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Blue Cross Visitor Insurance Review – 2024
Blue Cross offers a comprehensive visitor health insurance plan for those travelling to Canada, with coverage for medical and non-medical travel emergencies. With options for up to $150,000 in coverage and various flexible plans, Blue Cross caters to a wide range of visitors including international students and new immigrants. The insurance covers essential services such as hospitalization, physician fees, emergency dental care, and more. Benefits also include automatic coverage extensions in emergencies and direct payment arrangements with hospitals.
- What are the key features of Blue Cross visitor health insurance?
- What does Blue Cross’s visitor health insurance plan cover?
- How much does visitor health insurance from Blue Cross cost?
- Who is eligible for Blue Cross’s visitor health insurance?
- When does my Blue Cross visitor health coverage begin?
- Does Blue Cross cover pre-existing conditions?
- What are the pros and cons of Blue Cross visitor health insurance?
- How does Blue Cross provide assistance in processing claims?
- Are there any exclusions or limitations to Blue Cross’s visitor health insurance plans?
- Frequently asked questions
Founded in 1942, Blue Cross is a leading insurance provider in Canada, offering comprehensive visitor health insurance coverage. Their plans cover essential healthcare needs like hospital stays, doctor visits, and ambulance services, with additional options for prescription medications, paramedical services, and emergency dental care.
So, whether you plan to reunite with your loved ones or explore Canada, Blue Cross offers reliable visitor health insurance plans to keep you safe and stress-free from the second you land in Canada.
What are the key features of Blue Cross visitor health insurance?
Blue Cross offers visitor health insurance for up to $200,000 in coverage with a waiting period of 72 hours, deductibles starting at $250 and up to $5,000, and a stability period of up to 3 months (up to 54 years) and 6 months (55-79 years). Here’s a glance at the key features of Blue Cross’s visitor to Canada insurance:
Key features of Blue Cross’s visitor medical insurance
| Category | Details |
| Maximum age | 79 years |
| Maximum coverage amount | $150,000* |
| Deductibles | $250, $500, $1500, $2500, $5000 |
| Waiting period | 72 hours if the policy is bought within 30 days of arrival in Canada or the termination date of a previous policy. No policies can be bought after 31 days |
| Monthly payment plans offered | No |
| Stability period | 3 months (up to 54 years), 6 months (55 to 79 years) |
*Note: $150,000 in coverage is offered only to applicants up to 74 years of age.
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What does Blue Cross’s visitor health insurance plan cover?
Blue Cross’s visitors to Canada insurance covers emergency medical services such as hospital stays, nursing care, diagnostic services, etc. It is a great option for foreigners seeking health insurance while visiting Canada.
Blue Cross Visitor to Canada Insurance
| Benefit | Details |
| Hospitalization | Semi-private room expenses only |
| Physicians’ fees | Reasonable expenses for physician services, up to maximum local government rates |
| Medical devices | Costs for crutches, canes, splints, and rentals of wheelchairs, orthopedic devices, etc |
| Nursing care | Fees for a graduate nurse (excluding relatives) for private care while hospitalized |
| Professional services | Physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, or podiatry when prescribed, up to $300 per profession |
| Diagnostic services | Charges for lab tests and X-rays prescribed by the attending physician |
| Drugs | Cost of drugs prescribed by a physician, excluding those needed for chronic conditions |
| Dental care | Emergency dental treatment, excluding root canal therapy up to $300 per trip |
| Dental injury treatment | Treatment for damage from external injury (not from objects or food), including fracture or jaw dislocation up to $2,000 per accident |
| Transportation expenses | Ambulance, taxi, and transport costs to the nearest medical facility |
| Repatriation | Costs of repatriating the covered person for immediate medical attention, including travel for companions and medical attendants |
| Return of the deceased | Preparation and transport of the deceased, or cremation/burial on-site up to $10,000 for transport, $4,000 for cremation/burial |
| Identification travel | Round-trip transportation and accommodation for a family member or friend to identify the deceased up to $300 for accommodation and meals |
| Subsistence allowance | Accommodation and meal costs if a return is delayed due to illness or injury up to $1,000 ($100/day for up to 10 days) |
How much does visitor health insurance from Blue Cross cost?
Visitor health insurance from Blue Cross is affordable and can cost anywhere between $102-$514, for $100,000 in coverage for a 30-day period across different age groups.
Cost of Blue Cross’s visitor insurance
| Age Group | Without Pre-Existing Coverage |
| 25 Years | $102.47/mo |
| 35 Years | $112.89/mo |
| 45 Years | $139.60/mo |
| 55 Years | $215.46/mo |
| 65 Years | $302.46/mo |
| 75 Years | $514.52/mo |
*These costs reflect $100,000 in coverage for a visitor travelling to Canada for 30 days, with separate rates for those without pre-existing conditions.
Who is eligible for Blue Cross’s visitor health insurance?
You can apply for Blue Cross’s visitor health policy if you are between 31 days and 79 years, and are not covered under a government health insurance plan. You’ll be eligible if you are a:
- A visitor to Canada
- A super visa holder
- An immigrant or permanent resident waiting for public health coverage
- A foreign worker with a work permit
- An international student with a study permit
- A Canadian citizen returning home after a long absence
To be medically eligible for Visitors to Canada insurance, you must not:
- Have received medical advice against travelling
- Be suffering from a terminal illness
- Have kidney failure requiring dialysis
- Have been diagnosed with or treated for metastatic cancer
- Have had a cancer diagnosis, treatment, or medication within the past 12 months (excluding basal cell carcinoma)
- Be experiencing heart failure or cardiomyopathy
- Be awaiting an organ transplant for kidneys, lungs, liver, heart, bone marrow, or pancreas
- Have used home oxygen or taken cortisone pills for a pulmonary condition in the past 24 months
When does my Blue Cross visitor health coverage begin?
If you purchase a visitor health insurance policy from Blue Cross before your trip starts, the coverage generally begins the moment you arrive in Canada. However, if you purchase a Blue Cross medical insurance for visitors to Canada plan within 30 days of your arrival in the country, the coverage will begin after a 72 hour waiting period.
During the waiting period, insured individuals are covered for accidents and injuries, but not for illnesses.
Coverage when purchased before arriving in Canada
| Condition | Details |
| Effective date | Coverage becomes effective on the latest of the following dates:
|
| Termination date |
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Coverage when purchased after arriving in Canada
| Condition | Details |
| Effective date | Coverage becomes effective on the latest of the following dates:
|
| Termination date |
|
Does Blue Cross cover pre-existing conditions?
Blue Cross offers limited coverage for pre-existing conditions that have been stable for 90 days for individuals up to 54 years of age and 180 days for ages 55 and above. For all ages, no conditions if you have undergone treatment, seen a physician, been diagnosed, or taken medication for them, including physician-recommended procedures or tests.
Specific exclusions apply to cardiovascular conditions like heart attack, angina, and bypass surgery, neurological conditions like stroke and TIA, and pulmonary conditions such as COPD and emphysema.
For those 54 and under, exclusions include any unstable medical condition in the 3 months before coverage or heart conditions needing nitroglycerin. For ages 55-79, the exclusion period for such conditions is 6 months.
What are the pros and cons of Blue Cross visitor health insurance?
While Blue Cross offers extensive medical coverage and 24×7 customer support, however, it limits coverage for high-risk activities, pregnancy related health conditions, and has strict guidelines for pre-existing conditions coverage.
Pros and Cons of Blue Cross’s Visitor to Canada Insurance
| Pros | Cons |
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How does Blue Cross provide assistance in processing claims?
Blue Cross simplifies the claims process for visitor to Canada insurance through its mobile app, online portal, or by mail/fax. To submit a claim, you’ll need a completed claim form, itemized bills, proof of payment, and any medical reports or lab results.
They offer 24/7 multilingual customer support to assist with questions or issues during the process.
Are there any exclusions or limitations to Blue Cross’s visitor health insurance plans?
Yes, Blue Cross’s visitor health insurance has certain exclusions, including coverage for treatment without approval, non-urgent/elective treatment, pregnancy and childbirth, etc.
For policyholders across different age groups, no amount is payable for conditions if:
- You have undergone a procedure, seen a physician, been diagnosed, treated, or hospitalized
- You have received a prescription or taken medication
- Physician recommended treatment, tests, medication, or procedures.
The following conditions are also excluded from your visitor insurance coverage:
Cardiovascular conditions
- Angina
- Angioplasty
- Aortic aneurysmdsr
- Bypass surgery
- Defibrillator
- Heart attack
- Heart rhythm disorders
- Peripheral vascular problems
- Valvulopathy
Neurological conditions
- Stroke (CVA)
- TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)
Pulmonary conditions
- Chronic bronchitis
- COPD
- Cystic fibrosis
- Emphysema
Ages 54 and under
- Any unstable medical condition during the 3 months prior to coverage or any heart condition requiring nitroglycerin
Ages 55 to 79
- Any unstable medical condition during the 6 months prior to coverage or any heart condition requiring nitroglycerin
Other exclusions
| Exclusion category | Details |
| Treatment without blue cross approval | Consultation, hospitalization, surgeries, and treatment costs that are not pre-authorized |
| Foreseeable treatment | Costs related to a condition that is expected to require treatment during the trip |
| Pending treatment or non-compliance | Conditions for which medical advice and recommended treatment was not followed |
| Non-urgent, experimental, or optional treatment | Consultations or treatments that are non-urgent, experimental, or optional, such as routine check-ups, aesthetic care, rehabilitation, convalescent care, or experimental drugs |
| Post-emergency treatment | Continued treatment after the medical emergency is deemed over |
| Transfer or repatriation refusal | No benefit will be paid for treatments if the insured refuses recommended transfer or repatriation |
| Abusive or unreasonable billing | Invoiced amounts not considered customary and reasonable, meaning charges for medical services that exceed standard local rates, which may not be fully covered by insurance, leaving the policyholder responsible to pay the remaining amount |
| Trip for medical purposes | No benefits for trips taken to receive a diagnosis, treatment, surgery, or any form of therapy |
| Pregnancy and childbirth | Expenses related to pregnancy, including childbirth, prenatal and postnatal care, assisted reproduction, termination of pregnancy, or any complications |
| Mental health disorders | No coverage for mental health or psychiatric conditions unless hospitalization is required |
| Suicide and self-inflicted injury | No benefits for suicide, attempted suicide, or intentional injury |
| Alcohol, drugs, and intoxication | No benefits for medical conditions resulting from chronic or excessive use of alcohol, drugs, or intoxicating substances, including motor vehicle accidents while impaired |
| High-risk sports or activities | No coverage for medical conditions arising from participation in high-risk sports or activities |
| Treatment during coverage suspension | Expenses incurred during a suspension period or for conditions that occurred during the suspension |
| Treatment received after extension | Expenses incurred during an extension period that are linked to a condition from the original coverage period |
| Illnesses during the waiting period | Expenses related to illnesses that occur during the waiting period |
| Consultations that occur during immigration application | Fees for tests, medical examinations that are required by the Government for immigration applications |
| Congenital diseases/malformations | Expenses related to congenital disease or malformation for any child under the age of 2, whether or not diagnosed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Blue Cross offer automatic coverage extensions?
Yes, Blue Cross includes automatic coverage extensions under specific circumstances. If you are hospitalized on your policy’s expiry date, your coverage will extend for the duration of your hospitalization and up to 72 hours post-discharge. Additionally, if delays occur due to common carriers, severe weather, or mechanical issues, coverage may be extended for 72 hours with documented proof of the delay’s cause.
Is a medical questionnaire required by Blue Cross?
Yes, Blue Cross requires a medical questionnaire for applicants over 35 years of age with a pre-existing condition.
Is there a waiting period for Blue Cross’s visitor medical insurance?
There is a 3-day waiting period that applies when a policy is purchased after arriving in Canada. During this time, only accidents or injuries are covered. Blue Cross does not cover illnesses that occur during this waiting period (considered pre-existing conditions). You must purchase the policy within 30 days of either the date of arrival in Canada or the end date of similar coverage under another policy in Canada.
Can I get family coverage with Blue Cross?
Yes, Blue Cross offers family coverage under their visitor to Canada plans, which includes you, your spouse, and dependent children. The premium is based on the age of the oldest family member, providing a flexible option for families traveling together.
What is the maximum duration of coverage for Blue Cross’s visitor insurance policy?
Blue Cross’s Visitor to Canada insurance covers up to 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year). If you need coverage beyond your policy’s expiry, you can purchase a new policy, provided you remain eligible.
Does Blue Cross cover travel outside Canada?
Blue Cross allows side-trips up to the lesser of 30 days total or 49% of total coverage period where such trips originate and terminate in Canada. However, the policy remains suspended and no coverage is offered during the side trip.
Can I pay monthly for my Blue Cross visitor health insurance?
No, you cannot pay monthly for your Blue Cross visitor health insurance.
- Blue Cross offers up to $150,000 in coverage, including hospital stays, medical services, and emergency dental care
- Coverage automatically extends in cases of travel delays due to any emergency hospitalization or common carriers, weather, or mechanical issues
- Blue Cross visitor health coverage offers extensive medical protection, automatic extensions to accommodate changing travel plans, and round-the-clock support
- It does not cover injuries or illnesses from high-risk activities, and its medical evacuation options are less comprehensive compared to some other policies
