Travel Insurance for Snowbirds

Medical insurance is essential the moment you leave Quebec. The Canada Health Act requires provincial public health insurance to cover your medical costs in Quebec only; the public plan is not required to cover any medical costs outside the province. In fact, public health insurance covers only a small portion of medical and hospital costs incurred outside Quebec. For example, it may cover $50 for a medical consultation and $100 per day for hospitalization. Because medical costs are significantly higher abroad – particularly in the United States – without travel insurance, your financial security is at risk. Some fees abroad may be very costly.

If you become sick or injured while you’re away, your travel insurance can cover:

• Accommodation costs and meals for your spouse or travel companion
• Transportation costs if your return is delayed due to accident or illness when you have purchased trip interruption with medical coverage
• Cost of medical evacuation by land or air ambulance, or by commercial flight
• Repatriation costs for your children if you are hospitalized
• Transportation costs to bring a loved one to you if you are hospitalized for seven days or more
• Vehicle return costs to drive your vehicle or motor home to your home if you cannot drive due to accident or illness

These are costs the Quebec public plan does not cover and that you would be responsible for if you do not have travel insurance. Take a look at the products we have to offer.

The coverage provided by your credit card company may have limitations or restrictions. It is important to review your policy thoroughly for coverage details. It is often recommended that you purchase additional coverage for complete protection.

Check your credit card coverage for the following:

Travel duration
Travel insurance cannot be purchased once you depart from Quebec. It is important to check the length of stay covered by your credit card company, as well as any restrictions based on age.
Emergency medical care coverage
There are often strict eligibility and stability requirements based on your current health. Make sure you understand the exclusions in your coverage prior to your departure. You could be quite unhappy to learn that a health condition is excluded right when you need emergency medical care. Also make sure the coverage amounts are enough, and inquire about any deductibles you may have to pay.
Trip cancellation or interruption
If you incurred fees up front, make sure the amount covered under trip interruption/cancellation is enough to save you from financial losses. Most credit card companies do not cover trip interruption or cancellation, and when they do, the maximums are not sufficient to fully cover your costs. Blue Cross can provide you with coverage that protects you in the case of unforeseen situations.

Protect yourself and your family. Don’t risk your financial security with incomplete coverage. With Blue Cross travel insurance, you enjoy complete medical coverage by a travel insurance company recognized around the world.
 

Blue Cross travel insurance offers several deductible amounts if you wish to reduce your insurance premium, but they are not mandatory. If you do choose a deductible, you are responsible for any costs up to the chosen deductible amount.

That’s only partially true. Medical costs are covered across Canada, but provincial health plans:

• do not offer the same services to non-resident travellers as they do to residents (even though you are Canadian, you are considered a non-resident even if you live in a neighbouring province)
• vary from one province to another and do not pay the same rates in all provinces

Below are some examples of costs you may need to pay in a neighbouring province:

• Return of vehicle
• Air ambulance
• Relatives visiting when you are hospitalized

There are billing agreements between certain provinces, but not all. Since medical costs vary from one province to another, what may be sufficient to cover a medical service in one province may not be enough to cover the same service in another.
 

An illness that already exists at departure is pre-existing. You must declare any pre-existing conditions when purchasing travel insurance to verify whether they are covered. For more information, please read the Travel Insurance Policy or contact one of our agents.
If you have any additional questions regarding travel insurance coverage for your health condition, please contact one of our agents.