For Canadian snowbirds, spending winter somewhere warm like Portugal can feel like second nature. After a few winters away, your favourite destinations, your regular golf course and the best place to catch the sunset can start to feel almost like home.
But even when you know a place well, you still have to be prepared for the “what ifs”.
These five real-life claims* illustrate how quickly a regular day on vacation can quickly turn into a trip to the hospital, and how TuGo can be there to help.
1. Headache Turned Aneurysm
David, a 53-year-old was enjoying a poker trip with friends in Nevada when he developed a sudden, severe headache that spread down his neck. An ambulance took him to hospital, where doctors discovered a brain bleed and an unruptured aneurysm.
He needed urgent surgery and spent a total of 41 days in hospital. Luckily, TuGo’s Emergency Medical Insurance helped cover more than $1.4 million in medical expenses, protecting him from a major bill.
2. A Swollen Cat Bite
Sarah, 61, was enjoying an extended vacation in Caye Caulker, Belize, when a cat bit her hand. She visited a local clinic and was prescribed antibiotics, but a few days later, her hand became significantly swollen.
She was referred to a hospital several hours away, and admitted for five days of IV antibiotics. TuGo’s Emergency Medical Insurance helped cover her medical and accommodation expenses for her husband so he could stay nearby, totalling more than $8,000.
It is easy to think of a cat bite as a minor vacation mishap. For Sarah, it turned into five days in hospital.
3. A Heart Condition That Took a Turn
Harold, 79, spends his winters enjoying his condo in Arizona. After several days of mild shortness of breath, his symptoms became much more severe.
He was taken to hospital, where doctors determined that his congestive heart failure was worsening. Harold spent three days in hospital receiving treatment.
Before travelling, Harold disclosed his heart condition and purchased Unstable Pre-Existing Medical Condition coverage. Because his condition had been stable for more than seven days before departure, his coverage covered over $131,000 from his emergency.
If you have an unstable pre-existing medical condition, check your coverage and stability period before you leave.
4. Shortness of Breath Became Something More
Marianne, a 70 year-old Canadian, was spending the winter in Albuquerque when she began experiencing shortness of breath. Her symptoms quickly progressed to lightheadedness and difficulty breathing.
She was taken to hospital and diagnosed with pneumonia and sepsis. Marianne spent 10 days in hospital before returning to Canada. During the claim review, it was discovered that Marianne had a previous history of pneumonia that she hadn’t disclosed on her Medical Questionnaire (MQ).
Rather than denying the claim completely, TuGo applied the $15,000 USD MQ deductible with the difference in premium, and covered the remaining $158,000 in medical expenses.
When completing your medical questionnaire, take your time and make sure your answers are accurate.
5. One E-Bike Ride Changed the Trip
Michael, 63, was exploring Palm Springs on an e-bike when he lost control, fell and hit his head, briefly losing consciousness. At the hospital, doctors found several injuries, including broken ribs and a collapsed lung. Michael spent two days in the hospital before continuing his recovery.
The cost? Over $359,000 in medical expenses. Thankfully, Michael purchased Emergency Medical Insurance before his trip, which helped cover his emergency treatment and hospital stay in another country.
The Part of Snowbird Planning You Can’t Afford to Skip
These travellers weren’t doing anything extraordinary. They were playing poker, e-biking, and enjoying their winter homes. Then, unexpectedly, something happened that none of them had planned for.
If you’re planning on spending weeks or months outside of your home province, it’s imperative to have adequate travel insurance, all while taking the time to understand your medical coverage before you leave.
After all, you’ve spent time planning where you’ll stay, what you’ll see and how you’ll spend your winter. Make sure your travel insurance is part of that plan, too. Because your winter getaway should be about sunshine, relaxation and making memories, not figuring out how to pay for an unexpected hospital stay.
Safe travels,
Monique
*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the applicable policy.
