For many Canadian snowbirds, spending winter down south feels familiar and routine. Popular destinations, longer stays, and good health can create a false sense of security, but medical emergencies don’t follow routines. When they happen outside Canada, the financial impact can be significant without proper coverage.
Provincial healthcare plans offer little to no coverage outside a traveller’s home province, and credit card insurance often comes with low limits and strict exclusions. That’s why comprehensive Emergency Medical Insurance is especially important for senior travellers, who may face higher risks if unexpected illness or injury occurs abroad.
Robert*, a 69-year-old Canadian snowbird, learned this firsthand during a winter stay in Florida when a sudden heart condition required emergency surgery.
Senior suffers from heart block while snowbirding in Florida
While spending the winter in Florida, Robert started feeling unusually weak and short of breath. At first, his symptoms seemed minor, the kind many people might shrug off. But when they didn’t improve, he decided to play it safe and see a doctor.
The initial check-up suggested it might be something minor, but as his symptoms continued, he was referred to a hospital for further tests. That’s when doctors discovered a heart block, a serious condition that can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated.
Even though Robert had no previous heart issues and was otherwise healthy, the doctors determined he needed a permanent pacemaker right away. The surgery went ahead immediately, and after a few days in the hospital, he was able to go home and begin his recovery.
Why emergency medical insurance matters for snowbirds
Emergency medical care in the United States can be extremely expensive, even for short hospital stays. In Robert’s case, the total cost of his hospital care, surgery, and treatment exceeded $300,000.
Fortunately, he had purchased TuGo’s Emergency Medical Insurance before travelling. His eligible medical expenses were covered, taking away the financial strain during an already stressful situation and allowing him and his family to focus on his recovery rather than medical bills.
Want to learn about pre-existing medical conditions affect travel insurance coverage? Read Everything You Need to Know about Travel Insurance and Pre-existing Medical Condition Stability.
For senior travellers and snowbirds, Robert’s experience is an important reminder: medical emergencies can happen suddenly, even when you’re healthy and travelling somewhere familiar.
Remember, “budget-friendly” travel insurance usually isn’t enough. It’s essential to understand what your emergency medical travel insurance covers, including coverage limits, stability requirements for pre-existing medical conditions, and trip length eligibility.
Having comprehensive travel medical insurance gives you more than just financial protection. It helps you travel with peace of mind, so if the unexpected happens, you can focus on recovery, and enjoy your trip wherever it takes you.
Safe travels,
Monique
* Based on actual claim with specific traveller details changed to protect privacy.