Tips for Snowbirds Heading South

The snowbirds are preparing to take flight and there are a few things every senior heading to warmer climes for the winter should think about before escaping the snow and cold.

Before locking up the house and heading south, check the resident requirement rules at your port of entry.  Usually Canadians can stay in the United States up to six months per year but each province’s health insurance has different residence requirements.  Stay too long can also mean filing a U.S. tax return, usually four months is the limit to how much time one can remain in the U.S. before filing a return.  For more detailed information about leaving and entering Canada, visit: http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states .

Seniors traveling out of Canada should always take out travel insurance and be honest about any pre-existing conditions to ensure the policy will be valid if and when coverage may be needed.  According to the Government of Canada, provincial health coverage may cover nothing or only a very small portion of the costs of health care abroad.  Hospitalization can cost the uninsured tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars even for a short stay.

If you are driving a car abroad, make sure your auto insurance will cover any accidents while out of the country.  Travel insurance is also a good idea to prevent flight cancellation, loss of luggage or document replacement from resulting in unexpected costs.

Pack extra medication, prescription glasses and back up any cell phone or computer data before traveling.  A signed doctor’s letter may improve your chances of getting all medications, including painkillers across the border.  Make photocopies of passports and other identification to be stored in a safe place at home where a trusted family member or friend will be able to find it should a document be lost.

Make sure someone is regularly checking in on your home while you are away.  Many insurance policies require someone checks on the home every three to four days.   It is advisable to make the house looked as lived-in as possible with the help of light timers (there are many that can be controlled with a smartphone app) and keeping property cleared of leaves or snow as well as any flyers that may start piling up at the front door.   For more tips and suggestions for getting your home ready before you travel visit: http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/sfttps/tp201007-en.aspx .