Our 2025 Review on Blue Cross's Critical Illness Insurance
Critical illness insurance is crucial in the face of unexpected health challenges. A heart attack, stroke, or cancer diagnosis not only hinders your ability to work but also brings financial burdens. If you've considered how to support yourself and your dependents during illness, critical illness insurance is worth exploring.
With various coverage types and benefit amounts available, choosing the right one can be challenging. But have you thought about Blue Cross critical illness insurance? If you haven't we've got you covered.
In this review, we look at everything about Blue Cross critical illness insurance, from how it works, and its pros and cons, to premiums and contact information. You can also use our free comparator to compare the best critical illness insurance plans in Canada and get free personalized quotes.
Blue Cross critical illness insurance: Key takeaways
- Blue Cross offers critical illness coverage for cancer, stroke, heart attack, and more.
- Lump sum benefits up to $50,000 during recovery.
- Easy online quote and application process with no medical exam.
- Non-cancellable contract before age 59 if renewed annually.
- Timely submission of specific medical information crucial for cancer benefit eligibility.
Our 2025 review of Blue Cross critical illness insurance
Blue Cross Critical Illness insurance offers a crucial financial safety net in the face of unexpected health challenges, covering major conditions such as cancer, stroke, coronary artery bypass surgery, heart attack, and terminal renal insufficiency.
With lump sum benefits up to $50,000 during recovery and an easy online application process without a medical exam, Blue Cross provides accessible coverage. The non-cancellable contract, if renewed annually before age 59, offers stability, and the plan extends protection outside your home province.
While the coverage list is limited to five illnesses, the option for premium refunds at termination and the flexibility of the lump-sum benefit make Blue Cross Critical Illness Insurance a valuable choice. However, rates may change upon renewal, and coverage for additional illnesses is not included.
This insurance is most suitable for individuals seeking comprehensive critical illness coverage without a medical exam, but those requiring broader illness coverage might explore alternative options.
If you want to see how Blue Cross critical illness insurance fares against other policies in the market, you can do it right here. Use our free comparator below to compare the best critical illness insurance plans in Canada and get free personalized quotes in seconds.
Find a critical illness insurance policy that's right for you
Pros of Blue Cross Critical Illness Insurance
- Quote available online
- 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 the year (You will be advised 30 days before renewal)
- The 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 to be eligible
Who is Blue Cross?
Blue Cross refers to a set of not-for-profit health insurance providers in Canada. It has more than 7 million members in Canada. In Canada Blue Cross is made up of a federation of regional not-for-profit organizations. 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 - Pacific Blue Cross critical illness)
- Saskatchewan Blue Cross
- Medavie Blue Cross (serving Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland and Labrador - Medavie Blue Cross critical illness)
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 plans.
It's important to note that products and pricing can vary across provinces and territories. This article refers solely to Ontario Blue Cross's offerings.
How much does Blue Cross critical illness insurance cost?
Critical illness insurance premiums are based on individual factors. Pricing varies widely based on the following:
- 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.
You must compare plans and premiums before buying a plan. You can use our free comparator below to explore multiple critical illness insurance plans in Canada and get free personalized quotes in no time.
Find a critical illness insurance policy that's right for you
Why sign up for Blue Cross critical illness insurance?
But is critical illness insurance worth it? Critical illness insurance from Blue Cross gives 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 that are not covered under a different policy
- Transportation to see specialists
- Chair lifts or ramps at home
- Therapy and counseling
- Retrofitting vehicles for accessibility
Besides 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.
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 expenses (due to accident), travel insurance, and other optional coverages.
For more on Blue Cross critical illness coverage, see the pdf below.
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 above.
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. For example, Manulife critical illness insurance coverage could be different from Blue Cross or Sun Life coverage.
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 right here using our free comparator below. Get personalized quotes in no time.
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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
