In late 2012, the Canadian Snowbird Association distributed a survey to our Alberta members asking whether they would like us to work with the Alberta Government to increase out-of-country health coverage from six to seven months. The positive response to this survey was overwhelming as over 97% of respondents answered yes.
Since then, in conjunction with a very successful letter writing campaign from our membership, the CSA has been working with elected officials in Alberta and their staff members in order to obtain an additional month of coverage for long-term travelling residents.
The CSA is pleased to inform all Alberta snowbirds that the Alberta Government has, effective immediately, increased the amount of time residents may be absent from Canada from six to seven months or 212 days while still retaining their provincial health coverage. Alberta is now the fifth province in Canada to permit out-of-country absences over six months, along with Manitoba, Ontario, British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The CSA would like to thank Premier Alison Redford, the Honourable Fred Horne, Minister of Health and the Honourable Dave Quest, Associate Minister of Health for Seniors for their support and responsiveness to this matter.
If you have any questions or comments related to this increase, or any other issue, please contact the CSA office toll-free at 1-800-265-3200 or email us at csastaff@snowbirds.org.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Sincerely,
Bob Slack, President
Rick Thorpe, Director – Western Canada
“The Voice of Travelling Canadians”
Need extra coverage for your extended stay? CALL Medipac Travel Insurance!
