Every fall, for many people, it’s the same little ritual: locking up their home in Quebec, getting the car ready… and heading to Florida. It’s not just a trip—it’s a seasonal migration. But what worries them every year is whether their travel insurance premiums will go up.
Take Martin and Louise, for example. Having spent their winters in the warmth for over 10 years, they thought they knew the drill inside and out. That is, until the day Martin had to see a doctor after taking a nasty fall while walking down a sidewalk a little too enthusiastically. Nothing dramatic… except for the bill. In U.S. dollars, of course. Once converted, let’s just say that morning coffee didn’t taste the same anymore. For a first-time claim, it was quite a surprise.
And that’s when you realize one of today’s realities: medical costs, especially in the United States, have risen significantly. Add to that a Canadian dollar that’s about 3% weaker than it was a year ago, which means the same bill costs even more once converted back here. That’s not the only reason behind the rise in premiums, but it’s part of the equation.
Another significant change: travel habits. More and more snowbirds are no longer taking a single long trip, but rather making several round trips during the winter. As a result, annual insurance policies are gaining popularity. They often offer more flexibility… and sometimes greater peace of mind.
Coverage is evolving as well. Certain benefits have been enhanced to reflect today’s reality. For example, if a health issue prevents you from driving your car back to Quebec, there’s coverage to handle that. And since these services cost more than before, this is inevitably reflected in the price of policies.
But if there’s one thing you absolutely must not overlook, it’s eligibility. Two insurance policies may seem similar, but their eligibility requirements can be very different. If you’re awaiting treatment or surgery, you may not be eligible for travel insurance coverage with certain insurers.
Also, be sure to provide accurate information when applying and verify that the answers on your documents are correct. A transcription error in your responses is always possible. Your age, medical history, the stability of your health prior to departure, and the length of your stay all make a significant difference in the premium.
In conclusion, today’s travel insurance simply adapts to a reality that has changed: higher costs, different habits, and more tailored coverage. It’s not necessarily a matter of paying more, but rather of fully understanding your needs in order to choose the right coverage, because at the end of the day, the goal remains the same: to spend the winter in the warmth, with peace of mind.
Best of luck with your preparations, everyone!
N.B. TRANSLATED BY DEEPL
