Bird Talk

Posted date : Nov 7, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk, As a snowbird going to Florida for five months each year we felt discriminated against in the federal election. We were in Florida when the election was called. We did contact Elections Canada in Ottawa right away. The person who answered the phone spoke very poor English and could hardly understand me. […]

Posted date : Nov 7, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk, Every time we receive CSA News, we make it a point to read all the interesting articles from cover to cover and we wish to thank you and your collaborators for articles that are very interesting and hitting some of the points that are a concern to the members. In the last […]

Posted date : Nov 7, 2017.

We own a home in Arizona and have two vehicles registered and insured there. We have always maintained full insurance on the vehicles, even if we don’t use them for six months. I am assuming that there is a way to put them in “storage” status and save $$ on insurance. What do other people […]

Posted date : Nov 7, 2017.

In the spring, 2017 CSANews Issue 102, I questioned if any travel health insurance company covered travel in Canada at a reasonable rate. You responded that “the Medipac Annual plan covers unlimited 23-day trips anywhere in the world and also covers you for up to six months in Canada when outside your province of residence.” […]

Posted date : Nov 7, 2017.

I enjoy your Bird Talk letters and responses. What makes it so great is that, as snowbirds, we all have a lot in common and we share our experiences through your efforts. My concern is health insurance (a favourite topic among seniors). Within the last year or so, on two occasions acquaintances of ours were […]

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 […]