Orlando Harmon
Snowbirds, or people who split their time between two places in retirement, have a lot to consider when it comes to their health care plans. It is important for snowbirds to have a medical insurance plan that follows them wherever they go, as they may otherwise be stuck with massive costs for out-of-state care. There are several options for snowbirds seeking medical insurance, including Medicare Advantage plans, supplement plans, and travel insurance. Snowbirds should consider their unique needs, such as their travel habits, age, and medical conditions, when choosing a medical insurance plan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Company | HealthPartners, Medipac Travel Insurance, Snowbird Advisor Insurance, Ontario Blue Cross |
| Plan | Medicare Advantage, MedipacMAX, Medigap |
| Coverage | Prescription drugs, emergency assistance, pre-existing medical conditions |
| Discounts | Claim-free, new clients |
| Availability | Single trip, annual plan |
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What You'll Learn
Travel insurance options for snowbirds
If you're a snowbird, it's important to have a Medicare Advantage plan that travels with you wherever you go. You'll want coverage at any clinic or hospital that accepts Medicare in the country or countries you're visiting. A Medicare Advantage plan will ensure that you pay the same amount for care no matter where you are, and if you have a prescription drug plan (Medicare Part D), it will often be valid wherever you are too.
There are several travel insurance options for snowbirds, each with its own unique benefits and coverage levels. Here are some popular choices:
Medipac Travel Insurance
Medipac Travel Insurance is endorsed by the Canadian Snowbird Association. It covers most stable pre-existing conditions, regardless of age, and offers comprehensive coverage of up to $5 million USD, including COVID-19. Medipac Assist provides guidance through foreign medical systems and arranges direct payments to providers. Medipac also offers short-term travel insurance for trips as short as a week. Returning Medipac clients receive premium discounts of up to 10%, and new clients can also qualify for savings.
Snowbird Advisor Insurance
Snowbird Advisor Insurance specializes in providing Canadian snowbirds, boomers, and seniors with travel insurance solutions tailored to their unique needs. They offer a range of coverage options, including single-trip, multi-trip, top-up, and all-inclusive plans. Snowbird Advisor members receive exclusive discounts on select travel medical insurance plans, and their Personalized Travel Medical plans offer cost savings and extensive coverage. Their partners are members of the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THIA) and adhere to THIA's Bill of Rights.
HealthPartners
HealthPartners offers Medicare Advantage plans that provide coverage for snowbirds and frequent travellers. These plans are offered by private health insurance providers and may require you to seek care from specific in-network doctors. It's important to contact your insurance provider to understand the coverage available when travelling out of state.
When choosing travel insurance as a snowbird, it's important to consider factors such as pre-existing medical conditions, stability periods, age, travel habits, and the level of coverage required. Be sure to compare different insurance providers and plans to find the most suitable option for your specific needs and situation.
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Pre-existing conditions and medical history
When it comes to travel medical insurance for snowbirds, pre-existing conditions and medical history can significantly impact the coverage options and costs. Here are some key considerations:
Pre-existing Conditions:
Most standard travel medical insurance policies have stability requirements for pre-existing conditions. This means that your pre-existing medical conditions must have been stable for a specific period before purchasing your policy (usually 90, 120, or 180 days) for any related medical issues during travel to be covered. Failure to meet these stability requirements may result in denied coverage for any health issues associated with those conditions.
Personalized Travel Medical Policies:
Personalized travel medical insurance plans offer a more flexible alternative to standard policies regarding pre-existing conditions. These plans do not have stability clauses, eliminating the need for a stability period before obtaining coverage. As long as you fully disclose all your medical conditions during the application process, any pre-existing conditions will be covered. This approach ensures that your premiums are determined based on your unique medical profile, rather than being grouped with other travellers, which may result in higher premiums for healthier individuals in standard policies.
Coverage Options:
Some insurance providers, such as Medipac Travel Insurance, endorsed by the Canadian Snowbird Association, offer coverage for pre-existing conditions. Their plans are designed for clients with stable and controlled medical conditions, ensuring full coverage for all their medical needs. Additionally, personalized travel medical plans, like those offered by Snowbird Advisor Insurance, cater to travellers with serious medical conditions who may have been denied coverage by other providers. While premiums may be higher, these plans provide coverage where standard policies may fall short.
Medicare Advantage Plans:
For snowbirds, Medicare Advantage plans offered by private health insurance providers can be a good choice. These plans provide coverage throughout the United States, allowing you to receive care at any clinic or hospital that accepts Medicare. However, it's important to note that these plans typically require you to seek care from specific in-network doctors, so understanding the coverage available while travelling is essential.
In summary, pre-existing conditions and medical history are crucial factors in choosing the best medical insurance for snowbirds. Personalized travel medical policies offer flexibility and coverage for pre-existing conditions without stability requirements. However, full disclosure during the application process is imperative. Medicare Advantage plans can also provide comprehensive coverage for snowbirds, but understanding the network restrictions is necessary. Ultimately, evaluating your specific health needs and comparing different insurance options will help you make an informed decision.
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Medicare Advantage plans
If you're a snowbird, a Medicare Advantage plan can be a great choice as it follows you wherever you go. These plans are offered by private health insurance providers and typically require you to seek care from specific in-network doctors. However, some plans can include out-of-network coverage, but you may pay more for care.
It's important to note that not all Medicare Advantage plans offer the same travel benefits, so you'll want to call your insurance provider to understand the coverage available when travelling out of state. You can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another during the annual election period in the fall (October 15 to December 7) or during the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period (January 1 to March 31).
Additionally, if you have a prescription drug plan (Part D), it will often work wherever you are in the US, allowing you to fill your prescriptions at any contracted pharmacy.
When considering a Medicare Advantage plan, it's crucial to focus on potential out-of-pocket costs and monthly premiums, as these can vary between states. You should also keep in mind that if you choose a Medicare Advantage plan and later want to switch to a Medigap plan, you may need to undergo medical underwriting, which could result in denied coverage.
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Emergency assistance services
Medipac Travel Insurance, the preferred choice of the Canadian Snowbird Association, offers emergency assistance services from start to finish. Medipac Assist provides advice, guides patients through foreign medical systems, and arranges direct payments to providers. Medipac also covers most stable pre-existing conditions, regardless of age, and offers a discount program for exceptional value.
Desjardins travel insurance also includes a 24/7 travel assistance service, anywhere in the world, which can help with medical emergencies. This insurance covers transportation or repatriation for medical reasons and reimburses up to $5 million per person, per trip, for emergency medical care.
When choosing a travel insurance plan, it is important to consider your individual needs in case of an emergency or injury. It is also important to ensure that any activities you plan on participating in are covered by your standard travel health plan, and if not, that you can obtain coverage through extreme sports insurance.
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Medigap plans and their benefits
If you're a snowbird, a sunbird, or a frequent traveller, you should consider a Medicare Advantage plan that covers you wherever you go. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private health insurance providers, and you can call your provider to ask about the coverage available when travelling out of state. With Medicare, you'll have coverage at any clinic or hospital in the US that accepts it, and you'll pay the same amount for care no matter where you are. If you have a prescription drug plan (Medicare Part D), it will often be accepted wherever you are in the US as well.
Medigap is supplemental health insurance that can be purchased to help pay the extra costs of original Medicare. Medigap policies will only pay your coinsurance after you've paid the deductible, unless the policy also covers your deductible. Plans C and F, if you're eligible, and Plan G offer more comprehensive coverage and generally have higher premiums, but they cover the majority of Medicare cost-sharing. Plan G does not pay your annual Part B deductible, but Plans C and F do. Plans D and N provide good coverage for less money, but they do not cover Part B "excess" charges by some doctors or the Part B annual deductible. Plans K and L show how much they'll pay for approved services before you meet your out-of-pocket yearly limit and Part B deductible.
In Connecticut and New York, Medicare beneficiaries can buy a Medigap plan at any time without being denied. Other states, including California, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, allow you to switch plans at designated times. The cost of a Medigap plan will depend on your age, gender, location, and smoking status. For example, a 65-year-old nonsmoking man in Fort Myers, Florida, could pay $64 a month for a Plan K policy or $263 for Plan D. A 65-year-old nonsmoking woman in Wichita, Kansas, might pay $32 a month for a high-deductible Plan G policy versus $455 for a regular Plan G. Lower-cost policies might be sufficient if you are relatively healthy, but if something unexpected happens, your personal costs could skyrocket.
If you're a Canadian snowbird, the Canadian Snowbird Association exclusively endorses Medipac Travel Insurance. Medipac Assist offers advice, guides patients through foreign medical systems, and arranges direct payments to providers. Most clients with stable and controlled medical conditions can purchase Medipac Travel Insurance and have full coverage for all of their medical conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
A snowbird is someone who travels to warmer destinations during the winter.
The best medical insurance for snowbirds depends on their specific needs and situation. Snowbirds should consider their travel habits, age, and medical conditions when choosing an insurance plan. Some popular options include Medicare Advantage plans, supplement plans, and travel insurance.
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private health insurance providers and can provide coverage for snowbirds wherever they go. However, these plans typically require you to receive care from specific in-network doctors.
