Do you head south for the winter, like so many other snowbirds? Whether you’re spending weeks or months, travel insurance could help you avoid costly medical bills. So what’s covered by travel insurance—and what isn’t? Here’s what you need to know to choose the right coverage and travel worry-free.
Why is travel insurance a must for snowbirds?
Emergency healthcare costs can be exorbitant when you’re outside your home province. Travel insurance gives you the freedom to fully enjoy your trip, since you know you’re covered. No matter how long you’re planning to stay, travel insurance could protect you against the unexpected.
Travel insurance and emergency healthcare coverage
Travelling is an opportunity to visit wonderful places and explore new cultures and ways of life. But what if your sightseeing gets sidetracked by a trip to a clinic or hospital? Emergency healthcare expenses can add up quickly when you’re abroad—but your travel insurance could help cover them, up to the maximum amount set out in your policy. This coverage is in addition to your provincial health insurance plan. You must still be enrolled in your provincial plan to be eligible for the coverage, unless you have a recognized exemption.
Emergency Return Trip coverage
Emergency Return Trip coverage is an optional coverage that lets you return briefly to your home province to deal with circumstances, like significant water damage to your principal residence, before resuming your travels.
Pre-existing medical conditions: What you need to know
To be eligible for emergency medical coverage related to a pre-existing condition, the condition generally needs to be stable for a certain period before you leave (often six months, but the period may vary depending on the policy). More specifically, this means no new symptoms, changes to your treatment or recent hospitalizations
Before you leave, check what your insurer considers a stable condition. If in doubt, discuss it with your insurer so you can go on your trip with confidence.
Protect yourself in case you need to cancel or modify your trip
Trip Cancellation or Modification coverage is convenient if you need to cancel or change your travel plans for one of the eligible reasons. You could be reimbursed for certain eligible expenses whether you need to cancel your trip entirely or return home earlier than planned. Trip Cancellation or Modification covers certain eligible expenses related to modified or cancelled travel plans. That way, you’re able to get where you need to be as soon as possible, without having to worry about any unexpected costs.
Get travel assistance whenever you need it
Thanks to the assistance services offered with Desjardins Travel Insurance, advisors are available 24/7 to provide you with support in a wide range of situations. Whether you need to find a nearby healthcare facility or keep your loved ones informed, we’re here to help. It’s reassuring to know that you can rely on an experienced team to help you resolve an unexpected situation wherever you are—especially in the event of a medical emergency, when every minute counts.
Some healthcare professionals or providers can even be paid directly by your insurer. That way, you don’t need to pay a large amount upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement when you return. This frees you from dealing with administrative tasks so you can focus on what matters most: your health and well-being.
Understanding travel insurance costs for snowbirds
It only takes one incident to realize how expensive healthcare abroad can be. A hospital stay can cost thousands of dollars per day, while major surgery can easily run into the tens or even hundreds of thousands. Think of travel insurance as a smart investment that you can plan for in your budget, unlike unpredictable expenses that can add up quickly.
The premium varies based on your age on the departure date, the length of your trip, the type of coverage you want and your health (if you need to complete a medical questionnaire). That’s why it’s important to choose a flexible option.
Credit card and travel insurance
Most Desjardins credit cards include complimentary travel insurance for at least three days. The exact number of days of coverage may vary from one card to another or depending on your age. This protection may be enough for a long weekend getaway, but if you’re going on a longer trip, you’ll need to take out extended coverage for your entire stay. If you don’t have insurance for the entire duration of your trip, your claim could be denied.
Choosing a travel insurance that fits your needs
Along with price, you should keep your needs and goals in mind when shopping for insurance. If you’re planning to get away each year or multiple times a year, Multi-Trip Annual Insurance may be beneficial. It can simplify some of the steps for taking out insurance—particularly the ones related to your health.
The Quattra Advantage: An exclusive Desjardins option for individuals ages 61-80 who need to complete a medical questionnaire
When you take out Multi-Trip Annual Insurance, your medical questionnaire remains valid for 4 years. Even if your health changes during this period, your premium won’t be affected. This advantage can provide peace of mind so you can travel and fully enjoy every adventure, no matter what the future holds for you.
However, the exclusion for an unstable medical condition still applies. This means you aren’t covered if you make a claim related to an unstable condition or to a related injury or illness. See your insurance policy for exclusion details.
Enjoy peace of mind during extended stays abroad
When adventure calls, travel insurance lets you focus on the journey, not the what-ifs. Travel insurance is more than just a precaution. It’s a must-have that lets you get assistance whenever you need it, financial support when the unexpected happens and timely emergency medical care. Treat yourself to lifelong memories and enriching experiences, knowing that Desjardins Insurance is looking out for you wherever you are.
Travelling with US dollars?
The US dollar is widely accepted in many places around the world, including in big cities in Mexico, as well as in Panama, the Caribbean and some hotels in Asia. Protect your travel budget from exchange rate fluctuations by opening your own US dollar account at Desjardins Bank. You can open an account online within 15 minutes.
Get access to financial services, even while you’re out of the country
Whether you want to pay your bills, check your account balances or transfer funds, you can use Desjardins’s online tools to do your regular banking transactions from anywhere with an internet connection. The Desjardins mobile app and AccèsD online platform can help you manage your finances during your trip.