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Blue Cross Health Insurance Review 2024
Blue Cross personal health insurance offers Complete Health, Guaranteed Acceptance and Assured Access plans, providing coverage for medical, dental, vision, and critical illnesses. The plans have varying coverage levels and include optional add-ons like wellness programs and mental health services. Pre-existing illnesses are covered under the Guaranteed Acceptance plan, and premiums may increase with age.
- What are the key features of Ontario Blue Cross?
- What are the different health and dental insurance plans I can choose from?
- What does Ontario Blue Cross health insurance cover?
- Does Blue Cross cover pre-existing conditions?
- How much does health insurance from Blue Cross cost?
- Does Blue Cross Ontario health insurance cover critical illnesses?
- Can I put my personal health insurance on hold if I receive group health benefits?
- What are the pros and cons of Blue Cross health insurance plans?
- How to get the best Blue Cross health insurance quotes in Canada?
- Frequently asked questions
When it comes to securing your health and financial peace of mind, Blue Cross personal health insurance is a name that resonates with trust and reliability across Canada. Blue Cross works across several Canadian provinces, with Alberta Blue Cross and Manitoba Blue Cross being some of the popular names in the industry. With decades of experience, Blue Cross offers comprehensive plans that cater to a wide array of health needs.
For individuals, families, and even those with specific health concerns, Blue Cross personal health insurance provides a customizable safety net that can fill in gaps left by provincial healthcare plans.
In this review, we’ll explore the standout features, coverage options, and potential drawbacks of Ontario Blue Cross personal health insurance to help you determine if it’s the right choice for you and your loved ones.
What are the key features of Ontario Blue Cross?
Blue Cross provides extensive personal health coverage for people under 74 years of age, along with their families. This insurance plan has benefits that may have a waiting period ranging between 60 to 90 days. The Guaranteed Acceptance plan covers pre-existing illnesses and they do offer a monthly payment policy, making it accessible to a wider range of users.
Key features of Ontario Blue Cross health insurance policy
| Category | Details |
| Maximum age | 74 years |
| Waiting period | Typically between 60 to 90 days |
| Pre-existing illness coverage | Covered under the Guaranteed Acceptance plan |
| Monthly premiums | Yes |
| PolicyAdvisor rating | 5/5 |
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What are the different health and dental insurance plans I can choose from?
Blue Cross offers three main types of health insurance plans to accommodate various health needs and budgets: Complete Health plan, Guaranteed Acceptance plan, and Assured Access plan.
- Complete Health: Comprehensive health insurance at an affordable rate, available in three tiers—Entry, Essential, and Enhanced—each customizable to meet individual needs
- Guaranteed Acceptance: Offers guaranteed coverage with no medical questions, ideal for individuals with pre-existing conditions seeking comprehensive health coverage
- Assured Access: Tailored to provide clients with guaranteed personal health coverage for life, even after their group benefits end. Perfect for those transitioning between jobs or planning retirement, ensuring continuous health insurance coverage
What does Ontario Blue Cross health insurance cover?
The Complete Health – Entry, Essential, and Enhanced plans along with the Guaranteed Acceptance plan have a variety of coverages including eligible drugs, dental and vision care, healthcare practitioners, mental health or other forms of counseling, ambulance services, at-home nursing care, and even AD&D benefits. Here is an overview of the coverage options:
Coverage options of Blue Cross Complete Health and Guaranteed Acceptance insurance plans
| Benefits | Complete Health – Entry | Complete Health – Essential | Complete Health – Enhanced | Guaranteed Acceptance |
| Drug coverage | Not covered | 70% coverage for the first $4,500 in eligible drugs; 100% thereafter | 80% coverage for the first $4,500 in eligible drugs; 100% thereafter | 80% coverage in essential drugs, up to $625 per calendar quarter |
| Dental care | 60% coverage for a maximum benefit of $500/person/year; Accidental dental: $7,000 lifetime | 70% coverage up to the total sum insured; Accidental dental: $7,000 lifetime | 80% coverage up to the total sum insured; Accidental dental: $7,000 lifetime | 70% coverage for a combined max of $1,000/calendar year for extractions, fillings, and root canals; Accidental dental: $7,000 lifetime |
| Vision care | $100 every 2 calendar years | $150 every 2 calendar years | $300 every 2 calendar years | $105 every 2 calendar years |
| Health practitioners | 60% up to $40/visit, $250/practitioner/year | 70% up to $55/visit, $400/practitioner/year | 80% up to $40/visit, $250/practitioner/year | 70% up to $300/year (limited practitioners) |
| Counselling services | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Chronic disease management | $250/person/year | $400/person/year | $500/person/year | Not covered |
| Medical equipment | Not covered | Covered once every 5 calendar years | Covered once every 5 calendar years | 70% up to $2,500/calendar year |
| Hearing aid | Not covered | $400 every 5 calendar years | $500 every 5 calendar years | $350 every 5 calendar years |
| Ambulance services | Not covered | $420/year for emergency transport | $420/year for emergency transport | $420/year for emergency transport; $280 for attendant charges |
| Pre-existing conditions | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | Covered |
| At-home nursing care | Not covered | $3,500 every 2 calendar years | $5,600 every 2 calendar years | 70% up to $2,500/calendar year |
| Accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) | Available as add-on | $15,000 for member/spouse, $5,000 for child | $20,000 for member/spouse, $5,000 for child | $25,000 for member/spouse, $5,000 for child |
| Travel health benefits | Available as add-on | Available as add-on | 100% coverage for the first 30 days of the trip, up to $5 million | 100% coverage for the first 17 days of the trip, up to $5 million |
Does health and dental insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Yes, Blue Cross covers pre-existing conditions under its Guaranteed Acceptance plan. This plan provides coverage without the need for medical questions, making it ideal for individuals with pre-existing conditions who require comprehensive health insurance.
However, it’s important to review the specific terms and conditions of the plan, as coverage as well as premiums may vary based on the type of condition and other factors.
How much does health insurance from Blue Cross cost?
Ontario Blue Cross health and dental plans typically start from $92 to $113 per month for individuals aged 25 to 75. Premiums can vary depending on factors such as age and overall health status. To find the exact premium that suits your needs, explore the available options tailored to your requirements.
| Age | Monthly cost without pre-existing coverage |
| 25 years | $92.60 |
| 35 years | $101.18 |
| 45 years | $122.60 |
| 55 years | $130.88 |
| 75 years | $113.17 |
Does Blue Cross Ontario health insurance cover critical illnesses?
Yes, Blue Cross health insurance offers critical illness coverage as an optional add-on, providing financial support in case of serious health conditions. This add-on includes $25,000 in coverage for the insured member or spouse up to age 65, and $10,000 for dependent children, with a 90-day waiting period before benefits apply.
It covers 16 critical illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease, blindness, severe burns, coma, deafness, life-threatening cancer, severe heart attack, severe stroke, and more. This additional protection can be a vital safety net, providing peace of mind and financial assistance during difficult times.
Are speech therapists covered under personal health insurance?
Yes, Blue Cross Complete Health and Guaranteed Acceptance plans cover speech therapy services, though the extent of coverage varies by plan. Depending on whether you select the Entry, Essential, or Enhanced plan, you may receive either 60%, 70%, or 80% in coverage for speech therapy sessions, with a maximum coverage of up to $500 in a year.
Enhanced plans typically offer more comprehensive coverage, making it easier to access these services as needed.
Does Blue Cross health insurance plan cover mental health services?
Yes, Blue Cross Complete Health and Guaranteed Acceptance plans provide coverage for mental health support through its exclusive InConfidence wellness program, available only to Blue Cross clients. This program includes online therapy counseling, offering up to 5 hours of individual counseling and five hours of couples counseling per year.
Additionally, InConfidence provides a variety of work and life support services, connecting clients with nurses, dietitians, and professional coaches in legal or financial matters, and helping clients address multiple areas of well-being.
This comprehensive support network is designed to promote mental and emotional wellness alongside physical health.
What is MyGoodHealth?
MyGoodHealth by Blue Cross is an online wellness resource designed to support your health journey. It provides valuable wellness information, tools for assessing your current health, and features for setting and tracking personal health goals.
With MyGoodHealth, you can monitor your progress and stay motivated as you work towards achieving a healthier lifestyle. This program empowers members to take control of their well-being with personalized insights and continuous support, improving overall client satisfaction.
Can I put my personal health insurance on hold if I receive group health benefits?
Yes, Blue Cross offers an optional benefit called Assured Access, allowing you to pause your personal health insurance if you receive group health benefits through your employer. This feature enables you to retain your individual coverage without undergoing another medical qualification when you decide to reactivate it later.
Assured Access ensures that you can seamlessly return to your personal plan after your group benefits end, offering convenience and continuity in your health coverage.
What are the pros and cons of personal health insurance plans?
Blue Cross Ontario offers a range of apps and programs such as InConfidence, BlueAdvantage, and MyGoodHealth that promote an overall betterment in health for clients via health checkups, discounted medicines, and mental health counselling. It also provides additional critical illness coverage, increasing financial support for families.
However, the Entry plan has restricted coverage, with premiums getting higher as an individual becomes older. Claim processing may also seem to be a challenge for some applicants.
Pros and cons of Blue Cross personal health insurance policy
| Pros | Cons |
| Blue Cross offers exclusive programs like InConfidence, providing clients with personalized wellness resources, online therapy, and support from healthcare professionals | The Entry plan offers limited coverage, which may not be sufficient for individuals who require more extensive medical or health services |
| Applicants can avail critical illness coverage as an optional add-on, providing financial support in case of serious health conditions, including cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and more | Claim processing may be a lengthy process that clients might not be well accustomed to |
| BlueAdvantage allows members to enjoy exclusive discounts on products and services from participating providers across Canada, regardless of whether the item is covered under their benefit plan | Premiums can increase significantly as the insured member ages, making it more expensive for older individuals to maintain coverage |
| Under the Assured Access plan, all waiting periods for health and hospital benefits are waived automatically. |
How to get the best Blue Cross health insurance quotes in Canada?
If you’re exploring Blue Cross personal health insurance, it’s essential to consider various factors. Finding the right balance of coverage and customization to meet your unique needs and financial situation can be a complex task.
This is where PolicyAdvisor’s expertise can make a difference. Our team will guide you through the different options available and create a customized benefits plan that aligns with your family’s specific needs and preferences.
PolicyAdvisor offers free quotes, market-best rates, and lifetime after-sales support to help you even after you’ve made your purchase. Begin today to safeguard your family’s health and financial well-being with top-tier coverage!
Frequently asked questions
Can I add my family members to my personal health insurance?
Yes, Blue Cross allows you to add family members, including your spouse and children, to your personal health insurance plan. This flexibility ensures that you can extend coverage to your loved ones, providing protection for their health needs as well. Family coverage options vary depending on the specific plan selected.
How does Blue Cross Ontario handle claims for medical services?
Blue Cross offers an easy and straightforward claims process, allowing you to submit claims online, by mail, or through their mobile app.
Depending on the service, claims may be reimbursed directly to you or paid to the provider. Blue Cross aims to process claims quickly and efficiently, so you can focus on recovering quickly.
Is there coverage for chiropractic care or acupuncture?
Yes, Blue Cross offers coverage for a variety of alternative healthcare services, such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, and naturopathy. Coverage limits and eligibility may vary according to the plan that you may select.
Is Blue Cross health insurance plan a good option?
Blue Cross health insurance can be a great option due to its comprehensive coverage, including hospital stays, prescription drugs, and dental, and vision care.
It also offers customizable plans with add-ons like critical illness benefits and wellness programs. However, premiums can increase with age, and pre-existing conditions may not be covered immediately, so it’s essential to review plan details carefully.
- Blue Cross offers three health insurance plans including Entry, Essential, and Enhanced, each catering to different health needs and budgets
- The plan includes optional coverage for 16 critical illnesses, providing financial support in case of serious health conditions like cancer, heart attacks, and strokes
- The Guaranteed Acceptance plan covers pre-existing illnesses and Assured Access allows coverage even after you lose group health benefits
- Premiums may rise as the insured individual ages, which could affect long-term affordability
