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Wow, save your money and don’t deal with Blue Cross/CanAssistance

Submitted all necessary documentation totalling $775.50 for an acute gastrointestinal infection while on vacation likely bacterial or parasite. They do not ask you for everything when they make their initial contact with you. Every week or so they will request additional information and I am assuming that is a delay tactic. I have always acquired travel insurance and have travelled frequently over the years. This is the first time I have had to make a claim and did not realize what an agonizing task this is. Hopefully I will eventually get reimbursed but will be researching more reputable insurance coverage in future.

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Don’t get blue cross travel insurance.

Do not get this insurance

It took me 5 hours in PAIN to get an ok for treatment. Got a confirmation that my arm was broken Got meds to get back to Canada Long story short. I had surgery in Canada 15 screws and a titanium plate. They oked the treatment but as of today Feb 14,2024 They will not pay the bill of $1922.00. Do not get this insurance. They don’t pay out. They lie on the phone and don’t keep proper records. Shop else where. Run from Blue Cross.

Taking them to court. 😡

International emergency medical case refused by blue cross quebec

I had a very bad experience with this company. They only seem to care about money. It's difficult to contact them, especially when you're outside Canada, particularly in the Middle East. I purchased an annual medical insurance that was supposed to cover any emergency medical issue during my trip. However, when I had an urgent medical condition and I tried to reach out them through my contact in canada to ease the communication they decided to refuse the claim without providing any explanation.

J'ai eu une très mauvaise expérience avec cette entreprise. Ils semblent seulement se soucier de l'argent. Il est difficile de les contacter, surtout lorsque vous êtes à l'extérieur du Canada, particulièrement au Moyen-Orient. J'ai souscrit une assurance médicale annuelle censée couvrir tout problème médical d'urgence pendant mon voyage. Cependant, lorsque j'ai eu une condition médicale urgente et que j'ai essayé de les joindre via mes contacts au Canada pour faciliter la communication, ils ont décidé de refuser la demande sans fournir aucune explication.

I was a member of blue cross for several years, and I purchased certificates from them yearly as I am a frequent flyer. I got sick on my trips, nothing serious but I needed to see a dr. Contacted blue cross, they said they didn’t have my certificate number because I had told them I don’t have it, clearly they saw this as a chance to save money. I had to pay out of pocket for my visit at that time. They were clearly trying to save money cuz I had the certificate at home, just not on me. They didn’t know that. Matter of principle. If you with blue cross, take pics and have several copies of your certificate.

I would never get another insurance with them again. Congratulations blue cross you lost a loyal member.

Don't Pay out for Legitimate Claims

My daughter was sick on the way back from NYC. We called BlueCross who informed us any big emergency hospitals will accept Canadian BlueCross. The hospital thinking it was US fortunately accepted the number (initially) as we would have been charged $2600 US dollars. I filed a claim when I received the hospital's invoice in September 2023 after all the documentation was sent. It is now late January 2024. They informed me the adjuster recommended it would be paid. I have since received numerous collection agency phone calls and bills. I have emailed the adjuster numerous times to gain information on the status - dead air. I am calling now. My estimated wait time is 45 minutes. I have since bought new travel insurance and never again with Blue Cross. People are now asking, who was the provider you had issues with BLUE CROSS. I know a lot of people and am about to email my ombudsman.

My husband had a mountain biking accident and the company was excellent.

They started claim right away. Sent us and the hospital paperwork by email right away. Service was excellent. Thanks!

I made a claim and blue cross wouldn’t pay. They said there was an advisory when I bought the insurance. How would I know that? They should have told me. They sold me something I could not use. Other insurances paid other people in my group. Go with a real travel insurance company, not a health insurance company for travel insurance. Shame!!!

Avoid if you don’t want your family be left in distress

Avoid if you don’t want your family be left in distress. I purchased travel insurance for a newborn 15 days past our travel day because we had some coverage that comes with a regular travel Visa card that every Canadian has. This somehow rendered our policy with blue cross void (!) since they treated it as “extension” of existing “policy”. Does it make sense? Please avoid this organization. Just go with reputable company or you may find yourself in a dire situation.

Avoid at all cost…run

We’ve been with Blue Cross for many years and just renewed for the year starting October 1, 2023. Due to our age (70’s) and waiting for surgery, 1-2 year wait, we called to cancel. Over the years we were led to believe the coverage could be cancelled and money paid back pro-rated. Which is fine being this started October 1, 2023. Here it is November and they refuse to do what is not only the right thing to do but we were misled right from day one. So Never ever deal with this company. This is not the only negative review on this pathetic scam.

Rip off... DO NOT buy from this company

My husband and I bought a year policy and had pre-existing added. I got sick in Costa Rica... can not call collect from within Costa Rica and my phone was running out of time. I emailed them to get permission to see a doctor. We have filled out papers 3 times now and they always give a different reason to deny the claim. The last one was because it must be in English. So we had to translate. and they denied it again. They sent me a cheque. I was surprised and cashed it. Then I got a letter asking for the money back as it was to go to can-assist, not me. I asked them why can-assist is getting paid for doing nothing yet we pay $3500 and my claim was denied. I asked to speak to someone and was told there was no one to speak to. No to a manager and no to whoever denied my claim. This company Blue Cross will take your money and do absolutely nothing for you. How do they get away with this? Scammers

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Canadians are optimistic about travel in 2024: Blue Cross Travel Study

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Take off with Canada’s #1 travel insurance provider

Enjoy the confidence and peace of mind with Blue Cross when exploring Canada or around the world

#1 in Travel Insurance

Out-of-province emergency medical expenses are not generally covered by your provincial medical plan and these expenses can be financially overwhelming.

For millions of Canadians, comprehensive emergency travel coverage offered by Blue Cross has become an essential part of their holiday plans.

As a recognized symbol of health care globally, being trusted, professional and familiar is what you need in your coverage provider when travelling out of province.

Travel Worry Free

Let Blue Cross travel coverage take care of any unexpected medical emergency costs so you can make the most of your trip.

Whether you travel frequently during the year, take regular sun destination trips or do only occasional short trips, there is a plan that’s right for you.

Blue Cross is a member of a trusted global network, including the American Blue Cross & Blue Shield Association and the International Federation of Health Funds.

Canadians are optimistic about travel in 2024

The cost of travel is on the rise, but that isn’t stopping most Canadians from planning a vacation.

A ccording to a new study from Blue Cross , Canadians spent an average of $4,200 on their last vacation, and 94 per cent feel the cost of travelling is increasing .

H owever , the 2024 Blue Cross Travel Study also reveals that more Canadians are feeling optimistic about travel and are planning more trips this year.   

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We understand making the right choice for your benefits and coverage is important.

We’re here to help!

Please click below to be redirected to your local Blue Cross for more specifics, including local contact information.

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Travel when you’re ready—coverage to get you there

Home » Travel when you’re ready—coverage to get you there

We’ve all been dreaming of packing our suitcases and travelling again. When you’re ready, we have travel plans that will give you the confidence you need and the coverage to keep you safe.

While the Government of Canada continues to advise Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside of the country, we understand life goes on and there may be instances where you choose to travel. And we’re happy to see that vaccination rates are continuing to rise, which is making way for both provincial and national re-openings and the removal of many pandemic restrictions.

Even though there’s still a travel advisory in place, we’ve heard from many of you and want to support your choice to travel again. As of July 28, 2021, Alberta Blue Cross® has resumed selling travel insurance and will provide emergency medical coverage for COVID-19 related incidents. While we continue to support the federal government’s position on avoiding non-essential travel, we want to support your choice by providing travel coverage to protect you.

Both new and existing travel plans, including group customers and individual health plan members with travel benefits, will include COVID-19 coverage for emergencies. This includes extended hospital stays, ventilator costs and transportation home.

Coverage will not include vaccines, COVID-19 tests or costs associated with having to quarantine. We will also not be extending emergency medical travel coverage for individuals who choose to go on cruises. Trip cancellation and interruption will not include COVID-19 as an eligible reason for cancellation as it’s now a known and anticipated event.

Note: we are only lifting travel exclusions as they relate to COVID-19; other travel advisories for specific countries are still in effect. We encourage all travellers to consult the Government of Canada travel advisory page prior to any travel outside of Canada.

Customers age 79 and younger are now able to purchase travel products online, such as emergency medical coverage and trip cancellation, trip interruption and baggage coverage. Please visit our website ab.bluecross.ca/travel to inquire or purchase travel insurance. You can also call 1-800-394-1965 and select option four to inquire or purchase travel insurance.

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Best travel insurance in Canada

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You’ve packed your bags, mapped your itinerary, and set your “out of office” message – it’s vacation time! But what about travel insurance?

According to a 2019 study by the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada, 13% of Canadians aren’t sure if they have travel insurance before they go on vacation. Of those who have bought insurance, 17% don’t know what their policy covers.

As a professional travel writer, I find this rather alarming. Canadian health insurance is not valid outside Canada, and your provincial or territorial health plan may not cover all the costs even if you’re travelling domestically. If you suffer an accident or get sick abroad, unexpected medical bills can bankrupt you. It’s why the Canadian government  advises all travellers to buy travel insurance , and I never leave the country without it. Whether you’re taking a two-week trip or a gap year abroad, every one needs the best travel insurance in Canada, regardless of age, health status, destination, or length of vacation.

Best for thrill seekers: World Nomads

Designed for adrenaline lovers with wanderlust, World Nomads insures a long list of adventure sports, activities and volunteer/work experiences, as well as sporting equipment delay/loss/theft. You also get access to a 24/7 hotline that provides information that adventure travellers may need: weather reports and travel advisories, assistance locating the nearest trail, and finding a gear shop.

The standard policy covers emergency medical expenses up to $5 million, emergency dental, trip cancellation/interruption/delay, baggage delays/theft/damage, and more. The downside: you must be under 66 years of age to qualify.

Best for families: CAA Travel Insurance

A long-trusted Canadian institution, CAA travel Insurance offers flexible travel plans to suit every type of traveller and vacation, but their policies are particularly great for families. Their stand-alone emergency medical policy of up to $5 million in health coverage is extremely comprehensive, even including medical repatriation, emergency dental, and reimbursements for pet care and kenneling.

The Vacation Package Plan provides full cancellation/interruption insurance – ideal for prepaid, all-inclusive vacation packages – as well as family transportation and escort of children during emergencies. Anyone can buy CAA travel insurance, but members get a 10% discount.

CAA’s emergency medical plans also now include coverage for COVID-19-related illnesses for vaccinated customers. Coverage is up to $2.5 million if partially vaccinated and up to $5 million if fully vaccinated.

Best for seniors and retirees: Blue Cross

Blue Cross has been around for more than 70 years, and 1 in 4 Canadians utilize its travel insurance. Blue Cross’s emergency medical covers up to $5 million. It has special “snowbird” travel insurance packages designed for Canadians who head to warmer climates each year, making Blue Cross ideal for retirees.

Part of the package is the recently launched Serenity Service. This free perk provides a range of benefits if your flight is delayed, including access to an airport lounge or even a hotel room (depending on the length of the delay). Pre-existing conditions are generally not covered.

Best for budget travellers: Travel CUTS Bon Voyage Insurance

Starting at only $1.36 a day, Travel CUTS Bon Voyage Insurance offers very affordable travel insurance packages, and it’s personally been my “go-to” travel policy for years. Yes, it’s geared toward students (e.g., you can swap your travel dates at no charge due to an exam schedule conflict), but anyone between 15 and 50 years of age can purchase a policy.

The standard package includes hospital and medical up to $1 million, dental care, air ambulance evacuation, flight accident, accidental death or dismemberment, and trip interruption/cancellation insurance. Adventure and extreme sports are also covered.

Best for Canadians with pre-existing medical conditions: Manulife CoverMe

Manulife CoverMe offers highly comprehensive Canadian travel insurance packages for those travelling as a family, a visitor to Canada, or a student. You also get access to the TravelAid mobile app, which provides directions to the nearest medical facility and local emergency telephone numbers.

However, the stand-out feature is arguably TravelEase – a special policy designed to cover fully disclosed medical conditions. For travellers with pre-existing conditions, it insures a bunch of expenses for health services and transportation. It provides up to $10 million in emergency medical benefits – a unicorn in the travel insurance world.

Best for emergency medical assistance: Medipac Travel Insurance

Medipac is one of the only travel insurance companies out there that is staffed by their own team of trained medical professionals, via their Medipac Assistance hotline. Medipac’s medical professionals are your first point of contact in an emergency medical situation. This service is also helpful for dealing with foreign medical systems and helping to prevent unnecessary expenses when dealing with a large deductible.

Medipac offers several competitive features for their travel insurance plans, including no age limits, a claim-free discount, and a 90-day stability period for most pre-existing conditions. If your pre-existing medical condition isn’t covered by a standard Medipac insurance plan, Medipac also offers personalized, underwritten insurance policies to help you meet your needs.

Medipac is offering a 5% Vaccine Discount to clients who have received a minimum of one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the new MedipacMAX option. This COVID insurance option provides maximum coverage of up to $5 million USD for COVID-19, in addition to its other benefits.

Best for frequent travellers: Allianz Travel Insurance

Touted as a world leader in the Canadian travel insurance and assistance industry, Allianz Travel Insurance is a major provider of travel insurance, corporate assistance, and concierge services. It seeks to help its customers find solutions to various travel-related problems. Allianz Travel has partnered with many reputable companies, including travel agencies, airlines, resorts, websites, event ticket brokers, corporations, universities and credit card companies.

Allianz Travel Insurance is a great choice for anyone looking for travel insurance. Its single-trip plans are perfect for those leaving home and visiting another destination (or destinations) before going back home. Its parent company, Allianz Global Assistance, has five plans to choose from, all offering different levels of protection and coverage.

Allianz Travel Insurance’s annual/multi-trip plans are perfect for both personal and professional travelers who take multiple trips in a year. It offers four distinct options to choose from.

Will my provincial insurance be valid overseas?

No! If you get sick or injured overseas, the Canadian government will not cough up a dime to cover your medical costs. Here are the sobering facts:

• Canadian public health insurance is not valid outside of Canada.
• Foreign hospitals can be extremely expensive and may demand payment before treating you.
• The Canadian government will not pay a Canadian’s medical bills for an illness or accident suffered abroad. You’re on the hook for footing the bill!

Will my provincial insurance work in another province/territory?

Flash your valid provincial health card in another part of Canada, and you’ll likely be covered for some of the same services insured by your home provincial plan. This is because the provinces and territories (except Quebec) signed an agreement whereby the host province foots the bill for any medically necessary health care services and gets reimbursed by the home province later.

However, that doesn’t mean you’re completely out of the woods. Depending on your destination, a slew of other services may not be covered, such as an ambulance, hospital transfer, prescription drugs, transportation back to your home province, and procedures not currently approved by your home plan.

Plus, since Quebec wasn’t a signatory to the interprovincial billing agreement, you’ll likely be charged for any medical bills incurred there. For this reason, it’s recommended that you buy extra travel insurance (or verify your  credit card’s travel insurance coverage ) to cover any uninsured health care services that may crop up during your trip.

What does the best travel insurance in Canada cover?

Every travel insurance policy is different and what’s covered depends on how much you’re willing to pay for coverage. Typical medical services that you can expect to be covered include:

• Emergency hospital and medical costs
• Ambulance and air ambulance costs
• Outpatient services
• Physician and laboratory costs
• Prescription drugs
• Direct payment to the hospitals and doctors caring for you
• Assistance with bringing a family member to your bedside
• Air ambulance or commercial repatriation home
• Return of your vehicle if you are ill and have to come home

Additional benefits may include:

• Trip cancellation for non-refundable monetary losses
• Trip interruption
• Baggage loss, rental car damage, out-of-pocket expenses
• Accidental death and dismemberment

How much coverage do I need?

Securing a policy with a minimum of $1M maximum payable is a safe bet. But don’t just look at the numbers when choosing a policy – read the fine print. Every insurer has a list of situations in which coverage is not provided, otherwise known as “exclusions.” Check whether your provider includes coverage or has provisions for the following:

• Pre-existing medical conditions: According to the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers, a pre-existing condition is “something that happened (or started to happen) before you were insured.” Some policies may cover claims relating to pre-existing conditions that are “stable and controlled,” but read the definitions carefully. If you don’t declare a condition, the entire policy could be invalidated!
• Medical evacuation: Ensure the policy covers medical evacuation to the nearest hospital and/or to Canada and the costs of a medical escort to accompany you to your final destination.
• Repatriation in case of death: On the grim side, ensure that your plan covers the preparation and return of your remains to Canada.
• Adventurous Activities: If you plan on engaging in “high-risk” activities on your trip, you may need to shell out extra dough for a more comprehensive plan. Many policies don’t cover “risky” activities, such as skiing or snowboarding “out of bounds,” skydiving, scuba diving, white-water rafting, mountaineering, or participation in any rodeo activity. To cover your bases, ask questions and get specifics before purchasing a policy.

You may have to pay more to have these things included, but a few extra bucks may be worth it for peace of mind.

Should I buy “a la carte” travel insurance or get a travel credit card with free insurance?

A credit card with travel insurance is always a good thing to carry in your wallet. The  best travel credit cards in Canada  usually cover everything from emergency medical costs to trip cancellation/interruption to flight delay to rental car insurance, which could save you a wad of cash.

The  Scotiabank Gold American Express ® Card  has saved my butt a few times, and I’ve filed several travel-related claims through my card. I cancelled my trip to Portugal a few years ago due to a death in the family, and I got a full refund on my hotel deposit and flights for myself, my husband, and my baby. It totally justified the $120 annual fee.

That being said, don’t rely on your credit card to take care of all your travel insurance needs. It usually includes a basic policy, meaning it offers low (or no!) travel medical insurance as part of the package. Like any travel insurance company policy, you’ve really got to read the fine print and understand the conditions of your policy to avoid sticky situations.

For instance, the Scotiabank Gold American Express ® Card requires a cardholder to have charged at least 75% of trip expenses to make a trip cancellation/interruption insurance claim. So if you book an all-inclusive vacation for $5,000 and then cancel due to illness, at least $3,750 must have been charged onto your AMEX to qualify for a claim. If you didn’t do that, you’re out of luck.

Can I still purchase insurance if i’ve already started my vacation?

The short answer: most insurance providers won’t cover you after your departure date. However, a handful of insurers (such as World Nomads) will allow you to purchase a policy while already overseas. Just know that it can come with sky-high costs and/or conditions: World Nomads has a 48-hour waiting period before coverage kicks in. The bottom line? It’s always best to buy travel insurance before leaving the country.

Can I get travel insurance for part of a trip?

Some plans offer insurance coverage options that will allow you to customize your coverage, but you’ll have to research to find one that works for your unique circumstances. Alternatively, you could take out an insurance policy for each destination and/or segment of your trip.

For instance, you could get a World Nomads policy for the two weeks you’re scuba diving in Australia, followed by a basic Travel CUTS Bon Voyage insurance to cover a month-long trip to Europe. However, when you buy Canadian travel insurance, you must select a trip start and end date – meaning you must know the exact dates for travelling to those places.

Should I carry a printout of my policy with me at all times?

I recommend carrying the travel insurance card in your wallet and locking it up in the hotel safe with other important travel documents like my passport. But don’t rely totally on paper: Wallets get lost or stolen, luggage can be delayed or M.I.A., and papers are easy to misplace when you’re on the road. My advice is to send a copy of the policy to your email and save it on your iCloud or another storage system that can be accessed anywhere, anytime.

Recommended reads

• What’s the Added Value of a Credit Card with Travel Insurance?
• The Best Travel Rewards Programs in Canada
• Aeroplan vs. AIR MILES vs. Avion

Lisa Jackson is a freelance personal finance and travel journalist, editor, and blogger who contributes to various online and print media outlets in Canada and abroad, including The Globe & Mail, Toronto Star, Islands Magazine, Fodors, BRIDES, Huffington Post Canada, CAA Magazine, The Food Network, West Jet Magazine, NUVO Magazine, and many others. When she's not writing from her home office, she's busy globe-trotting to new destinations in search of her next story.

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Pacific Blue Cross Travel Insurance Review 2024

Updated: Feb 28, 2024, 7:04am

Pacific Blue Cross has a stellar reputation in B.C. as the number one ranked health benefits provider in the province. In addition to life, health and group insurance, Pacific Blue Cross offers comprehensive travel insurance with $10 million in medical coverage and an attractive pre-existing conditions benefit. While the premiums are more affordable than other insurers, some of the benefit limits are lower. In addition, you must be a resident of B.C. or the Yukon to purchase a travel plan.

• Customizable benefit options
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions
• Free emergency medical coverage for kids
• Medical questionnaire is optional
• Some benefit limits lower than other insurers
• No electronic submission for claims
• Must be a resident of B.C. or the Yukon

Table of Contents

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Based in Burnaby, B.C. the not-for-profit PBC Health Benefits Society (operating as Pacific Blue Cross) provides health, dental, life, disability and travel coverage for residents of B.C. and the Yukon. Pacific Blue Cross is British Columbia’s number one health benefits provider through group benefits and individual plans.

Pacific Blue Cross is a registered trademark of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans (CABCP) and the registered trade name of PBC Health Benefits Society, an independent licensee of CABCP. Life and Property and Casualty insurance is sold through PacBlue Life Services Ltd., a licensed insurance agency and subsidiary of Pacific Blue Cross, and underwritten by various underwriters, depending on the coverage purchased.

Here are the key types of travel insurance coverage offered in Pacific Blue Cross travel insurance plans:

• Emergency medical insurance: If you fall ill or are injured on your trip, travel medical insurance can pay for emergency medical expenses, up to the coverage limits in your plan. These expenses can include doctor and hospital bills, medication and lab work.
• Trip cancellation insurance: If you cancel a trip for a reason listed in your travel policy, such as you or your travelling companion becoming ill, weather conditions causing a massive delay or you end up losing your job, trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable costs.
• Travel interruption or delay insurance: Trip interruption insurance can pay for a last-minute flight home in an emergency and money that you lose if you have to return home earlier than expected, such as non-refundable activities and hotel stays. If your flight is delayed , your insurance can cover the cost of incidentals, such as meals or accommodations, after a specified period of time, usually six, 10 or 12 hours.
• Baggage insurance: Baggage travel insurance can compensate you up to your policy limits if your luggage is lost or stolen. It will reimburse the depreciated value of your suitcases and what you packed. If your checked bags are delayed, it can reimburse you for the cost of the necessities you’ll have to buy to tide you over.
• Travel accident insurance. This coverage offers compensation in the event of accidental death or catastrophic injury from an accident during your trip. Flight Accident Insurance covers injury while you’re on a commercial plane, during a connection or in an airport. Travel Accident Insurance covers death or dismemberment, including the loss of limbs or eyesight, while on your trip. This is also called Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit.

Pacific Blue Cross allows you to customize the amount of coverage you need. For example, you could opt for the most comprehensive travel insurance protection by selecting the Emergency Medical Care Benefit and the All Inclusive Trip Protection Plan, or you could choose the Basic Trip Protection Plan alone if you’re mostly concerned about baggage and travel accidents.

The individual benefits are as follows:

Emergency Medical Care Benefit: If you’re worried about medical emergencies while travelling, this benefit offers the following coverage:

• Hospital accommodation in a semi-private or private room
• Hospital allowance for incidental expenses, such as TV rental, parking, telephone, etc., up to $100 per hospitalization
• Physician fees
• Private duty nursing
• Paramedical services, such as care from a physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath or podiatrist, up to $300 per profession
• Tests and diagnostics, including X-rays
• Prescription medication as part of emergency treatment
• The purchase or rental cost of crutches, canes or splints, and the rental cost of a wheelchair, orthopedic corset or other medical appliances
• Emergency dental due to injury, up to $2,000 per accident
• Emergency dental due to pain or disease, up to $500 per trip
• Ground or air ambulance transportation
• Repatriation for medical treatment
• Transportation for a bedside companion, plus subsistence allowance for meals, accommodation and childcare
• Return of vehicle due to illness or accident
• Baggage return if you are repatriated due to medical reasons
• Return of your remains in the event of death
• Subsistence allowance for meals and accommodation if your return is delayed due to a medical reason

The Medical Follow-up in Canada Benefit is included if you purchase the Emergency Medical Care Benefit. If you are repatriated due to a medical emergency, the following costs will be reimbursed if incurred within 15 days of your repatriation:

• The cost of a semi-private room in a hospital, rehabilitation centre or convalescent home, maximum $1,000
• The fees for home nursing care when medically required, up to $50/day, maximum 10 days
• The costs for the rental of crutches, standard walker, canes, trusses, orthopedic corset and oxygen, maximum $150
• The cost for transportation, including ambulance and/or taxi, in order to receive medical care, maximum $250

All Inclusive Trip Protection: This package option includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage, air flight accident and accidental death and dismemberment benefits.

• Trip cancellation with interruption: This reimburses you for insured travel expenses (such as hotels or prepaid excursions) if you have to cancel, interrupt, extend or modify your trip due to a covered reason either before your trip or after you have left home. This includes transportation expenses if you have to interrupt, modify or extend your trip, as well as a subsistence allowance for hotels and meals if your return home is delayed.
• Baggage: This provides compensation if your baggage is delayed, lost, stolen or damaged during your trip.
• Air flight accident: This offers coverage for the accidental loss of life or limb while travelling as a passenger on a plane, land or water conveyance, helicopter shuttle, or while waiting at the airport. This coverage also includes losses due to exposure after a forced landing.
• Accidental death or dismemberment: This coverage option offers reimbursement in the event you die, or lose the use of one or more limbs during a travel accident. The amount paid out depends on your age and the severity of the accident.

Deluxe Trip Protection: This package option includes trip interruption (that reimburses you for prepaid expenses if your trip gets unexpectedly interrupted once it’s begun), baggage, air flight accident and accidental death and dismemberment.

Basic Trip Protection: This package option includes baggage, air flight accident and accidental death and dismemberment.

We’ve highlighted the key benefits for each coverage option available for the single trip plan when travelling outside of Canada to help you identify your travel needs:

Emergency Medical Care Benefit:

Travel benefits:, trip cancellation & interruption benefit:, baggage benefit:.

The price of a Pacific Blue Cross travel insurance plan depends on factors such as the cost of your trip, your age, your health and the amount of coverage you choose.

Here are some examples of the cost for Pacific Blue Cross single trip plans for healthy travellers based in B.C.:

In addition, when you purchase emergency travel insurance for one or two parents, each dependent child who is 21 years of age or younger will receive free emergency medical coverage up to the $10 million policy limit.

Emergency medical: $5 million Cancel For Any Reason: Yes, 50% to 75% Baggage insurance (maximum): $1,500

Related: CAA Travel Insurance Review

Blue Cross (Ontario)

Emergency medical: $5 million Cancel For Any Reason: No Baggage insurance (maximum): $1,500

Related: Blue Cross (Ontario) Travel Insurance Review

Manulife Financial

Emergency medical: $10 million Cancel For Any Reason: No Baggage insurance (maximum): $1,000

Related: Manulife Financial CoverMe Travel Insurance Review

Pacific Blue Cross offers an optional Pre-Existing Condition Benefit for travellers who also purchase the Emergency Medical Care Benefit. This benefit gives you up to $10 million in medical coverage following an emergency due to a pre-existing condition that would otherwise be excluded from coverage. This benefit does not cover any expenses if the medical condition showed symptoms in the seven days before your departure.

This benefit must be purchased within 15 days of buying the emergency medical benefit and before your departure date if the insurer decides a detailed medical review is required.

A medical questionnaire is an option for travellers over age 61 with pre-existing conditions. The insurer notes, “You are not obligated to complete the questionnaire, however doing so gives you a definite advantage. In 80% of cases, the questionnaires result in coverage that may not otherwise be granted.” Your doctor needs to complete the questionnaire and forward it to Pacific Blue Cross. There the medical director will review your answers and “if your pre-existing condition is stable and does not present an increased risk, it will be covered and you will be able to leave on your trip with true peace of mind.”

You are not eligible for this benefit if any of the following conditions apply:

• You have been advised by your physician not to travel.
• You have a medical condition in a terminal phase.
• You have kidney failure that is being treated by dialysis.
• You have a lung condition being treated with oxygen or cortisone therapy.
• You have cancer with metastasis.

Here are some examples of the cost of the Pre-Existing Benefit add-on:

Pacific Blue Cross offers a 10% or more discount off your travel insurance premium if you also have a Pacific Blue Cross Extended Health Care and/or Dental plan.

Yes. You can buy multi-trip annual insurance if you travel more than once a year for multiple individual trips. Pacific Blue Cross offers emergency medical coverage and trip protection coverage for 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 or 180 days per trip. If you plan a trip longer than your selected coverage, you can add extra days or top-up your coverage.

Here’s how the prices between single trip and multi-trip insurance compare using the example of the Emergency Medical Care benefit:

Medi-Assist Travel Assistance (provided through CanAssistance) is offered free of charge with all Pacific Blue Cross travel insurance products and toll-free assistance is available 24/7, 365 days of the year. Depending on the coverage provided by your insurance policy, emergency support includes:

• Referral to an appropriate clinic or hospital
• Advance of funds to the hospital, if necessary
• Confirmation of the medical insurance coverage to avoid paying a substantial deposit
• Following your medical file and communicating with your family physician
• Coordinating repatriation to your home province if medically necessary
• Coordinating the safe return of dependent children if you (the parent) are hospitalized
• Making arrangements for a bedside companion if you are hospitalized for at least seven days
• Coordinating the return of your vehicle if you are unable to return it due to a covered accident or illness
• Transmission of urgent messages to your family or business partner(s)
• Coordination of claims
• Interpreter services for emergency calls
• Referral to legal counsel in the event of a serious accident
• Settlement of formalities in the event of a death
• Assistance in the event of loss or theft of identification documents
• Information regarding embassies and consulates
• Pre-travel information regarding visas and vaccines

If you, or someone acting on your behalf, does not call Medi-Assist within 24 hours of an emergency and before seeking treatment, your claim could be denied.

When calling Medi-Assist, you’ll need your government health plan number and your Pacific Blue Cross Travel Certificate number.

In general, Pacific Blue Cross will not pay medical expenses related to any medical condition that is not stable for a set period of time, either three or six months (depending on your age, coverage choices and medical conditions), before your coverage takes effect.

Pacific Blue Cross has a number of age- and condition-specific exclusions whereby medical expenses will not be paid, including:

For policyholders under age 61 or for policyholders age 61 to 75 travelling for 30 days or less with package insurance including trip cancellation and interruption:

• Consulted a physician, other than for a regular checkup
• Was hospitalized
• Was prescribed or received a new treatment
• Was prescribed or took a new medication
• Received a change in existing medication, including dosage or usage (with some exceptions)
• Any heart condition that you’ve taken nitroglycerin more than once in a seven-day period for the relief of chest pain
• Any pulmonary condition that you’ve been treated with home oxygen or corticoid therapy

For policyholders between age 61 and 75 with individual or annual insurance, or for policyholders age 61 to 75 travelling for 30 days or less with package insurance not including trip cancellation and interruption, or policyholders age 61 to 75 covered by package insurance for 31 days or more, or policyholders age 76 and above:

• Was prescribed or took a new medication for cardiovascular conditions, chronic obstructive lung conditions, neurological conditions, insulin-dependent diabetes, kidney failure or transplantation, gastrointestinal conditions or cancer or malignant tumours

There are a number of scenarios not covered by travel insurance and it’s critical to know what not to do before you make a claim. In addition to exclusions related to pre-existing conditions, the following are some of the most common situations not covered by medical travel insurance:

• Any state or condition for which you ignored the symptoms, did not follow medical advice or the recommended investigations, treatments, tests or procedures
• Pregnancy, and complications arising from pregnancy in the last eight weeks before your expected due date
• Any accident sustained while participating in a sport for pay or a sporting event where money prizes are awarded to the winners, any kind of motor vehicle competition or speed event (with exceptions), any dangerous or violent sport including (but not limited to) off-track snow sports, show jumping obstacles, grade 4 or 5 rock or mountain climbing, parachuting, gliding or hang-gliding, bungee jumping, canyoning, and any sport or activity with a high level of stress and risk involved
• Abuse of medication, alcohol or drugs, or driving a vehicle while intoxicated
• Any trip undertaken to receive medication attention
• Suicide, attempted suicide or any self-inflicted injury
• War, invasion, enemy acts, hostility between nations, civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection, military power or usurped power, or confiscation, nationalization, requisition or destruction of or damages to belongings due to any government or local authority
• Perpetration or attempt to perpetrate a criminal act
• Any condition resulting from a mental, nervous, psychological or psychiatric problem unless you are hospitalized due to that reason
• Any claim while in a chronic care hospital or ward, nursing home or health spa
• Any care or treatment other than that required for stabilization of the emergency medical condition
• Custodial care (assistance with basic personal care activities, such as bathing, dressing, etc.)
• Care or treatment for cosmetic purposes
• Care or treatment not covered by your government health plan
• Care or treatment provided by a podiatrist, acupuncturist, homeopath or naturopath
• Certain products, even when obtained by a prescription, including infant formula, dietary or food supplements, antacids, digestives, laxatives, antidiarrheals, decongestants and any other cold/flu medications, and all dermatological products
• Any additional medical treatment if you continue your trip as planned after a medical emergency
• Any expenses for an infectious disease or illness for which there is a travel advisory or health warning, unless you have been fully vaccinated against the infectious disease or the condition occurs in a dependent child under the age of 18 (with exceptions)
• Any expenses incurred in a region where there is an active “avoid all travel” advisory in effect by the Government of Canada

There are additional exclusions if you purchase trip cancellation and interruption coverage, baggage and/or travel accident coverage.

To be eligible for insurance with Pacific Blue Cross, the following must apply:

• You are a Canadian resident.
• You are covered under the government health plan of your province or territory for the entire duration of your trip.
• You have not been advised against travel by your physician.
• You have not been diagnosed with a terminal condition.
• You are not receiving palliative care or palliative care has not been recommended.

In addition, to purchase a Pacific Blue Cross travel plan, you must be a resident of B.C. or the Yukon.

You can file a claim online 24/7 by visiting the Pacific Blue Cross website where you can download your forms for emergency medical or trip cancellation and baggage claims. The website provides step-by-step instructions on what you need to do to submit a claim.

You will need to attach original receipts for the services or items rendered. The insurer notes that if the recipes or invoices are in another language, it’s your responsibility to translate these documents.

Pacific Blue Cross may request additional documentation, including:

• A medical certificate completed by a qualified physician providing a complete diagnosis
• Documentary evidence that a non-excluded event was the cause of your claim
• Original or electronic versions of unused transportation tickets, original invoices from the travel provider and/or official receipts for return transportation
• Receipts for land arrangements
• Proof showing the duration of a trip
• Proof of delay of checked baggage from the carrier along with receipts of purchases
• Proof of carrier delay, traffic accident or mechanical failure causing delay of return
• Death certificate
• List of lost or stolen baggage items

Pacific Blue Cross notes that digital signatures are not accepted and all completed claims forms must be mailed to the PBC Out Of Country Claims office or dropped off at the office in Burnaby, B.C.

Pacific Blue Cross will reimburse you for eligible expenses within 60 days of receiving all documentation to satisfy proof of claim.

Pacific Blue Cross Travel Insurance FAQs

Does pacific blue cross pay for medical costs upfront.

According to the travel insurance policy, in the event of an emergency, Medi-Assist will “[refer you] to an appropriate clinic or hospital and advance funds to the hospital if necessary.”

Does Pacific Blue Cross offer coverage extensions?

Yes. Your coverage is automatically extended for 24 hours starting on the final day of your trip due to a transportation delay. If you are hospitalized, your coverage is extended for the period of hospitalization and the 24-hour period after discharge. If your return home is delayed due to a medical emergency that started within 24 hours before your scheduled return date and required emergency treatment, your coverage is automatically extended for up to 72 hours.

You can also request an extension if you want to stay longer on your trip, provided you apply before the expiry date of your policy, you are still eligible for insurance and your health has not changed since your departure. Your request may be denied if you have a claim in progress or the Canadian government has a new travel advisory in effect or recommends travellers return home.

Does Pacific Blue Cross require a medical questionnaire?

Pacific Blue Cross makes the distinction between a statement of health and a medical questionnaire. A medical questionnaire is optional for travellers 61 and older with pre-existing conditions that might not otherwise be covered. Your doctor can complete the questionnaire, forward it to Pacific Blue Cross and if the medical director decides your health is stable, your pre-existing condition will be covered.

The statement of health determines what will be covered, what will be excluded and your travel insurance premium, which is calculated according to the risks inherent with age, your health and the trip length.

Does Pacific Blue Cross have any age restrictions?

There are no noted age restrictions beyond the age-specific exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

When does my coverage with Pacific Blue Cross begin?

In general, if you purchase cancellation coverage, it begins the day you buy your policy and ends the day when you make a claim or leave on your trip. Your emergency medical coverage and interruption coverage, if purchased, begins when you leave home. Your delay coverage begins once an insured risk prevents you from returning home as scheduled.

Can I get a refund with Pacific Blue Cross?

You can request a cancellation and full refund of your contract before the effective date of the contract (or the date the coverage begins) or during the 10 days following the date of purchase, unless:

• You have made or intend to make a claim.
• The contract is for a period of 10 days or less.
• The contract was purchased within 11 days before the trip and includes trip cancellation or interruption coverage.

If you return early from your trip and have not submitted or intend to submit a claim, or if no Medi-Assist case has been opened, you can request a partial refund of your premium. However, a refund of premium does not apply if:

• You are covered for a trip cancellation benefit.
• You are covered for an emergency return benefit.
• You are covered under an annual insurance contract.
• You are repatriated at the insurer’s expense.
• Your refundable premium is less than $20 after application of the $25 administration fee.

Does Pacific Blue Cross offer a free look period?

The Pacific Blue Cross travel insurance policy does not explicitly reference a free look or right to examine period, except to note that a request for a refund must be received during the 10 days following the date of purchase (with some exceptions). However, under the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada’s ( THIA ) Travel Insurance Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, travellers have the right to a no obligation purchase, whereby travel insurance providers will provide a minimum 10-day free review of the policy.

Fiona Campbell is a Staff Writer for Forbes Advisor Canada. She started her career on Bay Street, but followed her love for research, writing and a good story into journalism. She is the former editor of Bankrate Canada, and has over 20 years of experience writing for various publications, including the Globe and Mail, Financial Post Business, Advisor’s Edge, Mydoh.ca and more.

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Buy travel health insurance, end up with less coverage: A couple's hard lesson

If you buy travel insurance, be aware of the 'first payer' clause.

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A Surrey, B.C., couple's vacation nightmare should serve as a lesson for the millions of Canadians who need health insurance every year when they travel.

Whether the policy is for need or comfort and security, it's crucial that people pay close attention to the type of travel insurance they buy.

It's all due to something called a "first payer" clause, and a completely legal, standard insurance industry practice called "subrogation."

A practice, it turns out, that in at least some instances makes it possible to waste your money on too much insurance.

3 weeks of sun turns dark

Mel Milaney, 67, and her husband, Tom, 64, booked a three-week trip to the Caribbean and Florida in November 2012. 

They looked at buying travel insurance through their group health insurance provider at home, Pacific Blue Cross, but decided to go with a policy from RBC Insurance because it was slightly cheaper.

• VIDEO |  Travel insurance: Are you actually covered? ​​
• Travel insurance: Know what you're buying to avoid a vacation disaster
• How to navigate the risky world of travel insurance

While in Fort Lauderdale, Mel fell gravely ill with a kidney infection.

"She actually went septic. She actually died twice. Once on the operating table and once in the ICU," says Tom.

Mel spent 10 days in hospital, five of those in an induced coma. She had to be flown home by air ambulance.

The bill came to more than $200,000 US. Fortunately for the Milaneys, it was covered by their RBC travel insurance.

Months later though, the Milaneys got a shock.

RBC had passed much of the bill along to Pacific Blue Cross.

Milaney says that ultimately RBC recovered $97,954.19 from the other insurer.

Here's the rub: Pacific Blue Cross, like many insurers, has a lifetime maximum coverage amount for its extended health plans.  

In Mel's case, that lifetime maximum is $500,000.

If she exhausts that amount, she would be without extended coverage for the rest of her life.

Less protection for life

Both Milaneys suffer from serious, chronic illnesses. Mel has diabetes and Tom has multiple sclerosis. Their combined drug costs alone total approximately $4,000 per month, a figure that is expected to rise as they get older.    

Beyond the drugs, the Milaneys' Pacific Blue Cross coverage includes dental, vision, physiotherapy and medical devices.

• Seniors left with big bills as banks deny travel insurance claims

"Those things also are staggeringly expensive." says Steve Morgan, a professor at the University of British Columbia's School of Population and Public Health.  

"So, for people with chronic needs for things that don't fall under the core of the Canada Health Act, running into your lifetime maximum with a private insurer can be a big deal," says Morgan.

And yet, even after buying separate travel insurance, this single health emergency alone has burned through nearly one-fifth of Mel's lifetime maximum.  

Read the fine print

In the fine print of the policy the Milaneys purchased from RBC, it states: "Any of our policies are excess insurance and are the last payers. All other sources of recovery, indemnity payments or insurance coverage must be exhausted before any payments will be made under any of our policies."

This is what is referred to as a "first payer" clause. Policies with this type of clause are sometimes called "excess" or "supplemental" insurance. And this is where subrogation comes in.

"Insurers (such as home, auto and travel health insurers) will seek cost-sharing through other available insurance policies. This is the process of subrogation." says Anne Williams, manager of communications and community for Pacific Blue Cross in an email to CBC News.

"If a member of a group health plan (Pacific Blue Cross or another) buys supplemental travel insurance from another insurance carrier, and then makes a claim, that carrier can legally seek cost-sharing from the member's group coverage, up to a certain percentage."

Tom Milaney had never heard of a first payer clause before and says he didn't realize the insurance they bought from RBC was supplemental.  

"We just told [RBC], 'This is where we're going for three or four weeks' and they said, 'This is what it will cost you," he says.  

"I never thought they could take it from the lifetime [coverage] amount. It just never dawned on me."

In a statement, RBC said it can't comment on particular client details. 

"We're very sorry to hear about the difficult circumstances for this couple." said Greg Skinner, RBC senior manager for communications. 

"There are many different insurance plans available with varying degrees of coverage. It's very important that clients understand their existing coverage as well as the details of the policy they are purchasing so that they can choose the one that is right for them," Skinner says.

Skinner also points out RBC's policy states for people with lifetime coverage amounts like the Milaneys, RBC will only "co-ordinate payment," or recover funds from a claim in excess of $50,000. Meaning no matter how big the claim, the Milaneys would have been left with at least $50,000 in their extended health coverage. 

Millions of Canadians need to know

A survey done by the Conference Board of Canada found Canadians made an estimated 27.6 million overnight leisure trips outside the country in 2014. Almost three-quarters of those travellers had private health insurance on their last outbound trip.

Had the Milaneys not gone with RBC and instead bought travel insurance from their extended health-care provider, Pacific Blue Cross, a claim would not have affected their coverage.

"In essence, the member's group health lifetime coverage is protected," says Pacific Blue Cross's Anne Williams.  

Tom Milaney says that is exactly what they'll do for all future trips.  

"I guess buyer beware. If we didn't catch this, it [their lifetime coverage amount] could all be gone. One more serious travel incident and they would have taken all the money," he says.

"You have to be really careful."

Follow Aaron Saltzman on Twitter

If you have a consumer issue, contact Aaron Saltzman at [email protected]

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Senior Reporter, Consumer Affairs

Aaron Saltzman is CBC's Senior Business Reporter. Tips/Story ideas always welcome. [email protected] twitter.com/cbcsaltzman

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HelloSafe » Health Insurance » Blue Cross

Is Blue Cross Health Insurance Worth It? Review (2024)

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Information verified by   Alexandre Desoutter

Our articles are written by experts in their fields (finance, trading, insurance etc.) whose signatures you will see at the beginning and at the end of each article. They are also systematically reviewed and corrected before each publication, and updated regularly.

Did you know that over 30% of medical costs in Canada are not covered by your provincial healthcare? Most families end up paying this out of their pocket leaving them with a huge financial burden. That's why it's essential to have good private health insurance.

Among the popular providers in the country, Blue Cross Health Insurance is one of the options you could consider. But is it the right choice for you?

In this review, we take you through the various plans, coverage, and pros and cons of Blue Cross health insurance, so you can decide if it's best for you. You also get to compare other health insurances and get quotes tailor-made for you using our free comparator.

8 Key Takeaways on Blue Cross Health Insurance

• Blue Cross insures over 7 million Canadians under federal license.
• Multiple plans with health, drug, and dental coverage options.
• Easy-access online portal for benefit information and claim submission.
• Additional services include critical illness and hospital expenses coverage.
• Blue Cross caters to every section including the self-employed, students, and retirees with specialized packages.
• Connected Care platform for online consultations and mental wellness support.
• Dental coverage is available as a standalone or add-on based on location.
• Compare rates and coverage to find the best health insurance plan using HelloSafe comparator.

Our 2024 review on Blue Cross health insurance: Flexible and accessible choice

The Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans is a federation of non-profit insurance providers operating across Canada since 1938. Its members, including Alberta Blue Cross, Quebec Blue Cross, Ontario Blue Cross, Manitoba Blue Cross, Medavie Blue Cross, Pacific Blue Cross, and Saskatchewan Blue Cross, collectively insure over 7 million Canadians under their federally licensed coverage.

Blue Cross Health Insurance in Canada presents a range of medical insurance plans that encompass health benefits, pharmaceutical coverage, and dental care. These plans are tailored to specific regions , with distinctions between, for instance, Ontario Blue Cross and Pacific Blue Cross BC.

Across all Blue Cross regions, online portals facilitate easy management of plans and streamlined claims processing. These plans also offer the flexibility to include optional add-ons, such as critical illness coverage and coverage for hospital expenses.

Blue Cross private health insurance caters to a diverse audience, from individuals without access to private group plans to those seeking additional benefits beyond their employer's or province's healthcare program, like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan .

With Blue Cross, you can personalize your coverage to align with your unique needs , making it suitable for a variety of individuals. Special packages are available, including a self-employed package for freelancers and student health insurance designed for those in higher education or recent graduates.

If you would like to get a Blue Cross health insurance quote that is personalized to your unique needs, you can do so below and get results in a few moments.

Pros of Blue Cross Health Insurance

• Mix and match plans as needed
• Self-service options
• Submit claims online or via app
• Discounts on medical vision care, health products & services via Blue Advantage
• Tailored Wellness Program

Cons of Blue Cross Health Insurance

• Preventive dental care is only available with dental add-ons in regions like Ontario, BC

You can see how Blue Cross health insurance plans fare against other providers right here using our comparator below. You can compare multiple plans and get free health insurance quotes in seconds.

Compare The Best Health Insurance Plans in Seconds

What is the cost of Blue Cross health insurance?

Your regional Blue Cross provider will offer you a personalized quote based on your age, lifestyle, health history, and a number of other factors. The premium will be based on your specific profile and needs. A number of factors will determine your Blue Cross personal health insurance rates, including:

• optional extras
• the number of lives on your plan (individual, family, etc.)
• smoker status

For example

What is the average cost of Blue Cross health insurance plans? Let's take an example, Mikael is a 30-year-old man living in Toronto, who is healthy and has never smoked. If he takes out a policy with Blue Cross Ontario, he could expect to pay $29.73 per month for a basic plan.

To make sure you are getting the best plan for the best price, you must first establish what you want from your health insurance policy. Take a look at the table below to see some of the variables affecting pricing for a Blue Cross Health Insurance Ontario resident's plan.

*This assumes that the purchaser is covered by the Ontario Provincial Health Plan (OHIP)

Before you decide Blue Cross is right for you, it is essential to compare its premiums and coverage with other health insurance in Canada. All you need to do is use our free comparator above and get tailor-made quotes from the best insurance plans that suit your unique budget and needs.

What does Blue Cross health insurance cover?

When you buy Blue Cross Health Insurance Canada you can choose between specific packages aimed at different groups, these are:

• Self-employed health insurance
• Small business employees' health insurance
• People without access to group benefits health insurance
• Student health insurance
• Retiree health insurance
• Recent immigrant health insurance

For these different groups, Blue Cross offers three different levels of health insurance to choose from depending on your medical needs:

Good to know

All Blue Cross Health Insurance Canada plans allow for the add-on of drug and dental benefits. However, the average cost of Blue Cross health insurance may vary across provinces. For example, Blue Cross Health Insurance bc may be different from Blue Cross Quebec health insurance.

Below we have laid out the coverage based on the level of health insurance plan:

A full list of coverage levels can be found in the Flex Plan documentation below.

A 6-month waiting period applies to all vision care plans.

What types of health insurance does Blue Cross offer?

Blue Cross health insurance packages vary from province to province. However, most packages offer three levels of coverage.

Below we have laid out the levels of coverage offered by Ontario Blue Cross to give you an example of how coverage differs between different levels of insurance. Other provinces will differ in detail.

It is recommended that you compare coverages from the other health insurances and the various add-ons they offer to make sure you pick a plan that's the best fit for you. And for that, you could simply use our free comparator below and get quotes from Canada's best health insurance providers.

Compare The Best Health Insurance Plans and Rates on the market!

Can I get Blue Cross travel health insurance?

When traveling outside your province, provincial medical plans usually do not cover out-of-province emergency medical expenses, which can be financially burdensome. To ensure comprehensive coverage, Blue Cross offers customizable Single-trip Travel Insurance for Canadian Residents.

Here is an overview of the coverage as the specifics change based on your unique needs.

• Emergency Medical Care: Coverage up to $5,000,000 in case of accident or illness.
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption: Covers in case of cancellation, interruption, or unexpected modification of the trip.
• Accidental Death or Dismemberment: Covers up to $300,000 in case of death or loss of use of a limb.
• Baggage coverage: Protection against delays, loss, theft, or damage.

There are also multi-trip travel insurance options. At the same time can also purchase a travel add-on to your health insurance package. This travel insurance add-on typically includes coverage for emergency medical care, hospitalization , medical transportation, and other travel-related emergencies. You could also buy Blue Cross international health insurance as a separate policy for International coverage.

Blue Cross Health insurance for visitors to Canada

Blue Cross offers a Visitors to Canada Travel plan that safeguards foreign visitors, students, immigrants, and workers entering Canada for pleasure, business, or immigration purposes.

When purchased before arrival, coverage starts upon arrival, and if bought within 30 days of arrival, it commences 72 hours after application. The plan also caters to returning Canadians awaiting eligibility for the Government health insurance plan.

Note that the coverages and premiums may slightly change based on the province. For example, Pacific Blue Cross Health Insurance might be different from Blue Cross Health Insurance Ontario.

Are Blue Cross and Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance the same? Blue Cross health insurance operates in Canada, providing coverage through independent provincial organizations. Blue Cross Blue Shield operates in the United States, with independently operated companies in each state. Both are not-for-profit entities but serve different regions with distinct health insurance plans.

What does Blue Cross dental insurance cover?

While Canada’s public system covers lots of healthcare needs, access to dental care is rather limited. Dental care is important to one’s overall health. Since it can be a major expense, too many people skip preventive treatment.

That is a mistake, as regular preventive care helps prevent gum disease, which is linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, it can help you to detect other medical complications early. Further provincial health care like AHCIP or the MSP in BC, do not offer good dental coverage.

A supplemental Blue Cross health and dental insurance plan can help, here is what it offers. Blue Cross allows you to add dental insurance to your Elements plan. It’s important to know what coverage each plan has.

Entry plans include:

• Dental maintenance

Essential plans add:

• Extractions
• Root canals

Enhanced plans add:

• Periodontal Services
• Major dental
• Orthodontics (braces)

What extras does Blue Cross health insurance offer?

You can add extra coverage onto your Blue Cross health insurance plan which increases coverage levels or extends your protections.

For example, if you travel a lot by car for business and are always moving around Canada, you might want to consider the Out-of-province Medical Care add-on, which will make sure you are protected even if you have an accident away from home.

What is the Connected Care digital health platform?

The Connected Care platform is a new offering from Blue Cross that allows you to organize your healthcare and connect with medical professionals online, either via the Blue Cross app or online, through their website.

The platform is not intended to replace face-to-face consultations but offers a way to seek advice or guidance from the comfort of your own home or on the move.

In the table below you can find the online services that the Connected Care platform offers and how they work.

Some Connected Care services charge a fee.

If you're interested in checking out other providers that have comprehensive online services, you could use our comparator to get details on their policies, and services, and even get quotes. It's completely free-to-use and you get personalised quotes in no time.

How to buy Blue Cross health insurance?

To purchase Blue Cross health insurance you can head to the Blue Cross website homepage and select your province. Once you have accessed your provincial Blue Cross insurance provider you can select Health Insurance, choose the package you want and the level of protection, and schedule a call with a representative to discuss your specific needs and medical history.

You will get a Blue Cross health insurance quote based on your unique needs, coverage, add-ons, and health conditions.

Blue Cross health insurance login

Essentially, members can log in into their Blue Cross account on the website. As you can see in the picture above you will need your email and password. If it is your first time setting up an account, you will need to provide your policy number, You can find your policy number on your Blue Cross health insurance card.

Blue Cross health insurance app

Blue Cross offers a mobile app that you can use to keep track of payments and appointments . You can also use the Connected Care online services through it. You can download the app through Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Blue Cross health insurance customer service

Customers, both existing and new, can reach customer service by calling the Blue Cross health insurance phone number. The number varies depending on your region. We have set out the contact number by region below. Lines are open Monday to Friday but the hours vary depending on location.

How to file a Blue Cross Health Insurance claim?

To submit a claim, you have three options. Firstly, visit the Blue Cross website specific to your province and access the appropriate claim form based on the reimbursement type, such as dental or extended health benefits.

This is what a Blue Cross Health Insurance Claim Form looks like.

Secondly, you can use the Alberta Blue Cross® member app (or the app for your province) on your iPhone or Android device to easily submit most types of claims.

Lastly, if you prefer mail, send a completed and signed claim form, along with original receipts and supporting documents, to your provincial Blue Cross office for processing.

How to cancel a policy?

To cancel your policy, you will have to fill up a cancellation request form and send it to your respective provincial Blue Cross departments. The forms may vary for every province. Here is the form for Pacific Blue Cross (for British Columbia).

Alternatively, you can call and speak to a member of the public services team at 1-800-355-9133 to begin the process of canceling your insurance.

Alexandre Desoutter has been working as editor-in-chief and head of press relations at HelloSafe since June 2020. A graduate of Sciences Po Grenoble, he worked as a journalist for several years in French media, and continues to collaborate as a as a contributor to several publications.

My husband, 65, and me, 61, need a health insurance plan. Where do I get it? Thanks

We suggest you to try our health insurance plan comparator to find out which plan suits your healthcare needs, and your husband's, best.

Have a nice day,

The Hellosafe Team

I'm 65 years old and I'm looking for health insurance for 6months when I go abroad ,how much would it cost

Hi Rick, If you are looking for health coverage while being abroad for a trip, you might want to consider travel insurance . You can check out our comparator tool to see some of the best offers in Canada.

Have a nice day, The HelloSafe team

When is the dental plan effective date after purchase? I am trying to get my dentist appointment completed as soon as possible, and need to use the insurance I’m signing up for.

Thanks and take care.

Hi Andrew, I would advise looking at your insurance contract. This kind of information should be on it.

My husband and I are wanting to find out the cost of the Essential Dental plan and the cost of Extended Health with Blue Cross. My husband is 79 years old and I am 69 years old. Could you also inform us what these plans include. Thank you in advance for all your help.

Hi Pat, You can consult the general conditions of the plan for further information. You can find documentation higher on this page as well as on the Blue Cross website.

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Random info about things and stuff

Travel advice

Travel coverage

Have questions about travel?

Contents: Travel insurance

• Emergency Medical Care
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption coverage
• Visitors to Canada
• Top-Up insurance
• Cancellations and refunds
• Compare travel coverages
• Flight Delay Service
• Baggage loss coverage
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Optional Protection: Pandemic
• Travel advisories

Travel insurance eligibility

• How to choose travel coverage
• Frequently asked questions

Pre-travel checklist

• Comprehensive
• Travelling in Canada
• Study abroad
• Family vacations
• Weekend getaways
• Backpacking
• Winter escapes
• Romantic retreats
• Travel policy

Plan your trip

You spent weeks researching your dream vacation—now the planning begins. Once your accommodation and flights are booked, it’s time to tackle your to-do list. Make sure you have a plan before you leave so you can save yourself time and avoid common travel mistakes.

Enjoy a stress-free trip

Travel with confidence

Travel tips and resources to get you ready

Not sure what documents you need? Wondering what the latest travel restrictions are? Trying to decide what travel coverage is best? Our travel resources are here to guide you through every stage of planning.

There are a few factors that affect travel insurance eligibility, like age and trip length. Learn more about who is eligible for Alberta Blue Cross® travel insurance and requirements for travellers with a pre-existing health condition.

Choosing travel coverage

Choosing the right travel insurance for your needs and budget is important. Follow our step-by-step guide to make an informed decision.

No matter what kind of trip you’re taking, a checklist can help you stay organized. Review our checklist for travel tips and good advice to help you plan your getaway.

Still have questions? We have answers

Find answers to commonly asked questions about travelling and travel insurance.

Get a quote

Finding the right coverage you need for your trip starts with a quote. Get started online or give our travel team a call. We are here to help you.

Frequently asked travel questions

Home > Frequently asked travel questions

If navigating the current pandemic has taught us anything, it’s to not take certain things in life for granted—one of those being travel. For many of us, COVID-19 has impacted travel plans near and far and we are itching to find out when it will be safe to visit our favourite international destinations again.

Though we don’t have all the answers to your questions, here are some frequently asked travel questions and answers to help put your mind at ease.

When will Alberta Blue Cross ® be selling travel insurance again?

Currently, the Government of Canada travel advisory is at a level three, which is to avoid non-essential travel. So, before we can sell travel insurance again, this advisory will need to become a level two: to exercise a high degree of caution, a level one: exercise normal security precautions or be removed completely.

Our number one priority is your safety and the safety of others, which is why we must abide by these levels. For more information on the risk levels, visit the Government of Canada’s travel advisories web page .

When will Alberta Blue Cross ® sell travel insurance to go to the United States?

Similar to the above, the current level three travel advisory advises against non-essential travel including travel to the United States. Before we can sell travel insurance to go to the United States, this advisory also needs to become a level two, one or removed completely. Plus, the Canada-U.S. border will need to re-open.

When you start selling travel plans again, will there be coverage for COVID-19 if I buy emergency medical insurance? 

Yes; you will be covered for COVID-19 if you have not had any symptoms or a diagnosis in the 90 days prior to your departure date. You also cannot be awaiting a test result or have been in contact with anyone who tested positive in the last 14 days.

Will there be coverage for COVID-19 if I buy Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption and Baggage insurance? 

As COVID-19 is now an anticipated event, it will not be covered.

Where do I check for travel advisories? 

Please visit the Government of Canada’s travel website for travel advice and advisories.

For more information on our travel coverage as it relates to COVID-19, please visit our website .

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10 Comments

I am existing customer with out of country coverage. Am I covered for COVID-19 when travelling to the a United States. I haven’t received any documentation to the contrary. Thanks

Daryl. I spent a considerable period of time last week talking to 4 different people in various departments trying to get the same information. To make a long story short , I finally received both verbal and written confirmation from the Team Lead-Individual Products Retention that if you are an existing client with previously purchased travel insurance you continue to be covered under your travel insurance policy for everything EXCEPT anything related to Covid 19, subject to the time limits, coverage limits and stability periods set forth in the policy. In addition Alberta Blue Cross does not currently sell Covid 19 travel insurance, although it appears that both Ontario Blue Cross and Quebec Blue Cross do, which seems strange. If you are looking for Covid 19 travel insurance then try Medipac, which is the recommended insurer of the Canadian Snowbirds Association.

Hi Daryl, As of March 13, 2020, the Government of Canada has issued an official notice to avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada. In accordance with this notice, Alberta Blue Cross emergency medical travel coverage will not provide coverage for any claims related to COVID-19 incurred outside Canada for departures commencing March 14, 2020 or after. We recommend you check the Canadian travel advisories frequently. But, it’s critical to check before you book your trip and right before you leave.

My understanding is that we will be covered for non-Covid related claims, though, correct?

Hi Theo, Yes you would be covered for non-COVID related claims, providing you don’t fall into any of the medical exclusions on your plan. We recommend (especially nowadays with things changing so frequently) that if you’re planning to travel, you should contact CanAssistance at 1-888-772-2583 to discuss any rules of exclusions that may apply at the time of your departure.

Can you use bluecross drug coverage while in another province for existing prescriptions? If so will the pharmacy direct bill or do you have to submit a claim?

Yes, you can fill your prescription in other provinces. As long as the pharmacy is connected with us for direct billing, they can direct bill. On the Alberta Blue Cross app or member site, you can use our provider look up tool to find a pharmacy nearest to your location.

Do we need special travel insurance when traveling to another province ex. B.C.? We have Blue Cross Seniors Plus Plan B at the present time. Does it cover any medical emergency situations such as ambulance or hospitalization?

We would recommend that members who are travelling outside of Alberta to have travel coverage as there are some things that would not typically be covered by your existing plan such as repatriation, air transportation, return of vehicle, return of deceased, family and friend airfare and meals, medical escorts, remote emergency evacuation and return of dependent children.

Our Seniors Plus Plan does not include travel coverage so we would encourage you to visit our website to purchase a travel plan: https://www.ab.bluecross.ca/travel/travel-insurance.php .

Are there any pre- requisite if my physician wanted me to start on Inj Ozempic?

I am already on Metformin for years now but with age blood sugar is just hard to control thru diet & just metformin.

Hbaic about 9 now.

Can somebody from BC please tell why i can’t be on Ozempic yet? I believe i can be of better blood sugar if i can be on this drug. Please help.

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We begin by acknowledging that we are on traditional lands, referred to as Treaty 6, Treaty 7 and Treaty 8 territory, and all the people here are beneficiaries of these peace and friendship treaties.

This territory is the home for many Indigenous Peoples, including the Blackfoot, Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Ojibwe, Stoney Nakota Sioux, and Tsuut’ina peoples, and the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis Settlements.

We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to moving forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.

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