Updated October 2026 · 7 min read · By Life Advice Insurance Inc., independent broker in Kitchener, Ontario
Key takeaways
If you are a retiree in Kitchener, Waterloo or Guelph getting ready to head to Florida or Arizona this winter, now is the time to sort out coverage. OHIP pays only small daily amounts for emergency care outside Canada, and U.S. hospital bills can be very high. This guide shows what to check before you leave.
In this guide
Every winter, many Ontario retirees head south to Florida, Arizona, Texas and beyond. U.S. health care is among the most expensive in the world, so the right snowbird insurance is essential.
OHIP pays only limited amounts for emergency care outside Canada, only small daily amounts for a hospital stay. A single night in a U.S. hospital can cost many thousands of dollars. Without private insurance, you would pay the difference.
To keep OHIP, Ontario residents generally need to be physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days in any 12-month period. That means most snowbirds may be away for up to about 212 days (special rules apply to longer absences, so confirm with ServiceOntario before a long trip). Check the current rules with ServiceOntario before you plan a long trip.
Most snowbird plans require a medical questionnaire. The answers decide your rate and which conditions are covered. Stable conditions are often covered if there have been no changes in treatment or medication for a set period before departure. Answer every question carefully and accurately.
Some plans let you return to Canada for a short visit without ending your coverage. Others treat the return as the end of the trip. Read this rule before you book a mid-winter visit home.
A short emergency hospital stay in the U.S. can be very expensive, and serious emergencies with surgery cost far more; costs vary by country and hospital. Ambulance and air ambulance charges are also very high. OHIP's small daily payments cover only a fraction of these costs.
Snowbirds usually choose between:
The annual option can be cheaper if you also take other short trips during the year. We price both so you can compare.
Most snowbird plans ask about your health, medications and recent changes. Your answers place you in a rate category. Tips:
An incorrect answer can lead to a claim being denied, so take your time.
If a condition has changed recently, it may not be covered. Common stability periods are 90, 180 or 365 days before departure. Some plans offer a choice: a lower price with a longer stability period, or a higher price with a shorter one.
Couples may get a discount, but each person answers their own medical questions and gets their own rate. If one spouse has more health conditions, separate plans may cost less overall.
If you drive to the U.S., check your auto insurance for out-of-country coverage and liability limits. Travel medical insurance does not cover vehicle damage or liability.
Some snowbirds rent condos or homes for the winter. Trip interruption coverage can help if you must come home early for a covered reason. Check what your rental agreement says about cancellations.
Buying well before departure gives you time to compare, complete the questionnaire carefully and ask questions. It also helps if you need trip cancellation coverage for non-refundable costs.
Hypothetical example: Imagine a retired couple from Waterloo who spend five months in Florida each winter. They used to buy a single 150-day plan each year. After comparing, they find that an annual plan with a 30-day base trip length plus a top-up for the extra days costs less and also covers their short summer trips to visit family in the U.S. Because the husband had a medication change in the fall, they choose a plan with a 90-day stability period and make sure the change happened well before their departure date.
To keep OHIP, Ontarians generally must be in Ontario 153 days in any 12 months. OHIP pays only small daily amounts for emergency care abroad, so private coverage does the heavy lifting.
Want a side-by-side quote? Our office is at 912 Isaiah Pl, Kitchener, ON N2E 0B6. We are open Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed Sunday). Call 1-855-500-5041.
When your house sits empty for months, your home insurance rules may change.
Every home policy is different, so read yours or ask your insurer.
Life Advice Insurance Inc. compares snowbird and long-stay travel plans from leading Canadian insurers. Call 1-855-500-5041 for a free quote, Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
You can compare plans online, and we explain them in English, Hindi or Punjabi.
Get a free quote
Get a snowbird quote for your exact winter dates and compare long-stay medical plans on our travel insurance page. Call 1-855-500-5041 or visit 912 Isaiah Pl, Kitchener, Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Help in English, Hindi and Punjabi.
Compare quotes online Call 1-855-500-5041Generally you must be in Ontario at least 153 days in any 12-month period, so up to about 212 days away (special rules apply to longer absences, so confirm with ServiceOntario).
Some plans allow a short return without ending coverage; others do not. Check before booking.
Most snowbird plans require one. Your answers decide your rate and coverage.
Most plans cover you until you return home or the policy ends. Some refund unused days if you return early and no claim has been made.
Many insurers offer snowbird plans to age 80 or older, with a medical questionnaire. Prices rise with age.
Yes, it is a good idea. Many home policies have rules for homes left empty, such as regular checks or keeping the heat on. Call your home insurer before you leave.
Renew it at ServiceOntario before you leave. Check the expiry date on your card as part of your trip planning.