“Senior Travel level are expected to hit the highest levels in the last thirty years” reports the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada. The THIA is expecting a surge in Snowbird trips due to the recent increase in the Canadian Dollar. For the first time in nearly three decades Canadian seniors wintering in the United States will have near even purchasing power for lodging, transportation, food, and other necessities of daily life.

Other interesting Snowbird travel statistics cited in recent reports are;

• Statistics Canada – In 2006, Canadian overnight travel topped the highest levels in 13 years. The number of overnight trips to the USA reached 16 million. The 2006 year over year growth rate in USA trips is 7.2 percent.
• Conference Board of Canada – Pleasure trips to the USA grew by 16.7% to 1.8 million for the three month period between November 2006 and January 2007 over the same period in 2005.

The Conference Board of Canada also cites that nearly 85% of all Snowbirds purchase private health insurance while residing in the USA. Snowbirds understand the limitation of their respective provincial health insurance coverage and choose to protect themselves while living out of their home province.American Heath care costs have risen 8 percent in 2006 reinforcing the need to purchase private medical insurance.

SeniorsTravelInsurance.ca recommends that Canadian Snowbirds compare coverages and rates from several leading Canadian and international insurance companies to ensure proper coverage for their trip. For unbiased, independent online travel insurance quotation and comparison system please visit our sister site www.travelInsuranceQuotes.ca