Frequently asked questions
Group plans
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.
Individual plans
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.
If you apply for Blue Choice Conversion 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. There is also no waiting period on dental benefits on Blue Choice Conversion. But answering the medical questionnaire for a standard individual health plan may result in a plan with a higher drug maximum and be more economical.
Manitobans who are leaving a group health and dental benefits plan from any recognized Canadian group benefits plan are eligible for Blue Choice Conversion. You must apply within 60 days of the employer group coverage ending to qualify. Approval is guaranteed with no medical questionnaire.*
*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.
There is no waiting period on dental benefits for Blue Choice Conversion if you apply within 60 days of your employer group health and dental benefits coverage ending from any recognized Canadian group benefits plan.
Yes, we have personal health plans available that do not include dental coverage, including plans for individuals, families and retirees. For more details, please contact an advisor.
To help make dental care more affordable for many Canadians,the Canadian Dental Care Plan from the Government of Canada is available for eligible individuals and families who do not have dental coverage (excluding accidental dental). To ensure qualified Manitobans are still able to receive this assistance while also maintaining benefits for their overall health, Manitoba Blue Cross offers robust benefit plans with no dental coverage. For more details about our plans without dental, please contact an advisor.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is intended to help those who have no access to dental insurance, including through private or employer-sponsored plans. Only those who do not have access to dentalcoverage are eligible to apply for the CDCP. Therefore, if you have an existingManitoba Blue Cross plan with dental coverage, you will not be eligiblefor the CDCP. (This excludes accidental dental benefits.) You can learn moreabout the CDCP eligibility criteria on the Government of Canada’s website. Todiscuss no dental plan options available, please contact an advisor.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) from the Government of Canada is for those who have no dental insurance, excluding accidental dental benefits. If you only have accidental dental benefits through your individual or employer’s health benefits plan, you may still be eligible forthe CDCP. You can learn more about the CDCP eligibility criteria on the Government of Canada’s website.
Learn more about the Canadian Dental Care Plan and eligibility criteria on the Government of Canada’s website.
Retiree plans
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
Retiree Travel
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.
Yes, we have personal health plans available that do noti nclude dental coverage, including plans for individuals, families and retirees. For more details, please contact an advisor.
To help make dental care more affordable for many Canadians, the Canadian Dental Care Plan from the Government of Canada is available for eligible individuals and families who do not have dental coverage (excluding accidental dental). To ensure qualified Manitobans are still able to receive this assistance while also maintaining benefits for their overall health, Manitoba Blue Cross offers robust benefit plans with no dental coverage. For more details about our plans without dental, please contact an advisor.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) from the Government of Canada is for those who have no dental insurance, excluding accidental dental benefits. If you only have accidental dental benefits through your individual or employer’s health benefits plan, you may still be eligible for the CDCP. You can learn more about the CDCP eligibility criteria on the Government of Canada’s website.
Learn more about the Canadian Dental Care Plan and eligibility criteria on the Government of Canada’s website.
Travel plans
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
- 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)
- 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).
- 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).
- For our Tour Package Plan, the maximum allowable duration is 32 days.
- 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
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.
General questions
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 Blue Advantage 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.
Information provided here is effective May 1, 2025 based on available information from Manitoba Health. For current information about Manitoba’s Pharmacare program or if you have additional questions about Pharmacare, visit the Government of Manitoba’s website. (If you do not reside in Manitoba, please visit your provincial health department’s website.)
If you have additional questions about Pharmacare related to your Manitoba Blue Cross plan, please contact our office.
Some Canadian provinces, including Manitoba, have Pharmacare programs, which provide drug cost assistance to eligible individuals. The provincial program for Manitoba is income based, which means an annual deductible is determined based on your total adjusted family income. (This is the amount you must pay out of pocket or through a benefits plan before the provincial program will cover eligible expenses.)
In Manitoba, once your annual deductible has been met through the purchase of eligible prescription drugs, the Manitoba Pharmacare program will pay 100 per cent of eligible prescription costs for the remainder of the benefit year. (The Manitoba Pharmacare benefit year is April 1 to March 31.)
For eligible Manitoba residents, you must submit an enrollment application to Manitoba Pharmacare. (Click here to confirm eligibility requirements for Manitoba’s Pharmacare program.)
Once registered, you will not need to submit a completed application form every year. (Once enrolled in Manitoba’s Pharmacare program, you are registered unless you choose to remove yourself from the program or do not file your income taxes.)
Manitoba Blue Cross may require proof of your deductible in the future for internal purposes. If this is required, you will receive notification from Manitoba Blue Cross to send us a copy of your deductible letter from your provincial Pharmacare program.
Manitoba Blue Cross wants to ensure that we contain health costs and that your health benefits plan does not pay for expenses that could be covered by Pharmacare. The Manitoba Pharmacare program will cover 100 per cent of eligible drug expenses after a deductible amount has been met. (This deductible amount is based on your family income.)
If/when your eligible drug purchases reach your Pharmacare deductible, future eligible drug expenses will be covered by Manitoba Health. This alleviates the health costs incurred by Manitoba Blue Cross, allowing us to keep premium costs and expenses down.
To ensure integration with provincial coverage, Manitoba Blue Cross requires registration with your provincial Pharmacare plan, where applicable. In some instances, Manitoba Blue Cross may need to collect your Pharmacare deductible information after a certain period of time, in which case, a letter will be sent requesting the recent Pharmacare deductible be submitted.
If we do not have a copy of your Pharmacare deductible letter when your drug purchases reach a certain amount based on your benefits plan, we will send you a letter asking you to register with the Pharmacare program as a requirement of your benefits plan. Manitoba Blue Cross will hold any further drug claim payments until the deductible letter from Pharmacare is received. Once received, we will resume processing your eligible drug claims.
If you have any questions concerning Pharmacare and your Manitoba Blue Cross health benefits plan, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
If you have not registered for Pharmacare, once your pharmacare eligible drug purchases for the Pharmacare year have reached a certain amount, we will send you a letter asking you to register with the Pharmacare program as a requirement of your benefits plan. (The Manitoba Pharmacare benefit year is April 1-March 31.)
If we do not receive a copy of Pharmacare's deductible letter, Manitoba Blue Cross will hold any further drug claim payments until the deductible letter from Pharmacare is received.
You can share a copy of the letter with us by uploading it in your mybluecross account (click “Add document” on the left-hand side and choose Pharmacare documents in the drop-down menu). You can also mail it to our office or fax us at 204.772.1231.
Once received, we will resume processing your eligible drug claims.
You can obtain a Manitoba Pharmacare application here or from your pharmacist or, if outside of Manitoba, from your provincial health department.
Please complete and mail the application to Pharmacare Provincial Drug Programs, 300 Carlton Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 3M9, or fax it to 204.786.6634. (Dependents age 18 and over must apply to Pharmacare separately.)
Once your Pharmacare application is processed, you will receive a letter from Manitoba Health stating your deductible amount. Please share a copy of this letter with us by uploading it in your mybluecross account (click “Add document” on the left-hand side and choose Pharmacare documents in the drop-down menu). You can also mail it to our office or fax us at 204.772.1231.
For information about Manitoba’s Pharmacare program, visit the Government of Manitoba’s website.
Once registered for Manitoba’s Pharmacare program, you will not need to submit a completed application form every year. Each Pharmacare year, you will receive your updated Pharmacare deductible. You may submit this to Manitoba Blue Cross when it’s received. In some circumstances, Manitoba Blue Cross may require proof of your deductible in the future and if so, you will receive notification from Manitoba Blue Cross that we require a recent copy of your deductible.
If you withdraw your consent for Pharmacare to automatically process your annual deductible, you should also notify our customer service centre at 204.775.0151 or toll free in Manitoba at 1.888.596.1032.
If you have any questions concerning Pharmacare and your Manitoba Blue Cross health benefits plan, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
When you receive your initial deductible letter from Pharmacare upon enrollment or if we have requested an updated letter, you can share a copy of the letter with us by uploading it in your mybluecross account (click “Add document” on the left-hand side and choose Pharmacare documents in the drop-down menu).
You can also mail it to our office or fax us at 204.772.1231.
Health Spending Accounts (HSA)
A Health Spending Account (HSA) is a benefit offered with some group plans that provides reimbursement for a variety of health-related expenses that may or may not be covered by your standard group plan. This ensures you can manage necessary health care expenses and minimize out-of-pocket costs.
In general, expenses are considered eligible if they qualify as a medical expense tax credit under the Income Tax Act of Canada and have not been 100 per cent reimbursed by another benefit plan. An HSA is administered in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency guidelines and is always last payer (after government, employer, individual, student and spousal plans).
What you can claim on your HSA is determined by the Canada Revenue Agency. The list of what is covered is extensive and includes:
- prescribed medication
- eye care, including eye exams, prescription contacts or glasses, or laser eye surgery
- paramedical services (e.g. massage therapy, chiropractics, physiotherapy)
- dental care
- home care or home modifications for medical conditions
- prescribed medical supplies (e.g. air filters, mobility aids)
- diagnostic and rehabilitation services
- medically-required travel expenses (e.g. ambulance fees)
Expenses that are not covered by HSAs include but are not limited to:
- gym membership fees
- cosmetic surgery
- non-prescription medications, vitamins and supplements
Visit the Canada Revenue Agency website to find out if an item is eligible and whether supporting documentation, such as a prescription, is required to claim it on your HSA. For exclusions or exceptions specific to your group plan, refer to your benefit booklet or contact us.
An HSA can have one of two payment types: automatic or on request. To see which type your plan has, click View coverage and select Health Spending Account. Here you can confirm the payment type, as well as:
- available coverage, including credits accrued and used
- minimum payment amount
- benefit period
- claim limitation period (This is the grace period following the benefit year. Claims must be requested and received within this time frame to be eligible for payment from that benefit year’s credits.)
How to make a claim to your HSA depends on the payment type that you have with your plan.
Automatic claim payment plan:
If you have an automatic claim payment plan, you do not need to request reimbursement. Manitoba Blue Cross will automatically reimburse you for remaining unpaid balances from a previously submitted health or dental claim or when you reach your HSA’s minimum payment amount. (The exception is if you have coverage with another carrier as you will have to provide the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) before any remaining balances can be paid. You can do this through your mybluecross online account by clicking “HSA coordination” under Claims.)
On-request claim payment plan:
When submitting a health or dental claim, you must request which claims you want paid through your HSA. If you do not do so during claim submission, you can still request reimbursement for outstanding balances through your HSA at a later date through one of the following options:
- Use the Request an HSA payment feature in your mybluecross online account.
- Download a Health Spending Account claim form and follow the instructions on it. and submit the form along with any necessary medical receipts and, if applicable, an explanation of benefits (EOB) to Manitoba Blue Cross:
- ~by mail
- ~through our on-site, 24-hour drop box
- ~in person at our Customer Service Centre
- ~by fax
In accordance with Canada Revenue Agency guidelines, proper receipts must support all amounts claimed as qualifying medical expenses. A receipt should indicate the purpose of the payment, the date of the payment, the patient for whom the payment was made and, if applicable, the medical practitioner, dentist, pharmacist, nurse or optometrist who prescribed the purchase or gave the service. A cancelled cheque will not be accepted as a substitute for a receipt.
In accordance with Canada Revenue Agency guidelines, an HSA must be the last payer after government, employer, individual, student and spousal plans. If you have more than one health benefits plan, all claims must be submitted through all carriers first before an HSA claim can be made.
If your other benefits plan is also with Manitoba Blue Cross, we will automatically coordinate your family’s claims on an ongoing basis, provided you have notified us that you have more than one Manitoba Blue Cross plan.
If your other benefits plan is with another carrier, you must submit the claim to that carrier first, and then provide Manitoba Blue Cross with the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statement issued by that carrier when submitting your HSA claim.
For more information about your HSA coverage, click View coverage and select Health Spending Account or contact us.
All HSA claim payments are subject to your plan’s minimum payment threshold, which must be reached before payment will be issued. If the threshold is not met, Manitoba Blue Cross will pay eligible expenses at the end of your claim limitation period.
You can see what the minimum payment amount is for your plan, click View coverage and select Health Spending Account.
Minimum payment refers to the lowest dollar amount that can be reimbursed at a time. This threshold is set by the employer.
- If the amount requested is less than the minimum payment, payment will be held and expenses will continue to accumulate until this threshold is met.
- If the threshold is never met, Manitoba Blue Cross will pay all pending expenses at the end of the group's claim limitation period following your benefit year.
Visit Coverage in mybluecross to view your Health Spending Account (HSA) plan information including minimum payment amount, claim limitation period and benefit year.
*The minimum payment threshold applies to any outstanding HSA claim that has not been paid. If an HSA balance is requested at the time of your initial health or dental claim under the same certificate and claim is payable to you, the minimum payment threshold will be bypassed and the HSA payment will be included with this payment. In addition to this, all pending HSA payments accumulating in the account will attach to this request and be included with the HSA payment.
*Your Health Spending Account (HSA) is considered last payer (after government, spousal and student plans, etc.). If you have coverage with another carrier, you must submit an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from that carrier before outstanding expenses can be processed through your HSA.
If the balance remaining is less than the minimum payment, payment will be held and expenses will continue to accumulate until this threshold is met. Minimum payment refers to the lowest dollar amount that can be reimbursed at a time. This threshold is set by your employer. Visit Coverage in mybluecross to view your Health Spending Account (HSA) plan information including minimum payment amount, claim limitation period and benefit year.
For details on your plan’s specific claim limitation period and to see if you have a claim- or credits-carry-forward plan, click View coverage and select Health Spending Account. (If the carry forward field is blank, neither carry-forward plans apply.)
If your claims carry forward: If your eligible expenses in a benefit year are more than the credits you have in your HSA, the excess will be carried forward into the new benefit year, deducting from that year’s credits. Carryover expenses must be claimed before the end of the claim limitation period and cannot be carried forward more than one benefit year.
If your credits carry forward: Any credits remaining at the end of your benefit year will be eligible for use in the next benefit year. (Credits cannot be carried forward more than one benefit year.) To make use of your annual credits, eligible expenses from the previous benefit year must be claimed before the end of the claim limitation period in the new benefit year, with carry-forward credits being used first (as noted in your mybluecross account).
If your claims or credits cannot be carried forward: If you do not have a carry-forward plan, claims for any unused HSA credits at the end of the policy year must be submitted within the claim limitation period in the new benefit year. Any prior year’s credits remaining after this claim limitation period cannot be used.
For example, if your credits do not carry forward and your plan benefit year is January to December with a claim limitation period of one month, you have until the end of January in the new benefit year to submit a claim towards your HSA.
Claims will remain unpaid if there are no available credits remaining at the end of the benefit year.
For details on your plan’s specific claim limitation period and to see if you have a claim- or credits-carry-forward plan, click View coverage and select Health Spending Account. (If the carry forward field is blank, neither carry-forward plans apply.)
If your claims carry forward: If your eligible expenses in a benefit year are more than the credits you have in your HSA, the excess will be carried forward into the new benefit year, deducting from that year’s credits. Carryover expenses must be claimed before the end of the claim limitation period and cannot be carried forward more than one benefit year.
If your credits carry forward: Any credits remaining at the end of your benefit year will be eligible for use in the next benefit year. (Credits cannot be carried forward more than one benefit year.) To make use of your annual credits, eligible expenses from the previous benefit year must be claimed before the end of the claim limitation period in the new benefit year, with carry-forward credits being used first (as noted in your mybluecross account).
If your claims or credits cannot be carried forward: If you do not have a carry-forward plan, claims for any unused HSA credits at the end of the policy year must be submitted within the claim limitation period in the new benefit year. Any prior year’s credits remaining after this claim limitation period cannot be used.
For example, if your credits do not carry forward and your plan benefit year is January to December with a claim limitation period of one month, you have until the end of January in the new benefit year to submit a claim towards your HSA.
Claims will remain unpaid if there are no available credits remaining at the end of the benefit year.
Paper claims may take up to 15 business days to process. This does not include the time needed by Canada Post to deliver your claim to us or the time required to process your claim through your health or dental plan if needed.
Provided the HSA claim was received within your group's claim limitation period, it is still considered eligible and will be included in the next payment run. Cheques are mailed every Wednesday and direct deposit payments are transmitted every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
To avoid delay, sign up for direct deposit and gain access to HSA Online Request. This service allows you to request reimbursement for outstanding balances previously submitted to your health or dental plan. If you have receipts or unpaid balances with another carrier, be sure to submit an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from that carrier so we may add these outstanding expenses to your account.
You can be reimbursed for eligible expenses up to the amount of credits available in your HSA at the time of the submission. Any additional costs will not be reimbursed and are forfeited, in accordance with The Income Tax Act. To maximize credit use, members should request reimbursement during the benefit year, ideally at time of expense.
No, unused credits will not be reimbursed to you. In accordance with The Income Tax Act:
- Health Spending Account credits may only be used to reimburse medical expenses within a specified time period.
- In order to receive reimbursement, you must claim an expense.
- Credits not used within the specified time period are forfeited.
No, your HSA credits can only be paid out to you, the member.
If your employer terminates your coverage when you start maternity leave, you may submit Health Spending Account (HSA) expenses incurred during the time you were covered, provided they are submitted within the claim limitation period or termination grace period (whichever occurs first).
Visit Coverage in mybluecross® to view your HSA plan information including claim limitation period and benefit year.
If your employment ends mid-year, you may submit HSA expenses incurred during the time you were covered, provided they are submitted within the claim limitation period or termination grace period (whichever occurs first).
Visit Coverage in mybluecross to view your Health Spending Account (HSA) plan information including claim limitation period and benefit year.
Yes. Visit the Update direct deposit in your mybluecross account dropdown to set up direct deposit using your account number, transit number, and bank number (located on your personal cheque or in your online banking account details). Banking information will be updated within one business day.
Your Health Spending Account (HSA) is administered in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency guidelines which state that an HSA must be the last payer (after government, spousal and student plans, etc.).
In accordance with Canada Revenue Agency guidelines, a Health Spending Account (HSA) must be last payer (after government, spousal, and student plans, etc.). If you have benefits with another carrier, you must submit the claim to that carrier before we can process any remaining balances through your HSA.
Once submitted, please attach the secondary carrier's Explanation of Benefits (EOB) via mybluecross® showing payment or denial of your claim. This will allow us to process any remaining balances through your HSA.
Virtual care
Virtual care is a convenient way to access medical support without having to go into a doctor’s office or clinic. It provides convenient healthcare and treatment over the phone or online so you can use it at home or on the go. It is particularly beneficial if you’re feeling unwell, have limited mobility or supports, or reside in a more remote or underserved area.
With virtual care through our partner Gotodoctor, you can speak to a licensed Canadian physician about medical questions, prescription renewals, laboratory diagnostic requests and referrals. The Gotodoctor team can address a wide range of health and wellness concerns that you would typically make an in-person medical appointment for, including:
To confirm you have virtual care coverage as part of your Manitoba Blue Cross benefits plan, log in to your mybluecross account and click View coverage. If virtual care coverage is included in your benefits plan, it will be listed there.
To book an appointment for virtual care coverage visit gotodoctor.ca/mbbluecross or click the Virtual care link in your mybluecross account. Click the Book now button and enter your Manitoba Blue Cross certificate number and submit your request for the desired service.
Save time by registering in advance so you can skip this step when booking future appointments. Visit gotodoctor.ca/mbbluecross and click Register now to fill out the form. You can also request an appointment immediately after registering.
If virtual care is part of your Manitoba Blue Cross health benefits plan, you and all eligible members covered under your plan can access virtual/in-person physician care and treatment at no cost through our partner Gotodoctor. (To confirm coverage, log in to your mybluecross account and click View coverage. If virtual care coverage is included in your benefits plan, it will be listed here.)
In addition, Gotodoctor’s network of virtual pharmacy clinics and in-person clinics provides an enhanced level of care. With over 250 locations currently available across Canada, including over 10 locations in Manitoba, you can access on-site diagnostic testing and comprehensive assessments that go beyond standard virtual care.
There are no charges for services covered under the public healthcare system.
Charges may apply for publicly non-insured services, which are guided by the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Manitoba or the applicable physicians’ association in your province. Examples of uninsured services include sick notes for work or school purposes, prescriptions for insurance claims and driver fitness exams. For full details on uninsured services, visit the Doctor’s Manitoba website* or your province’s applicable association.
*Details regarding fees and responsibilities on the Doctor’s Manitoba website are guidelines and do not necessarily denote the exact fees that may be charged for uninsured services by Gotodoctor or another provider.
Virtual care services are available seven days a week, including evenings and weekends. Exact hours for each day can vary based on the volume of requests.
You can book an appointment online at any time for a future date and time.
There is no limit to the number of virtual care sessions available to you if virtual care coverage is part of your Manitoba Blue Cross health benefits plan. You can access care any time you need medical support.
Gotodoctor is a trusted virtual care/in-person physician care provider that conveniently connects you with professional healthcare wherever you are, on your own schedule, to save time and effort. Gotodoctor and its partner Enhanced Care have operated virtual healthcare clinics since 2012.
From medical questions and prescription renewals to laboratory diagnostic requests and referrals, the Gotodoctor team supports you as part of your Manitoba Blue Cross health benefits plan.
Gotodoctor’s network of more than 250 virtual pharmacy clinics and in-person clinics currently available across Canada, including more than 10 locations in Manitoba, provides access to on-site diagnostic testing and comprehensive assessments, going beyond standard virtual care.
The Gotodoctor team includes over 70 licensed Canadian doctors and nurse practitioners, many of whom run in-person family practices while also providing virtual care with Gotodoctor. You will be treated by a health professional that resides in the same province.
To ensure you have the necessary support, Gotodoctor also has a team of in-house specialists in psychiatry, orthopedics, internal medicine and workplace safety.
You can request a specific doctor when booking your appointment for continuity of care. (Appointments are subject to availability, but requests will be accommodated when possible.)
If a prescription is required as part of your treatment, the doctor will send it to your preferred pharmacy. You can then pick it up or request home delivery (if available). If you do not have a preferred pharmacy, Gotodoctor will offer a list of nearby pharmacies to choose from. (Your chosen pharmacy will be saved for future use.)
If the doctor determines a lab order or referral is required, this can be provided through the Gotodoctor service.
Sometimes virtual care alone is not enough. Gotodoctor’s wide network of virtual clinics, located inside pharmacies/facilities, allow for an enhanced level of care. The Gotodoctor doctor can work with the on-site pharmacy team and healthcare professionals to provide additional diagnostic tools and assessments to best support your health.
There are over 250 in-person pharmacy locations currently available throughout Canada, including more than 10 located in Manitoba. Additional locations continue to be opened, providing you with convenient patient-centric primary care service nationwide.
You can find a current list of virtual clinic locations here.
In addition to virtual care coverage as part of your benefits plan, you can access Gotodoctor’s Health System Navigator service at half price. (Manitoba Blue Cross members pay $125 per use; retail cost is $250 per use.)
With this beneficial resource, you get a personal healthcare assistant who can:
- get you faster appointments for a specialist, doctor or imaging test.
- find family physicians accepting new patients.
- identify public healthcare options and resources available.
- provide recommendations on additional resources available under employee benefits and other sources.
To access Health System Navigator, visit gotodoctor.ca/mbbluecross or click Virtual care in your mybluecross account. Click Book now, enter your Manitoba Blue Cross certificate number and choose Health System Navigator to submit your request.
No. Virtual care coverage is not available to those travelling outside of Canada due to legislative restrictions of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba or equivalent bodies in other provinces. Healthcare is governed by provincial legislation which can vary between provinces and internationally.
If you are outside of Manitoba and need medical support, click here for information on Manitoba Blue Cross travel coverage (if applicable) or contact your travel insurance provider.
Yes, Gotodoctor takes the protection of personal health information very seriously. They employ strong security safeguards to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data, protecting your information in ways that meet all privacy law and industry standards.
All back-end electronic medical records and video conferencing services are certified by provincial health authorities and ISO Security Standard. Gotodoctor maintains the highest standards of security to ensure that all patient data is safely secured and adheres to all Privacy Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) requirements, set forth by the Government of Canada, and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (“PHIPA”) as enacted by the Government of Ontario.
Learn more about Gotodoctor’s privacy policy here.
As part of your virtual/in-person physician care benefits, you are also eligible to save 20 per cent off regular-priced Rexall-corporate brand products every day, including*:
To access your exclusive savings, register for Preferred Perks at https://www.letsbewell.ca/preferred-perks and link to a new or existing Rexall Be Well™ account using access code gotodoctor. (Please allow up to 24 hours for the activation to take effect in your Be Well account. You’ll receive an email confirmation once the linking is complete.)
Download Rexall’s Be Well app on your smartphone and show the card in app to save, plus earn points for even more savings! (If you’d prefer a physical card, visit any Rexall location and ask a team member for the Be Well card and follow the instructions above to link Preferred Perks to your Be Well account.)
*Prescription medications and some other products are excluded from the Preferred Perks program. Eligible brands are subject to change.