Snowbird tourism refers to travelers from Canada or the northern parts of the US who spend their winters in warmer southern regions either within the United States or in other countries. Given below is a list of popular destinations among Snowbird tourists. The list includes different states in the United States as well as attractive destinations in other countries.
For Canadian snowbirds, escaping the harsh winter and spending months in the warm southern states is a wonderful lifestyle. But while enjoying extended stays in the U.S., having the right travel health insurance is essential.
Without proper coverage, even a minor medical emergency can lead to huge out-of-pocket expenses that could disrupt your trip.
👉 At American Visitor Insurance, we provide a range of travel health insurance plans for Canadian snowbirds visiting the US to escape harsh winter conditions. You can explore our detailed resources such as pre-existing travel health insurance and senior travel insurance pages. We also offer annual multitrip plans for Canadians visiting the US during winters, helping travelers find the best travel medical insurance coverage at affordable prices.
Canadians traveling to the US for more than 30 days are required to register with US immigration authorities and provide fingerprints. This will be a strict enforcement of an existing law which was previously applied inconsistently and aims to improve compliance with US immigration regulations.
This new rule, issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), applies to all foreign nationals crossing the US-Canada land border who are 14 years or older and staying for more than 30 days in the USA. This will impact close to 3 million Canadians annually, including around 1 million "snowbirds" who spend extended winters in the US.
Canadian professionals on long-term assignments in the US must comply with the new registration and fingerprinting requirements. However, short-term visitors to the US, such as tourists and cross-border shoppers should not be impacted.
The cost of US health insurance for Canadian citizens varies depending on several key factors such as the traveler’s age, duration of stay, type of coverage, policy maximum, and deductible amount chosen. Hence, the premium cost of the travel medical insurance for Canadians in USA is not fixed and can differ for each traveler.
Each travel insurance plan for Canadians visiting the USA offers different benefits and coverage levels. There are two main types of travel insurance plans: a Fixed Benefit Plan and a Comprehensive Plan. Fixed benefit plans have set limits for specific medical expenses, while comprehensive plans offer extended protection up to the policy’s maximum limit.
Choosing the right US travel health insurance for Canadian visitors depends on individual needs, travel duration, and budget. Comparing multiple plans can help find the most suitable and affordable option for your trip.
The most affordable option for Canadian snowbirds visiting the U.S. is the Safe Travels Advantage plan, which starts at around $20 per month.
💵 Premiums can range from $20 to $155 per month, depending on:
Plan Name | Plan max range | Deductible | Age 40 | Age 60 | Age 70 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Safe Travels Advantage | $25,000 - $150,000 | $0 | $20 - $58 | $39 - $102 | $60 - $166 |
Visitors care | $25,000 - $100,000 | $100 | $25 - $47 | $40 - $75 | $66 - $152 |
Venbrook Essential | $25,000 - $150,000 | $0 | $26 - $81 | $49 - $124 | $68 - $147 |
Safe Travels Elite | $25,000 - $175,000 | $0 | $26 - $76 | $50 - $134 | $109 - $155 |
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
Plan name | Plan maximum | Age 40 | Age 60 | Age 70 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Safe Travels USA Cost Saver | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $71 - $117 | $139 - $250 | $237 - $299 |
Venbrook Premier | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $77 - $135 | $176 - $346 | $352 - $437 |
Visitors Preferred | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $77 - $144 | $148 - $301 | $253 |
Patriot America Lite | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $72 - $130 | $153 - $289 | $252 - $337 |
Patriot America Plus | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $77 - $139 | $164 - $311 | $287 - $434 |
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $90 - $168 | $172 - $351 | $294 - $470 |
SafeVista Comprehensive | $100,000 - $1,000,000 | $93 - $127 | $215 - $248 | $320 |
Diplomat America | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $125 -$214 | $229 - $301 | $353 |
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
Snowbird travel insurance is designed for travelers—often retirees or seasonal visitors—who spend extended periods away from home during the winter months. These “snowbirds” typically migrate from colder regions to warmer destinations such as Florida, Arizona, southern U.S. states, Mexico , the Caribbean, or even abroad to enjoy milder climates.
Healthcare in many popular snowbird destinations can be very expensive, especially in the United States. Without proper insurance, even a minor medical emergency could lead to overwhelming costs.
👉 Snowbird travel insurance provides peace of mind by safeguarding both your health and finances during long winter stays away from home. It ensures you can fully enjoy the sunshine without worrying about unexpected medical expenses.
Snowbirds often choose destinations based on climate, lifestyle, and healthcare access. While every location has unique attractions, insurance considerations remain essential for peace of mind during your seasonal stay.
Destination Type | Why Snowbirds Love It | Key Insurance Considerations |
---|---|---|
Warm U.S. States (e.g., Florida, Arizona) | Mild winters, established snowbird communities, strong healthcare infrastructure | Ensure coverage for hospitalization, acute onset of pre-existing conditions, and access to in-network providers |
Mexico & Central America | Affordable cost of living, beaches, vibrant culture | Choose plans with cashless medical service and emergency medical evacuation; check local hospital networks |
Caribbean Islands | Tropical climate, resort lifestyle | Focus on emergency medical coverage and hurricane/trip interruption protection; some facilities may require upfront payment |
Southern Europe (e.g., Spain, Portugal, Italy) | Culture, cuisine, mild winter climate | Verify insurance meets visa requirements (e.g., Schengen €30,000 minimum); check language support and local hospital network |
Southeast Asia & Tropical Destinations | Exotic locales, low cost of living | Ensure your plan covers private hospitals, medical evacuation, and travel assistance services |
Australia & New Zealand | English-speaking, temperate winters | Confirm visa insurance requirements; include coverage for adventure/outdoor activities if relevant |
Snowbirds often choose destinations based on climate, lifestyle, and healthcare access. While every location has unique attractions, insurance considerations remain essential for peace of mind during your seasonal stay.
Even in the most tourist-friendly destinations, health and safety are top priorities:
👉 A successful snowbird season combines travel, lifestyle, and safety planning. By selecting the right destination, securing appropriate Snowbird travel insurance, and preparing for health and logistics, snowbirds can enjoy a worry-free winter away from home.
Many Snowbird insurance plans provide coverage for the acute onset (a sudden and unexpected flare-up) of pre-existing medical conditions. This valuable feature helps protect older travelers during emergencies.
Some travel medical insurance policies include a waiting period before coverage for pre-existing medical conditions becomes effective. Review the policy details carefully to know when coverage starts.
Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may vary depending on the traveler’s age. Certain Snowbird travel insurance plans offer limited benefits or exclusions for older Canadian snowbirds.
Each Snowbird travel insurance plan defines what qualifies as a pre-existing condition and the scope of coverage. Reading the policy brochure helps ensure you understand plan limits and exclusions.
List of Snowbird insurance plans that cover pre-existing medical conditions:
Yes, most Snowbird travel insurance plans are renewable for long-term stays. These policies are ideal for Canadian Snowbirds and travelers who spend an extended time in another country, such as those who live part of the year in the USA and Canada or other destinations.
Many Snowbird insurance plans offer annual renewal options, allowing you to extend your coverage for another year as long as you continue to meet eligibility requirements. This provides continuous protection against unexpected medical emergencies while abroad.
Popular Renewable Plans for Long-Term Snowbird Stays:
Yes, Snowbird travel insurance typically includes coverage for medical evacuation. This essential benefit ensures that if you suffer a serious illness or injury while traveling, you can be transported safely to the nearest medical facility or even repatriated back to your home in Canada or the USA for further treatment.
Medical evacuation coverage provides peace of mind for Snowbirds who spend several months away from home, protecting them from costly emergency transport expenses.
Yes, Snowbird insurance plans can be purchased for multiple trips throughout the year, making them ideal for Canadian Snowbirds and travelers who frequently travel between cold and warm climates. These plans are perfect for individuals who split their time between the USA and Canada or other destinations.
Many Snowbird travel insurance plans offer annual coverage or multi-trip options, allowing you to be covered for several trips over a specific period, typically one year. Purchasing a multi-trip plan can save both time and money compared to buying separate policies for each individual trip.
American Visitor Insurance is your One-Stop Shop for Snowbird Coverage American Visitor Insurance partners with top rated US insurance providers like International Medical Group (IMG), Trawick International, and Global Underwriters to offer the best snowbird travel insurance plans for Canadians all in one place.
Use our easy online compare engine to review several top insurance plans side by side and choose the best snowbird insurance coverage for your travel schedule, budget, and medical needs for destinations across the US, Mexico, the Caribbean, and other warm-weather regions.
American Visitor Insurance has been offering Snowbird insurance for nearly two decades now providing thousands of Canadian and international snowbirds easy purchase insurance options through our platform before heading south for extended stays in Florida, Arizona, Texas, Mexico, or island getaways in the Caribbean.
Our licensed knowledgeable customer support team helps travelers understand coverage options, policy benefits, and claim procedures so you can make informed decisions with complete peace of mind.
Enjoy medical coverage for emergencies, hospital care, and evacuation, backed by leading international insurers and extensive PPO networks across North America and beyond.
Compare, choose, and buy your plan online at American Visitor Insurance in minutes with 24/7 assistance available whenever you need help during your travels.
For Canadian Snowbirds spending extended winter stays in the USA, selecting a travel health insurance plan that is cost-effective yet comprehensive is essential. These plans ensure protection against unexpected medical emergencies, pre-existing condition flare-ups, and other travel-related risks.
The reason Florida is the most popular snowbird destination is its sunshine almost year-round and the lifestyle options available. From the busy beaches and nightlife of Miami, to the theme parks in Orlando, and retirement communities in Naples, loads of snowbirds choose Florida for the lifestyle options available.
The warm, dry climate, desert landscape, and golf friendly winter make Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson popular Snowbird destinations for those who prefer sun with less humidity.
The Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi are popular because of their milder winter climate, culture, and low cost of living.
Palm Springs, San Diego, and cities near the coast in southern California provide a lifestyle for snowbirds with great weather, beaches, and a relaxed way of life for snowbirds that want to relax, have an increase in activity..
Las Vegas and Henderson have become one of the hottest snowbird spots because of their affordability, sunshine, and so many entertainment options.
Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head are popular golf communities with great golf courses, popular beach towns, and good winter weather.
Albuquerque and Santa Fe draw snowbirds with their desert warmth, art culture, and heritage.
These underrated destinations can offer snowbirds sandy beaches, welcoming communities, and the slower pace of life.
Explore top snowbird destinations for Canadians seeking warm winter escapes. From tropical beaches to cultural hotspots, these locations are ideal for long winter stays, travel health coverage, and safe travel experiences.
Travel tips for international travelers – Safety, Comfort and Wellness
Explore top global travel destinations and tourism hotspots around the world. Enjoy a diverse range of experiences from culture, adventure, sightseeing, and more!
Read more »Indulge in international tourism experiences tailored to your interests: Golfing, Skiing, Wildlife tours, cultural exploration, and more for global travelers.
Read more »Discover US states renowned for their beautiful beaches, national parks, scenic landscapes, and unique cultural attractions. Perfect for travelers and snowbirds alike.
Read more »Explore US cities famous for their glitz, glamor, museums, nightlife, and cultural experiences. Ideal for tourism, long-term stays, and snowbird travelers seeking adventure.
Read more »Confused whether to buy trip, travel or global health insurance? Understand the differences!
Choose international travel insurance resources for travel outside your home country.
Read more »Important factors to consider while choosing the best travel medical insurance for your trips.
Read more »Understanding different US travel insurance options, including fixed benefits and comprehensive coverage.
Read more »Guidance for travelers on insurance claims and accessing medical care in US hospitals.
Read more »You can find reliable US insurance providers like International Medical Group (IMG), Seven Corners, WorldTrips, Global Underwriters, Travel Insure, GeoBlue, Travelex, INF Insurance, HTH Worldwide, and Venbrook International.
Snowbird travel insurance
Canadians to USA
Canadians student insurance
Canadian Seniors travel insurance
Expatriate insurance
Canadian Annual travel insurance
Pre-existing conditions
Green Card holders insurance
Canada Cruise insurance