Bird Talk » Insurance

Posted date : Nov 7, 2017.

My wife and I have travelled to Hilton Head, S.C. for the past two winters for three months each time. My question is, can we claim our travel insurance on our taxes? Murray Antram Mississauga, ON Response: Ed.: Yes! The Canadian Snowbird Association was instrumental in having travel medical insurance premiums deductible for tax purposes, […]

Posted date : Nov 7, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk, Similar to many other Canadian Snowbirds, my wife and I spend 179-180 days in the U.S. every winter, saving 2 or 3 days in case something unforeseen should happen, so as not to exceed the 182 days allowed by the B2 visa. Since Canadian and U.S. border services now share or will […]

Posted date : Nov 7, 2017.

In a previous bird talk forum, it was mentioned that P.E.I. is the only province that doesn’t allow seven months’ absence to retain their health plan. In checking online with the Quebec Health Plan, I see nothing that says that and it appears they are saying six months. I know this seems true as I […]

Posted date : Nov 7, 2017.

Does any travel health insurance company offer a policy for travel exclusively in Canada? If not, why not? It should be relatively inexpensive and cover those situations that your home province does not cover. Can you advocate on our behalf? Victor Wall Lac du Bonnet, MB Response: Ed: The Medipac Annual plan covers unlimited 23-day […]

Posted date : Nov 7, 2017.

After reading about the 180-day maximum vehicle insurance coverage period when in the U.S. in the last CSA News issue, I also contacted my Certas/State Farm agent, who was unaware of the 180-day limit but was subsequently advised by HQ that this is indeed (and has been) an annual maximum. He claims that this is […]

Posted date : Nov 7, 2017.

We just learned today that the company (Certas) that purchased State Farm Canada WILL NOT insure your vehicle for more than 180 days in the U.S. This was told to me at the renewal of our policy, by our local agent, and confirmed by a call to the company underwriters. In the past, with State […]

Posted date : Nov 7, 2017.

I am travelling to the U.S. in August with my truck and travel trailer and vacationing for three weeks in different states. I am planning on being in Tennessee at the end of the three weeks and then storing the truck and trailer for the winter and flying back to Canada. I am planning to […]

Posted date : Nov 7, 2017.

I recently read an article where a Canadian couple had to make a significant claim on their travel insurance. The insurance company then went after their in-province insurance company for a good portion of the claim. This reduced the total life claim available from the person’s normal health insurance. If the travel and health insurance […]

Posted date : Nov 7, 2017.

As a result of a recent medical trauma, I have discovered a disturbing aspect of the use of top-up insurance. In the event of a medical incident occurring late on the last day of primary insurance, it will probably not be covered by the primary insurer if treatment is not sought until the next day. […]

Posted date : Nov 7, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk, How many days can a resident of Ontario be out of the province before losing OHIP coverage? Shirley Lawson Norwich, ON Response: Ed.: You are allowed to travel out of the province for a period of seven months under Ontario regulations. You may apply for an extended absence and still maintain your […]