To get health insurance with Blue Cross Canada, visit the website of your provincial Blue Cross organization, use the “Get a Quote” tool to compare plans, and choose the coverage that fits your needs. You can apply online or speak with an advisor. Plans are available for individuals, families, retirees, and those without employer coverage,…
While Canada's provincial health insurance is a fantastic service, it's common for families to seek extra coverage.
Whether you don't have additional coverage through work or you're aiming to cover costs like prescription drugs, you might find yourself looking for private health insurance.
Fortunately, there are numerous options available. Blue Cross Canada remains a popular provider, insuring millions of Canadians and standing as one of the most admired companies in the country.
In this guide, we'll walk you through how to get health insurance with Blue Cross Canada in 2025. Read on to find answers to some common questions.
Disclaimer: All, or some of the products featured on this page are from our affiliated partners who may compensate us for actions and or sales completed as a result of the user navigating the links or images within the content. How we present the information may be influenced by that, but it in no way impacts the quality and accuracy of the research we have conducted at the time we published the article. Users may choose to visit the actual company website for more information.
Blue Cross was first established in the northwestern United States and made its way to Canada in the late 1930s. Manitoba was the first province to establish a Blue Cross plan, but it expanded pretty quickly to other provinces. Now, no matter where you are in Canada, Blue Cross has you covered.
The company is still linked with the branch in the United States, but all provincial plans are associated with the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans. They offer group and individual health insurance, travel insurance, and dental/vision plans for Canadians across the country.
Why Should I Get Health Insurance with Blue Cross?
So why should you get health insurance with Blue Cross?
One big reason is if you're looking to supplement your provincial plan. If you'd like just a bit more peace of mind when it comes to your health care, Blue Cross offers a variety of flexible plans to suit any need or budget.
This is particularly relevant if you don't have a group plan through your job. Many companies or workplaces help cover the costs of private insurance, but this isn't the case for everyone. However, that doesn't mean you have to go without.
Blue Cross offers plans that you can purchase on your own without an employer, helping you pay for additional costs like prescription drugs or hospital stays.
Moreover, everyone appreciates saving money on necessities. Blue Cross' Blue Advantage® program offers policyholders ways to save on everything from gym memberships to vision care products. Simply present your Blue Cross identification card at participating providers to enjoy immediate discounts.
What Kind of Coverage Is Offered?
Now that you know why Blue Cross can be a great option, what kind of coverage can you look for?
The three main categories of insurance we'll cover are personal health insurance, travel health insurance, and critical illness insurance. Whether you're a recent university grad or nearing retirement, you can find a plan that suits your unique needs.
Read on to learn more about each one.
Personal Health Insurance
This is by far the most common and popular reason to get health insurance with Blue Cross. There are plenty of options for your personal health insurance needs.
Coverage will vary depending on the province, but for the most part, Blue Cross offers several levels of personal health insurance plans that you can decide to purchase.
Complete Health Plans
Blue Cross' Complete Health plans come in three tiers: Entry, Essential, and Enhanced. These plans offer varying levels of coverage for prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, health practitioners, and more. For example, the Enhanced plan provides 80% coverage for the first $4,500 in eligible drugs and 100% thereafter, along with higher limits for dental and vision care.
Guaranteed Acceptance Plan
This basic insurance requires no medical questions and covers pre-existing conditions. It's available up to age 74 and includes coverage for essential drugs, dental care, vision care, and more. This plan is ideal for individuals with pre-existing conditions who require comprehensive health insurance.
Travel Health Insurance
What if you travel out of your province and get sick or have an accident? What happens then?
Blue Cross has you covered in that case, too. Their travel health insurance helps offset the costs of emergency medical care, pays for you to return home to receive medical care, and even covers follow-up medical costs once you're back.
You don't have to be hurt to reap the benefits of this insurance. It'll even help you out if your baggage gets lost or your flight is canceled.
Notably, the Enhanced Complete Health plan includes 100% coverage for the first 30 days of a trip, up to $5 million.
Critical Illness Insurance
Serious illnesses like cancer, heart attacks, or strokes are already bound to take a toll on you and your family. Treating and recovering from these illnesses is taxing on your emotions, your body, and your finances.
You shouldn't have to worry about how you pay for your care when you're focusing on getting better. Critical illness insurance provides you with financial support so that you can give all of your attention to what matters. Whether that's rent payments, in-home support, or even just grocery costs, this plan makes sure you have one less worry on your mind.
Blue Cross offers critical illness coverage as an optional add-on, providing a lump sum benefit in case of serious health conditions. This 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.
How to Apply for Blue Cross Health Insurance
Applying for a Blue Cross health insurance plan is simple and straightforward. Here's how to get started:
1. Visit the Blue Cross Website
Each province has its own Blue Cross website, so you'll need to go to the one that matches where you live. For example:
Ontario: ont.bluecross.ca
British Columbia: pac.bluecross.ca
Quebec: qc.bluecross.ca
Alberta: ab.bluecross.ca
From there, you can browse available plans based on your needs—whether it’s health, dental, vision, travel, or critical illness insurance.
2. Get a Quote
Most Blue Cross sites offer a “Get a Quote” tool where you can enter your age, province, and coverage preferences. You’ll receive an estimate of how much your monthly premium will be and what’s included in each tier of coverage.
3. Compare Plans
Take the time to compare the different tiers (Entry, Essential, Enhanced) or explore specialized options like Guaranteed Acceptance or Optional Dental Coverage. This ensures you get the most value and the best protection for your unique situation.
4. Apply Online or Speak With an Advisor
Once you've decided on a plan, you can typically apply directly online. Alternatively, you can speak to a licensed Blue Cross advisor over the phone or via email to walk you through the process or answer any questions you have.
Can I Switch from My Current Plan to Blue Cross?
Yes, you can switch from your current health insurance provider to Blue Cross. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Check Your Current Policy: Be aware of any termination conditions, waiting periods, or cancellation fees.
Timing Matters: Make sure there’s no gap in coverage. Apply for your new Blue Cross plan before cancelling your current policy.
Portability Options: Blue Cross often provides plans for those transitioning from employer-sponsored benefits to personal coverage without a break.
If you're switching because you're retiring or leaving a group plan, Blue Cross offers conversion plans that ensure continued coverage.
How Much Does Blue Cross Insurance Cost?
Health insurance costs vary based on your age, health status, province, and the level of coverage. But here's a general breakdown of monthly premium estimates in 2025:
Plan Type
Estimated Monthly Premium
Entry (basic)
$50 – $80
Essential (mid-tier)
$90 – $140
Enhanced (comprehensive)
$150 – $250
Guaranteed Acceptance
$100 – $160
Critical Illness Add-on
+$15 – $30
Note: These are estimates and may vary. Always get a personalized quote.
FAQs About Blue Cross Health Insurance
Here are 5 highly searched FAQs related Blue Cross health insurance:
Yes! The Guaranteed Acceptance Plan does not require a medical questionnaire and covers pre-existing conditions. It’s available for individuals up to age 74.
Yes. Dental and vision care are available as part of most Complete Health plans or as optional add-ons. Coverage limits increase with higher-tier plans.
Yes, but each provincial Blue Cross operates independently. Make sure to apply through the Blue Cross organization in your own province for accurate coverage and rates.
Many Blue Cross health plans include emergency travel medical insurance for up to 30 days per trip. You can also buy standalone travel insurance for extended coverage.
Typically, coverage begins within 30 days after application approval. Some benefits, like dental or critical illness coverage, may have waiting periods.
Final Thoughts
With a wide range of flexible options, affordable pricing, and national recognition, Blue Cross Canada continues to be a top choice for private health insurance in 2025.
Whether you're self-employed, retiring, or simply looking to supplement your provincial coverage, Blue Cross makes it easy to protect your health and your wallet.
Luckily, it's as easy as comparing your options, getting a quote, and signing up for the coverage you deserve. Request a quote now to get started.
Important Notice:
All interest rates, fees, and other numerical figures displayed on our website are subject to change without prior notice. To ensure you have the most current information and/or promotion, please visit the provider's official website.
