Is Blue Cross Travel Insurance in Canada worth it? 2023 Review
verified information
Information verified by Adeline Harmant
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.
Discover the methodology
Blue Cross travel insurance is a well-established insurance provider that offers coverage for Canadian travellers. With a reputation for reliability, Blue Cross is a trusted choice for those seeking reliable travel insurance solutions.
But how much does Blue Cross travel offer cost? What does it cover? What are its pros and cons? And most importantly, is it the best choice for you? Find all this and more in our complete review of Blue Cross travel insurance Canada.
5 Key Takeaways on Blue Cross travel insurance
- Provides comprehensive coverage for Canadian travellers
- Offers various plans to suit different travel needs, including single-trip and multi-trip policies
- Covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage and other travel-related incidents
- May have limitations depending on specific situations and individual health conditions
- Compare Blue Cross with other providers using HelloSafe comparator and get free quotes
Our 2023 review on Blue Cross travel insurance
Blue Cross is a reputable provider in Canada, catering to travellers' needs by offering travel insurance plans. The company's policies cover a wide range of travel-related incidents, including medical emergencies, trip interruptions and baggage loss.
The company aims to provide peace of mind to travellers by protecting them from unexpected expenses while abroad. Its extensive coverage options and reputation in the insurance industry make it a good option for Canadian travellers seeking reliable travel insurance.
Let’s take a look at its pros and cons to further understand Blue Cross insurance Canada:
Pros:
- Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies during travel
- Options for trip cancellation and interruption coverage
- Provides coverage for lost or delayed baggage
- Multi-trip policies for frequent travellers
- Access to a vast network of healthcare providers
- Blue cross travel insurance reviews show good customer service
Cons:
- Pre-existing conditions coverage may not be all-inclusive
- Some plans may have limited coverage for extreme sports or adventure activities
- High deductibles on certain policies
- Policy costs may be higher for older travellers
Before choosing Blue Cross, be sure to compare its offer with its competitors:
Compare the best travel insurance plans on the market!
What is Blue Cross travel coverage in Canada?
What does Blue Cross travel insurance cover
Blue Cross Travel Insurance Canada typically covers a range of incidents, such as:
- Emergency medical expenses during travel
- Trip interruption or cancellation under some unforeseen circumstances
- Baggage loss, delay, or theft
- Accidental death and dismemberment coverage
- Travel assistance services, including emergency evacuation
- Optional: Covid coverage
Below, we have outlined the features of each coverage option offered for the single-trip plan when traveling outside of Canada to assist you in selecting the most suitable option:
| Coverage Type | Emergency Medical | Trip Cancellation or Interruption | Accidental Death or Dismemberment | Baggage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to $500 (after a 12-hour delay) | $5 million | |||
| Medical repatriation | One-way economy airfare | |||
| Paramedical services | Up to $400 per profession | |||
| Hospital allowance | Up to $100 per day, $500 max | |||
| Emergency dental for injury and pain | Up to $2,000 for injury, $500 for pain | |||
| Companion travel, subsistence | Economy fare and up to $1,200 | |||
| Subsistence allowance due to medical delay | Up to $300 per day, max $3,000 | |||
| Trip cancellation and trip interruption | Up to the sum insured, max $15,000 | |||
| Meals & accommodation due to travel delay | Up to $300 per day, max $3,000 | |||
| Travel accident and travel accident | Up to $200,000 for travel Up to $300,000 for flight (depending on age and circumstances) | |||
| Baggage insurance | Up to $1,500 | |||
| Baggage delay | Up to $500 (after 12-hour delay) |
What is not covered by Blue Cross travel plans?
The specific exclusions may vary depending on the policy, but typical exclusions might include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions (unless specifically covered)
- Injuries or accidents related to extreme sports or risky activities
- Travel to countries or regions under travel advisories or warnings
In some cases, Blue Cross might provide coverage for stable pre-existing conditions, which are medical conditions that have been stable and controlled for a certain period before the trip. The definition of "stable" and the required stability period can vary from one policy to another.
It's important for travelers with pre-existing conditions to be upfront and honest when providing their medical history during the application process. Failure to disclose pre-existing conditions accurately can lead to claims being denied later on.
Good to know
Medical or trip cancellation/interruption coverage is mandatory, while dismemberment and baggage coverage or accidental death are optional.
Is Blue Cross travel insurance available in all provinces?
Blue Cross offers coverage to travellers from all Canadian provinces, including but not limited to:
- British Columbia (Pacific blue cross travel insurance)
- Alberta
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
For example
Blue Cross offers almost the same coverage for all provinces. For instance, Alberta Blue Cross travel coverage is similar to that of blue cross travel insurance Ontario — emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation, and assistance services. The main difference lies in the specific plans and pricing available to residents of each province.
Does Blue cross have travel insurance for seniors?
Yes, Blue Cross offers travel insurance to seniors in Canada. Its offer is designed to cater to the unique needs of older travelers. These insurance plans typically offer comprehensive coverage, including the following:
- emergency medical expenses,
- trip cancellations,
- baggage loss.
They may also provide coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, as well as extended trip durations suitable for seniors traveling abroad
Good to know
There are eligibility criterias for travellers aged 55, we discuss these further down on this page. Policies are tailored to accommodate the potential health risks associated with age.
How to contact Blue Cross travel insurance?
For inquiries or assistance, individuals can contact Blue Cross through their customer service channels, which may include phone numbers, email, or online chat support available on their official website.
The Blue cross travel insurance phone number numbers may vary based on your province. In Ontario, you can call Blue Cross at:
- 416-640-3444
- 1-866-732-2583
Another easy and quick way to contact Blue Cross is to login on your Blue Cross account and get in touch with the insurer through its private online channels.
Blue Cross travel insurance for visitors to Canada
Blue Cross offers insurance for visitors to Canada to provide health travel coverage and financial protection for individuals who are visiting Canada from other countries. This type of visitor travel insurance is essential for international visitors as it helps cover medical expenses in case of unexpected illnesses or accidents while in Canada.
How much does Blue Cross travel insurance cost?
The cost of Blue Cross's travel insurance is determined by several factors, including:
- the total trip cost,
- the trip destination (whether you need travel insurance for the USA or Europe, your premium will not be the same),
- the age of the traveller,
- the chosen coverage level.
Below are some examples of the costs for Blue Cross single-trip plans available to healthy travellers based in Ontario:
| Travellers' profile | Destination | All Inclusive | Emergency Medical *does not include baggage coverage | Trip Cancellation & Interruption only *does not include baggage coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Couple (age 27) | Mexico, 7 days, $3,000 | $197.14 | $54.26 | $122.16 |
| Individual (age 50) | UK, 10 days, $3,500 | $277.41 | $53.17 | $214.37 |
| Couple (age 65) | Italy, 21 days, $8,000 | $1,073.79 | $247.72 | $761.98 |
Please note that these quotes do not include optional protection for Covid-related costs.
For example
For the Mexico trip example, baggage coverage can be added to the medical-only plan for an additional $19.96, making the plan total $74.22. Similarly, for the Trip Cancellation and Interruption only plan, baggage coverage can be added for $19.96, resulting in a plan total of $142.12.
Additionally, with emergency medical coverage, you have the option to add an optional deductible, which is the amount you will pay out of pocket before your coverage takes effect. The deductible options available are $250, $500, $1,500, $2,500, or $5,000.
If you want to compare Blue Cross prices with other travel insurances to see what suits you best, you could use our comparator below. Get quotes and pricing information in no time and it's completely free to use.
Compare the best travel insurance plans on the market!
Are you eligible for Blue Cross travel insurance?
To qualify for insurance coverage with Blue Cross, you must meet the following criteria:
- You are a Canadian resident who is covered under a health insurance plan from the government.
- You are at least 30 days old on the departure date of your trip.
Moreover, for travellers aged 55 and over, the following conditions must not apply:
- You have received medical advice not to travel.
- You are suffering from a medical condition in a terminal stage.
- You are suffering from kidney failure and treated with dialysis.
- You have been diagnosed with or treated for metastatic cancer in the last five years.
- You have been prescribed or treated with home oxygen in the past 12 months.
Good to know
Blue Cross Medical Travel Insurance refers to travel insurance policies that emphasize medical coverage, ensuring that travellers have financial protection in case of unexpected medical emergencies while travelling.
How to make a Blue Cross travel insurance claim?
To make a claim with Blue Cross travel coverage, travellers typically need to follow these steps:
- Contact Blue Cross as soon as possible to initiate the claim process.
- Provide all necessary documentation and details related to the incident.
- Complete any claim forms required by the company.
- Cooperate with the claims adjuster, if needed, to provide additional information.
