If you split your time between two states, health insurance for snowbirds is one thing you can’t afford to overlook. Not all plans cover you the same way across state lines, and getting caught with limited access while you’re down south can be expensive and frustrating.
Each year, an estimated 1 to 1.5 million people spend the colder months in Florida alone (source). That’s a huge seasonal population shift, and many arrive with health plans that may not cover them while they’re here.
If you’re heading south this winter, it’s worth checking that your health care coverage will actually work in Florida.
At Absolute Best Insurance, we’ve been helping Florida residents and part-time residents make smart insurance choices for over 20 years.
Our local agents in Tamarac, Greenacres, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Micco (Sebastian), and Deerfield Beach work directly with clients to build health care plans that fit real lives, whether you’re staying all year or just for the season.
What Makes Snowbird Insurance Different
Having dual residency creates a specific set of insurance challenges. You’re crossing state lines, possibly keeping doctors in one state while trying to access care in another. If you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan or a marketplace plan tied to a specific region, it may not offer broad coverage outside your home area.
This creates gaps that affect both emergencies and routine care. It’s common to have claims denied or to be stuck with out-of-network pricing simply because the plan doesn’t extend far enough.
Check Your Health Insurance Provider Network First
The most important step in picking coverage is reviewing the health insurance provider network. Plans vary widely in how many doctors, hospitals, the clinics they include, and where.
| “We always tell our clients to check which doctors and hospitals are in-network where they’ll be staying. You don’t want to show up in Micco or Port St. Lucie and realize your plan treats everything as out-of-network.” – Stacy Murphy, Owner of Absolute Best Insurance |
Local examples include Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach, Tradition Medical Center off I-95 in Port St. Lucie, and Broward Health Coral Springs for those staying near Tamarac. If your health insurance provider network doesn’t include facilities near you, it’s time to look at other plan options.
Choosing the Right Health Care Plan for Dual-State Living
Some snowbirds benefit from switching to a health care plan with a national provider network. PPO plans offer more flexibility across states than HMO or EPO plans. But even with PPOs, the level of coverage can vary.
Some plans make it easier to get care in multiple states, and we help our clients find those options.
If you’re staying near Greenacres, you might need access to JFK Medical Center or Bethesda Hospital West. In Sebastian and Micco, Parrish Medical Center is a go-to option for part-time residents. It’s all about matching the plan with where you’ll actually receive care.
Absolute Best Insurance Can Help
We help snowbirds review and select health insurance plans based on where they live and when they travel. Our team looks at your provider network, pharmacy benefits, and expected care needs while you’re in Florida.
With offices in Greenacres, Deerfield Beach, Tamarac, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, and Micco, we offer in-person help throughout the region. Our agents know the local facilities, doctors, and traffic patterns. That means we can recommend the right health insurance provider network for people spending time along US-1 or I-95, from the Space Coast to Broward County.
Every year, we help hundreds of visitors to Florida adjust their plans so they’re not caught off guard by coverage gaps.
Tips When Shopping for Coverage
Before you pack up and head south, keep these tips in mind:
- Confirm your coverage dates and when your plan renews
- Review your provider directory for both home and Florida locations
- Check your prescription coverage for local pharmacy access
- Ask about telehealth options that work from anywhere
- Keep a copy of your insurance card and benefits summary in your travel bag
A little prep now can save you a lot of trouble later.
Work With Local Agents Who Understand Snowbird Life
One-size-fits-all plans rarely work for anyone who heads South in the winter every year. You need a local expert who understands the differences between full-time Florida residents and seasonal visitors.
| “It’s not just about picking a plan, it’s about making it work wherever you go.” – Stacy Murphy |
That’s exactly what we do. We’ll help you build a health care plan that works in the neighborhoods you stay in, from The Cascades in Port St. Lucie to Century Village in Deerfield Beach or The Isles at Waterway Village in Vero Beach.
FAQs
Should I get a second health insurance plan in my northern state?
Not usually. It’s better to choose one plan with a wide network or national coverage rather than juggling multiple plans.
What if my doctor isn’t in the Florida network?
We can help you find local providers that accept your current plan or find a new plan that fits both locations.
Does Medicare work in another state?
Original Medicare does. Medicare Advantage plans are more limited, which is why reviewing networks is so important.
Ready to Get Started?
Open Enrollment is happening now, and the deadline is January 15. If you want your coverage to start before your Florida trip, now’s the time to make a move.
Call or visit one of our Absolute Best Insurance offices in Tamarac, Deerfield Beach, Greenacres, Port St. Lucie, Micco, or Vero Beach to review your snowbird insurance options.
Click here or give our team a call for a free, no-obligation quote. We even make house calls!
- Tamarac: (954) 642-2101
- Deerfield Beach: (754) 778-8700
- Greenacres & Vero Beach: (561) 420-0280
- Port St. Lucie: (772) 828-2840
- Sebastian (Micco): (772) 321-0813