Frequently asked questions

Contact your plan administrator to determine the effective date of your plan.

Contact your plan administrator to determine re-enrollment eligibility based on the rules of your plan.

Contact your plan administrator to determine cancellation eligibility based on the rules of your plan.

Yes. We have a selection of personal plans available to meet your needs, including the Blue Choice Conversion plan. If you are transitioning from another plan with comparable coverage, avoid the three-month dental waiting period by applying within 60 days of loss of coverage. Coverage will be continuous as long as you pay premiums for the first month of coverage loss. If you choose to apply for the Blue Choice Conversion plan within 60 days of your employer group health and dental benefits coverage ending from any recognized Canadian group benefits plan, there is no medical questionnaire and approval is guaranteed, so you’re covered for any pre-existing conditions.

If your group life coverage is ending, please contact your plan administrator as you may be eligible to convert your life benefits to an individual policy.

You can apply for the Blue Choice Conversion plan or a standard individual plan.

Apply for Blue Choice Conversion within 60 days of the employer group health and dental benefits coverage ending from any recognized Canadian group benefits plan. There is no medical questionnaire and approval is guaranteed, so your dependent would be covered for any pre-existing conditions and there is no waiting period for dental benefits.*

If they are transitioning to a standard individual plan from a group plan with comparable coverage, avoid the three-month dental waiting period by applying within 60 days of loss of coverage. Benefits will be continuous as long as premiums are paid for the first month of coverage loss.

*Answering the medical questionnaire for a standard individual health plan from Manitoba Blue Cross may result in a plan with a higher drug maximum and be more economical.

You must be a Manitoba resident, registered with and entitled to benefits from Manitoba Health or be a resident of Nunavut.

Your benefits will become effective on the first of the month following the effective date. There is a three-month paid waiting period* for dental.

*If you are transitioning from another plan with comparable coverage, we will waive the waiting period provided you apply within 60 days of loss of coverage.‍

You may request cancellation at any time; however, re-enrollment would have to be authorized by Manitoba Blue Cross (unless you have cancelled as a result of obtaining comparable coverage through an employer, group or spouse).

To cancel your coverage, notify Manitoba Blue Cross in writing (by email or letter). Upon receipt of notification, your coverage will be cancelled on the last day of the following month.

You may be eligible to re-apply. Contact Manitoba Blue Cross or your insurance broker/agent.

You are eligible to apply if you are between the ages of 55 and 70 and are coming off of an employer/group sponsored benefit plan. This application age is based solely on the age of the applicant. There are no age restrictions for a spouse or any dependents provided that the applicant is eligible for the plan. You must apply within 60 days of termination from your group benefit plan. You must also be a Manitoba resident, registered with and entitled to benefits from Manitoba Health or be a resident of Nunavut.

If you apply within 60 days of the termination of your group benefit plan, a medical review is not required. Coverage will be effective the first of the month following the group plan end date.

If you apply for coverage from 61 to 182 days after leaving your group plan, medical information for each participant is required to determine acceptance.

After 182 days of leaving your group plan you will not be eligible to enroll on the retiree plan.

A couple or family rate does not apply for this plan, as all rates are per plan participant.

If your plan includes a spouse or dependents, rates for each additional plan participant are determined using the rates specified within their age bracket at the coverage level you've chosen. The monthly premium is calculated as the sum of all rates for each of the plan participants included on the plan. These rates will change as each plan participant reaches a new age bracket or upon changes to the overall rate by Manitoba Blue Cross.

The effective date of your retiree plan can be the first of the month following the termination of your employer-sponsored group plan or it can be backdated to the first of the month in which your employer-sponsored group plan ended.

A member can transfer from a Retiree Standard plan to a Retiree Basic plan at any time. When enrolled on a Retiree Basic plan, a member cannot transfer to a Retiree Standard plan unless the request is made within 182 days of their termination from an employer/group sponsored benefit plan. Medical information may be required.

The plan does not have a termination age. However, travel coverage outside of Canada, which is included as part of the Retiree Standard plan, terminates at age 75, based on the age of the individual plan participant. For example, when you turn 75, your outside-of-Canada travel coverage will terminate, but your spouse's will remain active until he or she turns 75. Travel coverage within Canada, but outside Manitoba, does not have an age restriction.

Yes, as long as you maintain your status according to the requirements of your Manitoba Health plan, you can remain on the retiree plan. Note that Manitoba has rules for individuals maintaining their health care coverage, and you should review the rules. Please refer to the Province of Manitoba website: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip/leavingtemporarily.html#section-one

Our retiree plan provides coverage for our customers outside of Manitoba for a period of up to three months. However, all Blue Cross plans across Canada have reciprocal agreements with each other for individual plan transfers. If you move to another province, you should contact the Blue Cross office in that province to enroll in one of their plans.

The 90-day stability clause applies at time of claim and is calculated back from your trip departure date. Manitoba Blue Cross will determine if the claim relates to a medical condition, symptom or illness that you experienced 90 days prior to your trip departure date.

Yes, every travel plan you purchase or have through a group benefit plan includes specific limitations and exclusions. It is important and your responsibility to carefully read and understand your travel plan benefits, eligibility, exclusions and limitations.

Your travel benefit contains limitations and exclusions that could affect your coverage. Some exclusions include the following:

• medical conditions that are not stable;
• participation in high-risk activities or extreme sports;
• seeking treatment, medical consultation or a second medical opinion while travelling;
• travelling against medical advice; or
• travelling after your receipt of a terminal prognosis

No, there are differences between the travel coverage you had with your group benefit plan and your individual retiree plan. The most important difference is the stability clause that applies to the retiree plan. This states that a claim will not be paid for services related to a medical condition that was not deemed stable 90 days prior to your trip departure date.

Yes, being deemed medically stable to travel in a doctor’s opinion is not the same thing as meeting our definition of stable as it relates to coverage of a medical condition. Your medical condition may be considered stable from a medical point of view; however, due to the timing of the most recent change in symptoms, medications, treatment, requisition or recommendation for a test or procedure, that does not necessarily mean you’ll be covered in the event of an emergency relating to that condition.

If a pre-existing medical condition was directly or indirectly related to the need for emergency medical care during your trip, we will access your medical records to confirm whether the medical condition in question met our definition of the 90-day stability period.

With the Retiree Standard plan, if you are not yet 75 years of age or older and are travelling outside of Canada, you must purchase top-up coverage prior to the 61st day of the trip, if it exceeds 60 days. Contact us for more information.

Even though outside-of-Canada travel benefits are no longer available for you on the Retiree Standard plan upon turning age 75, you are still eligible for a retiree plan travel discount of 10 per cent when you purchase travel coverage from Manitoba Blue Cross. You will continue to have travel coverage within Canada and outside of Manitoba.

Yes, you need to return to Manitoba for your travel-day limit to restart. Each trip length begins when you leave Manitoba and ends when you return to Manitoba (you can leave on a new trip immediately upon return). Manitoba Health states that you need to be physically present in Manitoba for at least 212 days in a 12-month period to remain eligible for your Manitoba Health coverage.

The Retiree Standard plan's out-of-Canada travel benefit limits each trip to 60 days. If your trip exceeds the 60-day limit, you will be required to purchase top-up coverage. In the event of a claim, you will be required to provide proof of departure and return dates. Contact Manitoba Blue Cross for more information.

All Retiree Standard plans cover emergency medical claims to a maximum of $5 million per trip. See your retiree plan agreement for complete coverage details.

Health expenses resulting from accidents or unexpected illnesses that occur outside of Manitoba are not fully covered by Manitoba Health. The difference between what Manitoba Health will pay and the actual cost may be substantial.

Based on the reciprocal billing agreement, Manitoba Health will pay the standard rate if you see a doctor or are admitted to an approved hospital in Canada; however, not all expenses are covered.

You must be a Manitoba resident, registered with and entitled to benefits from Manitoba Health to apply for travel coverage.

Residents of Nunavut may also apply for travel coverage by contacting our customer service centre toll-free at 1.888.596.1032.

Travel health coverage must be purchased prior to departure.

Plans that include cancellation coverage (Air, Holiday or Tour Package) must be purchased at time of deposit (within 72 hours) or prior to any cancellation or penalty period.

No, coverage must be purchased for the entire duration of the trip. Conversely, you cannot extend or top up your Manitoba Blue Cross coverage with another carrier. Any extension or top up with another carrier will invalidate all coverage for that trip.

Coverage maximums vary by plan.

• For our Deluxe Travel Health plan, the maximum allowable duration is:
• ~ 183 days for Deluxe Blue or Gold
• ~ 62 days for Deluxe Silver
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• For our Deluxe Travel Health with Coronavirus Coverage plan, the maximum allowable duration is:
• ~ 183 days for Under Age 55 (Blue)
• ~ 183 days for Age 55 to 74 (Gold)
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• For our Annual Travel Health plan, the maximum allowable duration is 32 days. However, if you are under the age of 55 you may purchase additional days, up to an additional 30 days (total trip duration cannot exceed 62 days).
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• For our Annual Travel Health with Coronavirus Coverage plan, the maximum allowable duration is 32 days. However, if you are under the age of 55 you may purchase additional days, up to an additional 30 days (total trip duration cannot exceed 62 days).
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• For our Tour Package Plan, the maximum allowable duration is 32 days.
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• For our Holiday Cancellation and Airfare Cancellation plans, the maximum allowable duration is 183 days.

We are unable to insure points of any kind. We are only able to insure out-of-pocket costs.

Yes, however there are many factors that may affect what is covered on a travel health plan.

It is important to disclose all medical conditions at the time of purchase so that you can be aware of any exclusions to your plan when travelling. Always discuss any concerns with your travel agent or contact us for further clarification.

Deluxe Travel Health

You are not obligated to complete this questionnaire; however doing so may give you a definite advantage.

For individuals aged 55 to 74 on date of departure, answering the medical questionnaire determines eligibility for our Gold Deluxe Travel Health Plan. Our Gold Plan allows for trips of longer duration and offers preferred pricing.

Deluxe Travel Health with Coronavirus Coverage

For individuals aged 55 to 74 on the date of departure, answering the medical questionnaire is required and determines eligibility for our Deluxe Travel Health with Coronavirus Coverage plan.

Manitoba Blue Cross defines that a pre-existing condition is a sickness, injury or medical condition, whether or not diagnosed by a physician:

• for which you exhibited signs or symptoms; or
• for which you required or received medical consultation, treatment or
• hospitalization; or
• for which you were prescribed a new medication or given a change in prescribed medication; and
• which existed prior to the departure date of your coverage

You may extend the duration of your original policy if:

• Medical attention has not been received during the initial term.
• A claim has not been incurred during the initial term.
• You request the extension prior to the expiry date of your policy.
• The extension is for all benefits purchased on the original policy.
• If you are hospitalized due to a medical emergency, your benefits will remain in force throughout the period of hospitalization, plus 72 hours following your discharge from hospital at no extra cost. For more details, view our Extensions information page or contact us.
• If your return is delayed due to the fault of the carrier in which you are a fare-paying passenger, your Travel Health benefits will be extended for up to 72 hours after the scheduled return date at no extra cost.
  Note: This must be supported by a letter from the transportation authority confirming the period of delay.

Manitoba Blue Cross defines stable as a medical condition that is not worsening, and there has been no change in prescribed medication for the condition, nor any other treatment prescribed or recommended or received.

Manitoba Blue Cross defines treatment as a medical or diagnostic procedure prescribed, performed or recommended, including but not limited to, prescribed medication, investigative testing and surgery. Treatment does not include:

• a medical condition that is Stable and Controlled;
• the unaltered use of prescribed medication for a medical condition which is Stable and Controlled; or
• a previously identified medical condition where the Physician observes no change in the condition during the stability period specified in your travel plan.

Not all changes to medication will be affected by the stability clause. A change in prescribed medication means any increase or decrease in dose, strength or frequency of a prescribed medication, as well as the addition or discontinuation of any medication. The following are not considered changes in prescribed medication:

• The daily sliding scale or glucometer adjustments for insulin injections.
• A change from a brand name medication to the generic form of the same medication provided the dosage is the same.
• The routine adjustment of Coumadin, Warfarin, or other anticoagulant medication except where newly prescribed or stopped.

Our Annual Travel, Tour Package, Airfare Cancellation, and Holiday Cancellation plans are non-refundable.

For our Deluxe Travel Health plan:

• A complete refund is available if the entire trip is cancelled and Manitoba Blue Cross or an authorized agent receives notification prior to date of departure.
• A partial refund is calculated based on the date Manitoba Blue Cross or an authorized agent receives notification.
• Refunds are based on categories of time as per rate chart.
• No refund is available if a claim was incurred during the term of coverage or if your policy has been extended.

Yes, being deemed medically stable to travel in a doctor’s opinion is not the same thing as meeting our definition of stable as it relates to coverage of a medical condition. Your medical condition may be considered stable from a medical point of view; however, due to the timing of the most recent change in symptoms, medications, treatment, requisition or recommendation for a test or procedure, that does not necessarily mean you’ll be covered in the event of an emergency relating to that condition.

If a pre-existing medical condition was directly or indirectly related to the need for emergency medical care during your trip, we will access your medical records to confirm whether the medical condition in question met our definition of the 90-day stability period.

Yes, every travel plan you purchase or have through a group benefit plan includes specific limitations and exclusions. It is important and your responsibility to carefully read and understand your travel plan benefits, eligibility, exclusions and limitations.

Your travel benefit contains limitations and exclusions that could affect your coverage. Some exclusions include the following:

• medical conditions that are not stable;
• participation in high-risk activities or extreme sports;
• seeking treatment, medical consultation or a second medical opinion while travelling;
• travelling against medical advice; or
• travelling after your receipt of a terminal prognosis

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A copy of your travel ID card is located on the second page of your receipt. Log in to My Policy to reprint your receipt at any time.

Our Blue Advantage® program provides you with discounts on medical, vision and many other products and services offered by participating providers online and in-person across Canada. These savings are available to all members, regardless of coverage type, and do not have to be covered under your benefits plan.

Sign into your mybluecross® online account and click Blue Advantage on the home page or go to blueadvantage.ca to view a complete list of participating providers and eligible savings.* When paying for your product or service in person, mention the BlueAdvantage program and present your Manitoba Blue Cross ID to enjoy your savings or follow the instructions at blueadvantage.ca to save online. (Please set your region to Manitoba or your respective province to see all the Blue Advantage offers available to you.)

*The list of providers and types of savings available are subject to change without notice.

Direct deposit is a safe, secure and fast way to access your money. To set it up, log in to your mybluecross account and go to Manage Account (under your email/username on the top right). Select Update direct deposit, choose the certificate you wish to update and follow the prompts to add or edit your bank account information.

Manitoba Blue Cross requires the following to enable direct deposit:

• transit number (5-digit number)
• institution number (3-digit number)
• account number (7-12 digit number)

You can find this information within your account on your bank’s website or mobile app or printed on the bottom of your cheques. You can also contact your bank or visit a branch for assistance.

Within your mybluecross account, go to Manage Account (under your email/username on the top right) and select Update Direct Deposit to add or edit your bank account information.

The benefits of direct deposit include:

• Increased safety and security: Direct deposit is more secure than a cheque and eliminates the risk of lost or stolen cheques.
• Faster access: You can access your money more quickly because payments go directly into your chequing or savings account, avoiding mail delays and disruptions or bank hold delays.
• Lower environmental impact: Choosing to use direct deposit reduces the environmental impact of printing and
  mailing cheques as there is no paper usage or transportation required.

To set up direct deposit, log in to your mybluecross account, visit Update Direct Deposit in Manage Account (under your email/username on the top right) and follow the prompts.

No, money cannot be withdrawn from your account. Direct deposit only allows Manitoba Blue Cross to deposit claim payments into your account.

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

If you need a new ID card, you can either print a new card, request one be sent to you or use the electronic version from your mybluecross online account. Select View or request an ID card under the user account menu in your mybluecross account. (If you do not have a mybluecross account, you can sign up here.)

You can also show providers your card or access your account details in the Manitoba Blue Cross mobile app. (Download the mybluecross mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.)

You can also request a new ID card be sent to you by calling us at 204.775.0151 or 1.888.596.1032 (toll free).

If your card was damaged or is no longer legible, you can laminate future ID cards to protect them.

Some members under a group plan may have a secondary card from Manitoba Blue Cross that is specific to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) coverage.

If you believe you have EAP coverage, but do not see it on your card or listed in your mybluecross account, please contact us at 204.786.8880 or 1.800.590.5553 (toll free) to confirm coverage.

Your Manitoba Blue Cross ID card is issued in the name of the member (cardholder) only. When you first become a member, you will receive two ID cards in the mail and your spouse or dependents can use the extra card as needed. You can also view or print additional copies of your ID card in your mybluecross online account.

You and your spouse can also show providers your card through the mybluecross online account (select View or request an ID card under the user account menu) or in the Manitoba Blue Cross mobile app. (Download the mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.)

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 individual or family benefits through Manitoba Blue Cross or an agent, changes to account information must be requested in writing by the member. Please submit your written request and appropriate supporting documents to Manitoba Blue Cross.