Every Canadian has Provincial Health Insurance. It is great coverage as long as your infliction takes place in Canada. Unfortunately, the coverage is ridiculously inadequate when the injury or illness takes place in the USA.
Cross-border travellers are commonly involved in car accidents and at certain times might suffer from other health-related emergencies. USA Medical and Hospitalizations are extremely expensive. Canadian Government Insurance only pays for a fraction of the medical accounts.
Snowbird Accidents strongly recommends you purchase “private medical and hospital coverage” from a reputable Canadian Insurer, when travelling outside of the country. Policies are available from health care insurance companies such as Blue Cross, London Life, etc. The Canadian Snowbird Association and Snowbird Advisor also have strong relationships with the various private health care insurers, offering a variety of options – snowbird travel insurance Canada.
Remember, when you purchase supplementary coverage from a private insurance company you need to know what exactly you are covered for. Each insurer offers medical travel policies, but the coverages and premiums cannot easily be compared. What might seem to be inexpensive, or a better deal, could easily turn out to be a financial disaster because of exclusions. Insurers are concerned with three main issues: how long the policy is for; your age; and your present and past health, injuries, and/or diseases.
Our most important advice: make sure you answer each and every insurer question as truthfully as possible. You are better off having a policy denied prior to issuance, as opposed to having a policy denied after you make a claim.
A Insurance health travel policy is a contract that will be very narrowly interpreted. If you leave out information, or mis-state information, or just lie expect to have problems.
General Information About Private Medical Snowbirds Travel Insurance
1- In general, the price and coverage of a travel insurance policy is determined by your age, sex, underlying health issues, and the length of time you will be out of the country.
2- As a small consideration, Covid is still an issue. Being fully vaccinated usually saves you some money.
3- Policy premiums increase with age, the duration of your stay abroad, pre-existing health issues, and the amount of coverage you would like to purchase.
4- Always speak to your broker. They are a great source of information to discuss such issues as premiums, policy exclusions and limitations, and importantly which insurer best suits your needs.
5- It needs to be mentioned – Brokers can be negligent. When you see advertisements dealing with health insurance protections that are found to be incorrect, misleading, or if a broker makes a mistake or gives you wrong advice, they too can be responsible for your claims.
6-The Snowbird Traveller’s Dilemma! The majority of Canadian and USA private health care travel policies exclude or limit their exposure to claims arising from pre-existing illnesses, injuries, or diseases. For example, most snowbirds travel insurance policies are geared towards those over 65.
Unfortunately most Men and women over 65 have been prescribed some form of a high blood pressure pill. As an example this needs to be disclosed to the insurance company. If not, and you subsequently suffer a stroke or a heart attack your high blood pressure can be construed as a causative factor – guess what? You have a problem.
7- As we get older, we all have more health issues. Purchasing a policy becomes more and more expensive with less and less coverage. At 66 you can readily get a policy but at 76 it is pretty hard. At 86 – good luck!
8- Most credit cards offer a limited form of Canadian snowbird travel insurance, but only if you are under 65.
9- The policy duration is a key component. Most snowbirds purchase policies from 1 to 6 months. If you intend to stay longer in the USA, you can usually extend the policy but it must be done prior to the end of its term. If you try to do it after the policy has expired, you can find you have no coverage.
10- As an odd point, you can only buy Canadian coverage while you are in Canada. Which means if you are in Florida and decide you need to get coverage, you are supposed to fly home and take out the policy. As stupid as this sounds, if you do not do it right, you could find yourself with no insurance.
- Car Insurance Top-Up
We also recommend you top up your car insurance coverages. It is a cheap way to get extra health expense protection. You are more likely to be involved in a car accident as compared to some other random health problem. Prior to leaving home, please make sure you maximize and purchase the underinsured family endorsement and increase your statutory accident benefits.
- US Visitors Medical Policy
Canadians can purchase US visitors medical policy. When searching the internet, there are a myriad of US private companies. Our only comment is buyer beware. The John Grisham novel – The Rainmaker – is really on point.
- Canadian Travel Insurance
As always, speak to your broker Even a little bit of coverage is better than no coverage. If a problem arises at least your contractual rights reside in the province your purchased your policy. Never fear – our Snowbird Lawyers can always lend a hand.
By keeping these points in mind and opting for the best snowbird travel insurance, you can ensure that your travels are safe and financially protected. Make sure to explore options for the best Canadian snowbirds travel insurance and consult resources such as the Canadian snowbird association travel insurance to find the most suitable coverage for your needs.
Helping Snowbirds Injured Across North America
For over 40 years, we’ve been helping Canadians involved in car accidents and other personal injury incidents while traveling in the United States. Each year, millions of snowbirds-residents from Canada (and the northern U.S.A) – head south to escape the cold. Unfortunately, accidents happen. When they do we are here to help navigate the legal and insurance challenges that arise.
Cross Border Accidents and claims are very complicated!
Call the Free Snowbird Helpline 1-800-587-6992
Or Email – snowbirdaccidents@yahoo.com,
Or https://snowbirdaccidents.com/contact/
