compare policies and prices from different insurance providers to find the best coverage and value.
4. U.S. health insurance: Canadian snowbirds who spend a significant amount of time in the United States may choose to purchase U.S. health insurance. This can provide more comprehensive coverage for medical expenses and emergencies in the United States, but it can be expensive.

It’s important for Canadian snowbirds to carefully consider their insurance needs and consult with a licensed insurance agent to find the best coverage for their specific situation.

How much is health insurance for Canadian snowbirds?

The cost of health insurance for Canadian snowbirds can vary depending on a number of factors, including age, health status, destination, duration of stay, and the level of coverage required. Here are some sample costs for travel health insurance for Canadian snowbirds:

1. Destination: USA
   • 55-year-old: $1,850 for a six-month trip with $1 million in coverage
   • 65-year-old: $2,450 for a six-month trip with $1 million in coverage
   • 75-year-old: $3,750 for a six-month trip with $1 million in coverage
2. Destination: Mexico
   • 55-year-old: $710 for a six-month trip with $1 million in coverage
   • 65-year-old: $930 for a six-month trip with $1 million in coverage
   • 75-year-old: $1,505 for a six-month trip with $1 million in coverage
3. Destination: Caribbean
   • 55-year-old: $920 for a six-month trip with $1 million in coverage
   • 65-year-old: $1,265 for a six-month trip with $1 million in coverage
   • 75-year-old: $1,995 for a six-month trip with $1 million in coverage

It’s important to note that these are just sample costs and can vary depending on the specific insurance provider, policy, and individual circumstances. It’s recommended for Canadian snowbirds to compare policies and prices from different insurance providers and consult with a licensed insurance agent to find the best coverage for their specific needs.

List of Top 10 Best Snowbird Travel Insurance Companies in Canada

10. Destination Travel Group

• Company Description: Destination Travel Group is a travel insurance provider that offers a range of coverage options for Canadian snowbirds, including medical coverage, trip cancellation, and emergency medical evacuation.
• Good Reviews: Comprehensive coverage, good customer service, easy to purchase online.
• Bad Reviews: Some policies have limited coverage, high premiums for seniors.
• Star Rating: 4.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot.

How long can snowbirds be away from Canada and keep their provincial health insurance?

The length of time that Canadian snowbirds can be away from Canada and still keep their provincial health insurance coverage can vary depending on the province or territory.

As a general rule, most provinces require that residents be physically present in the province for at least 183 days (6 months) per year to maintain their eligibility for provincial health insurance. However, the exact length of time can vary, and some provinces may have additional requirements or exceptions.

It’s important for Canadian snowbirds to check with their provincial health insurance program to understand the specific rules and requirements for maintaining coverage while traveling outside of Canada. Snowbirds who plan to be away for an extended period of time may need to purchase additional insurance coverage, such as travel insurance or private health insurance, to ensure that they are fully covered for medical emergencies while outside of Canada.

Snowbird Travel Insurance FAQs

Q: What is snowbird travel insurance? A: Snowbird travel insurance is a type of travel insurance designed specifically for Canadians who spend extended periods of time outside of Canada, typically in warmer destinations such as the southern United States or Mexico.

Q: What does snowbird travel insurance typically cover? A: Snowbird travel insurance typically covers medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, and lost or stolen luggage. Some policies may also offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, adventure activities, or other travel-related risks.

Q: How long can Canadian snowbirds be away from Canada and still be eligible for snowbird travel insurance? A: The length of time that Canadian snowbirds can be away from Canada and still be eligible for snowbird travel insurance can vary depending on the policy and insurance provider. Some policies may require snowbirds to return to Canada for a certain period of time each year to maintain eligibility, while others may offer continuous coverage for extended stays outside of Canada.

Q: What factors should Canadian snowbirds consider when choosing snowbird travel insurance? A: Canadian snowbirds should consider factors such as age, health status, destination, duration of stay, and the level of coverage required when choosing snowbird travel insurance. It’s also important to compare policies and prices from different insurance providers and consult with a licensed insurance agent to find the best coverage for their specific needs.

Q: How much does snowbird travel insurance typically cost? A: The cost of snowbird travel insurance can vary depending on a number of factors, including age, health status, destination, duration of stay, and the level of coverage required. Snowbird travel insurance policies can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the specific policy and insurance provider.

Q: Do I need snowbird travel insurance if I have provincial health insurance in Canada? A: While provincial health insurance may provide some coverage for medical emergencies outside of Canada, it’s generally recommended to purchase snowbird travel insurance to ensure that you have adequate coverage for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and other travel-related risks.

Q: Can I purchase snowbird travel insurance if I have a pre-existing medical condition? A: Yes, some snowbird travel insurance policies offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. However, coverage can vary depending on the policy and insurance provider, and it may be more expensive for individuals with pre-existing conditions. It’s important to read the policy details carefully and speak with the insurance provider to understand what is and is not covered.

Q: How do I make a claim on my snowbird travel insurance policy? A: To make a claim on your snowbird travel insurance policy, you will typically need to provide documentation of your expenses, such as medical bills or receipts. It’s important to read the policy details carefully and follow the claims process outlined by the insurance provider. Some insurance providers may have specific requirements or documentation that must be provided to process a claim.

Q: When should I purchase snowbird travel insurance? A: It’s recommended to purchase snowbird travel insurance as soon as possible after booking your trip to ensure that you are covered in case of any unexpected events or medical emergencies. Some insurance providers may have specific requirements for when coverage can be purchased or when pre-existing conditions can be covered, so it’s important to read the policy details carefully.

Q: What happens if I need medical care while traveling outside of Canada without snowbird travel insurance? A: Without snowbird travel insurance, medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation can be very expensive, and you may be responsible for paying all costs out of pocket. It’s important to have adequate travel insurance coverage to protect yourself from these risks.

Q: Can I purchase snowbird travel insurance if I am already outside of Canada? A: Some snowbird travel insurance policies may allow you to purchase coverage while outside of Canada, but coverage can vary depending on the policy and insurance provider. It’s recommended to purchase coverage as soon as possible after booking your trip to ensure that you have adequate coverage for unexpected events or medical emergencies.

Q: How do I find the best snowbird travel insurance policy for my needs? A: To find the best snowbird travel insurance policy for your needs, it’s important to compare policies and prices from different insurance providers. You may want to consider factors such as age, health status, destination, duration of stay, and the level of coverage required. It’s also recommended to consult with a licensed insurance agent to help you find the best coverage for your specific needs.

Q: What is the difference between emergency medical coverage and travel medical coverage? A: Emergency medical coverage typically provides coverage for unexpected medical emergencies while traveling, such as hospitalization or emergency surgery. Travel medical coverage may include emergency medical coverage, but may also provide coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, trip cancellation or interruption, and other travel-related risks.

Q: What is a pre-existing medical condition? A: A pre-existing medical condition is any health condition or illness that existed before you purchased your travel insurance policy. This can include chronic health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, as well as past illnesses or injuries. Some travel insurance policies may exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, while others may offer coverage with certain limitations or restrictions.

Q: Can I cancel my snowbird travel insurance policy if my plans change? A: It’s typically possible to cancel your snowbird travel insurance policy, but there may be fees or penalties for doing so. It’s important to read the policy details carefully and understand the cancellation policy before purchasing coverage.

Q: What is trip cancellation insurance? A: Trip cancellation insurance is a type of travel insurance that provides coverage for expenses related to canceling or interrupting a trip, such as non-refundable airfare, hotel reservations, or tour fees. This coverage can be useful for snowbirds who are traveling for an extended period of time and may need to cancel their plans due to unexpected events.

Q: What is emergency medical evacuation coverage? A: Emergency medical evacuation coverage is a type of travel insurance that provides coverage for the cost of transporting you to a medical facility in case of a medical emergency while traveling. This coverage can be important for snowbirds who are traveling to remote areas or who have pre-existing medical conditions that may require specialized medical care.

Q: Can I purchase snowbird travel insurance for a group? A: Yes, some snowbird travel insurance providers offer coverage for groups. Group coverage can be useful for families or groups of friends who are traveling together and may want to purchase coverage as a group. It’s important to read the policy details carefully and consult with the insurance provider to understand the requirements for group coverage.

Q: Does snowbird travel insurance cover travel within Canada? A: Snowbird travel insurance typically provides coverage for travel outside of Canada, but some policies may also offer coverage for travel within Canada. It’s important to read the policy details carefully and consult with the insurance provider to understand what is and is not covered.

Q: Can I purchase snowbird travel insurance for one-way travel? A: Snowbird travel insurance is typically designed for round-trip travel, but some policies may offer coverage for one-way travel. It’s important to read the policy details carefully and consult with the insurance provider to understand the requirements for one-way coverage.