Snowbirds: How to Save on Travel Insurance

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Snowbirds soNomad featured
To the point Are you spending the winter abroad? Discover our travel insurance tips for snowbirds and how to save.

Every year, thousands of Canadians escape the winter cold towards sun destinations like Florida, Mexico, or other countries abroad. This trend is particularly popular with retirees. Since snowbirds often spend several months travelling during the winter, choosing the right travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses is a crucial step when planning a long-term stay.

Travel Insurance - How to Choose the Right Long-Term Insurance Policy

As a snowbird, when it’s time to choose your travel insurance, several factors should be taken into account when selecting your coverage:

  • Age
  • Health and pre-existing conditions
  • Travel destination
  • Duration of travel
  • Coverage to be included in the policy
  • Exclusions from coverage

You may already have a preferred provider, as there are many options available: Blue Cross, CAA, Desjardins, and more. To get the best value, it’s a good idea to review the different offers on the market and consider a new medical insurance policy that provides the coverage best suited to your needs and covers emergency situations.

For snowbirds, soNomad offers comprehensive insurance for long-term stays at competitive rates.

Credit Card Insurance

For snowbirds, certain credit cards stand out for their benefits for extended travel and their comprehensive travel insurance. The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card, the National Bank World Elite Mastercard, the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card, and the Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard offer not only financial rewards and benefits, but also insurance coverage tailored for long-term stays, ideal for worry-free travel.

These cards offer advantageous travel insurance with coverage for the following events:

  • Emergency medical expenses
  • Flight delay
  • Lost or stolen luggage
  • Trip cancellation or interruption
  • Travel Accident
  • Theft or damage to rental cars
  • Hotel burglary

These insurances often complement existing insurance plans, thus offering additional protection for snowbirds during their stays abroad.

However, the duration of some of these coverages can shorten as we get older (sometimes as early as 54 years old). Although some cards, like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, allow you to extend emergency medical care insurance, most credit cards do not offer adequate coverage for a full winter abroad. As snowbirds, you therefore need to turn to other insurers who offer personalized options tailored to your needs.

The Best Insurance Options While Abroad

Finding the travel insurance that’s right for you can take some research, and now it’s possible to get quotes directly online. Take soNomad, for example.

soNomad: Travel Insurance for Snowbirds from Canada and Quebec

Here’s what’s included in soNomad ‘s emergency medical protection for Snowbirds:

  • Emergency Medical
  • Hospitalization
  • 24/7 emergency assistance
  • Doctors
  • Ambulance and Air Ambulance

Many features set soNomad insurance apart from others, making it a valuable option for snowbirds, including:

  • COVID-19 coverage at no extra cost
  • Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions
  • An option to make a single deposit to guarantee rates
  • Annual multi-trip options
  • No administrative fees for date changes or cancellations

In case of an early return to Canada, you could receive a refund for the unused portion of your insurance premium, provided you have returned to your province of residence and have not made (or are not in the process of making) a medical claim to the insurer.

Plus, soNomad gives you access to a range of exclusive insurance products and can quickly assess your needs online. The commission soNomad takes on its insurance products is lower than traditional brokers’, which allows you to save.

soNomad: How to Get a Quote and Subscribe

To get a quote, go to the soNomad website and click on “Get a quote”. Read our complete guide to filling out the online form easily. You can then get an instant quote and pay your insurance premium directly online. If you have questions or need more information, contact soNomad at 1-855-360-7225, available Monday to Friday between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM.

soNomad: Concerning COVID-19

All soNomad travel insurance plans include COVID-19 coverage at no extra cost, provided you have no symptoms before the departure date and meet the contract’s stability requirements.

Bottom Line - Travel insurance

Whether you choose to spend the winter in the United States, Europe, Mexico, or another sun destination as a snowbird, it’s important to purchase adequate travel insurance tailored to your needs. While many credit cards offer attractive insurance plans, the duration of coverage is often not long enough for people aged 54 and over who travel for several months at a time. soNomad offers comprehensive, affordable coverage that saves you money.

As a snowbird, don’t forget to check your home insurance and renew your prescription drugs before you leave! And to save 2.5% on your purchases, be sure to pay with a credit card that has no conversion fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need travel cancellation insurance?

Travel plans often involve unforeseen circumstances. Travel cancellation insurance, offered by many credit cards, will protect you if your situation suddenly changes.

What is the Best Travel Insurance for Canadian Snowbirds?

soNomad is the ideal choice for Canadian snowbirds’ travel insurance, as this company offers comprehensive, affordable coverage specifically designed for long stays abroad. It includes protection for emergency medical care, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and allows for significant savings thanks to reduced administration fees and customized offers. Getting a quote is simple and quick, and it’s possible to adjust deductibles and payment terms according to your needs.

How much does travel insurance cost?

The price of travel insurance depends on a number of factors, including the length of your trip, your destination, your age and your state of health.

Why take steps to obtain travel health insurance?

If you require medical care, it’s best to be covered abroad to avoid significant financial consequences. In some countries, hospitals may refuse to treat you if you don’t have insurance or money to pay your bill, according to the Government of Canada.

Health insurance: where to find the best prices for travel medical coverage?

Many credit cards offer advantageous insurance to cover emergency medical care and travel accident cases. We suggest you read our guide on the best credit cards for travel insurance.

However, most credit cards do not offer adequate coverage for a full winter abroad. As a snowbird, you will need to turn to insurance companies that offer options tailored to your needs.

Where can I get a visa to travel?

For information on visas, we invite you to consult the Government of Canada website, in the Country Travel Advice and Advisories section. You can also contact your travel agency for more details.

What is the Canadian Snowbird Act?

The Canadian Snowbird Act is a proposed US legislation aimed at allowing Canadian citizens aged 50 and over, who own or rent a residence in the United States, to extend their annual stay from 182 to 240 days without a visa. This measure aims to strengthen economic ties between Canada and the United States, while supporting the tourism sector and protecting local jobs.

Can I get a Travel Insurance Quote for Snowbirds?

Yes, simply visit the soNomad website and fill out the online form with your personal information and travel details to quickly receive a personalized offer, which you can compare with other protections if needed. This simple, quick, and transparent process allows you to choose insurance tailored to the needs of Canadian snowbirds, while benefiting from the best rates.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève, Web Director at Milesopedia, is an expert in budget travel and a slow travel enthusiast. Specializing in Aeroplan, Scene+, and Marriott Bonvoy programs, she spends nearly six months a year abroad, making travel her way of life. Constantly seeking the best waves to surf, excellent coffee, and strategies to extend her travels, she is often found in coworking spaces with fellow digital nomads or by the sea, watching the sunset.
All posts by Marie-Ève Leclerc

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