Canada’s universal care, while excellent, is not comprehensive. Emergency and preventive care are largely covered, but knowing what is not covered is critical to planning for the worst.
Around 30% of health expenditures in Canada are privately financed by supplemental insurance (group or individual) or by patients themselves out-of-pocket. This includes dental and vision care and access to prescription medications.
Are you considering a personal health insurance plan with Blue Cross?
You are in the right spot. This guide details the offerings from Blue Cross including price, coverage, reviews and more.
Summary
Who is Blue Cross?
Medavie Blue Cross was founded in 1943 and is a carrier that provides health, dental, travel, life and disability benefits to individuals and organizations nationwide. They administer various government-sponsored health programs on behalf of provincial and federal governments, including Veterans Affairs Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. They also provide private health insurance.
Our review of Blue Cross health insurance
Blue Cross offers several plans that can include health benefits, drug, and dental coverage for you to choose from all depending on what your health insurance needs are.
They have an easy access online portal which includes easy access to your benefit information and allows you to submit a claim online. Their plans allow for the optional add ons of services such as critical illness cover and hospital cash.
Blue Cross health insurance is intended for people who do not have access to a private group insurance plan, or if you would like additional benefits not offered by your employer’s or province’s health and drug coverage such as dental or medication only coverage.
Why Blue Cross may be right for you:
- Self-service options
- Submit claim online or via app
- Mix and match plans as needed
Why Blue Cross may not be right for you:
- Hospital benefits are not automatically included
- Dental cover waiting periods vary between plans
Before signing up for a health insurance plan with Blue Cross, compare rates and coverage offerings from the best health and dental plans using our comparison tool. Shop the best plans in seconds without giving up personal details.
What does Blue Cross cover?
Blue Cross has three different health insurance modules to choose from depending on your health needs:
- Entry
- Essential
- Enhanced
All plans allow for the add-on of drug and dental benefits.
| Treatment | Entry | Essential | Enhanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 60% | 70% | 80% |
| Ambulance | No Coverage | $420 | $420 |
| Vision (6 month waiting period applies to all plans) | $100 every 2 years | $150 every 2 years | $300 every 2 years |
| Semi-Private Hospital Room | No Coverage | No Coverage | 100% for 90 days |
| Travel Medical | No Coverage | No Coverage | 100% for 30 days |
| Psychologist/Social Worker | $250 per year | $400 per year | $500 per year |
What does Blue Cross dental insurance cover?
While Canada’s public system covers lots of healthcare needs, access to dental care is not included. 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.
A supplemental insurance plan can help, here is what Blue Cross offers.
Blue Cross allows you to add dental coverage to your Elements plan. It’s important to know what coverage each plan has.
Entry plans include:
- Dental maintance
- Exams
- Cleaning
- X-rays
- Fillings
Essential plans add:
- Extractions
- Root canals
Enhanced plans add:
- Periodontal Services
- Major dental
- Orthodontics (braces)
| Treatment | Entry | Essential | Enhanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Dental Coverage | 60% (up to $500 per year) | 70% | 80% |
| Dental Exam & Cleaning (Entry: 3 month waiting period; Essential and Enhanced: 6 month waiting period) | |||
| X-rays (Entry: 3 month waiting period; Essential and Enhanced: 6 month waiting period) | |||
| Fillings (Entry: 3 month waiting period; Essential and Enhanced: 6 month waiting period) | |||
| Extractions (6 month waiting period) | |||
| Root Canals (6 month waiting period) | |||
| Periodontal Services Coverage (24 month waiting period) | 60% (up to $1,200 per year) | ||
| Major Dental Coverage (24 month waiting period) | 60% (up to $500 per year) | ||
| Orthodontics Coverage (age 18 and under; 24 month waiting period) | 60% (up to $1,500 lifetime) |
How much do Blue Cross’s plans cost?
A 30-year-old male living in Ontario could expect to pay $141.95 per month for a comprehensive plan that includes medication and dental benefits.
Your premium will be based on your specific profile and needs. Blue Cross weighs a number of factors including:
- age
- gender
- additional of optional benefits
- the number of lives on your plan (individual, family, etc.)
- smoker status
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.
The price of health insurance varies greatly between insurers. Your health history, age, the coverage options offered, your province, and more affect pricing. Use our comparison tool to get personalized health insurance quotes, all anonymously.
Compare coverage and rates of
Canada's best health insurance plans
How can I get a Blue Cross health insurance quote?
You can request a Blue Cross personal health insurance quote by working with an insurance broker, requesting a quote through Blue Cross's website or calling Blue Cross directly.
Our website also allows you to compare Blue Cross plans using our insurance comparison tool.
How can I connect to my client space?
You can register to create an account with Blue Cross which will give you access to your personal portal where you can submit or track a claim, find more information about your coverage and eligibility, and also check balances.
Blue Cross also offers their Medavie Mobile app available for Android and iPhones for submitting claims, finding professionals near you and checking coverage.
How can I make a claim with Blue Cross?
Blue Cross has several different ways for you to submit a claim whether it be with their online portal, their app, or by paper.
You can make a claim with Blue Cross by accessing the client space here: Submit a claim
How can I cancel my Blue Cross health insurance plan?
Contact Blue Cross at 1-800-355-9133 to inquire about cancelling your plan.
How can I contact Blue Cross?
You can contact Blue Cross at 1-800-355-9133. They are available Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 4:00 pm ET.
Can I get travel medical insurance with Blue Cross?
You will have to check your specific plan to know if travel insurance is included. Travel insurance is particularly important in Canada because provincial health insurance plans cover less once you are out of your home province. This can mean unpleasant surprises when you see your bill. Travel abroad and you may not have any access to health care services at all without a plan or paying up-front.
Travelling without proper health coverage can be an expensive mistake. Read HelloSafe's complete guide to travel insurance to learn more.
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.
Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe team
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.
Have a nice day,
The HelloSafe team