What Snowbirds Need To Know (35-6)
By Jonathan Lee |
Canadian
Snowbirds Can Enjoy Peace Of Mind With Proper Planning.
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Rich
reds, yellows, oranges, and browns are beginning to appear on
foliage, providing indisputable proof of fall’s arrival.
Inevitably, winter will soon be at our doorstep. And just as
Canada’s birds begin their migration to warmer climates,
thousands of Canadians are making plans for their escape from
winter.
Each passing year has shown that an increasing number of ‘snowbirds’
are discovering the advantages of RV travel. The term ‘snowbird’
typically refers to Canadian retirees or American retirees from
the Northern or Midwestern United States, who travel to warmer
locations for the winter months, such as California, Mexico,
Texas (where snowbirds are sometimes called “winter Texans”),
Arizona, and Florida. While the Southern United States is still
the most popular destination, some newer snowbirds have changed
their behaviour, heading to havens outside of North America,
like Australia and New Zealand.
Their journey is often referred to as a ‘pilgrimage’,
but despite how carefree the snowbird style of living may sound,
a lot of planning and preparation is involved in making sure
that their travels turn out as desired. Before making their
trip down to their winter getaway, there are several matters
that should be addressed. For instance, what should you remember
to arrange with your neighbour before leaving your fixed address
for several months? What can, and can’t, you bring across
the border? How long can you leave your home province before
you lose your OHIP coverage? What kind of insurance should you
have? On top of that, recent discussions regarding U.S. national
security have left many Canadians and Americans watching closely
to see what future border-crossing policies will involve.
Some Canadian snowbirds are very concerned that the amount of
time they can spend in the United States might be drastically
reduced, infringing on their lifestyle. Thankfully, there are
those who bring clarity to issues affecting Canadians who travel
out of country for extended periods of time.
Snowbird Advocates
“The CSA is dedicated to actively defending and improving
the rights and privileges of travelling Canadians,” says
Lawrence Barker, executive director of the Canadian Snowbird
Association (CSA).
The CSA was created in 1992 after the Ontario Government of
the day reduced the out of country medical reimbursement from
$400 to $100. Formed by seniors who had a vested interest in
the issue, the CSA quickly found itself more than 1,000 members
strong. The group was successful in getting the payments reinstated
to their original levels. Today the advocacy organization has
70,000 card-holding members.
The organization prides itself on maintaining a face-to-face
relationship with its members and potential new customers through
a “hands-on” approach, holding a series of lifestyle
presentations throughout British Columbia and Ontario where
people are entertained, can ask questions about the CSA, receive
health tips, and generally stay informed on issues related to
out-of-country travel (Check the CSA website to find out if
there’s a presentation in your area). The CSA hold similar
events for snowbirds, already in their ‘ideal’ temperature
zone, south of the border. Florida, Arizona, and Texas will
all host extravaganzas, with the 13th Annual Snowbird Extravaganza
in Florida recognized as the largest assembling of Canadians
out of country.
Lawrence explained some of the benefits of joining the CSA.
“You can be sure that we’ll be fighting for your
rights on issues like your right to travel to the United States,
and health reimbursement. Members will receive a quarterly magazine
called CSA News (filled with travel tips and interesting features),
an annual travel information guide that will keep you up-to-date
on the latest border crossing policies, and a travellers’
checklist. Also, we offer several special services, like our
Currency Exchange Program facilitated by the Bank of Montreal,
the CSA Auto Club, and excellent health insurance rates through
Medipac.”
CSA members stay informed thanks to regular news updates on
border-crossing issues, sent via email. The immensely useful
travellers’ checklist provides reminders on what not to
forget before leaving, a 24-page booklet that has been compiled
by conducting interviews with active snowbirds. All of the questions
related to travel posed earlier can be found in these valuable
resources.
Given its previous success on the reimbursement issue, the CSA
knows that there is power in numbers. In fact, it’s by
means of its large membership that the organization is able
to make its programs so advantageous for its members. For instance,
the Currency Exchange program pools the funds of its participants,
giving the CSA bulk purchase exchange rates. In turn, the savings
are reflected by better exchange rates offered to members who
are transferring funds between their Canadian and U.S. bank
accounts.
Membership with the CSA costs $20 for up to two people with
the same address.
Travelling Insurance
A long stay in another country requires more than simply understanding
the ins and outs of trip preparation and border crossing policies.
You also have to ensure that you and your family’s health
will be protected. Then of course there’s your method
of travel and accommodations, your RV, which is often a huge
investment, and certainly warrants protection. Acquiring the
appropriate coverage for a long stay out of country doesn’t
promise much fun, but it could mean the difference between an
averted disaster and bankruptcy.
For those new to the snowbird lifestyle, the prospect of purchasing
medical coverage can seem overwhelming with so many policy details
to consider. A few industry experts offered their advice on
things to consider before committing to a plan.
“Sometimes there are fine-print exclusions that don’t
cover a pre-existing medical condition,” warns Christopher
Bradbury, vice president of Medipac Communications.
“Medipac gathers information on medical conditions that
a customer may already have, and then matches them with an appropriate
plan to cover them if possible.”
Medipac has provided medical insurance for Canadians for more
than 20 years. It operates its own medical emergency assistance
company, Medipac Assist, so clients have immediate access to
nurses and doctors in the event of a medical emergency. Assistance
is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the medical
team can quickly direct you to the nearest hospital or medical
clinic. The company also caters to RVers in its policies, making
provisions to make sure a customer’s spouse and RV get
home in case of a serious health issue that requires a longer
stay at the hospital. On top of that, Medipac has the continued
endorsement of the Canadian Snowbird Association, something
the organization has received consecutively for the past 14
years.
It’s essential to know all of the fine details of your
insurance policy. Assuming everything will be fine if you need
to make a claim could lead to trouble.
“Never assume anything,” advises Conrad Vachon,
president of On The Road Again Insurance. “With some insurance
companies, you may find that you’re ok for the first 30
days, but after that, the longer you stay in the US the larger
the surcharge will be in the event of a claim. Some insurance
companies may not even insure you if you’re in the United
States for more than 90 days.”
On The Road Again Insurance is a division of Vachon Enright
& Peter Insurance Ltd, an insurance brokerage representing
more than 12 insurance companies. The company has been in business
since 1963, and has insured RVs for the last 25 years. On The
Road Again prides itself on its “Pay As You Go Policy”,
allowing customers to reduce coverage when their RV is not in
use, thus lowering premiums.
“Many companies will require you to pay your own expenses
up front unless you’re actually hospitalized,” explains
Richard Perkins, account executive with HUB International. “A
medical emergency away from home can be financially devastating,
so be sure you know how the policy works.”
HUB International Limited is one of North America’s largest
insurance brokerages, and has approximately 3,300 employees
working in nearly 200 offices. They specialize in both commercial
and personal insurance coverage.
“If you’re taking an RV, you may also want to speak
to your agent to make sure you have an adequate liability limit,”
Richard further recommended.
If you’re a snowbird living in your RV for several months
at a time, chances are that you’ve made a substantial
investment in it. Therefore, most insurance companies recommend
that travelling RVers have at least $1,000,000 dollars coverage.
Insurance costs will fluctuate depending upon several factors,
including the type of coverage you get, your deductible, age,
and status of health.
“The onus is on the insured not the insurer to disclose
properly, so look at what is not covered as compared to what
is covered, says Jeanne Foot, an employee benefit consultant
with Ralph Moss Ltd, a leading benefit consulting firm that
specializes in all types of health insurance. “Many snowbirds
think that they have excellent coverage until they have to make
a claim. We take our clients through a screening process that
insures they understand what they are purchasing. If clients
don’t meet the requirements, we can offer medical underwriting
where the client is offered coverage excluding a certain condition
or offer full coverage at a higher rate.”
Regardless of where you decide to hide from the snow, staying
informed and having sufficient protection will only better serve
to keep your mind at ease as you soak in the sun and hospitality
of another well spent winter.
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