Blue Cross Critical Illness Insurance Review (2023)
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Great critical illness insurance is an incredible asset if the worst happens. Not only can a heart attack, stroke or cancer diagnosis sideline you from working, but the financial aspect can be a difficult weight to bear alone.
Have you ever thought about how you would provide for yourself and your dependents if you were to get ill? Whereas disability insurance can provide you with a monthly income when you are stopped from working, critical illness insurance can provide a large lump sum payment to defray the immediate costs of medical care and lifestyle changes.
Critical illness insurance comes in a wide range of coverage types and benefit amounts, so it is not always easy to pick the best one for you.
Are you wondering if Blue Cross’s critical illness insurance is right for you? This page explores their offer in detail. Get our Blue Cross review, a breakdown of available coverage options and much more.
Who is Blue Cross?
Blue Cross refers to a set of not-for-profit health insurance providers in Canada. It counts more than 7 million members in Canada. Affiliations with the international Blue Cross networks and the BlueCross BlueShield Association in the United States means a network of great service providers across the world.
In Canada Blue Cross is made up of a federation of regional not-for-profit organization. These include:
- Alberta Blue Cross (serving Alberta and the Northwest Territories)
- Ontario Blue Cross (part of Canassurance Hospital Service Association)
- Manitoba Blue Cross (Manitoba and Nunavut)
- Quebec Blue Cross (part of Canassurance Hospital Service Association)
- Pacific Blue Cross (serving BC and Yukon)
- Saskatchewan Blue Cross
- Medavie Blue Cross (serving Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland and Labrador).
Blue Cross is best known as a health and dental insurance provider with both personal and group offerings. It is, however, a big player in the travel insurance and life insurance industries. It offers competitive group and individual critical illness insurance offer.
It's important to note that products offerings and pricing can vary across provinces and territories. This article refers solely to Ontario Blue Cross's offerings.
Why sign up for Blue Cross critical illness insurance?
Critical illness insurance from Blue Cross or another provider give you a powerful financial safety net should you contract a critical illness or condition. A serious diagnosis is likely to affect your ability to work while engendering serious expenses. These include:
- Medical costs and specialists not covered under a different policy
- Transportation to see specialists
- Chair lifts or ramps at home
- Therapy and counseling
- Retrofitting vehicles for accessibility
Beside these additional costs you still need a plan for continuing to pay your rent or mortgage, child care, groceries and other day-to-day living expenses. The flexibility of the large lump-sum benefit from critical illness insurance means that you'll have the ability to cover these bills as you see fit. You can take care of yourself and your family while focusing on recovery.
Our review of Blue Cross:
Blue Cross is a major critical illness insurance provider in Canada, but not all clients have the same needs or situation. Here is what we like about Blue Cross’s critical illness insurance offer and some considerations to weigh as you shop for coverage options.
Pros of Blue Cross critical illness insurance:
- Quote available online or through a broker
- No medical exam, just a health declaration
- Up to $50 000 benefit
- Contract non-cancellable before 59 if renewed and paid each each
- Protection outside your home province you reside
- Premium refund at termination date option
Cons of Blue Cross critical illness insurance:
- Rates may change when renewed for year (You will be advised 30 days before renewal)
- Covered illness list is limited (5 illnesses)
- To qualify for a benefit payment for a cancer diagnosis requires specific medical information to be provided within 6 months in order to be eligible
Get free quotes and choose a Blue Cross critical illness insurance policy. Our expert can help you find the right coverage that fits the needs of you and your family.
Find a critical illness insurance policy that's right for you
What critical illness insurance plans does Blue Cross offer?
Ontario Blue Cross Critical Illness insurance is available through its Blue Vision Express Plan. The plan requires no medical exam and provides a benefit of up to $50 000.
The plan can cover out-of-province medical care and reimbursement for adaption, travel and household help.
Besides critical illness coverage, the Blue Vision Express Plan also offers life, accidental death, accidental loss of use, health, medical expense (due to accident), travel insurance and other optional coverages.
For more on Blue Cross's critical illness insurance offer see the pdf below.
Blue Cross Ontario Express Plan
What illnesses and conditions qualify for Blue Cross critical illness insurance?
The following illnesses and conditions may qualify a Blue Cross policyholder for critical illness benefits.
-Cancer
-Cerbrovascular accident (stroke)
-Coronary artery bypass surgery
-Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
-Terminal renal insufficiency (kidney failure)
Be aware that plans may cover fewer conditions than those listed below.
Good to know
Different insurers have different criteria for determining the severity of an illness or condition and whether it qualifies. If you have questions, it's best to refer to the policy documents and speak with your insurance broker or Blue Cross advisor.
How do I apply for Blue Cross insurance?
To apply for Blue Bross critical illness insurance coverage, visit the Ontario Blue Cross website or call them at 1-866-732-2583. You may also compare critical illness insurance quotes on this website to be put in contact with an expert.
Before settling on an offer with Blue Cross it's smart to compare critical illness insurance quotes from other providers. You can do this below to be put in contact with an expert.
Shop critical illness policies now
How much does Blue Cross critical illness insurance cost?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to provide an accurate price range for Blue Cross critical illness Insurance. Pricing varies widely based on the following factors
- Age
- Pre-existing conditions
- General health
- Smoking status
- The amount of coverage desired
For general information, the table below summarizes the average price of critical illness insurance for various ages with a $25 000 benefit for the average provider. This is meant solely to provide a rough indication. Speak with an advisor for an exact Blue Cross critical illness insurance quote.
| Age | Price per month |
|---|---|
| Under 25 | $7 |
| 51 to 55 | $27 |
| 56 to 60 | $44 |
| 61 to 65 | $56 |
Good to know
Need help deciding how much coverage to buy from Blue Cross? Our critical illness insurance calculator can help you make an informed decision.
How do I contact Blue Cross?
You can reach Ontario Blue Cross insurance by calling the following numbers:
Local: 416-646-2585
Toll-free: 1-866-732-2583
For inquiries related to life insurance you may email: [email protected]
Their mailing address is:
Ontario Blue Cross
185 The West Mall
Suite 610
Etobicoke, Ontario M9C 5P1
