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Snowbirding 101: Medical Insurance
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A 2008 Ipsos Reid poll conducted for RBC Insurance concluded that 37 per cent of Canadians never purchase health care insurance when travelling to the United States for leisure, where medical costs are some of the highest in the world. According to the study, a one-day stay in a U.S. hospital for a broken arm and wrist could cost $32,600 US, with only $400 CND covered by your provincial plan.
Purchasing travel insurance should be the first item on your to-do list, NOT the last.
INSURANCE FAST FACTS
- The cost of insurance is usually based on pre-existing conditions, length of time out of country, and age.
TRAVEL INSURANCE CHECKLIST
Following are some key questions to ask your insurance provider BEFORE you purchase your travel insurance:
- What does the plan cover?
- What exclusions and conditions apply?
- How do I make a claim?
- Is there a deductible that I must pay when making a claim? If so, how much?
- Will the plan deny a claim on the basis of a pre-existing condition?
- Are there specific exclusions that pertain to certain activities?
- Can I choose from among a variety of different coverages?
- Do I need a medical examination?
- The preceding questions are intended as a guideline only, and are not meant to be exhaustive.
FINAL SUGGESTIONS
- Generally, you get what you pay for. If you're shopping around, make sure you're NOT comparing apples with oranges—not all insurance policies are alike.
- Take time to understand the policy. Read the main parts of the contract.
- Ensure that the answers you provided were taken down accurately and that the information is honest, complete, and most important, complies with your doctor’s medical records.
Time taken before you leave can save you can save you a lot of anxiety later.
To provide feedback, please leave comments below. If you would like a response to your feedback, please e-mail Rex at vogelontheroad@gmail.com.
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