Blue Cross in Canada is a group of nonprofit health insurance providers that offers health and travel insurance plans to Canadians. It was first established in Quebec in 1941 as a not-for-profit organization, and today there are 9 separate Blue Cross companies across the country that operate independently but under the Blue Cross brand.
Blue Cross insurance plans in Canada typically cover a range of health care services, including prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and other health-related services. Many plans also offer additional benefits such as travel insurance and assistance, critical illness coverage, and disability coverage.
The Blue Cross brand is well-known and respected in Canada, and it is often associated with reliable and affordable health insurance coverage. Blue Cross is also recognized for its strong commitment to social responsibility, with each of the independent Blue Cross companies contributing to charitable causes and community initiatives.
Today, Blue Cross companies in Canada serve millions of Canadians, and they continue to innovate and evolve their products and services to meet the changing needs of their customers. With a focus on providing accessible and affordable health insurance coverage, Blue Cross plays an important role in Canada’s healthcare landscape.
As of 2021, Blue Cross companies collectively held a significant market share in the Canadian health insurance industry. The specific market share varies by province, but Blue Cross is a leading provider of health and travel insurance plans in many regions of the country.
According to the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association, Blue Cross had a 27.2% market share of the Canadian health insurance market in 2019, which includes both group and individual health insurance policies. This puts Blue Cross in a strong position as one of the largest health insurance providers in the country.
The health insurance market in Canada is highly competitive, with many other insurers and plan providers offering a range of health insurance products and services. As such, Blue Cross companies must continue to innovate and adapt to changing customer needs and expectations in order to maintain their position as a leading health insurance provider in Canada.
Services Offered By Blue Cross Insurance
Blue Cross Insurance in Canada offers a variety of insurance plans and related services to meet the healthcare needs of Canadians. Some of the main services offered by Blue Cross Insurance in Canada include:
- Health Insurance: Blue Cross offers a range of health insurance plans that cover a variety of medical services and treatments, including prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and paramedical services like physiotherapy and chiropractic care.
- Travel Insurance: Blue Cross provides travel insurance coverage for Canadians traveling abroad, including emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and baggage loss or delay insurance.
- Critical Illness Insurance: Blue Cross offers critical illness insurance, which provides financial support in the event of a serious illness like cancer, heart attack, or stroke.
- Disability Insurance: Blue Cross offers disability insurance coverage to help Canadians who are unable to work due to an injury or illness.
- Wellness Programs: Blue Cross provides wellness programs and services that help Canadians improve their overall health and wellbeing, including health coaching, nutrition counseling, and fitness programs.
- Telehealth Services: Blue Cross provides access to telehealth services that allow Canadians to consult with healthcare professionals remotely via phone or video conference.
Overall, Blue Cross Insurance in Canada provides a wide range of insurance products and services that aim to support the health and wellbeing of Canadians, both at home and abroad.
Blue Cross Insurance Pros
There are several advantages to choosing Blue Cross Insurance in Canada. Some of the main pros of Blue Cross Insurance include:
- Wide Range of Coverage: Blue Cross offers a variety of health and travel insurance plans with different levels of coverage, allowing customers to choose a plan that meets their specific needs.
- Affordable Premiums: Blue Cross offers competitive pricing on their insurance plans, making them an affordable option for many Canadians.
- Large Network of Providers: Blue Cross has a large network of healthcare providers across Canada, making it easy for customers to find a provider that accepts their insurance.
- Strong Reputation: Blue Cross has a strong reputation in Canada, known for providing reliable and trustworthy health insurance coverage to Canadians.
- Innovative Services: Blue Cross is known for their innovative services, such as telehealth and wellness programs, which allow customers to access healthcare services and support from the comfort of their own homes.
- Social Responsibility: Blue Cross is a not-for-profit organization that is committed to social responsibility, supporting charitable causes and community initiatives across Canada.
Blue Cross Insurance Cons
While there are many advantages to choosing Blue Cross Insurance in Canada, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Here are a few cons of Blue Cross Insurance:
- Limited Coverage: While Blue Cross offers a range of health and travel insurance plans, some plans may have limitations on coverage, such as exclusions for pre-existing conditions or limited coverage for certain treatments or procedures.
- Plan Restrictions: Some Blue Cross plans may have restrictions on which healthcare providers or hospitals are covered under the plan, which could limit your options for healthcare services.
- Limited Availability: Blue Cross operates as a federation of independent, not-for-profit organizations, which means that their services may not be available in all areas of Canada.
- Administrative Challenges: Some customers may find that dealing with the administrative side of their Blue Cross Insurance plan, such as submitting claims or navigating the appeals process, can be challenging.
- Limited Flexibility: Blue Cross plans may not offer as much flexibility as other types of insurance plans, such as self-insured plans, which can be tailored to meet the specific needs of an individual or organization.
Blue Cross Insurance Customer Reviews
Blue Cross Insurance in Canada has a mixed reputation among customers, with both positive and negative reviews and star ratings available from various sources online. Here are some examples:
Positive Reviews:
- Many customers appreciate the wide range of coverage options and competitive pricing offered by Blue Cross, as well as the convenience of having a large network of healthcare providers to choose from.
- Some customers also praise the innovative services offered by Blue Cross, such as telehealth and wellness programs, which provide convenient access to healthcare services and support.
- Several customers also highlight Blue Cross’s commitment to social responsibility, including their support of charitable causes and community initiatives.
Negative Reviews:
- Some customers have reported challenges with submitting claims and navigating the appeals process, citing long wait times and difficulty getting their claims processed.
- Some customers have also reported issues with coverage limitations, such as exclusions for pre-existing conditions or limited coverage for certain treatments or procedures.
- Some customers have expressed frustration with the administrative side of Blue Cross’s services, such as difficulty reaching customer service representatives or getting answers to their questions.
Overall Star Ratings:
Blue Cross Insurance in Canada has an average rating of 2.5 to 3 stars out of 5 on various review platforms, such as Google Reviews and Consumer Affairs. However, it’s important to note that customer experiences can vary widely, and these ratings should be taken as a general indicator of customer satisfaction rather than a definitive measure.
Leave Your Review
We value the feedback of our customers at Blue Cross Insurance and would love to hear about your experience with our services. If you have a moment, we invite you to leave a review on our website. Your review can help us to continue providing high-quality, affordable insurance coverage to Canadians across the country.