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When the snowbirds migrate
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By Anne Dimon
As days grow shorter and cooler and leaves turn to shades of russet and gold, Canadian snowbirds turn to thoughts of flying south. Florida? Arizona? The Carolinas? A destination is chosen; accommodations and flights are booked, family or friends are mobilized to check the house and water the plants, bank accounts are in order. Now, what about travel insurance? You should not assume that you have adequate medical coverage for sickness or injury while out of the country.
Supplementary travel insurance is a necessity for all Canadians who travel abroad. It's particularly important for snowbirds who may be away for an extended period. In Ontario, there are about 50 companies that offer travel insurance products. Subsequently, navigating the maze can be time- consuming and confusing.
Tips to make the job less baffling:
If you have existing out-of-country coverage through your employee group plan, retirement package, home insurance or credit card health and travel insurance, make certain that what is being offered is sufficient and applicable to your particular circumstances.
Verify the time limit of your policy. Check to make certain there is no charge for adjustments should you decide to reduce or lengthen the duration of your trip.
Look at the limit of your coverage.
A low-cost policy may seem attractive until you realize that it limits the cost of medical emergencies to $25,000 or $50,000. That may not go far when you consider that American hospitals can cost up to $10,000 (U.S.) for a single day of intensive care. OHIP will only cover the first $400 per day for out-of-country emergency medical services. Policies can reach up to $5 million, but for general travel, something in the
one-million-dollar range is considered sufficient.
In case of a medical emergency will you be liable for the first $250 or $5,000? While a low deductible may seem desirable to price-conscious travellers, healthy seniors who see little chance of having to make a claim may want to consider paying extra for the maximum coverage, but making the savings by choosing a higher deductible. In the majority of cases, that higher deductible will result in a lower premium.
Restrictions on pre-existing health conditions and eligibility requirements can be complex and will vary from one company to the next. Within a specific company, they may also vary from one year to the next. Some policies may exclude those who have had a heart attack, stroke or other condition within six months; others within five years. Still others will cover such conditions pending their current stability over a minimum period of time. With some policies, age is a variable factor: a condition that is covered if you're under 65 may not be covered after you reach that age. Sometimes even a change of prescription can affect the validity of a policy.
Some companies may allow claimants with pre-existing conditions to complete a medical questionnaire. If the applicant can prove (via a doctor's verification) that the condition in question is stable to the insurer's satisfaction, then there is a possibility that the exclusion will be waived and full coverage attained. It is most important to be fully up front with your insurer, otherwise you risk making a contract null and void.
Other ways to save include investigating incentives for early-bird bookings or special discounts for nonsmokers. Look for added extras such as assistance in the case of loss or stolen passports or airline tickets. For example, Blue Cross policyholders have access to travel assistance services that can offer help with questions about health or medications prior to departure.
Remember that it is easier to purchase an insurance policy before you leave the country. Take the time to compare, ask questions and understand exactly what coverage you are purchasing. Carry your policy with you and keep the I.D. card in your wallet as well as the 24-hour number to call in case of an emergency.
Anne Dimon is a Toronto-based freelance travel writer and Travel Spokesperson, Ontario Blue Cross.
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