Every fall, like well-organized migratory birds, thousands of Quebecers head south of the 49th parallel to their little piece of paradise. Sun, swimming pools, golf, and… $400,000 in medical emergencies?
Yes, in the United States, a simple visit to the hospital can cost more than a condo in Trois-Rivières. Having good travel insurance isn’t an option, it’s your lifeline!
The story of Jean-Guy and Gisèle
Take Jean-Guy, for example. He’s 72 years old, loves pickleball, and has slightly unstable blood pressure. Last year, he forgot to tell his insurer that he had changed his medication dosage two weeks before leaving on vacation. The result? A hypertensive crisis in Sarasota, ambulance transport, and… a claim denial. Why? Because Jean-Guy was not medically stable.
But what is stability?
Good question. Many people believe that « stable » means feeling well. Unfortunately, for insurers, it’s a little more technical. Medical stability is a period during which there are:
– No dosage adjustments;
– No addition or withdrawal of medication;
– No ongoing tests or investigations;
– And most importantly, no newly diagnosed conditions.
The length of this period varies depending on the insurer and your age. It is often 90 to 180 days, but can be up to 365 days for older travelers or with certain standard policies. So, if your doctor increases your Metoprolol dosage from 50 to 100 mg three weeks before your departure, it counts. Even if you feel fit enough to play shuffleboard.
Are there exceptions? Yes, there are!
Some insurers are more flexible. For example, Tour+Med sometimes accepts reduced stability to 60 days for medications such as blood pressure medication. There are also specialized policies for pre-existing conditions or for those who have had recent minor changes. Just shop around—or give us a call at MedicFlorid International. We know the ropes.
Now is the time to shop around!
Travel insurance is a bit like airline tickets: the longer you wait, the more expensive it gets. Right now is discount season, and you can lock in your premium before insurers adjust to the market.
Bottom line?
Take care of your health… and your wallet. Don’t leave without good insurance, and make sure you’re really clear about your medical conditions. And if you’re confused by all this? Call us at MedicFlorid International. We’re here to guide you—no jargon, no judgment… just clear, human answers. https://medicflorid.ca
