The government of Saskatchewan announced a new process on Friday for ‘snowbirds’ who wish to stock up on prescription drugs before travelling to warmer climates.

The new process will allow travellers to get up to six months of prescriptions through the Saskatchewan Drug Plan. The plan previously reimbursed people for up to three months of medication. According the the government, this will impact approximately 2,000 people in the province annually – primarily retirees who relocate south of the border in the winter.

The government said in its release that this would offer more convenience and save people the upfront, out-of-pocket costs involved in sourcing their medication in other countries. It also said the online submission process should also cut back on delays.

"This is another example of our government listening to patients, and putting the patient first," Health Minister Dustin Duncan said in the news release. "This is something that travellers have been asking for, and we are pleased that new online processes at pharmacies now allow this to happen."

"This is excellent news for snowbirds and other travellers," Canadian Snowbird Association president Bob Slack said. "It means less up-front expense and less hassle."