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Blue Cross Travel Insurance Review 2024

Updated: Jan 8, 2024, 12:49pm

Blue Cross may be a household name when it comes to extended health insurance and group plans, but the company has been offering travel insurance for almost 50 years. A huge plus to a Blue Cross policy is the ability to pick and choose your coverage options to suit your travel needs and budget. There’s no mandatory medical questionnaire, and there’s included flight delay coverage for all plans. While some payout limits are lower than other plans, this is still solid coverage for a good price.

• Customizable coverage options
• Flight delay coverage for all plans
• No mandatory medical questionnaire
• Optional pandemic coverage
• No online quote available for ages 75 and over
• No cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage
• No coverage for higher-risk sports or adventure travel
• Some lower payouts than other plans

Table of Contents

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Blue Cross began in 1929 as a way to make healthcare more accessible for patients at Baylor University hospital in Texas. Subscribers paid $0.50 a month for up to 21 days of hospitalization per year. Buoyed by the company’s success in the U.S., Manitoba became the first province in Canada to establish a Blue Cross prepaid health care plan in 1938 in response to government funding shortfalls for hospitals after the Great Depression. Ontario followed suit in 1941.

Today, Blue Cross provides group health coverage, as well as travel and life insurance through seven regional not-for-profit service organizations. These member groups include: Alberta Blue Cross (serving Alberta and Northwest Territories), Manitoba Blue Cross (serving Manitoba and Nunavut), Medavie Blue Cross (serving New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and PEI), Ontario Blue Cross, Pacific Blue Cross (serving British Columbia and the Yukon), Quebec Blue Cross and Saskatchewan Blue Cross. Blue Cross is part of a larger global network, including the American Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

Blue Cross launched its first travel insurance policy in Canada in 1977.

Blue Cross travel insurance is underwritten by Canassurance Hospital Service Association (CHSA) or Canassurance Insurance Company.

This review is based on plans from Ontario Blue Cross. If you live elsewhere in Canada, your plan offerings may differ.

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

• Emergency medical insurance: If you get 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.

Blue Cross allows you to customize and combine the amount of coverage you need. You can either choose the all inclusive plan or pick individual coverage options à la carte. So, for example, you could choose emergency medical coverage and baggage coverage, or trip cancellation/interruption coverage and baggage coverage.

Package Plus: This option is a combination of the most popular coverage options and includes at least one of emergency medical care and/or trip cancellation or interruption, along with accidental death or dismemberment, and baggage coverage.

Coverage for emergency medical treatment includes:

• Hospital accommodation in a semi-private or private room
• Physician fees
• Private duty nursing
• Paramedical services, such as care from a physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath or podiatrist/chiropodist (combined), up to $400 per profession
• Urgent dermatological care, up to $400 per trip
• Tests and diagnostics
• Prescription medication as part of emergency treatment
• The cost of buying or renting crunches, canes or splints, the cost of renting a wheelchair, orthopaedic devices or other medical devices
• Incidental expenses when hospitalized, such as telephone, TV, parking, etc., up to $100 per day, maximum $500 per hospitalization
• Emergency dental due to a blow to the face, up to $2,000 per accident
• Emergency dental due to pain or disease, up to $500 per trip
• Ground or air ambulance transportation

Medical coverage also covers the cost to return home if medically necessary (and includes a travelling companion or family member), as well as baggage return and pet return. If your return home is delayed due to a medical emergency, this benefit covers meals and accommodations.

Emergency Medical: If you’re only worried about medical emergencies while travelling, this benefit offers all of the medical coverage listed above.

Trip Cancellation or Interruption: This coverage option 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. With this coverage, you can also choose not to insure your trip, but opt in for additional trip coverage. 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.

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.

Baggage Coverage: This insures you if your baggage is delayed for more than 12 hours, or lost, stolen or damaged during your trip.

Flight Delay Service: This service is available at no extra cost to anyone with Blue Cross travel insurance, even if you don’t have trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage.

If your flight is delayed, you automatically receive the following benefits:

• Three hour or more delay: Access to an airport lounge. If a lounge is not available, you’ll receive $40 for each person named on the insurance contract.
• Six hour or more delay: One hotel room (per policy) plus $50 per person, up to a maximum of $200. If no hotel room is available, you’ll receive $250.

Once registered for the service, the Blue Cross system tracks your flight in real time. If it’s delayed, you’ll receive a text message or email telling you how to access your benefits. Your hotel room, if required, will be booked for you and there is no need to submit a claim later.

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 which is the best fit for you. One of medical or trip cancellation/interruption coverage is mandatory, but accidental death or dismemberment and baggage are optional.

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

Here are some examples of the cost for Blue Cross single trip plans for healthy travellers based in Ontario. These quotes do not include the optional protection for pandemic related costs.

These quotes do not include baggage coverage, except for the all inclusive plan option.

Using the example of the Mexico trip, baggage can be added to the medical only plan for $19.96 (making the plan total $74.22) and to the Trip Cancellation and Interruption only plan for $19.96 (for a plan total of $142.12)

With your emergency medical coverage, you can also add an optional deductible, or the amount you will pay out of pocket before your coverage kicks in, of $250, $500, $1,500, $2,500 or $5,000.

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

Related: CAA Travel Insurance Review

TD Insurance

Emergency medical: $5 million Cancel For Any Reason: No Baggage insurance (maximum): $1,000

Related: TD Insurance Travel Insurance Review

Johnson Medoc Travel Insurance

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

Related: Johnson Medoc Travel Insurance Review

Blue Cross offers an Optional Protection: Pandemic add-on that reimburses travel expenses normally excluded under the Trip Cancellation or Interruption Coverage. This add-on must be purchased with trip cancellation and interruption coverage and within five days of the first trip deposit or at least 45 days prior to the departure date.

The benefit is dependent on whether or not there is a Canadian government travel advisory in effect or not on the date the coverage takes effect.

If a travel advisory is in effect, then the pandemic is known and foreseeable, and reimbursement will only be paid due to a travel delay.

In general, when the return date must be delayed due to a diagnosis, positive screen test or contact tracing in relation to a pandemic, benefits include:

• A maximum of $250 per day per insured person, up to $2,500, for hotel and meals (trip maximum of $5,000)
• A maximum of of $500 per insured person for changing the date or replacing your ticket on your return flight (trip maximum $1,000)

If there is no travel advisory in effect, then the pandemic is unforeseeable, and the trip cancellation and coverage applies to the full extent, per the policy wording. In other words, in this case a pandemic is not considered a reason for exclusion.

Here’s how the costs compare for single trip insurance with and without the optional pandemic coverage

Blue Cross offers a preferred rates discount for snowbirds aged 55 and above travelling more than 32 days, as well as a $25 travelling companion discount and a $15 grandchildren discount.

Yes. You can buy multi-trip annual insurance if you travel more than once a year for multiple individual trips. Blue Cross offers medical only coverage, trip coverage and all inclusive coverage for four, eight, 17, 31, 60, 90, 150 or 180 days per trip.

Here’s how the prices between single trip and multi-trip insurance compare for the all inclusive and medical only plans:

Blue Cross Travel Assistance is included with all travel insurance products and is available 24/7, 365 days of the year either before or during your trip. Depending on the coverage provided by your insurance policy, emergency support includes:

• Referral to an appropriate medical facility
• Confirming medical insurance coverage to facilitate your care at the clinic or hospital
• Communicating with the physician treating you
• Coordinating repatriation when medically necessary
• Coordinating the safe return home of your dependent children if you are hospitalized
• Coordinating travel for a bedside family member if you are hospitalized for at least three days
• Coordinating the return of your vehicle if you can not due to an accident or illness
• Interpreter services for emergency calls
• Coordinating claims and payment to hospital/clinic, if applicable
• Assistance in the event of loss or theft of identification documents
• Providing information on embassies and consulates
• Referral to a lawyer in the event of a serious accident
• Settling of formalities in the event of death and repatriation of remains

When calling Blue Cross Travel Assistance, you’ll need your insurance contract number and your provincial health insurance number.

If you (or someone calling on your behalf) do not contact Blue Cross Travel Assistance before receiving medical treatment, your claim may be denied. A relative or medical staff member must contact Travel Assistance within 24 hours of starting medical treatment. It’s important to remember that certain services, such as paramedical treatment, must be approved in advance. If you need to cancel or modify your trip and you have trip cancellation and interruption coverage, you must notify Blue Cross within 48 hours of becoming aware of an event that triggers a change.

Blue Cross will not pay any 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), before your coverage takes effect.

A medical condition is considered stable when all of the following are true:

• No new medical diagnosis has been made
• No new symptoms appears and there was no worsening or increase in the frequency of existing symptoms
• No hospitalization has taken place
• No new medication was prescribed or recommended
• No change of dosage was made to a medication already prescribed or recommended (with some exceptions)
• No new treatment or medical test is pending or has been prescribed, ongoing or recommended
• No ongoing treatment has been changed or discontinued
• No prescribed or recommended treatment, no medical advice has been ignored

In addition, Blue Cross has a number of age- and condition-specific exclusions, including:

For policyholders aged 54 and under during the three months preceding the effective date of coverage or for policyholders aged 55 to 75 travelling less than 32 days during the six months preceding the effective date of coverage:

• Any heart condition for while you have used nitroglycerine more than once in a seven-day period for the relief of chest pain
• Any pulmonary condition for which you have been treated with home oxygen or have required corticosteroid therapy

For policyholders aged 55 to 75 who are travelling 32 days or more and for people aged 76 or over, the following medical conditions are excluded unless the insurance certificate stipulates otherwise:

• During your lifetime, any illness which relates to a cardiovascular condition, kidney failure or a major organ transplant, including bone marrow, liver, lung, heart and pancreas
• During the 24 months before the effective date of coverage, any chronic pulmonary condition for which you have been hospitalized or have used cortisone tablets
• During the 12 months preceding the effective date of coverage, any illness which relates to the following conditions for which you have been diagnosed or treated: Cancer and gastrointestinal conditions, such as hepatitis C or Crohn’s disease

Travellers over age 54 who are travelling for longer than 31 days and travellers aged 76 and older can have their physician complete an optional medical questionnaire that is then submitted to Blue Cross for evaluation. The Blue Cross medical team can then decide if your pre-existing or chronic condition is approved for coverage or not.

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. The following are some of the most common situations not covered by travel insurance:

• Treatment received without approval from Blue Cross Travel Assistance if the medical need was not urgent or if sufficient attempts were not made to receive prior approval
• Foreseeable treatment for a known medical condition
• Failure to comply with a prescribed treatment
• Non-urgent, experimental or optional treatment, such as routine checkups, aesthetic care, rehabilitation, convalescent care, clinical research or experimental drugs
• Continued treatment once the medical emergency is over
• Continued treatment if you refuse repatriation
• Unreasonable billing, namely any invoiced amount not considered a “customary and reasonable expense”
• A child born during the trip
• Mental health disorders
• Suicide and intentional injury
• Use of alcohol, drugs and other intoxicants
• Any illegal or criminal act
• Acts of war and civil unrest
• High-risk sports or activities, including extreme sports, motor sports, sports practiced as a paid professional, high-level sports competitions, aerial sports, combat sports, sports authorizing tackling or body checking, high-risk water sports and high-risk mountain or climbing sports
• Loss or damage of certain items such as a vehicle, personal items such as prosthetics or glasses, cash, tickets or documents, antiques or collectibles, food or animals or breakage of fragile items

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

• You are a resident of Canada and are covered under a government health insurance plan
• You are over 30-days old on the departure date of your trip

In addition, for travellers aged 55 and over, you must not:

• Have received medical advice not to travel
• Suffer from a medical condition in a terminal stage
• Suffer from kidney failure treated with dialysis
• Have been diagnosed with or treated for metastatic cancer in the last five years
• Have been prescribed or treated with home oxygen in the past 12 months

You can file a claim online 24/7 by visiting the Blue Cross secure electronic document filing website where you can start a new claim, submit your required documentation and follow the progress of your claim. The website currently notes that processing your claim could take up to 30 days.

In addition to your claim form you may be asked to provide:

• A medical certificate issued by the physician who treated you that confirms you received treatment and/or a medical emergency occurred either during or before your trip
• Receipts and proof of payment for the medical care and services provided or related travel expenses
• Itemized billing for the care and services provided
• Proof of your travel dates
• A supporting document, such as a police report or letter from the airline, confirming that a serious, unforeseen and non-excluded event is the cause of your claim
• Unused transportation tickets, official receipts from new return transportation or proof of reimbursement or credit.

You must submit the completed claim form within 90 days of the event, including all supporting documentation and itemized receipts.

Blue Cross Travel Insurance FAQs

Does blue cross pay for medical costs upfront.

According to the company, Blue Cross Travel Assistance is part of a worldwide assistance network that includes hospitals, clinics, medical escorts, and air and land carriers and “when the situation allows, we pay the medical costs directly to the provider so you don’t have to pay anything upfront or out of your pocket.”

Does Blue Cross cover COVID-19?

Emergency medical care for COVID-19 is covered as long as you have not contracted or experienced symptoms prior to the effective date of your contract. This does not cover the cost of COVID-19 tests while travelling, unless one is prescribed by a physician due to a medical emergency or sudden illness.

Does 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 or your travelling companion 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 Blue Cross require a medical questionnaire?

No. Unlike other insurance providers, a medical questionnaire is not mandatory, but is offered to travellers over age 54 who are travelling for longer than 31 days and travellers aged 76 and older. All travellers answer a basic health declaration to confirm eligibility that asks questions such as, has your doctor advised you not to travel, do you suffer from a terminal illness and do you suffer from kidney failure treated through dialysis. A medical questionnaire, which is completed by your physician, is optional but is recommended if you have pre-existing conditions. Your answers to these questions will be assessed by the Blue Cross medical directors and if you have pre-existing conditions that do “not present an increased risk, it will be covered.”

Does Blue Cross have any age restrictions?

Yes. Travellers must be at least 30 days old. If you are 85 years or under, the maximum number of days you can purchase until the annual multi-trip plan is 120 days. If you are 80 years old or under, you can purchase multi-trip insurance for maximum days of 150 or 180 days. Travellers age 76 and above can not get a quote online and must call the Customer Relations Centre for assistance.

When does my coverage with 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 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 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, with some exceptions.

Does Blue Cross offer a free look period?

Yes. Blue Cross gives you 10 days after purchase to review and cancel your contract if you’re not satisfied with it, unless you have made or intend to make a claim related to the contract, the contract is for a period of 10 days or less or if the contract was purchased within 11 days before the trip and includes the trip cancellation or interruption coverage.

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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The return to travel: How to stay safe

Summer is here, school is out, and vacation season is in full swing. With many COVID-19 restrictions being lifted around the world, people are taking those dream trips to faraway places again. But since it’s been so long that many of us have travelled at all, we chatted with Omega Miguel, travel team lead, to get tips on what to remember when planning any trip.

Keep up to date with regulations

While COVID-19 restrictions have been significantly loosened in many places, they still differ around the world.

“As travel restrictions are constantly changing, check and understand the Government of Canada’s travel advisories before booking a trip and before travelling. The restrictions required at the time you booked your trip might not be the same as before your departure. Also, it would be helpful to check the requirements for all travelers returning from outside of Canada,” Miguel says.

She also recommends visiting your destination’s official website to learn about their specific restrictions. “Depending on where you’re travelling, you may need to quarantine upon arrival, provide proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test result, or proof of insurance coverage.” Miguel says.

On top of COVID-19 restrictions, you should also check your destination’s standard visa requirements and ensure your passport is up to date, Miguel says. Also, some countries require that your passport to be valid for at least six months from travel, so if it’s been a while since you checked your passport, make sure it’s not expiring soon.

Travel safe

Miguel recommends you take appropriate precautions and follow safety protocols while travelling. She also suggests downloading the Government of Canada’s Travel Smart app . The app lets you:

• find up-to-date travel advice and advisories on over 200 destinations worldwide.
• find emergency contact information for embassies and consulates abroad and the 24-7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
• find continuously updated wait times at key Canada-U.S. border crossings listed by distance from your location.
• connect to travel.gc.ca’s social media accounts, where you can ask questions, share travel advice and learn more about travelling safely and smarter abroad.
• sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service, which updates you if there’s a personal emergency at home or a natural disaster or civil unrest at your destination.

Get travel coverage

Being travel smart also means being insured.

“When travelling outside of Manitoba, medical expenses incurred are not fully covered by the provincial health plan. The medical cost outside of Canada can be very high,” Miguel says.

On top of preventing large medical bills, travel coverage may also protect you when your baggage is lost or transportation is cancelled, or in such emergencies like a family member’s illness or death while you’re away or if there is an emergency at your travel destination.

For every out-of-province trip, even within Canada, you should purchase travel health coverage, Miguel says.

It’s also vital to read your policy provisions to know what exactly is covered, Miguel says, as not all packages are equal.

Depending on what kind of trip you’re taking, the coverage you’ll need will vary. Learn more about Manitoba Blue Cross travel plans .

As the global travel advisory to avoid all non-essential travel due to COVID-19 is lifted, our standard plans will cover emergency COVID-related health expenses for those who are fully vaccinated or if a traveller is not yet eligible for a vaccine due to their age (provided the destination does not have a COVID-related travel advisory). For those who are not vaccinated or in the event of a COVID-related non-essential travel advisory, there are also plans that include coronavirus coverage .

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Travel assistance

‍ Failure to contact the Travel Assistance service prior to receiving any treatment may invalidate coverage.

Medical Emergency While TravelIing

Contact the international travel assistance service immediately for benefits verification and procedures.

• In Canada and United States, call toll free 1.866.601.2583

• In all other countries, or if you are having difficulties with the toll free number, call collect 204.775.2583 (country code may be required)

• If unable to call collect, place the call and submit your detailed receipt for the long distance charges with your claim.

For general inquiries, call Manitoba Blue Cross at 204.775.0151 or 1.888.596.1032 (toll-free).

For complete coverage details, please refer to the Terms and Provisions. In the event of any difference between the terms here and those of the Terms and Provisions, the terms of the provisions shall prevail.

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

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Manitoba Blue Cross is a homegrown, Manitoba-based health benefits provider with coverage that is one of the best in the industry.

To learn more about how Blue Cross can meet your specific insurance needs, please contact us:

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Choose your region

Travel Insurance

Service overview.

Conducting business with far-away clients, annual meetings or conferences may seem like less challenging trips than vacations to the tropics, or even road trips to familiar destinations. No matter the destination, making sure you're protected in the event of an emergency or unexpected challenge can help you enjoy your trip much more thoroughly.

There's no one better to trust with your peace of mind when travelling than  Manitoba Blue Cross . The most recognized name in the province, their travel insurance packages include coverage for everything from accidents and illness, to trip and holiday cancellations. Manitoba Blue Cross insurance covers a wide range of incidents, where Manitoba Health coverage doesn't apply.

Some of the packages available from Manitoba Blue Cross through Morris insurance include:

• Individual trip coverage
• Annual travel health
• Tour coverage
• Student travel health

Morris offers Manitoba Blue Cross travel insurance coverage exclusively; to make sure you are protected wherever you want to go.

Annual travel plan with coronavirus coverage

When you need emergency medical care, the costs can quickly add up, and Manitoba Health does not fully cover you when you're out of the province. Protect yourself with Manitoba Blue Cross coverage. Designed for frequent travellers, get year-round emergency travel health coverage on trips of 32 days or less. This plan is ideal for Manitoba residents with vacation property in another province.

For those who are not vaccinated or if you’re travelling to a destination that has a COVID-related non-essential travel advisory, this comprehensive plan includes coverage for coronavirus.*

Prefer to purchase a travel plan in person or have questions about them?

Effective February 28, 2022, the Government of Canada has lifted the global travel advisory to avoid all non-essential travel due to COVID-19. All travel advisories are once again specific to each country.

If you are fully vaccinated or not yet eligible for a vaccine due to age: Our regular deluxe travel health plan or annual plan covers you for emergency coronavirus-related health claims provided there is no COVID-related travel advisory for the specific destination.

If you are not vaccinated or travelling to a destination that has a COVID-related travel advisory or want more inclusive coronavirus coverage: This travel health plan with coronavirus coverage will cover you for emergency coronavirus-related health claims, including coverages of quarantine, taxi to a test site and return to Manitoba in the event of a travel advisory related to COVID while away.

Want to better understand travel health coverage during the pandemic? Find answers to some frequently asked questions here .

Eligibility

Already purchased a travel plan, find the right plan for you.

Travel Health Benefits are covered to a maximum of $5,000,000 per person, per claim to a lifetime maximum of $5,000,000 per person.

The following Travel Health Benefits are applicable to sudden, unexpected or unforeseen emergency treatment only:

• Hospital in-patient and out-patient coverage.
• Medical and surgical coverage.
• Ambulance coverage.
• Coronavirus pandemic quarantine.
• Coronavirus testing and taxi to and from testing centre. (These benefits are only valid for emergency or unforeseen testing. A mandatory coronavirus test to return to Canada is not a medical emergency, therefore the transportation to a testing centre and cost for the test are not covered in this situation.)
• Coronavirus pandemic trip interruption.
• Coverage for emergency evacuation from a mountain, body of water or other remote location, by a commercial operator licensed to convey passengers when a regular ambulance service cannot be used, to a maximum of $5,000 per person.
• Economy air transportation home by stretcher.
• Dental care to natural teeth when necessitated by a direct accidental blow to the mouth. Maximum coverage $3,000 per accident.
• Emergency relief of dental pain to a maximum of $300.
• Up to $7,500 towards the cost of transporting the deceased home, or up to $5,000 for cremation or burial at place of death.
• Private duty nursing.
• Additional board and lodging expenses incurred beyond the original duration of your trip by an immediate family member or friend covered by a Manitoba Blue Cross Travel Health Plan remaining with you during your hospitalization.
• Coverage for transportation to your bedside, while you are confined to hospital for at least three days outside of Manitoba. Transportation coverage also allowed for a family member to identify the deceased prior to release of the body, if required by law. Coverage includes round-trip economy airfare on a commercial flight via the most direct cost-effective route from Canada to the place where the illness or accident occurred.
• Coverage for commercial accommodations and meals for a person travelling to the bedside or travelling to identify a deceased family member to a combined maximum of $200 per day to a maximum benefit payment of $2,500.
• Physiotherapy provided in a hospital.
• Chiropractic and/or podiatrist services.
• Prescription drugs.
• Repair or replacement of prescription eyeglasses or contact lens or lenses due to accident or injury to a maximum of $100.
• An allowance of $40 per day for each day you are hospitalized. Maximum coverage $1,000.
• Return of your vehicle if you become totally disabled and are unable to drive, to a maximum of $4,000.
• Medical evacuation to a hospital in Canada. Prior approval must be obtained from Manitoba Blue Cross.
• Additional cost, of the most direct return economy flight to Manitoba from the place where you were hospitalized, including the cost of return economy flight for a nurse if nursing care is required during your flight home. This benefit is also available to your family (applicant, spouse and dependent children) or one friend who is also covered by a Manitoba Blue Cross travel health policy travelling with you at the time of injury or onset of illness.
• Additional cost of return economy airfare for an escort to accompany your children (up to 18 years) to Manitoba in the event you have been air evacuated to Canada for medical reasons.
• Coverage up to a combined maximum of up to $500 per pet for:
• ~Commercial kennel or cost of returning an accompanying pet to your home city in Manitoba in the event you are hospitalized for a minimum of three days as an in-patient.
• ~Emergency veterinary care due to an unexpected injury of accompanying pet.
• International Travel Assistance: the provision of 24 hour worldwide assistance for medical situations arising out of emergency illness or accident requiring hospitalization or medical treatment.

‍ Failure to contact the Travel Assistance service prior to receiving any treatment may invalidate coverage.

Medical Emergency While TravelIing

Contact the international travel assistance service immediately for benefits verification and procedures.

• In Canada and United States, call toll free 1.866.601.2583

• In all other countries, or if you are having difficulties with the toll free number, call collect 204.775.2583 (country code may be required)

• If unable to call collect, place the call and submit your detailed receipt for the long distance charges with your claim.

For general inquiries, call Manitoba Blue Cross at 204.775.0151 or 1.888.596.1032 (toll-free).

To be eligible for travel health coverage you must be covered by Manitoba Health for the entire duration of the period of coverage. Coverage is available up to and including age 74. If purchased prior to your 75th birthday, coverage is effective for the entire duration of the coverage term.

Annual Coverage must be purchased prior to departure from Manitoba and the trip must originate and terminate in Manitoba.

To be eligible to apply for coverage under a Manitoba Blue Cross Travel Plan, the applicant, spouse and dependents must not:

• be travelling outside Manitoba with the intent to seek medical advice, surgery, treatment or a second opinion, even if the trip is on the recommendation of a physician or other medical professional.
• have been advised by their physician or other medical professional not to travel.
• have had two or more major strokes. (Strokes that have resulted in symptoms that lasted for more than 24 hours).
• require home oxygen.
• be receiving kidney dialysis.
• have received a terminal prognosis.
• have been diagnosed with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Please Note:

• A pre-existing stability period will apply.
• Students attending classes outside of Manitoba are not eligible for this plan.

No refunds are available except in the case of duplicate Manitoba Blue Cross travel coverage.

Automatic Extensions

At no extra cost, the coverage for Travel Health benefits will be extended in the following circumstances:

• If due to a medical emergency you are hospitalized as an in-patient on your last day of coverage (as determined by the dates indicated on your Travel Plan application) your benefits will remain in force throughout the period of hospitalization and up to 72 hours following your discharge from hospital.
• If you have been advised by a medical professional to quarantine/self-isolate beyond your return date as a result of coronavirus pandemic, Manitoba Blue Cross will extend your coverage for the duration of your coronavirus quarantine and up to 72 hours after your quarantine/self-isolation period.
• If your return is delayed due to the fault of the carrier in which you are a fare-paying passenger, your benefits will remain in force for up to 72 hours after the scheduled return date ( note : a claim under this benefit must be supported by a letter from the transportation authority confirming the period of delay).

Need Additional Days?

‍ Only available for applicants under age 55 (on the effective date of term of coverage).

If you're planning a trip in excess of 32 days, you must purchase additional days of coverage.

* Additional days are not available for purchase online.

Prior to Departure

Additional days of coverage may be purchased prior to your departure providing:

• your request is received prior to your departure date.
• the total duration of your trip does not exceed 62 days. (32 days plus maximum of 30 additional days.)

After Departure

Additional days of coverage may be purchased after departure providing:

• your request is received prior to the 32nd day of trip
• no medical attention has been received during initial term

* Regardless of your age this coverage cannot be extended beyond the stated limitations. Any extension purchased to extend coverage beyond the limitations of the Plan or purchased from another carrier for any portion of your trip will invalidate all coverage for that trip under the Annual Travel Plan.

Contact Manitoba Blue Cross or an authorized agent for further information or to make the necessary arrangements.

The information on this page is for reference only. For complete coverage details, please refer to the Annual and Deluxe Coronavirus Pandemic Terms and Provisions . In the event of any difference between the terms here and those of the Terms and Provisions, the terms of the provisions shall prevail.

Health Connected

Frequently asked questions.

Your certificate number is located on the front of your ID card. If you have an older card, this may show as contract number.

We accept photocopies of receipts for all claims, except travel claims.

There is no maximum to the number of emergency ambulance trips you can take. If you have emergency ambulance coverage, it is covered at the coverage per cent indicated by your plan and subject to the usual & customary rates in place for the region of service.

* This does not include Out of Province ambulance and Medical Transfer benefits. These benefits are separate and subject to their own exclusions and limitations.

Usual, customary, and reasonable charges refer to the range of charges by individuals of similar training and experience providing the same services or supplies within a specified location/province. These may also include charges considered justifiable under special circumstances by the provider's professional association.

If your provider charges more than the reasonable and customary limit (including more than one visit in a day), you will be responsible for paying the difference. Shopping around for health care products and services helps members reduce out-of-pocket expenses and helps employers reduce benefit plan costs.

You are covered anywhere outside of Manitoba, unless the Government of Canada has placed an "avoid all travel" advisory on your destination. View travel advisories on the Government of Canada website .

A Health Spending Account (HSA) is a tax-free allocation of credits that an employer may offer to employees to provide reimbursement on a wide range of out-of-pocket health expenses. In general, expenses are considered eligible if they qualify as a medical expense tax credit under the Income Tax Act of Canada and have not been 100 per cent reimbursed by another benefit plan. Deductible amounts and co-insurance also qualify.

An HSA is administered in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency guidelines , and is always last payer (after government, employer, individual, student, and spousal plans).

There are a number of ways to maximize your drug coverage:

• Check with several pharmacies to find out who has the lowest dispensing fees and mark-up. Pharmacies have their own practices and costs, resulting in various prices for the same prescription. Dispensing fees can range from $4 to $20 or more per prescription across different pharmacies. You have the option to shop around.
• Reduce your dispensing costs by purchasing the maximum supply of a prescription drug at one time (100-day supply).
• Choose generic wherever possible. Generic drugs are strictly regulated in Canada and must contain the same active ingredients, provide the same strength per dosage, and be administered the same way as their brand-name counterparts. If prescribed a brand-name medication, ask your doctor about a generic alternative. You can also ask your pharmacist to substitute a generic version when filling your prescription.

Vision coverage frequency varies by plan. Visit Coverage in mybluecross® and view your vision eligibility to find out when you are eligible for your next eyeglass or lens purchase, or contact us .

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a comprehensive, voluntary program that provides confidential counselling to assist in identifying and resolving concerns affecting you and your family's health and well-being.

To submit a claim that has been partially paid by another carrier or the government program:

• Respond "Yes" to the question: "Has a portion of this expense been paid by another policy or a government program?". This field is required even if the amount paid was zero.
• Enter the amount paid by the other plan(s) under "Other Plan(s) Paid", "Government Paid", or both, depending on who paid a portion of your claim. The amount entered should reflect what is shown on the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) provided by the other plan.

Click the Back button to go back to make any corrections. Ensure all information is correct before submitting your claim.

If the Paid Amount is $0.00, please review the claim details.

If the claim status is Processed and a Paid Amount is indicated, a payment will be direct deposited with 1-3 business days from the Processed Date. Cheque payments are issued weekly.

Only specialty claim forms are required.

Queued means your claim is being held for processing. This has happened because you have a claim in Audit status. When a claim is selected for audit, the system places a temporary hold on all subsequent claims. Once Manitoba Blue Cross receives the requested receipt(s) for your Audited claim, all Queued claims will be released for processing.

Manitoba Blue Cross is committed to protecting your benefits from fraud and abuse. One of the ways we do this is by auditing claims to confirm the accuracy of information provided.

Visit Insurance Fraud and Abuse to learn more.

Claims are processed in the order in which they are received.

We are located at 599 Empress Street, Winnipeg MB. Our office hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. For additional contact information please visit our Contact us page.

For faster processing, register for direct deposit under Manage Account and payment will be transmitted as soon as your claim is processed. As an added benefit, you'll also be able to submit claims online through mybluecross. An EFT payment will be deposited to your bank account within 1-3 business days from the processed date.

Manitoba Health will cover the full patient cost of inter-facility transports when:

• the patient is a resident of Manitoba with a valid Manitoba Health card
• the patient medically requires transportation by ambulance as determined by a physician
• the patient is being transferred between designated health-care facilities for diagnostic tests or treatments, or from a more specialized level of care to another facility closer to home for rehabilitation or recovery.

We allow direct billing from all qualified service providers. Direct billing is free to set up with Manitoba Blue Cross. However, the decision to offer this is at the discretion of the provider.

Each country has its own documentation requirements. Before travelling, we recommend you visit the Goverment of Canada website for information on the country you're visiting. Be sure to travel with your Manitoba Blue Cross certificate or policy, which includes contact information for International Travel Assistance .

Health Spending Account credits are deposited into your account as directed by your employer. Visit Coverage in mybluecross® to view your HSA coverage information, including credits accrued and credits used.

Based on coordination of benefits' guidelines, you must submit prescription drug claims under your own plan first, even if your spouse has BlueNet.

*This coordination of benefits guideline also applies to dependents. When making claims for eligible dependents, you must first claim under the plan of the parent with the earlier birth month in the calendar year.

For faster processing, register for direct deposit and gain access to submit claims online. This convenient service allows you to bypass the manual processing wait times by processing prescription drug claims in real time. As an added benefit, payment will be transmitted to your bank account as soon your claim is processed.

At the start of the orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will prepare a written outline of the proposed treatment. This is called a treatment plan. Prior to service, your orthodontist should submit this treatment plan to Manitoba Blue Cross . Manitoba Blue Cross will in turn generate a pre-authorization.

Orthodontic claims are paid monthly based on the treatment plan outlined by your provider. You must submit a claim for each month's visit. If you elect to pay the entire amount upfront, you may submit the full receipt and Manitoba Blue Cross will reimburse monthly according to the length of your treatment plan, until the treatment plan ends or you've reached your yearly or lifetime maximum (whichever comes first).

No. Only sunglasses that contain corrective lenses are eligible for coverage.

All family members (including spouse and dependents) are covered under the plan.

Ensure the claim has been submitted under their primary plan first. Then, when adding an expense:

To submit a claim that has been partially paid by another plan or government program, please upload your Explanation of Benefits or government statement along with your claim.

If the Total Paid Amount is $0.00, select "View this claim" to review claim details.

To resolve an Audited claim, use Claim Search to find your claim and submit your receipt(s).

Important: If you prefer to mail your receipt(s), you must include the Reference Number of your audit, which you will find under Claim Details.

Only processed claims will appear in results. Most claims are processed in real-time by our system. However, claims that include document uploads are manually reviewed and will be processed in the order in which they are received. Note: Travel and Employee Assistance claims are not available for viewing in your Claim History. Contact us for information on these claims.

Select View or request an ID card , under the user account menu. Here, you can print a card for temporary use, request a new permanent card or immediately display the electronic version to your service provider.

Cheques are mailed weekly (this does not include the time needed by Canada Post to deliver your claim or Explanation of Benefits statement). Busier periods or complex claims may require additional processing time.

For faster reimbursement, register for direct deposit by selecting Manage Direct Deposit under the account dropdown. It's safe, secure and eliminates the risk of lost or stolen cheques. Plus with direct deposit, payments will be transferred directly into your bank account (and not subject to mail delays like cheque payments) so you'll gain access to your money sooner.

If any part of the trip is outside of Manitoba, the trip would be considered under the Out of Province Ambulance benefit and subject to any maximums that may apply.

Visit Coverage in mybluecross® to view the details of your coverage.

In the event that any portion of the travel outside of Manitoba falls after the 31st week of gestation, charges associated with the required confinement of the mother and newborn infant due to childbirth and delivery will be denied by Manitoba Blue Cross. However, in the event of unexpected, pre-mature delivery prior to 31 weeks gestation, the coverage terms of the Policy will extend medical, hospital and necessary transportation costs for the mother and pre-mature infant.

You may request reimbursement for any CRA-approved medical expense or service by an approved practitioner that has not already been 100 per cent reimbursed by another plan. Deductible and co-insurance amounts also qualify.

To determine if a medical expense is tax deductible, refer to the Canada Revenue Agency . For exclusions or exceptions specific to your group plan, refer to your benefit booklet or contact us .

Drugs not eligible under Manitoba Pharmacare (e.g. over-the-counter drugs) are generally not included as benefits of a prescription drug plan. Visit Coverage to view the details of your coverage or contact us .

• Basic Services covers basic diagnostic and preventative services. This includes examinations, radiographs, basic restorations, periodontal cleaning, maintenance of dentures, and extractions.
• Major Services cover major restorative procedures such as crowns, onlays, veneers, bridgework and dentures.
• Orthodontic Services cover treatment used to straighten teeth and align the bite.

* This information is based on a standard plan. Manitoba Blue Cross has many non-standard plans. For specific information regarding your plan, refer to your benefit booklet or contact us .

Some plans allow reimbursement toward laser eye surgery in lieu of vision benefits (at the same benefit level and maximum). Visit Coverage in mybluecross® to view the details of your coverage or contact us .

Areas of personal counselling include marital and family counselling, addictions, emotional/behavioural concerns, occupational stress, adjustment, and financial counselling. For active mybluecross® members, visit Coverage to view your benefit details or contact the Employee Assistance Centre at 204.786.8880 (within Winnipeg), 1.800.590.5553 (toll-free), or 204.775.0586 (TTY) to find out how we can help.

If your provider is not listed:

• Verify the name of the service provider entered matches the service provider shown on your receipt
• Try limiting your search to only one or two fields
• Try entering a partial name, using only some letters of each word per field

If you still cannot find your service provider, select "Can't find my provider" and upload your claim instead.

If a person is a member of more than one plan, the adjudication priority is as follows:

• The employer plan where the member is an active full-time employee
• The employer plan where the member is an active part-time employee
• The employer plan where the member is a retiree
• The individual plan that a member has purchased on their own
• The plan where the person is covered as a dependent

Some plans require a medical prescription for services or products to be eligible for coverage. You may upload your medical prescription at any time.

Important: If you prefer to mail your medical prescription , you must include your certificate number.

If your pharmacy is not listed:

• Verify the name of the pharmacy entered matches what is shown on your receipt (e.g.: Loblaws Pharmacy, Drugstore Pharmacy, etc.)

If you still cannot find your pharmacy, select "Can't find your provider?" and upload your claim instead.

To understand the reason for a partial payment, select "View this claim" to review claim details.

If you do not submit receipts for an Audited claim, we will be unable to process that claim or any future online claims.

• If you have benefits through an employer or group, it is recommended that you contact your plan administrator to update your address.
• If you have purchased benefits through Manitoba Blue Cross or an agent, please contact us to update your address.

Coverage details vary by plan. Visit Coverage in mybluecross® to view the benefits you are covered for, benefit eligibility, dollar maximums and frequency limitations of your plan.

• An emergency ambulance is an ambulance that is dispatched from a 911 call to provide immediate care and transport to a person with an acute illness or injury.
• A non-emergency ambulance is an ambulance that provides non-emergency transport by stretcher to a person who is medically stable but requires transportation by ambulance as determined by a physician (a non-emergency ambulance provides a higher level of care than a medical transfer).
• A medical transfer is a private company (Medi-Van, etc.) that provides non-emergency transport by stretcher to a person who is medically stable.

* Manitoba Blue Cross will only pay non-emergency ambulance or medical transfer claims when a medical doctor specifies a patient is non-ambulatory and cannot be transported by any other means (e.g. regular vehicle).

Some plans require a medical referral for services or products to be eligible for coverage. Review the coverage summary under Coverage to determine whether your plan requires a medical referral for the products or services being claimed. You may upload your medical referral at any time.

• If you have purchased benefits through Manitoba Blue Cross or an agent, visit our travel plans for detailed information regarding travel and pre-existing conditions.
• If you have travel coverage through an employer or group, consult the coverage provisions within your benefit booklet or contact us .

Irrespective of pre-existing conditions, travel health benefits will never cover:

• any person travelling for the purpose of seeking medical or hospital services of any kind
• any person aware of requiring medical or hospital services
• any person travelling against medical advice.

If you have an automatic claim payment plan , you do not need to request reimbursement. Manitoba Blue Cross will automatically pay balances remaining from previously submitted claims with the payment of a health or dental claim or when you reach the minimum payment threshold. If you have unpaid balances with another carrier, add an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from that carrier to your claim on mybluecross®. Or, if you have unclaimed expenses, be sure to submit your claim on mybluecross. If you have an on request claim payment plan , you will need to request reimbursement for unpaid balances: The easiest time to do this is during initial claim submission to your health or dental plan. When completing your online or paper claim, check Yes where it says "Pay remainder from Health Spending Account." To request reimbursement after a claim has been submitted to your health or dental plan, use the Request HSA payment feature within mybluecross®. This web-based application allows you to quickly request reimbursement for outstanding balances previously submitted to your health or dental plan. If you have unpaid balances with another carrier, please submit an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from that carrier on mybluecross® so we may add these outstanding expenses to your account. Or, if you have unclaimed expenses, be sure to submit your claim on mybluecross.

The Pharmacare drug benefits list is divided into three categories:

• An EDS I or Part 1 drug is a drug that is allowed by Manitoba Pharmacare under all prescribed circumstances.

An EDS II or Part 2 drug is a drug that is allowed by Manitoba Pharmacare only when a doctor specifically indicates it is medically necessary and "Meets EDS."

• An EDS III or Part 3 drug is a drug that is not ordinarily prescribed or administered in Manitoba or a drug that is ordinarily administered only to hospital in-patients. In order to be covered for an EDS III drug, your doctor must receive approval from the Manitoba Drug Standards and Therapeutics Committee and a copy of the approval must be provided to Manitoba Blue Cross prior to prescription fill.

Contact Pharmacare for more information on these definitions. Or, confirm which category your drug belongs to by entering the Drug Identification Number (DIN) under the Manitoba Drug Formulary Lookup .

Ask your dental provider if they charge in accordance with the Dental Fee Schedule. Manitoba Blue Cross pays dental claims based on the Fee Guide set by the Manitoba Dental Association. Your employer group determines the fee guide year upon which your coverage is based. If your dentist charges more than the dental fee guide for a service, you will be required to cover the difference.

Coverage for safety glasses varies by plan. Visit Coverage in mybluecross® to view the details of your coverage or contact us .

To accommodate work schedules and concerns about confidentiality, we provide flexible scheduling. Appointments can be scheduled for days, evenings and weekends.

View account details under Manage account to confirm all eligible dependents were added during enrollment, or upon date of eligibility (e.g. marriage date, birth date).

*For over-age dependents to be considered eligible, we must receive confirmation of full-time enrollment.

Manitoba Blue Cross is committed to protecting your benefits from fraud and abuse. One of the ways we do this is by auditing claims to confirm the accuracy of information provided. Visit Insurance Fraud and Abuse to learn more.

To resolve an audited claim, simply upload your receipt(s) and any related documents (e.g. prescription, claim statement from another carrier).

Important: If you prefer to mail your receipt(s) , you must include the printed claim showing the Reference Number.

To request payment from your Health Spending Account, select "Yes" where it says "Pay remainder from Health Spending Account."

• Visit Documents in mybluecross® to view your Explanation of Benefits statements online.
• Visit Claim history in mybluecross® to view the details of your claims.

Visit Payments history once your claim is processed to view the details of your claim payment.

To resolve an Audited claim, click the Audited claim to submit your receipt(s) and any related documents (e.g. prescription, claim statement from another carrier).

Changes to account information must be requested in writing by the member.

• If you have benefits through an employer or group, it is recommended that you contact your plan administrator to update your information.
• If you have purchased benefits through Manitoba Blue Cross or an agent, please submit your written request and appropriate supporting documents to Manitoba Blue Cross.

You may submit any claim as long as the expense:

• was incurred in Canada
• is payable to you
• is for you, or
• is for your spouse or dependents (provided they have already claimed through their primary plan, if applicable).

If a portion of your trip was outside of the province, the claim is processed under the Out of Province ambulance benefit and subject to any maximums that may exist under your plan.

Visit Coverage in mybluecross® to view the claim submission requirements for an individual benefit or contact us .

In the event of a medical emergency, contact International Travel Assistance as soon as possible and have your policy number ready. Failure to contact International Travel Assistance prior to receiving treatment may invalidate coverage.

In accordance with Canada Revenue Agency guidelines , proper receipts must support all amounts claimed as qualifying medical expenses. A receipt should indicate the purpose of the payment, the date of the payment, the patient for whom the payment was made and, if applicable, the medical practitioner, dentist, pharmacist, nurse, or optometrist who prescribed the purchase or gave the service. A cancelled cheque will not be accepted as a substitute for a receipt.

One unit of scaling or polishing (as part of a dental cleaning) is equivalent to 15 minutes of time. Make a note of how long it takes to get your teeth cleaned (excluding the time it takes for your examination, X-rays and fluoride). Discuss any discrepancies about the number of units billed with your dental office and contact Manitoba Blue Cross if you have any unresolved issues.

The Manitoba Seniors Eyeglass Program provides financial assistance towards the purchase of eyeglasses for eligible Manitoba residents aged 65 years and over. Benefits are based on a fixed fee schedule and one pair of eyeglasses may be claimed every three years (more often if a medical practitioner or optometrist diagnoses a change in vision). There is a $50 deductible on eyeglass reimbursements. If two family members aged 65 and over require glasses between April 1 and March 31, only one $50 deductible is applied. For more information about this program, contact Manitoba Health .

If you are age 65 or older, you will need to submit your claim to Manitoba Health first. Then, submit the Manitoba Health statement to Manitoba Blue Cross to claim the balance.

Employee Assistance coverage is 100 per cent — there is no deductible or co-insurance.

Changes to account information must be requested in writing from the member.

• If you have benefits through an employer or group, it is recommended that you contact your plan administrator to update your account.
• If you have purchased benefits through Manitoba Blue Cross or an agent, please submit your written request to Manitoba Blue Cross .

*Provided the change is submitted within 30 days, coverage will be effective as of date of eligibility (e.g. marriage date, birth date). If the change is submitted outside this time frame, coverage will become effective after three full months in accordance with the enrollment rules of your plan.

If your claim submission is successful, the final screen will confirm payment details. You will receive an email notification when payment is processed. Your bank account should reflect payment within 2-3 business days.

• If you have benefits through an employer or group, contact your plan administrator to update your information.
• If you have purchased benefits through Manitoba Blue Cross or an agent, please submit your written request to Manitoba Blue Cross.

Provided the change is submitted within 30 days, coverage will be effective upon date of eligibility (e.g. marriage date, birth date). If the change is submitted outside this time frame, coverage will become effective after three full months in accordance with the enrollment rules of your plan.

The claim limitation period indicates the deadline to submit health or dental claims for the prior benefit year and can vary based on your plan. Refer to the Claim Submission Deadline in Coverage .

*The health spending benefit has a separate limitation period.

If you are required to pay for the services, upload your itemized receipt via mybluecross® along with a completed Ambulance/Medical Transfer claim form for reimbursement. Note: Non-emergency ambulance and medical transfer claims must include the name of the referring physician.

Benefit eligibility, dollar maximums, and frequency limitations vary by plan. Visit Coverage to view the benefits covered by your plan.

International Travel Assistance provides Manitoba Blue Cross travellers with access to multilingual coordinators world-wide, 24 hours a day. In the event of a medical emergency, it is essential you contact International Travel Assistance as soon as possible. They will help you locate the nearest medical care, help coordinate coverage verification, and even arrange emergency evacuation (when deemed medically necessary).

Minimum payment refers to the lowest dollar amount that can be reimbursed at a time. This threshold is set by the employer.

• If the amount requested is less than the minimum payment, payment will be held and expenses will continue to accumulate until this threshold is met.
• If the threshold is never met, Manitoba Blue Cross will pay all pending expenses at the end of the group's claim limitation period following your benefit year.

Visit Coverage in mybluecross® to view your Health Spending Account (HSA) plan information including minimum payment amount, claim limitation period, and benefit year.

*The minimum payment threshold applies to any outstanding HSA claim that has not been paid. If an HSA balance is requested at time of your initial health or dental claim under the same certificate and claim is payable to you, the minimum payment threshold will be bypassed and the HSA payment will be included with this payment. In addition to this, all pending HSA payments accumulating in the account will attach to this request and be included with the HSA payment.

*Your Health Spending Account (HSA) is considered last payer (after government, spousal, and student plans, etc.). If you have coverage with another carrier, you must submit an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from that carrier before outstanding expenses can be processed through your HSA.

An EDS III or Part 3 drug is a drug that is only allowed by Manitoba Pharmacare under special circumstances. In order to be eligible, your doctor must receive approval from the Manitoba Drug Standards and Therapeutics Committee and a copy of the approval must be provided to Manitoba Blue Cross prior to prescription fill. EDS III drugs usually fall into one of the following categories:

• The drug is ordinarily administered only to hospital in-patients but is being administered outside of a hospital because of unusual circumstances.
• The drug is not ordinarily prescribed or administered in Manitoba, but is being prescribed because it is required in the diagnosis or treatment of an illness, disability, or condition rarely found in Manitoba.
• Evidence, including therapeutic and economic evidence, is provided to the Health Minister in accordance with established criteria and supports a specific treatment regime which includes use of the drug.

No, a pre-authorization is not required for claim approval; however, to avoid unexpected costs associated with a product or service, ask your provider to send in a detailed description of the service or product with the estimated charges. Manitoba Blue Cross will then provide pre-authorization based on benefit eligibility, frequency limitations, and maximums of your plan.

• For online purchases, submit a Vision claim via mybluecross®, and include the order form and paid receipt. These are typically provided to you by email, or on the package the order came in.
• For purchases outside of Canada, provide the paid receipt and make sure that it indicates the currency of the receipt.

* All receipts require the name of the patient, the dollar amount paid, and the detailed item/service provided.

Our professional intake is available via phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact the Employee Assistance Centre at 204.786.8880 (within Winnipeg), 1.800.590.5553 (toll-free), or 204.775.0586 (TTY). You can also reach us online . * Calls after 7:00 p.m. will be picked up by an answering service. In the event of a crisis, you will be promptly connected with a qualified and experienced professional.

Ensure all certificates have been added to your online account. Visit Add certificates in mybluecross® to add a missing certificate to your account.

If you are covered under our National plan, your certificate is not eligible for claim submission through this application.

Visit Update Direct Deposit in Manage Account to add or edit your bank account information.

The deadline to submit claims once coverage has been terminated is determined by your employer. Refer to Coverage .

A private room is a room with one bed in a public general hospital. A semi-private room has no more than two beds. Upon discharge, ask to see a copy of the accommodation charges to verify that they are charging you for exactly what you received.

You should only be charged if you have requested the room and signed for such accommodation. You should never be charged for hospital ward accommodation (three or more beds in a room), Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, Critical Care Unit (CCU) beds, or Outpatient beds (used for day surgery). Additionally, if your doctor requests that you have a private or semi-private room for medical reasons, neither you nor Manitoba Blue Cross should be billed for the room charges.

* Manitoba Blue Cross will not cover the cost of the room for panelled patients or for hospitalization due to cosmetic reasons.

Bills will be paid directly to the hospital whenever possible. In the case of a visit to a doctor's office or clinic (when coverage cannot immediately be confirmed or a facility does not bill directly), the client would pay upfront and claim for reimbursement. In the case of hospital admission (requiring a guarantee of payment, surgeries, or repatriations), most costs can be billed direct. If you are in doubt, check with the facility and be sure to engage International Travel Assistance as they will work with the hospital to coordinate this.

Automatic and requested Health Spending Account (HSA) payments may be released with payment of a health or dental claim or when the minimum payment threshold is met:

• When an HSA balance is requested with a health or dental claim that is payable to the member, HSA payment is included with claim payment (minimum payment threshold is bypassed).
• When an HSA balance is requested on its own, payment is released once the minimum payment threshold is met. The minimum payment threshold is set by your employer. If the amount requested is less than the minimum payment, payment is held and expenses will continue to accumulate until this threshold is met. If the threshold is never met, Manitoba Blue Cross will pay all pending expenses at the end of your group's claim limitation period following your benefit year.

* When a member requests HSA reimbursement alongside a health or dental claim, all pending HSA payments will be released, including pending HSA balances accumulating in the account.

Many drug plans follow the Manitoba Pharmacare Drug Formulary, which means prescription drugs must be eligible under Pharmacare to be covered under these plans.

Some drugs are only allowed by Pharmacare under special circumstances (Exception Drug Status). To obtain approval, your doctor must apply to the Exception Drug Status office on your behalf. You will be notified in writing of their decision.

Visit Coverage in mybluecross® to verify if the lifetime orthodontic maximum is combined with the annual maximum for all dental work or contact us . If it is combined with the annual maximum, this means that all dental work, including orthodontic work, is limited to the annual maximum. In the next benefit year, the annual maximum will reset, but the lifetime orthodontic maximum will not.

Your coverage may be subject to a usual and customary fee for an eye exam or a per visit maximum. If this is the case, your claim is cut back to the allowable fee and then processed at the per cent level of your coverage.

Visit Coverage in mybluecross® to view the details of your coverage or contact us .

Information that could identify any individuals seeking Employee Assistance services will not be provided to an employer. Only general statistical information regarding the number of individuals utilizing the Employee Assistance Program is sent to employers.

Yes. You may submit a claim for a spouse or dependent with coverage under another plan through mybluecross® as long as they have submitted the claim under their primary plan first .

Direct deposit is safe and secure. It eliminates the risk of lost or stolen cheques and gives you quick access to your money. Unlike cheques, direct deposit payments are transferred directly into your chequing or savings account, and not subject to mail delays. No need to worry about when your cheque will arrive or when you can get to the bank — your money is there when you need it.

Visit Update Direct Deposit in the account dropdown to sign up for direct deposit.

Yes. Coordinating benefits can provide coverage up to 100 per cent of the expense. To coordinate, first claim under the plan for which you are the primary member, then claim any amount not reimbursed under your spouse's plan.To claim under the second plan, submit your statement from the first carrier showing payment or denial of your claim. The statement must include the service date, service provider name, type of service provided, and patient name. If this information is not included on the statement, include your receipts.* When making claims for eligible dependents, you will need to first claim under the plan of the parent with the earlier birth month in the calendar year.

Your hospital bill will indicate the type of room for which you were billed. If your plan has semi-private coverage, and you were billed for a private room, you will be responsible for the difference. If you stayed in a semi-private room (no more than two beds) but were billed for a private room, contact the hospital you were admitted to for more information.

Visit Coverage with mybluecross to verify what your plan allows or contact us .

* If you are a resident of another province, your plan may only allow the semi-private room charge at Manitoba rates.

This information can be found on the Manitoba Government website .

If the balance remaining is less than the minimum payment, payment will be held and expenses will continue to accumulate until this threshold is met. Minimum payment refers to the lowest dollar amount that can be reimbursed at a time. This threshold is set by your employer. Visit Coverage in mybluecross® to view your Health Spending Account (HSA) plan information including minimum payment amount, claim limitation period, and benefit year.