Every year, tens of thousands of Canadians migrate to the state of Florida to escape the cold winter weather.  The Snowbird Extravaganza is a homecoming and a celebration of this unique way of life which takes place from January 28th & 29th at the RP Funding Center.  

Celebrate the "Snowbird Lifestyle” at North America’s Largest Mature Lifestyle Show.  This fun-filled event includes hundreds of exhibits, keynote speakers, interactive feature areas, and the event is further enhanced by 3 stages of live world-class entertainment. 

We are thrilled to announce that the Snowbird Attorney will be attending the Snowbird Extravaganza, and we would love for you to stop by! Swing by Booth 72, say hello, and take a fun selfie with us!  Not only will you have a blast, but you will also have the chance to win exciting prizes.

But that is not all!  Your expert in cross-border injury law will be on hand to help you understand how you can protect your rights while enjoying the snowbird lifestyle.

Here’s how you can join in on the fun:

1. Visit Booth 72 at the Snowbird Extravaganza.
2. Say hello and snap a selfie with us!
3. Enter to win awesome prizes.
4. Learn valuable tips on how to protect yourself when crossing borders and staying safe while traveling.

Canadian Snowbirds flock from all over Florida to enjoy this fun-filled event. A consumer show with products and services of local and national organizations showcasing hundreds of exhibits: Travel & Destinations, Health & Wellness, Fashion & Lifestyle, Technology and Vacation Rentals. interactive areas include Seminars, Cooking Show, Bingo, Internet Café, and The Canadian Hockey Challenge as well as The Snowbird Attorney who will be located at booth 72.  

Snowbird Extravaganza is a flagship event, held in Florida since 1995.  The venue - the RP Funding Center (formerly the Lakeland Center), is well known to Florida consumers and boasts more than 80,000 square feet of renovated show space.

FREE Admission 
January 28:  9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
January 29:  9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Venue: RP Funding Center located at 701 W Lime St. in Lakeland, Florida.

We cannot wait to meet you, answer your questions, and share helpful advice to keep you safe and informed. See you there! 

For more information about the event please visit:  Snowbird Extravaganza – North America's Largest Mature Lifestyle Show

As a Canadian enjoying the warmth and sunshine of the United States, the last thing you want to worry about is a car accident. However, accidents can happen, and if you're injured in the U.S., it's crucial to understand how to protect your Canadian insurance benefits. These benefits can be significantly more substantial than those available in the U.S., often reaching $1 million or more for serious injuries.

Don't Assume Your U.S. Lawyer Knows Canadian Insurance
Even if you have a lawyer in the United States handling your accident claim, it's essential to consult with an experienced cross-border personal injury lawyer. U.S. attorneys may not be familiar with the intricacies of Canadian insurance law and the steps required to preserve your rights to benefits.

Coordinating Insurance Claims and Benefits
A cross-border lawyer can help you coordinate your insurance claims and benefits on both sides of the border. This includes:

• Notifying your Canadian insurer of the accident and any potential claims.
• Filing the necessary paperwork to initiate your accident benefits claim in Ontario.
• Ensuring compliance with all deadlines and requirements under Ontario insurance law.
• Coordinating with your U.S. attorney to avoid jeopardizing your Canadian benefits.
• Advising you on how to maximize your recovery from all available insurance sources.

Failure to Act Can Result in Lost Benefits
Failing to take the necessary steps to protect your Canadian insurance benefits can have serious consequences. You could lose out on valuable coverage that you're entitled to, leaving you with significant financial burdens.

Key Takeaway
If you're a Canadian injured in a car accident in the United States, don't wait to seek advice from a cross-border personal injury lawyer. We can help you navigate the complex insurance landscape and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. Remember, your Canadian insurance benefits can be a lifeline after a serious accident, and it's crucial to take the necessary steps to protect them.

For Canadian snowbirds and travelers, an unexpected injury in the United States can be a stressful and life-altering experience. While travel health insurance can provide financial protection, it often comes with strings attached. A common scenario we encounter involves insurance companies pressuring injured Canadians to return to Canada as soon as possible, even when staying in the U.S. for medical treatment would lead to better health outcomes.

In this article, we’ll explore the challenges Canadians face when making healthcare decisions after an injury in the U.S., highlight the excellent medical care available stateside, and provide real-world examples of how premature returns to Canada have jeopardized health and recovery.

Pressure to Return: The Role of Travel Health Insurance
Travel health insurance is invaluable for covering medical expenses when accidents happen abroad. However, many policies are structured to minimize the insurer’s costs. This often leads to injured individuals being pressured to return to Canada as soon as they are deemed “medically stable” for transport. Unfortunately, being stable for travel doesn’t always mean being fully ready to continue recovery back home.

Why the rush? The insurance company’s priority is to transfer the financial burden to Canada’s healthcare system. This can leave injured individuals in a precarious position—forced to interrupt their treatment plans and navigate delays in Canada’s already strained healthcare system.

The US boasts world-class healthcare:
The United States is home to some of the most advanced medical facilities and specialists in the world.  From cutting-edge technology to renowned surgeons, the quality of care available is often unparalleled.  Injured Canadians treated in the U.S. often have access to:

• Timely Surgeries and Procedures: Unlike Canada, where non-emergency surgeries can be delayed due to long waitlists, the U.S. system enables faster scheduling of necessary procedures.
• Specialized Care: U.S. hospitals frequently have advanced equipment and specialized teams ready to address complex injuries without unnecessary delays.
• Continuity of Treatment: Completing your care in the same facility where your treatment began ensures better coordination and reduces the risk of complications.

The Risks of Returning to Canada Prematurely
While returning to Canada may seem logical, doing so too quickly can jeopardize your recovery. Here are examples from real cases:

• Delayed Surgeries: One Canadian client sustained severe fractures in an accident. The U.S. hospital had already scheduled surgery with a top orthopedic specialist. However, their travel insurance arranged for them to return to Canada prematurely. Upon arrival, the individual faced a two-week delay for surgery, during which time complications developed, prolonging recovery and increasing pain.
• Interrupted Rehabilitation: Another client had begun intensive physiotherapy following surgery in the U.S. Returning to Canada meant starting over with new providers, leading to delays and lost progress. The gap in care caused stiffness and reduced mobility that could have been avoided by completing treatment in the U.S.
• Compromised Outcomes: In one case, a patient with a spinal injury returned to Canada only to find that the recommended follow-up procedure wasn’t available locally. The delay in treatment worsened their condition, resulting in permanent limitations that might have been prevented with uninterrupted care in the U.S.

Making the Best Decision for Your Health
If you are injured in the United States, it is crucial to advocate for your health and make informed decisions. Here are some tips to navigate this situation:

• Understand Your Policy: Review your travel health insurance coverage thoroughly. Ask questions about your rights and options for continued care in the U.S.
• Consult with Medical Professionals: Listen to the recommendations of your treating physicians in the U.S. They are often best positioned to advise on the timing of your care and whether travel is safe.
• Speak with a Lawyer: If you feel pressured by your insurance company to return prematurely, consulting a personal injury lawyer experienced in cross-border cases can help protect your interests.

What to Consider:
Imagine this: you're lying in a US hospital bed, your leg in a cast after a car accident. Your doctor outlines a clear treatment plan, including surgery and physiotherapy, all available within the next few weeks. But your travel insurance provider is pushing for your return to Canada.  What should you do?

First, think about how serious your injury is. Does it demand immediate, specialized attention?  Is it something that could worsen significantly with even a minor delay in treatment?

Next, consider the urgency of the situation. What are the potential consequences of postponing your surgery or rehabilitation? Could it mean a longer recovery time, increased pain, or even long-term complications?

Now, picture yourself back in Canada. Can you easily access the same level of specialized care?  Will you be able to see the necessary specialists as quickly as you need to?  Think about the potential wait times for surgery, specialist appointments, and rehabilitation services.

Finally, consider your rehabilitation needs. What kind of therapy will you require, and how accessible is it in Canada? Will you face long waitlists or limited sessions?  Remember that consistent, timely rehabilitation is often crucial for a full recovery.

To help you make an informed decision, ask yourself these key questions:

• Severity of your injury: Is it a condition that requires immediate, specialized care?
  
• Urgency of treatment: What are the potential consequences of delaying treatment?
  
• Access to specialists: Can you access the necessary specialists in a timely manner in Canada?
  
• Rehabilitation needs: What rehabilitation services will you require, and how readily available are they in Canada?

Our Advice:
Don't let pressure from insurance companies or your own desire to be home compromise your health.  If you're injured in the US, carefully weigh the pros and cons of returning to Canada before your treatment is complete.  Consult with your doctors, consider the potential consequences of delays, and advocate for your well-being.

If you or a loved one has been injured while traveling in the United States and are receiving medical treatment in a US Hospital, you may have questions or concerns about your rights.  Call us day or night to request a Free Consultation with a lawyer experienced in assisting Canadians injured in the United States.  Complete our contact form on our website or call us toll free 24/7 at 866-234-6093. 

If you're a Canadian planning to travel to the United States, you may wonder whether your car insurance will cover you in the event of a car accident. Traveling to the United States can be enjoyable, but understanding the scope of your insurance coverage is essential for peace of mind and financial protection.

One of the most common concerns for Canadians injured in U.S. car accidents is whether their Canadian auto insurance will cover their medical expenses. The answer is, “it depends.” Here's what you need to know:

Medical Coverage and Canadian Car Insurance
In Canada, auto insurance policies typically include medical benefits coverage, often referred to as Accident Benefits or Section B Benefits in some provinces. These benefits are designed to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and in some cases, income replacement following a car accident, regardless of fault.

Most Canadian car insurance policies extend this coverage when you're involved in a car cras in the United States.  In fact, many policies will provide you with medical expenses coverage even if you are not driving your own vehicle at the time of the accident.  However, the extent of this coverage may vary depending on your specific policy and the province in which it was issued.

Coverage Limits May Differ
Medical costs in the United States are notoriously high compared to Canada. Even if your Canadian insurance provides coverage in the U.S., it may have limits that are quickly exceeded due to the steep costs of American healthcare.  For example, if your policy has a cap of $65,000 for medical benefits, this amount might not stretch far in the U.S., especially for severe injuries requiring hospitalization or surgery.

Optional Extended Coverage
To ensure you're adequately protected, consider purchasing additional coverage before heading to the United States. Supplemental travel insurance may help cover medical costs and provide additional protection beyond what your car insurance offers.

Cross-Border Legal Expertise Can Help
If you're a Canadian injured in a car accident in the U.S., navigating the legal and insurance systems of another country can be daunting. This is where the Snowbird Attorney and our experienced team in cross-border injury claims, can be invaluable.

We are the lawyers that other lawyers call to help Canadians injured in the United States recover the compensation they deserve, whether through their own insurance, the at-fault driver's insurance, or additional legal avenues.  Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get back on the road to recovery.