1/18/2026

Health Insurance for Snowbirds in Florida: Complete Coverage Guide

Canadian snowbirds in Florida need private travel medical insurance because provincial health plans provide minimal coverage outside Canada. OHIP, for example, covers only approximately $400 CAD per day for emergency hospital stays, while US hospitals charge $5,000-$15,000+ per day. Without proper coverage, a single medical emergency can result in $50,000-$500,000+ in out-of-pocket costs. Quality snowbird insurance typically costs $1,500-$5,000 for 6-month coverage depending on age and health status, with policies covering emergency medical care, hospitalization, air ambulance, and medical evacuation back to Canada.

For snowbirds staying in Florida for extended periods, understanding insurance requirements is as critical as knowing visa rules. The combination of limited Canadian coverage, high US medical costs, and the reality that health emergencies increase with age makes comprehensive travel insurance non-negotiable rather than optional.

This guide covers everything you need to know about snowbird insurance: why you need it, what to look for, how much it costs, how to handle pre-existing conditions, and how to choose the right provider for your Florida winters.

Why Provincial Health Insurance Isn't Enough

What Canadian Provincial Plans Actually Cover:

Each province has different rules, but coverage is universally inadequate for extended US stays:

Ontario (OHIP):

Emergency services only
Hospital: $400 CAD per day maximum
Physician services: Very limited reimbursement
No coverage for prescription drugs
Must be pre-approved for non-emergency care

British Columbia (MSP):

Emergency medical services
Hospital: Approximately $75 CAD per day
Physician: $75 per visit maximum
Basically covers almost nothing in the US

Alberta (AHCIP):

Emergency hospital and physician services
Hospital: $100 CAD per day maximum
Similar severe limitations

Quebec (RAMQ):

Slightly better but still inadequate
Emergency services at Quebec rates
US costs far exceed reimbursement amounts

The Math That Proves You Need Insurance:

Typical US Hospital Costs:

Emergency room visit: $1,500-$3,000
Hospital stay (per day): $5,000-$15,000+
Intensive care (per day): $10,000-$30,000+
Surgery: $20,000-$100,000+
Heart attack treatment: $50,000-$150,000
Stroke treatment: $75,000-$200,000
Air ambulance to Canada: $25,000-$50,000

What You're Responsible For:

Example: 3-day hospital stay for pneumonia

US hospital charges: $30,000
OHIP covers: $1,200 (3 days × $400)
Your cost without insurance: $28,800

Example: Heart attack requiring surgery

US hospital charges: $125,000
OHIP covers: $2,800 (7 days × $400)
Your cost without insurance: $122,200

These aren't rare worst-case scenarios. Medical emergencies happen, especially to older adults spending months away from home.

Additional Provincial Plan Limitations:

No Coverage for:

Routine medical care
Prescription refills
Follow-up appointments
Pre-existing condition complications (in many cases)
Medical evacuation
Repatriation of remains

Coverage Requires:

Emergency services only
Often requires pre-authorization
May deny coverage if deemed non-emergency
Reimbursement at Canadian rates, not US rates
Extensive paperwork and documentation

Bottom Line:

Provincial health insurance provides false security. It covers 5-10% of actual US medical costs at most. You need private travel medical insurance for any extended Florida stay.

Types of Snowbird Insurance Coverage

Comprehensive Travel Medical Insurance:

The standard snowbird policy includes:

Emergency Medical Care:

Hospital emergency room visits
Ambulance services
Emergency surgery
Hospital stays (semi-private room)
Diagnostic tests (X-rays, CT scans, MRI, etc.)
Emergency dental (usually $3,000-$5,000 limit for accident-related)

Physician Services:

Emergency doctor visits
Specialist consultations
Follow-up care related to emergency
Telemedicine in some policies

Prescription Drugs:

Emergency prescriptions (30-day supply typically)
Related to covered emergency
Usually limited to generic equivalent

Medical Evacuation:

Air ambulance to nearest adequate facility
Medical evacuation back to Canada if medically necessary
Ground ambulance transportation
Medical escort if required

Additional Benefits (Varies by Policy):

Trip interruption coverage
Baggage loss/delay
Flight accident insurance
Accidental death coverage
Hospital allowance

Single-Trip vs Annual Multi-Trip:

Single-Trip Policies:

Cover one specific trip
Up to 365 days duration available
Ideal for traditional snowbirds (one long winter stay)
Typically less expensive for 6-month stays

Annual Multi-Trip:

Multiple trips throughout the year
Each trip limited (often 30-60 days per trip)
Good for frequent short visits
More expensive but convenient for multiple trips

For traditional snowbirds spending November-April in Florida, single-trip policies work best.

Top-Up Insurance:

If your employer provides travel coverage:

Check maximum trip duration (often 30-60 days)
Check coverage limits (may be too low)
Purchase top-up to extend duration or increase limits
Often cheaper than standalone policy

Snowbird-Specific Features to Look For:

Trip Duration:

Policies accommodating 120-212 days
Flexibility for early return or late departure
Clear terms on what constitutes "day 1" of trip

Stability Period for Pre-Existing Conditions:

90-180 day stability requirement before departure
Defines what "stable" means
Coverage for sudden unexpected changes

Automatic Extension:

If you can't return due to medical emergency
Extends coverage while you're unable to travel
Usually 5-15 additional days

Return Home Benefit:

Covers medical treatment after return if related to condition that started during trip
Usually 48-72 hours of coverage
Ensures continuity of care

Coverage Options and What to Look For

Essential Policy Features:

Coverage Limits:

Minimum recommended: $2,000,000-$5,000,000

US medical costs are astronomical
Major incidents easily exceed $100,000
$1,000,000 may be insufficient for serious conditions
Higher limits cost marginally more

Deductible Options:

Higher deductibles can reduce premiums 15-30%.

Pre-Existing Condition Coverage:

Critical for snowbirds over 60:

Medical Questionnaire:

Detailed health questions
List all conditions and medications
Be completely honest (lying voids policy)
May require physician statement

Stability Period:

Typically 90-180 days before departure
No changes to medications
No new symptoms or diagnosis
No hospitalization or specialist visits
No change in treatment

What "Stable" Means: Most policies define stable as:

No new treatment or diagnosis
No medication changes (dose or type)
No new symptoms
No deterioration
No hospitalization
No consultation with specialist about the condition

If Condition Not Stable:

May be excluded from coverage
Or covered with higher premium
Or covered with waiting period
Or not covered at all

Common Pre-Existing Conditions:

High blood pressure
Diabetes
Heart disease
COPD
Cancer (in remission)
Previous stroke or heart attack

Exclusions to Watch For:

Standard Exclusions:

Routine check-ups
Non-emergency care
Pregnancy-related (typically after 31 weeks)
Self-inflicted injuries
Injuries during professional sports
War or terrorism (usually)
Mental health conditions (limited coverage)
Elective procedures

Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions:

Conditions not disclosed
Conditions not stable during stability period
Expected or foreseeable care
Conditions you traveled to seek treatment for

Always Read:

Full policy document, not just summary
Definitions section (what "emergency" means, what "stable" means)
Exclusions list
Claims procedures
Cancellation/refund terms

Helpful Policy Features:

Direct Billing:

Insurer pays hospital/provider directly
You don't pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement
Check which hospitals/networks participate
Major Florida hospitals usually cooperate

24/7 Assistance Line:

Emergency medical advice
Help finding care
Pre-authorization for treatment
Claims assistance
Multilingual support

Prescription Drug Coverage:

30-90 day supply for emergency medications
Coverage for medications prescribed during trip
May require generic substitution
Usually separate dollar limit ($3,000-$5,000)

Return of Vehicle:

If you're unable to drive home
Covers cost to return your car to Canada
Or one-way rental to get home

Cost by Age and Health Status

Average Snowbird Insurance Costs (6-Month Coverage):

Factors Affecting Cost:

Age: Single biggest factor. Premiums increase significantly with age, especially after 70.

Trip Duration:

3 months: Roughly 60% of 6-month premium
6 months: Standard baseline
9-12 months: Not linear increase, but 150-180% of 6-month

Coverage Amount:

$1M coverage: Baseline
$2M coverage: +10-15%
$5M coverage: +15-25%

Deductible:

$0: Baseline
$500: -10-15%
$1,000: -15-20%
$2,500: -20-30%

Health Status:

Excellent health: Baseline
Controlled minor conditions: +25-50%
Multiple conditions: +50-150%
Serious conditions: May be uninsurable or extremely expensive

Destination: Florida vs Mexico vs Europe:

US (including Florida): Highest cost (expensive medical system)
Mexico/Caribbean: Moderate cost
Europe: Lower cost

Ways to Reduce Costs:

Compare Multiple Providers: Quotes can vary 30-50% for identical coverage. Get at least 3-4 quotes.

Increase Deductible: If you can afford $1,000-$2,500 out-of-pocket, significant savings.

Shorter Trip: Instead of 6 months, consider 5 months. Small reduction in time, measurable savings.

Exclude Pre-Existing Conditions: If you have stable conditions you're willing to risk:

Dramatically reduces premium
Extremely risky (conditions you think are stable can flare)
Only consider if truly minor conditions

Multi-Year Policies: Some insurers offer 2-3 year policies:

Lock in rate
Guaranteed renewability
Modest discount (5-10%)

Association/Group Discounts:

CAA/AAA members
Professional associations
Alumni groups
Senior organizations

Common Mistakes That Increase Costs:

Not shopping around (accepting first quote)
Over-insuring (buying $10M when $2M sufficient)
Buying through travel agent without comparing
Not disclosing conditions (policy voids, you pay everything)
Automatic renewal without re-shopping

Top Snowbird Insurance Providers

Leading Canadian Snowbird Insurers:

Manulife:

Major Canadian insurer
Strong reputation
Multiple plan options
Competitive rates for seniors
Good claims service
24/7 assistance

Sun Life Financial:

Established provider
Comprehensive coverage options
Good pre-existing condition terms
Higher-end pricing but quality service

Blue Cross:

Provincial Blue Cross organizations (separate entities)
Ontario, Alberta, BC versions
Well-known brand
Competitive pricing
Good network in US

Allianz Global Assistance:

Worldwide insurer
Extensive experience
Multiple plan tiers
Good for pre-existing conditions
Strong emergency assistance

TuGo (formerly RSA Travel Insurance):

BC-based
Competitive pricing
Good online tools
Strong customer reviews
Flexible coverage options

Medipac International:

Specialist in snowbird insurance
Focus on pre-existing conditions
Medical questionnaire-based underwriting
Popular with older travelers

Travel Guard (AIG):

International brand
Multiple plan levels
Good emergency services
Competitive rates

RBC Insurance:

Bank-affiliated
Convenient for RBC customers
Reasonable rates
Standard coverage options

What to Compare:

When getting quotes, compare:

Coverage limit ($2M, $5M, etc.)
Deductible ($0, $500, $1,000, etc.)
Pre-existing condition terms (stability period, exclusions)
Trip duration (exact dates)
Age (premiums increase with age)
Emergency assistance (24/7 phone support)
Direct billing (which hospitals)
Prescription drug limit
Medical evacuation (included or optional)
Cancellation policy (can you get refund if you don't go?)

Red Flags:

Avoid providers with:

No 24/7 emergency line
Unclear pre-existing condition terms
Very low premiums (too good to be true)
Poor online reviews for claims
Difficult-to-understand policy language
No direct billing arrangements

Where to Get Quotes:

Insurance Brokers: Compare multiple providers at once:

Kanetix.ca
InsuranceHotline.com
LowestRates.ca

Direct from Insurers: May get better service buying direct, but compare prices first.

Travel Agent: Often higher commission, but can be convenient if planning whole trip.

When and How to Purchase Coverage

Timing Your Purchase:

Best Practice: 2-4 Weeks Before Departure:

Why Not Earlier:

Most policies only valid if purchased within specific timeframe
Medical conditions could change
Trip plans might change

Why Not Last Minute:

May need medical questionnaire review (takes time)
Pre-existing condition stability period counts from purchase
Higher risk of departure delays

Exception: Medical Condition Management: If you have conditions to declare:

Purchase earlier (4-6 weeks) to allow questionnaire processing
Ensures coverage confirmed before non-refundable bookings

Purchase Process:

Step 1: Assess Your Needs:

Trip dates (exact departure and return)
Coverage amount needed ($2M-$5M recommended)
Deductible comfort level
Pre-existing conditions to declare

Step 2: Get Multiple Quotes:

At least 3-4 providers
Use identical parameters for fair comparison
Online quotes or call broker

Step 3: Review Policy Details:

Don't just compare price
Read exclusions carefully
Understand pre-existing condition terms
Check claims procedures

Step 4: Complete Medical Questionnaire:

Be completely honest
List all medications
Note all conditions (even if minor)
Lying voids entire policy

Step 5: Purchase and Confirm:

Pay by credit card (provides additional protection)
Receive policy documents immediately
Print policy and carry copy to Florida
Save emergency assistance phone number in phone

Step 6: Understand What You Bought:

Read full policy (not just summary)
Know deductible amount
Know coverage limits
Know how to file claims
Save emergency phone number

Important Cancellation/Change Considerations:

Free Look Period: Most policies offer 10-15 day cancellation period:

Full refund if you haven't left Canada yet
No claims filed
Review policy during this time

Trip Cancellation: If you don't go to Florida:

Must cancel before departure
May get partial or full refund
Check specific policy terms

Early Return: If you come home early:

Usually no refund for unused portion
Unless trip interruption benefit applies
Some policies offer prorated refunds

Trip Extension: If you stay longer:

Contact insurer immediately
May be able to extend (additional premium)
Don't let coverage lapse

What to Bring to Florida:

Policy documents (digital and physical)
Emergency assistance phone number
Insurance company claims email
Your health card (Ontario, BC, etc.)
List of current medications
Summary of medical history
Credit card (for deductible/deposit at hospital)

Filing Claims and Getting Help

If You Need Medical Care:

Step 1: Call Assistance Line FIRST (If Possible): Before seeking care (unless life-threatening):

Call 24/7 emergency assistance number
Explain situation
Get pre-authorization for treatment
They'll direct you to network provider

Benefits:

Direct billing arranged
Pre-authorization ensures coverage
They find appropriate care
Claims process smoother

Step 2: Seek Necessary Care: If emergency, don't delay for pre-authorization:

Call 911 or go to ER
Get treatment
Contact insurer as soon as possible after (within 24-48 hours)

Step 3: Keep All Documentation:

Hospital admission forms
Treatment records
Prescriptions
Receipts (everything)
Physician notes
Test results

Step 4: Pay or Arrange Payment:

If direct billing: insurer pays directly
If not: you may need to pay upfront
- Use credit card
- Get itemized receipts
- Submit claim for reimbursement

Filing a Claim:

Required Documentation:

Completed claim form
Original receipts (keep copies)
Medical reports/records
Proof of payment
Prescription records
Police report (if accident)

Submission:

Email or mail to insurer
Within timeframe specified (usually 30-90 days)
Keep copies of everything submitted

Claim Processing Time:

Simple claims: 2-4 weeks
Complex claims: 6-8 weeks
May request additional information

Getting Reimbursed:

Direct deposit (provide banking info)
Or check mailed to Canadian address
Usually in Canadian dollars

If Claim Denied:

Common Denial Reasons:

Treatment not medically necessary emergency
Pre-existing condition not disclosed or not stable
Traveled against medical advice
Excluded treatment (cosmetic, routine, etc.)

Appeal Process:

Request written explanation
Gather supporting medical documentation
Submit formal appeal with doctor's support
May involve medical review
Can escalate to ombudsperson if unresolved

Tips for Smooth Claims:

Call assistance line before treatment (except true emergencies)
Get pre-authorization whenever possible
Keep every receipt no matter how small
Take photos of bills as backup
Get itemized statements not just summary
Submit claims promptly don't wait until return
Follow up if no response within stated timeframe
Keep records of all communications with insurer

Special Situations

If You Own Florida Property:

Canadian property owners in Miami have same insurance needs:

Provincial coverage doesn't improve because you own property
Need full travel medical insurance
Some insurers offer multi-year policies for regular snowbirds
Consider annual multi-trip if you visit multiple times

If You're on Specific Medications:

Before Leaving Canada:

Get 6-month prescription supply if possible
Bring medication in original bottles
Carry doctor's note explaining need
Check if covered under insurance if need refill

In Florida:

Walk-in clinics can prescribe refills
Insurance may cover related to emergency
Bring packaging to show exactly what you take

If You Have Chronic Conditions:

Managing Conditions in Florida: For snowbirds in Florida:

Bring complete medical records
Know where nearest specialist is
Have doctor's contact info in Canada
Ensure condition truly stable before departure
Consider shorter trip if uncertain

Routine Care Not Covered:

Regular check-ups
Scheduled procedures
Routine medication monitoring
Schedule these for before/after trip

Making the Right Choice

Health insurance is your financial safety net during Florida winters. The cost of proper coverage ($1,500-$5,000) is negligible compared to potential medical bills ($50,000-$500,000+).

Essential Actions:

Get quotes from 3-4 providers
Purchase 2-4 weeks before departure
Choose coverage of at least $2M
Be completely honest about health conditions
Read and understand your policy
Carry emergency assistance number at all times
Call before seeking non-emergency care

For Canadian snowbirds planning their Florida season, proper insurance transforms a worry into a checkbox on your preparation list.

Contact Pink Miami for help finding your perfect Florida property. Our team understands the unique needs of Canadian snowbirds and can guide you to neighborhoods and properties that fit your lifestyle.