How snowbird insurance works

This article has been updated from a previous version. 

Looking to escape the cold Canadian winters? An annual vacation during winter months to the south might be your calling.

If you're planning to spend several weeks or months in a warmer destination like Florida, Arizona, or Mexico, snowbird travel insurance is something you’ll want to consider. It’s a special type of insurance designed for Canadians — especially retirees — who travel for extended periods outside the country.

Unlike regular travel insurance, which usually covers short trips, snowbird insurance offers protection for longer stays. It helps cover unexpected medical emergencies and can include extras like trip cancellation and baggage protection, so you can enjoy your winter getaway with peace of mind.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is snowbird insurance?

Coined after the actual birds that migrate south every winter, a "snowbird" is a Canadian who escapes the frigid temperatures by heading south to warmer destinations for extended periods of time.

Popular snowbird destinations include not just sunnier states south of the border, but also countries like Mexico, the Dominican Republic and even Spain and Portugal.

The trend has become so popular among retired Canadians that there's now a dedicated insurance category tailored to their needs: snowbird insurance. This coverage offers emergency health and medical protection for seniors during their extended stays outside of Canada.

What are the different types of snowbird insurance coverage?

There are two main types of insurance coverages you can get as a snowbird:

• Single trip insurance covers one annual trip with a fixed duration (up to 183 consecutive days, or 212 days for Ontario and Newfoundland residents). This option costs less but offers limited flexibility once your trip begins.
• Multi-trip insurance provides coverage for unlimited trips within your policy period, though each individual trip is typically limited to 30-60 days. This option works well if you prefer taking multiple shorter trips or want the flexibility to return home and travel again.

"It’s only for the allotted number of days that you bought it for,” says Martin Firestone, travel insurance consultant and president of Toronto-based Travel Secure Inc. “You can travel up to that number of days and either come back home or step back in your home province before you leave again.”

Some snowbird insurance providers offer "top-ups," which let you pay in advance for extra days at the end of your stay. There are plans that let you buy top-ups from your destination, though they are more expensive.

Related: Thinking of spending winter abroad? 9 questions for a newbie snowbird

What does snowbird insurance cover?

Your snowbird insurance acts as a safety net for medical emergencies that could otherwise result in devastating costs, particularly in destinations like the United States where healthcare expenses can be astronomical.

Core medical coverage

Your policy will handle emergency medical situations including hospitalization, ambulance services, emergency medical treatments, prescription medications, and medical equipment. Most importantly, it covers emergency repatriation – transportation back to Canada if you need treatment that's not available at your destination or if returning home is medically advisable.

Optional add-on coverage

Trip cancellation protection reimburses non-refundable expenses like flights, accommodations, and tour bookings when you need to cancel due to covered reasons beyond your control. Remember, a common mistake when getting trip cancellation insurance is waiting until you know something might go wrong.

“If you already know about a problem, like a hurricane being announced in a travel advisory, it's too late to buy the insurance to cover non-refundable trip expenses,” cautions Firestone.

There’s also baggage coverage you can get, which protects against lost, stolen, or delayed luggage, covering replacement costs and essential items you need while waiting for your belongings.

What's not covered

Snowbird insurance won't cover routine medical care like regular checkups, elective procedures, cosmetic surgery, or dental work (unless it's due to an accident). These policies focus specifically on unexpected medical emergencies.

Related: Travel insurance: Why you need it, how to get it, and what to add to it

Eligibility and health considerations for snowbird insurance

Snowbird insurance is designed for older Canadians who spend extended periods outside their home province. To qualify, you typically must:

• Be at least 60 years old
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Be travelling for 90 to 212 consecutive days outside your home province or territory

Medical assessment and disclosure

Because snowbird insurance caters to senior travelers, insurers require a comprehensive medical questionnaire to assess your health risks and calculate your premium. Accuracy is critical.

“An incorrect answer to the questions could be crucial at claim time for something totally unrelated to that problem,” says Firestone. For instance, if you’re currently not experiencing high blood pressure but are taking preventive medication for it, it’s essential to disclose this information. It might have implications for a separate health issue.

Understanding stability periods

Some insurers also have a “minimum stability period” which confirms that any pre-existing medical condition you may have has been stable for a given period of time before you can be insured. The minimum stability period is usually 90, 120 or 180 days in which your condition, if any, cannot worsen, cause any new symptoms, or require new prescriptions or treatment plans.

For individuals who don’t meet the minimum stability period but still wish to travel, considering a personalized travel medical insurance plan may be worthwhile. Although uncommon, such plans may be available from select insurance providers.

Note: There isn’t a stability requirement for pre-existing medical conditions for travel within Canada plans.

How much does snowbird insurance cost?

According to data from Rates.ca, the average snowbird travel insurance policy costs $720. This figure is based on quotes for 70-year-old travelers taking 30-day trips.

However, prices can vary widely. If you're younger or traveling for a longer period, rates can be less than $100 per month. Different insurance providers offer different pricing models, which is why comparing quotes is essential to finding the best deal.

What affects your premium?

Several factors influence how much you'll pay for snowbird insurance:

• Age: Younger travelers are generally considered lower risk and may pay lower premiums. Older individuals may face higher costs due to increased health-related risks.
• Trip duration: Longer trips often mean higher premiums, as extended stays increase the likelihood of needing medical care.
• Pre-existing medical conditions: These can raise your premium, especially if your condition requires ongoing treatment or monitoring.
• Deductible amount: Choosing a higher deductible can reduce your premium, but you'll pay more out-of-pocket if you make a claim.
• Destination: Travel to countries like the United States may result in higher premiums due to elevated healthcare costs.

Comparing snowbird insurance rates will help you find the best rate that works for your unique needs.

Tips for snowbird travelers

The longer your trip, the more attention and preparation you'll need to put towards making sure your home and health are covered. Here's what to be aware of. 

Before you leave

Review your existing insurance coverage to ensure your car insurance covers your parked vehicle and your home insurance protects your property during your absence. Secure valuable possessions by either taking them with you or storing them safely.

Keep a copy of your insurance policy easily accessible during your trip, including emergency contact numbers for your insurer.

If you need to make a claim

Contact your insurance provider immediately when a situation arises that might require a claim. Most policies have strict timeframes for reporting incidents, so quick action is essential.

Document everything thoroughly – dates, times, locations, medical provider information, and all related expenses. Take photos when relevant and keep all receipts for medical expenses and prescriptions.

For non-emergency medical procedures, always get authorization from your insurer before proceeding. Unauthorized treatments might not be covered, even if they're medically necessary.

Managing your coverage

If you have unused top-up coverage or small claims, keep track of these and submit them after your return – you might be eligible for refunds on unused portions.

Stay in touch with your insurer if your travel plans change, as modifications to your trip might require adjustments to your coverage.

In the meantime, take time to compare different providers and coverage options, answer health questionnaires honestly, and choose a policy that matches both your travel plans and your budget.

Read next: Will travel insurance cover a trip that was booked with reward points?