rdsLeave the winter behind.
Not your peace of mind.
We research emergency travel insurance providers and feature coverage options designed for Canadian snowbirds, so you do not have to sort through providers and complicated policy language yourself.
Find Your Match
Answer a few quick questions to help narrow where to start. No personal details needed.
Your answers stay on this page and help narrow where to start. Snowbyrds does not save your health answers.
What is your age range?
How Snowbyrds Works
- 1
Answer a few questions
Tell us your age range, trip length and whether health history may affect your coverage.
- 2
See where to start
Snowbyrds identifies the provider or next step worth reviewing first.
- 3
Quote directly with the provider
Complete your quote and purchase directly through the provider online or by telephone.
Where Should I Start?
No pre-existing medical condition?
Start with soNomad. Snowbyrds suggests soNomad as the first provider to quote for travellers who report no pre-existing medical conditions.
Have a pre-existing medical condition?
Use Find Your Match. Stability periods, medication rules and medical questionnaires differ between providers and products.
Snowbyrds identifies a suggested place to begin. The insurance provider determines your eligibility, premium and coverage.
I Have a Pre-Existing Condition. What Should I Do?
- 1
Check the stability period
Each provider determines how long a condition must remain stable before departure.
- 2
Review medication changes
Starting, stopping or changing a prescription can affect stability.
- 3
Consider recent medical activity
New symptoms, treatment, hospitalization, pending tests, consultations and referrals can affect coverage.
- 4
Answer every question accurately
The provider uses these answers to determine eligibility and coverage.
- 5
Call when anything is unclear
Ask the provider how its wording applies before purchasing.
Compare the Snowbyrds Shortlist
We have narrowed the market to four providers worth quoting. Compare their experience, health-history approach and quote options, then continue directly to the provider.
soNomad
Founded in 2019
Assessment
Suggested first quote when no pre-existing condition is reported
Pending confirmation
120-day trip to the United States, $0 deductible, illustrative sample rate
Health history
Medical questionnaire at age 60+. NomadX uses a fixed exclusion list. Nomad+ uses stability periods that vary by age, plan, and condition.
GMS
Serving Canadians since 1949
Assessment
Established Canadian health and travel insurance option
$997.04 CAD
120-day trip to the United States, $0 deductible, illustrative sample rate
Health history
Medical questionnaire at age 60+. Uses a 12-month condition disqualification list rather than a stability period.
TuGo
Canadian-owned and operated since 1964
Assessment
Strong all-around provider when health history needs review
$1,127.72 CAD
120-day trip to the United States, $0 deductible, illustrative sample rate
Health history
Medical questionnaire at age 60+. Uses age and trip-length stability periods for pre-existing conditions.
Allianz
Supporting Canadian travellers for more than 35 years
Assessment
Established global travel-assistance option
$1,368.52 CAD
120-day trip to the United States, $0 deductible, illustrative sample rate
Health history
Medical questionnaire at age 60+. Uses a 90-day stability period for pre-existing conditions.
These sample rates illustrate how pricing can differ between providers. Your actual premium will depend on your age, trip details, health information, deductible, and the provider's current rates.
Helpful Guides for Canadian Snowbirds
Practical advice for choosing coverage, understanding your health, and preparing for your winter away.
Winter Travel Trends for Canadian Seniors: What's New This Season
Longer stays, alternative destinations, digital health tools, and rising US medical costs are reshaping snowbird travel. Here are six trends and what they mean for your winter plans.
Why Travel Insurers Ask You to Call Before Receiving Treatment
Discover why contacting your travel insurer before seeking medical care is crucial to avoiding penalties and ensuring your claims are processed smoothly.
Why Credit Card Travel Insurance Is Not Enough for Canadian Snowbirds
Many Canadian credit cards include travel insurance, but the coverage limits, exclusions, and eligibility rules make it risky to rely on for a multi-month snowbird stay.
What to Do During a Medical Emergency While Travelling
A medical emergency abroad can be stressful, but being prepared makes all the difference. Learn the essential steps for calling your insurer, documenting your care, and avoiding costly penalties.
Snowbyrds Weekly
Get practical snowbird insurance guides, destination ideas and important travel updates by email.
Straight answers to common snowbird questions.
What does emergency medical travel insurance cover for Canadian snowbirds?
Depending on the plan, coverage may include eligible emergency hospital and physician services, ambulance transportation, diagnostic testing, prescription medication, emergency dental care and medically necessary transportation. All benefits are subject to the policy terms, limits, exclusions and approval requirements.
How much emergency medical coverage do I need as a snowbird?
Available coverage limits depend on the selected plan. Review the limit shown in your quote and policy, along with the deductible, exclusions and trip duration, before purchasing.
Does emergency medical travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Stable pre-existing conditions may be covered when all applicable eligibility and stability requirements are met. The required stability period depends on your age, medical condition and selected plan.
Does my provincial health plan cover me in the United States or Mexico?
Provincial health coverage outside Canada is limited and may reimburse only a portion of foreign medical expenses. Review your provincial plan and consider emergency travel insurance for eligible costs not covered by it.
Still have questions? Visit our full FAQ page or contact Snowbyrds.