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GeoBlue Travel Insurance Coverage Review — Is It Worth It?

Christine Krzyszton

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Why Purchase Travel Insurance

Why choose geoblue, travel medical insurance and the covid-19 virus, short-term single-trip plan options — geoblue voyager, multi-trip plan options — geoblue trekker, long-term plan options, additional plans available, how to obtain a quote, the value of travel insurance comparison sites, geoblue vs. other travel insurance companies, geoblue vs. credit card travel insurance, everything else you need to know, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

We frequently discuss travel insurance and look closely at companies that offer the coverage , but today we’re narrowing our focus from comprehensive travel insurance to a specific type of travel coverage — travel medical insurance.

Chances are you’ve heard of BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS), one of the leading healthcare insurance providers in the U.S. The company was established in 1929 and currently insures over 107 million members. GeoBlue, an independent licensee of BCBS, picks up where BCBS leaves off, offering travel medical coverage worldwide .

You do not have to be a member of BCBS to purchase travel medical insurance from GeoBlue as the company makes its products widely available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

In an effort to determine the benefits of GeoBlue as a viable option for purchasing travel medical insurance, join us as we explore the following in today’s review:

• Why you should consider travel insurance and specifically GeoBlue
• An overview of the types of plans the company offers
• Comparing plans and obtaining a quote
• How the company measures up versus other companies and to credit card travel insurance

Insurance products, in general, serve the purpose of indemnifying you and making you whole (or nearly whole) should a covered event cause you to incur a financial loss. Travel insurance , and in this case travel medical insurance, is designed to accomplish the same objective.

Since our topic for this article is narrowed to travel medical insurance , let’s look at several reasons you’d want to consider this coverage.

• Your current health insurance policy does not provide coverage outside of the U.S. and/or its territories
• Your current health insurance policy covers you outside of the country but has a high deductible
• You are on Medicare and do not have a supplement plan
• You want a primary travel medical policy that gives you access to a network of medical providers in the country you’re visiting
• You have insurance from your credit card for trip cancellation, trip interruption , and other travel disruptions, but not travel medical coverage
• You are traveling to a remote area and want to have emergency evacuation insurance

This is just a sampling of some of the situations where you’d want to consider purchasing a travel medical insurance policy. Fortunately, the coverage is affordable and widely available.

Bottom Line: If your current health insurance policy does not cover you while traveling abroad or has a high deductible if it does provide coverage, you’ll want to consider purchasing travel medical insurance . Additionally, you should consider travel medical insurance if you’re concerned about emergency medical evacuation, or want to have 1 primary policy that covers you during your travels. 

If you have the need to purchase travel medical insurance, there are certainly a lot of companies from which to select. GeoBlue stands tall among those competitors for several reasons.

First, the company has been providing global health insurance options since 1997, is a licensee of BCBS with a rating of excellent by financial insurance rating company, AM Best, and has an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau.

Additionally, you can expect the following benefits when insuring with GeoBlue:

• GeoBlue has a vetted group of elite doctors in a network that spans 190 countries. Physicians must be certified by the American or Royal Board of Medical Specialties.
• Visits to network doctors/facilities are handled cashless, eliminating the need to file a claim for reimbursement.
• In addition to in-person care, GeoBlue utilizes alternative telemedicine options available 24/7 and provides access to a global network of physicians and facilities.
• Access is available to 24/7 assistance including translation services, physician referrals, prescription services, destination assistance, and more.

Bottom Line: GeoBlue is an established, highly-rated company that specializes in providing travel medical insurance with associated care via its global physician network, telemedicine services, and 24/7 medical assistance services. 

Travel insurance, in general, does not cover voluntary trip cancellations due to the fear of getting ill for any reason, including the fear of contracting the COVID-19 virus. In addition, some travel insurance companies specifically exclude COVID-19 for most coverages. Other travel insurance companies provide limited coverage for COVID-19-related illnesses under trip interruption and medical care coverages only.

You’ll want to review any policy you’re considering to make sure your greatest concerns are covered.

In order to have any coverage that provides reimbursement for a voluntary trip cancellation, for example, you’ll need to consider Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance .

Travel medical insurance does not normally include extensive coverage for trip cancellations or disruptions  but focuses more on providing medical care and reimbursement for the associated expenses that occur as a result of becoming ill or having an accident during your travels.

Fortunately, many of the medical insurance policies offered by GeoBlue do cover COVID-19-related illness . Let’s look closer at the available options.

Bottom Line: In order to have coverage for trip cancellation due to the fear of getting ill, you would need to purchase Cancel for Any Reason insurance. Some policies provide limited coverage for COVID-19 under trip cancellation and trip disruption coverages should you contract the virus prior to or during your travels. Many of the travel medical policies offered by GeoBlue cover COVID-19-related illness care . 

GeoBlue Policy Comparisons

GeoBlue offers single trip, multi-trip, and long-term plans. The company also issues specialty travel medical plans for students, workers on assignment, missionaries, volunteers, and maritime workers while abroad.

First, let’s look at the policy options for individuals and group travelers.

GeoBlue Voyager plans are designed for individual single-trip travel or group single-trip events. Groups are defined as 5 or more persons traveling together and a 10% discount off of individual pricing is provided.

Voyager plans include coverage for COVID-19-related illness care. 

Here’s how the 2 Voyager policy options compare.

If you’re a frequent traveler, it could make sense to purchase 1 annual policy that covers multiple trips. GeoBlue Trekker multi-trip plans cover all trips made within a 12-month period (up to 70 days in length) and offer 2 levels of coverage options.

Here is a comparison of the 2 GeoBlue Trekker plans.

Both plans cover pre-existing conditions and emergency and non-emergency medical care. Both plans require that you have a primary health plan in place to qualify for purchasing these plans.

If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident living abroad and need medical insurance, GeoBlue offers 2 plans that may provide the coverage you need for you and your family.

These plans are different from short-term plans in that medical underwriting is needed in order to qualify. Here’s a brief summary of GeoBlue plans for U.S. expats.

All GeoBlue plans offer 24/7 global medical assistance, translation services, doctor searches, and destination health/security information.

GeoBlue Navigator, Xplorer, and Voyager plans include coverage for COVID-19-related illness .

GeoBlue provides additional medical plans for specific types of travelers working abroad, on assignment, or participating in study programs.

• Incoming international students studying in the U.S.
• Students studying abroad
• Employees of multi-national companies working abroad
• Expatriate Crew International Health Plan — for those working on ships
• Expatriate Missionary and Volunteer International Health Plan — covers missionaries, aid workers, and volunteers worldwide

Bottom Line: GeoBlue offers several comprehensive individual travel medical plan options, comprehensive student plans including coverage for international visiting students, and plans for U.S. students, faculty, and family when studying abroad. GeoBlue also offers employer plans that provide coverage to employees working abroad and their families. Missionaries, those who volunteer internationally, and maritime workers will also find policies designed specifically for those situations. 

Obtaining a quote for any type of travel insurance can be quick, easy, and can even result in securing immediate coverage. The process is similar for travel medical insurance.

To obtain a quote from GeoBlue for a single trip plan, you’ll need to input your travel destination, your state of residence, the length of your trip, age, cost of the trip, and the date you made the first trip deposit.

For a multi-trip annual plan quote, the process is similar. You’ll need to input your zip code, age, and the desired effective date of the policy.

Obtaining a quote with GeoBlue for a single or multi-trip policy can be done in just a few minutes. To obtain a long-term policy quote, you’ll need to submit some of the same basic information and a quote will be emailed to you.

Bottom Line: Obtaining a quote for a single or multi-trip policy is a quick and simple process completed on the GeoBlue website. A long-term quote for qualifying applicants must be requested via email. 

While purchasing a travel medical policy from GeoBlue ensures you’re dealing with a highly-rated established company, it’s always good to do some comparison shopping when looking for any type of insurance.

Viewing a selection of policies side-by-side makes it easy to compare coverages and costs. This task is easily accomplished by utilizing a travel insurance comparison website such as the ones listed here.

Additionally, comparison sites allow you to narrow the number of policies to those that contain the coverages most important to you. Here are a few we recommend:

• InsureMyTrip — great for stand-alone medical travel insurance policy comparisons but also offers comprehensive travel insurance policies from over 20 providers
• Squaremouth — easy to navigate site that allows you to compare dozens of travel insurance companies and filter by desired coverage, including travel medical insurance
• TravelInsurance.com — you’ll want to use this site for comparing travel insurance plans, including those with medical coverage, however, no stand-alone medical plan quotes are available

Bottom Line: Utilize a travel insurance comparison site to help you easily compare several plans, filter by desired coverage, and select those that best match your coverage priorities. 

How GeoBlue Compares — Summary

We know that GeoBlue is a reputable choice for travel medical insurance but let’s look at how the company’s offerings compare to other travel medical providers and to the coverage that comes with your credit cards.

When we searched for a quote using the criteria of a traveler, age 40, for a trip to Mexico for 1 week that costs $3,000, the top 4 results above were shown. You’ll notice by the results that single-trip travel medical insurance can be an affordable option.

The next key element in selecting a policy will be to compare coverages. We know that GeoBlue Voyager policies include coverage for COVID-19 with the Voyager plans, for example, so this may be a key factor in our selection.

Digging deeper into our comparison we find that 1 policy does not include coverage for COVID-19. If we narrow our search to plans that only include this coverage, the next step will be to look at other coverages and limits that are important to us.

In this case, coverages for these policies are similar and costs do not vary widely. GeoBlue, however, remains competitive in both coverages offered and premiums charged.

Bottom Line: While GeoBlue holds its own and is competitive in both coverages and cost when compared to other travel medical insurance companies for single-trip plans, we know that coverage for multi-trip plans does not include coverage for COVID-19-related illness. 

We frequently remind travelers that even the best credit cards for travel insurance are not a replacement for a comprehensive travel insurance policy. This is especially true for travel medical insurance coverage as you won’t find comprehensive medical coverage on any credit card .

There are very few cards that do offer emergency evacuation insurance and other ancillary medical/dental coverage. Here are 2 of the best options for travel-related coverages and benefits.

The Platinum Card ® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment ( airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit )
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
• Access to Amex International Airline Program
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates and fees )
• $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card ® , Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card ® . Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
• $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card ® . Learn more.
• $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card ® . An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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To learn more about all the travel insurance coverages that come with the Amex Platinum card, you’ll want to review our in-depth article on the topic. Note that terms apply and enrollment may be required for some benefits, so make sure you enroll through your American Express account.

Chase Sapphire Reserve ® Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve ®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• 5x points on airfare booked through Chase Travel SM
• 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit
• Priority Pass airport lounge access
• TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS credit
• Access to Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
• Rental car elite status with National and Avis
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
• Member FDIC
• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable

Chase Ultimate Rewards

• Chase Sapphire Reserve 100k Bonus Offer
• Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefits
• Chase Sapphire Reserve Airport Lounge Access
• Chase Sapphire Reserve Travel Insurance Benefits
• Chase Sapphire Reserve Military Benefits
• Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Reserve

For more information on Chase Sapphire Reserve card travel insurance coverages , you’ll want to access our expanded overview.

Bottom Line: While credit cards may offer travel accident, trip delay , and other ancillary travel insurance coverages, these cards do not offer travel medical insurance. 

Here’s some additional information we need to pass along applicable to the GeoBlue policies mentioned in our article:

• Eligibility includes U.S. citizens and permanent residents only
• Single and multi-trip medical insurance policies must be purchased in your home country before you travel
• Long-term policies, such as those for expats, may be purchased while abroad
• Travelers under 96 are generally eligible for coverage; other age limits may apply to specific policies
• Coverage is valid in all countries other than where the plan would violate U.S. economic trade sanctions
• Some GeoBlue policy options are secondary and require you to have an underlying medical insurance policy
• All policies issued by GeoBlue have a 10-day money-back guarantee

GeoBlue’s expertise at providing travel medical insurance makes it a good choice for purchasing coverage for a single or group trip, or if you’re an expat needing longer-term medical coverage while abroad. Students, faculty, and employers will also find comprehensive medical plans that fit their international medical insurance needs.

Finally, keep in mind that our article today is simply an overview and abbreviated summary of GeoBlue’s policy offerings — plenty of terms and conditions apply. The company’s website provides everything you need to select the appropriate policy, review coverages, obtain a quote, and purchase a plan.

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

How does geoblue travel insurance work.

GeoBlue specializes in travel medical insurance. Care is provided internationally primarily via a comprehensive, vetted, and certified worldwide network of physicians and hospitals in 190 countries, but out-of-network international care is also covered. Additionally, the company provides worldwide care via telemedicine appointments.

The company offers international single trip, multi-trip, and group travel medical insurance plans.

It’s specialty travel medical insurance plans include policies for visiting international students, U.S. students studying abroad, and faculty members.

Additional plans include plans for those who work abroad for multi-national companies, maritime works, missionaries, and volunteers.

Is GeoBlue a good travel insurance company?

Yes. GeoBlue, a licensee of Blue Cross Blue Shield, is an established travel medical insurance company that has been offering international health insurance since 1997.

The company received a high financial rating from insurance rating company A.M. Best and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Does GeoBlue meet Schengen visa insurance requirements?

Yes. GeoBlue travel medical insurance plans meet Schengen visa insurance requirements.

Does GeoBlue cover dental?

GeoBlue Voyager and Trekker plans offer ancillary dental coverage with limits between $100 and $500, depending on the plan, which includes emergency dental care for injury or relief of pain.

Voyager plans have additional dental and vision care riders which are optional add-ons.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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The best travel insurance policies and providers

It's easy to dismiss the value of travel insurance until you need it.

Many travelers have strong opinions about whether you should buy travel insurance . However, the purpose of this post isn't to determine whether it's worth investing in. Instead, it compares some of the top travel insurance providers and policies so you can determine which travel insurance option is best for you.

Of course, as the coronavirus remains an ongoing concern, it's important to understand whether travel insurance covers pandemics. Some policies will cover you if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 and have proof of illness from a doctor. Others will take coverage a step further, covering additional types of pandemic-related expenses and cancellations.

Know, though, that every policy will have exclusions and restrictions that may limit coverage. For example, fear of travel is generally not a covered reason for invoking trip cancellation or interruption coverage, while specific stipulations may apply to elevated travel warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Interested in travel insurance? Visit InsureMyTrip.com to shop for plans that may fit your travel needs.

So, before buying a specific policy, you must understand the full terms and any special notices the insurer has about COVID-19. You may even want to buy the optional cancel for any reason add-on that's available for some comprehensive policies. While you'll pay more for that protection, it allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and still get some of your costs back. Note that this benefit is time-sensitive and has other eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.

In this guide, we'll review several policies from top travel insurance providers so you have a better understanding of your options before picking the policy and provider that best address your wants and needs.

The best travel insurance providers

To put together this list of the best travel insurance providers, a number of details were considered: favorable ratings from TPG Lounge members, the availability of details about policies and the claims process online, positive online ratings and the ability to purchase policies in most U.S. states. You can also search for options from these (and other) providers through an insurance comparison site like InsureMyTrip .

When comparing insurance providers, I priced out a single-trip policy for each provider for a $2,000, one-week vacation to Istanbul . I used my actual age and state of residence when obtaining quotes. As a result, you may see a different price — or even additional policies due to regulations for travel insurance varying from state to state — when getting a quote.

AIG Travel Guard

AIG Travel Guard receives many positive reviews from readers in the TPG Lounge who have filed claims with the company. AIG offers three plans online, which you can compare side by side, and the ability to examine sample policies. Here are three plans for my sample trip to Turkey.

AIG Travel Guard also offers an annual travel plan. This plan is priced at $259 per year for one Florida resident.

Additionally, AIG Travel Guard offers several other policies, including a single-trip policy without trip cancellation protection . See AIG Travel Guard's COVID-19 notification and COVID-19 advisory for current details regarding COVID-19 coverage.

Preexisting conditions

Typically, AIG Travel Guard wouldn't cover you for any loss or expense due to a preexisting medical condition that existed within 180 days of the coverage effective date. However, AIG Travel Guard may waive the preexisting medical condition exclusion on some plans if you meet the following conditions:

• You purchase the plan within 15 days of your initial trip payment.
• The amount of coverage you purchase equals all trip costs at the time of purchase. You must update your coverage to insure the costs of any subsequent arrangements that you add to your trip within 15 days of paying the travel supplier for these additional arrangements.
• You must be medically able to travel when you purchase your plan.

Standout features

• The Deluxe and Preferred plans allow you to purchase an upgrade that lets you cancel your trip for any reason. However, reimbursement under this coverage will not exceed 50% or 75% of your covered trip cost.
• You can include one child (age 17 and younger) with each paying adult for no additional cost on most single-trip plans.
• Other optional upgrades, including an adventure sports bundle, a baggage bundle, an inconvenience bundle, a pet bundle, a security bundle and a wedding bundle, are available on some policies. So, an AIG Travel Guard plan may be a good choice if you know you want extra coverage in specific areas.

Purchase your policy here: AIG Travel Guard .

Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz is one of the most highly regarded providers in the TPG Lounge, and many readers found the claim process reasonable. Allianz offers many plans, including the following single-trip plans for my sample trip to Turkey.

If you travel frequently, it may make sense to purchase an annual multi-trip policy. For this plan, all of the maximum coverage amounts in the table below are per trip (except for the trip cancellation and trip interruption amounts, which are an aggregate limit per policy). Trips typically must last no more than 45 days, although some plans may cover trips of up to 90 days.

See Allianz's coverage alert for current information on COVID-19 coverage.

Most Allianz travel insurance plans may cover preexisting medical conditions if you meet particular requirements. For the OneTrip Premier, Prime and Basic plans, the requirements are as follows:

• You purchased the policy within 14 days of the date of the first trip payment or deposit.
• You were a U.S. resident when you purchased the policy.
• You were medically able to travel when you purchased the policy.
• On the policy purchase date, you insured the total, nonrefundable cost of your trip (including arrangements that will become nonrefundable or subject to cancellation penalties before your departure date). If you incur additional nonrefundable trip expenses after purchasing this policy, you must insure them within 14 days of their purchase.
• Allianz offers reasonably priced annual policies for independent travelers and families who take multiple trips lasting up to 45 days (or 90 days for select plans) per year.
• Some Allianz plans provide the option of receiving a flat reimbursement amount without receipts for trip delay and baggage delay claims. Of course, you can also submit receipts to get up to the maximum refund.
• For emergency transportation coverage, you or someone on your behalf must contact Allianz, and Allianz must then make all transportation arrangements in advance. However, most Allianz policies provide an option if you cannot contact the company: Allianz will pay up to what it would have paid if it had made the arrangements.

Purchase your policy here: Allianz Travel Insurance .

American Express Travel Insurance

American Express Travel Insurance offers four different package plans and a build-your-own coverage option. You don't have to be an American Express cardholder to purchase this insurance. Here are the four package options for my sample weeklong trip to Turkey. Unlike some other providers, Amex won't ask for your travel destination on the initial quote (but will when you purchase the plan).

Amex's build-your-own coverage plan is unique because you can purchase just the coverage you need. For most types of protection, you can even select the coverage amount that works best for you.

The prices for the packages and the build-your-own plan don't increase for longer trips — as long as the trip cost remains constant. However, the emergency medical and dental benefit is only available for your first 60 days of travel.

Typically, Amex won't cover any loss you incur because of a preexisting medical condition that existed within 90 days of the coverage effective date. However, Amex may waive its preexisting-condition exclusion if you meet both of the following requirements:

• You must be medically able to travel at the time you pay the policy premium.
• You pay the policy premium within 14 days of making the first covered trip deposit.
• Amex's build-your-own coverage option allows you to only purchase — and pay for — the coverage you need.
• Coverage on long trips doesn't cost more than coverage for short trips, making this policy ideal for extended getaways. However, the emergency medical and dental benefit only covers your first 60 days of travel.
• American Express Travel Insurance can protect travel expenses you purchase with Amex Membership Rewards points in the Pay with Points program (as well as travel expenses bought with cash, debit or credit). However, travel expenses bought with other types of points and miles aren't covered.

Purchase your policy here: American Express Travel Insurance .

GeoBlue is different from most other providers described in this piece because it only provides medical coverage while you're traveling internationally and does not offer benefits to protect the cost of your trip. There are many different policies. Some require you to have primary health insurance in the U.S. (although it doesn't need to be provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield), but all of them only offer coverage while traveling outside the U.S.

Two single-trip plans are available if you're traveling for six months or less. The Voyager Choice policy provides coverage (including medical services and medical evacuation for a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition) for trips outside the U.S. to travelers who are 95 or younger and already have a U.S. health insurance policy.

The Voyager Essential policy provides coverage (including medical evacuation for a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition) for trips outside the U.S. to travelers who are 95 or younger, regardless of whether they have primary health insurance.

In addition to these options, two multi-trip plans cover trips of up to 70 days each for one year. Both policies provide coverage (including medical services and medical evacuation for preexisting conditions) to travelers with primary health insurance.

Be sure to check out GeoBlue's COVID-19 notices before buying a plan.

Most GeoBlue policies explicitly cover sudden recurrences of preexisting conditions for medical services and medical evacuation.

• GeoBlue can be an excellent option if you're mainly concerned about the medical side of travel insurance.
• GeoBlue provides single-trip, multi-trip and long-term medical travel insurance policies for many different types of travel.

Purchase your policy here: GeoBlue .

IMG offers various travel medical insurance policies for travelers, as well as comprehensive travel insurance policies. For a single trip of 90 days or less, there are five policy types available for vacation or holiday travelers. Although you must enter your gender, males and females received the same quote for my one-week search.

You can purchase an annual multi-trip travel medical insurance plan. Some only cover trips lasting up to 30 or 45 days, but others provide coverage for longer trips.

See IMG's page on COVID-19 for additional policy information as it relates to coronavirus-related claims.

Most plans may cover preexisting conditions under set parameters or up to specific amounts. For example, the iTravelInsured Travel LX travel insurance plan shown above may cover preexisting conditions if you purchase the insurance within 24 hours of making the final payment for your trip.

For the travel medical insurance plans shown above, preexisting conditions are covered for travelers younger than 70. However, coverage is capped based on your age and whether you have a primary health insurance policy.

• Some annual multi-trip plans are modestly priced.
• iTravelInsured Travel LX may offer optional cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason coverage, if eligible.

Purchase your policy here: IMG .

Travelex Insurance

Travelex offers three single-trip plans: Travel Basic, Travel Select and Travel America. However, only the Travel Basic and Travel Select plans would be applicable for my trip to Turkey.

See Travelex's COVID-19 coverage statement for coronavirus-specific information.

Typically, Travelex won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition that existed within 60 days of the coverage effective date. However, the Travel Select plan may offer a preexisting condition exclusion waiver. To be eligible for this waiver, the insured traveler must meet all the following conditions:

• You purchase the plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment.
• The amount of coverage purchased equals all prepaid, nonrefundable payments or deposits applicable to the trip at the time of purchase. Additionally, you must insure the costs of any subsequent arrangements added to the same trip within 15 days of payment or deposit.
• All insured individuals are medically able to travel when they pay the plan cost.
• The trip cost does not exceed the maximum trip cost limit under trip cancellation as shown in the schedule per person (only applicable to trip cancellation, interruption and delay).
• Travelex's Travel Select policy can cover trips lasting up to 364 days, which is longer than many single-trip policies.
• Neither Travelex policy requires receipts for trip and baggage delay expenses less than $25.
• For emergency evacuation coverage, you or someone on your behalf must contact Travelex and have Travelex make all transportation arrangements in advance. However, both Travelex policies provide an option if you cannot contact Travelex: Travelex will pay up to what it would have paid if it had made the arrangements.

Purchase your policy here: Travelex Insurance .

Seven Corners

Seven Corners offers a wide variety of policies. Here are the policies that are most applicable to travelers on a single international trip.

Seven Corners also offers many other types of travel insurance, including an annual multi-trip plan. You can choose coverage for trips of up to 30, 45 or 60 days when purchasing an annual multi-trip plan.

See Seven Corner's page on COVID-19 for additional policy information as it relates to coronavirus-related claims.

Typically, Seven Corners won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition. However, the RoundTrip Choice plan offers a preexisting condition exclusion waiver. To be eligible for this waiver, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• You buy this plan within 20 days of making your initial trip payment or deposit.
• You or your travel companion are medically able and not disabled from travel when you pay for this plan or upgrade your plan.
• You update the coverage to include the additional cost of subsequent travel arrangements within 15 days of paying your travel supplier for them.
• Seven Corners offers the ability to purchase optional sports and golf equipment coverage. If purchased, this extra insurance will reimburse you for the cost of renting sports or golf equipment if yours is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed by a common carrier for six or more hours. However, Seven Corners must authorize the expenses in advance.
• You can add cancel for any reason coverage or trip interruption for any reason coverage to RoundTrip plans. Although some other providers offer cancel for any reason coverage, trip interruption for any reason coverage is less common.
• Seven Corners' RoundTrip Choice policy offers a political or security evacuation benefit that will transport you to the nearest safe place or your residence under specific conditions. You can also add optional event ticket registration fee protection to the RoundTrip Choice policy.

Purchase your policy here: Seven Corners .

World Nomads

World Nomads is popular with younger, active travelers because of its flexibility and adventure-activities coverage on the Explorer plan. Unlike many policies offered by other providers, you don't need to estimate prepaid costs when purchasing the insurance to have access to trip interruption and cancellation insurance.

World Nomads offers two single-trip plans.

World Nomads has a page dedicated to coronavirus coverage , so be sure to view it before buying a policy.

World Nomads won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition (except emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains) that existed within 90 days of the coverage effective date. Unlike many other providers, World Nomads doesn't offer a waiver.

• World Nomads' policies cover more adventure sports than most providers, so activities such as bungee jumping are included. The Explorer policy covers almost any adventure sport, including skydiving, stunt flying and caving. So, if you partake in adventure sports while traveling, the Explorer policy may be a good fit.
• World Nomads' policies provide nonmedical evacuation coverage for transportation expenses if there is civil or political unrest in the country you are visiting. The coverage may also transport you home if there is an eligible natural disaster or a government expels you.

Purchase your policy here: World Nomads .

Other options for buying travel insurance

This guide details the policies of eight providers with the information available at the time of publication. There are many options when it comes to travel insurance, though. To compare different policies quickly, you can use a travel insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip to search. Just note that these search engines won't show every policy and every provider, and you should still research the provided policies to ensure the coverage fits your trip and needs.

You can also purchase a plan through various membership associations, such as USAA, AAA or Costco. Typically, these organizations partner with a specific provider, so if you are a member of any of these associations, you may want to compare the policies offered through the organization with other policies to get the best coverage for your trip.

Related: Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection?

Is travel insurance worth getting?

Whether you should purchase travel insurance is a personal decision. Suppose you use a credit card that provides travel insurance for most of your expenses and have medical insurance that provides adequate coverage abroad. In that case, you may be covered enough on most trips to forgo purchasing travel insurance.

However, suppose your medical insurance won't cover you at your destination and you can't comfortably cover a sizable medical evacuation bill or last-minute flight home . In that case, you should consider purchasing travel insurance. If you travel frequently, buying an annual multi-trip policy may be worth it.

What is the best COVID-19 travel insurance?

There are various aspects to keep in mind in the age of COVID-19. Consider booking travel plans that are fully refundable or have modest change or cancellation fees so you don't need to worry about whether your policy will cover trip cancellation. This is important since many standard comprehensive insurance policies won't reimburse your insured expenses in the event of cancellation if it's related to the fear of traveling due to COVID-19.

However, if you book a nonrefundable trip and want to maintain the ability to get reimbursed (up to 75% of your insured costs) if you choose to cancel, you should consider buying a comprehensive travel insurance policy and then adding optional cancel for any reason protection. Just note that this benefit is time-sensitive and has eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.

Providers will often require CFAR purchasers insure the entire dollar amount of their travels to receive the coverage. Also, many CFAR policies mandate that you must cancel your plans and notify all travel suppliers at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

Likewise, if your primary health insurance won't cover you while on your trip, it's essential to consider whether medical expenses related to COVID-19 treatment are covered. You may also want to consider a MedJet medical transport membership if your trip is to a covered destination for coronavirus-related evacuation.

Ultimately, the best pandemic travel insurance policy will depend on your trip details, travel concerns and your willingness to self-insure. Just be sure to thoroughly read and understand any terms or exclusions before purchasing.

What are the different types of travel insurance?

Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or rely on the protections offered by select credit cards, you may have access to the following types of coverage:

• Baggage delay protection may reimburse for essential items and clothing when a common carrier (such as an airline) fails to deliver your checked bag within a set time of your arrival at a destination. Typically, you may be reimbursed up to a particular amount per incident or per day.
• Lost/damaged baggage protection may provide reimbursement to replace lost or damaged luggage and items inside that luggage. However, valuables and electronics usually have a relatively low maximum benefit.
• Trip delay reimbursement may provide reimbursement for necessary items, food, lodging and sometimes transportation when you're delayed for a substantial time while traveling on a common carrier such as an airline. This insurance may be beneficial if weather issues (or other covered reasons for which the airline usually won't provide compensation) delay you.
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection may provide reimbursement if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason, such as a death in your family or jury duty.
• Medical evacuation insurance can arrange and pay for medical evacuation if deemed necessary by the insurance provider and a medical professional. This coverage can be particularly valuable if you're traveling to a region with subpar medical facilities.
• Travel accident insurance may provide a payment to you or your beneficiary in the case of your death or dismemberment.
• Emergency medical insurance may provide payment or reimburse you if you must seek medical care while traveling. Some plans only cover emergency medical care, but some also cover other types of medical care. You may need to pay a deductible or copay.
• Rental car coverage may provide a collision damage waiver when renting a car. This waiver may reimburse for collision damage or theft up to a set amount. Some policies also cover loss-of-use charges assessed by the rental company and towing charges to take the vehicle to the nearest qualified repair facility. You generally need to decline the rental company's collision damage waiver or similar provision to be covered.

Should I buy travel health insurance?

If you purchase travel with credit cards that provide various trip protections, you may not see much need for additional travel insurance. However, you may still wonder whether you should buy travel medical insurance.

If your primary health insurance covers you on your trip, you may not need travel health insurance. Your domestic policy may not cover you outside the U.S., though, so it's worth calling the number on your health insurance card if you have coverage questions. If your primary health insurance wouldn't cover you, it's likely worth purchasing travel medical insurance. After all, as you can see above, travel medical insurance is often very modestly priced.

How much does travel insurance cost?

Travel insurance costs depend on various factors, including the provider, the type of coverage, your trip cost, your destination, your age, your residency and how many travelers you want to insure. That said, a standard travel insurance plan will generally set you back somewhere between 4% and 10% of your total trip cost. However, this can get lower for more basic protections or become even higher if you include add-ons like cancel for any reason protection.

The best way to determine how much travel insurance will cost is to price out your trip with a few providers discussed in the guide. Or, visit an insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip to quickly compare options across multiple providers.

When and how to get travel insurance

For the most robust selection of available travel insurance benefits — including time-sensitive add-ons like CFAR protection and waivers of preexisting conditions for eligible travelers — you should ideally purchase travel insurance on the same day you make your first payment toward your trip.

However, many plans may still offer a preexisting conditions waiver for those who qualify if you buy your travel insurance within 14 to 21 days of your first trip expense or deposit (this time frame may vary by provider). If you don't need a preexisting conditions waiver or aren't interested in CFAR coverage, you can purchase travel insurance once your departure date nears.

You must purchase coverage before it's needed. Some travel medical plans are available for purchase after you have departed, but comprehensive plans that include medical coverage must be purchased before departing.

Additionally, you can't buy any medical coverage once you require medical attention. The same applies to all travel insurance coverage. Once you recognize the need, it's too late to protect your trip.

Once you've shopped around and decided upon the best travel insurance plan for your trip, you should be able to complete your purchase online. You'll usually be able to download your insurance card and the complete policy shortly after the transaction is complete.

Related: 7 times your credit card's travel insurance might not cover you

Bottom line

Not all travel insurance policies and providers are equal. Before buying a plan, read and understand the policy documents. By doing so, you can choose a plan that's appropriate for you and your trip — including the features that matter most to you.

For example, if you plan to go skiing or rock climbing, make sure the policy you buy doesn't contain exclusions for these activities. Likewise, if you're making two back-to-back trips during which you'll be returning home for a short time in between, be sure the plan doesn't terminate coverage at the end of your first trip.

If you're looking to cover a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition, select a policy with a preexisting condition waiver and fulfill the requirements for the waiver. After all, buying insurance won't help if your policy doesn't cover your losses.

Disclaimer : This information is provided by IMT Services, LLC ( InsureMyTrip.com ), a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 5119217) and a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. IMT's services are only available in states where it is licensed to do business and the products provided through InsureMyTrip.com may not be available in all states. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not create or modify any insurance policy terms in any way. For more information, please visit www.insuremytrip.com .

Coverage that goes where you go: Travel worry-free with Blue Cross Blue Shield

Planning to hit the road this travel season?   You’ve got a lot to do!   You’ll have to book your travel, lodging and activities, pack and be sure your home is looked after while you’re gone.   That’s a lot to think about, and the list goes on. With so much to do, it’s easy to overlook one item that might prove crucial: ensuring that you will be covered if you need medical care while traveling.

Most Blue Cross Blue Shield members can rest easy since Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage opens doors in all 50 states and is accepted by over 90 percent of doctors and specialists.   And if your extended travel plans take you abroad, you can ensure you have access to quality care through GeoBlue .

BCBS Coverage Travels with You

If you aren’t sure what’s covered, it’s a good idea to call your Blue Cross Blue Shield company to find out what your benefits are if something goes awry while on vacation. When traveling within the United States, most Blue Cross Blue Shield members will be covered under the BlueCard program, which connects all 36 individual Blue Cross Blue Shield companies so that members can enjoy access to the savings the local Blue Cross Blue Shield plan has negotiated with its doctors and hospitals.

For example, if a member of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, whose Plan includes the BlueCard program, falls and breaks his arm while hiking in Yellowstone, he will be charged the rate Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming has negotiated with the local hospital rather than paying the steep fees he would otherwise encounter.   Likewise, a BCBS Wyoming member who falls ill in Dallas would be charged the rate BCBS Texas has negotiated with its local providers.   It’s one of the many benefits of belonging to the nation’s oldest and largest health insurance system.

If your plans include international travel, GeoBlue   has an extensive network of options to meet your needs when living or working abroad for an extended period of time.   Though many Blue Cross Blue Shield plans cover international care in emergency situations, GeoBlu e  plans offer the most complete set of benefits and access to services like emergency medical evacuation, which might not be covered by your regular plan.

Insurance Tips for Travelers

Here are a few steps you can take to take charge of your health while traveling:

Traveling Within the United States

• Call your BCBS company to find out what your benefits cover while traveling.
• Always carry your current BCBS ID Card .
• To find nearby doctors and hospitals, call BlueCard Access at 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) or visit the Blue National Doctor & Hospital Provider Finder .
• Call your Blue Plan for precertification or prior authorization if necessary. Refer to the phone number located on your Blue ID card.

Traveling Abroad

• Verify your international benefits with your Blue Plan before leaving the United States, or purchase a GeoBlue  plan.
• Always carry your Blue ID card.
• If you need to locate a doctor or hospital, or need medical assistance services, hotlines are available 24/7. You can reach the BlueCard Worldwide Service Center at 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) or call collect at 1-804-673-1177. If you’re a GeoBlue member, call collect at 1-610-254-8771, or 1-800-257-4823 from inside the U.S.

To learn more, visit BCBS.com or the GeoBlue website.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies.

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Wow, save your money and don’t deal with Blue Cross/CanAssistance

Submitted all necessary documentation totalling $775.50 for an acute gastrointestinal infection while on vacation likely bacterial or parasite. They do not ask you for everything when they make their initial contact with you. Every week or so they will request additional information and I am assuming that is a delay tactic. I have always acquired travel insurance and have travelled frequently over the years. This is the first time I have had to make a claim and did not realize what an agonizing task this is. Hopefully I will eventually get reimbursed but will be researching more reputable insurance coverage in future.

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Don’t get blue cross travel insurance.

Do not get this insurance

It took me 5 hours in PAIN to get an ok for treatment. Got a confirmation that my arm was broken Got meds to get back to Canada Long story short. I had surgery in Canada 15 screws and a titanium plate. They oked the treatment but as of today Feb 14,2024 They will not pay the bill of $1922.00. Do not get this insurance. They don’t pay out. They lie on the phone and don’t keep proper records. Shop else where. Run from Blue Cross.

Taking them to court. 😡

International emergency medical case refused by blue cross quebec

I had a very bad experience with this company. They only seem to care about money. It's difficult to contact them, especially when you're outside Canada, particularly in the Middle East. I purchased an annual medical insurance that was supposed to cover any emergency medical issue during my trip. However, when I had an urgent medical condition and I tried to reach out them through my contact in canada to ease the communication they decided to refuse the claim without providing any explanation.

J'ai eu une très mauvaise expérience avec cette entreprise. Ils semblent seulement se soucier de l'argent. Il est difficile de les contacter, surtout lorsque vous êtes à l'extérieur du Canada, particulièrement au Moyen-Orient. J'ai souscrit une assurance médicale annuelle censée couvrir tout problème médical d'urgence pendant mon voyage. Cependant, lorsque j'ai eu une condition médicale urgente et que j'ai essayé de les joindre via mes contacts au Canada pour faciliter la communication, ils ont décidé de refuser la demande sans fournir aucune explication.

I was a member of blue cross for several years, and I purchased certificates from them yearly as I am a frequent flyer. I got sick on my trips, nothing serious but I needed to see a dr. Contacted blue cross, they said they didn’t have my certificate number because I had told them I don’t have it, clearly they saw this as a chance to save money. I had to pay out of pocket for my visit at that time. They were clearly trying to save money cuz I had the certificate at home, just not on me. They didn’t know that. Matter of principle. If you with blue cross, take pics and have several copies of your certificate.

I would never get another insurance with them again. Congratulations blue cross you lost a loyal member.

Don't Pay out for Legitimate Claims

My daughter was sick on the way back from NYC. We called BlueCross who informed us any big emergency hospitals will accept Canadian BlueCross. The hospital thinking it was US fortunately accepted the number (initially) as we would have been charged $2600 US dollars. I filed a claim when I received the hospital's invoice in September 2023 after all the documentation was sent. It is now late January 2024. They informed me the adjuster recommended it would be paid. I have since received numerous collection agency phone calls and bills. I have emailed the adjuster numerous times to gain information on the status - dead air. I am calling now. My estimated wait time is 45 minutes. I have since bought new travel insurance and never again with Blue Cross. People are now asking, who was the provider you had issues with BLUE CROSS. I know a lot of people and am about to email my ombudsman.

My husband had a mountain biking accident and the company was excellent.

They started claim right away. Sent us and the hospital paperwork by email right away. Service was excellent. Thanks!

I made a claim and blue cross wouldn’t pay. They said there was an advisory when I bought the insurance. How would I know that? They should have told me. They sold me something I could not use. Other insurances paid other people in my group. Go with a real travel insurance company, not a health insurance company for travel insurance. Shame!!!

Avoid if you don’t want your family be left in distress

Avoid if you don’t want your family be left in distress. I purchased travel insurance for a newborn 15 days past our travel day because we had some coverage that comes with a regular travel Visa card that every Canadian has. This somehow rendered our policy with blue cross void (!) since they treated it as “extension” of existing “policy”. Does it make sense? Please avoid this organization. Just go with reputable company or you may find yourself in a dire situation.

Avoid at all cost…run

We’ve been with Blue Cross for many years and just renewed for the year starting October 1, 2023. Due to our age (70’s) and waiting for surgery, 1-2 year wait, we called to cancel. Over the years we were led to believe the coverage could be cancelled and money paid back pro-rated. Which is fine being this started October 1, 2023. Here it is November and they refuse to do what is not only the right thing to do but we were misled right from day one. So Never ever deal with this company. This is not the only negative review on this pathetic scam.

Rip off... DO NOT buy from this company

My husband and I bought a year policy and had pre-existing added. I got sick in Costa Rica... can not call collect from within Costa Rica and my phone was running out of time. I emailed them to get permission to see a doctor. We have filled out papers 3 times now and they always give a different reason to deny the claim. The last one was because it must be in English. So we had to translate. and they denied it again. They sent me a cheque. I was surprised and cashed it. Then I got a letter asking for the money back as it was to go to can-assist, not me. I asked them why can-assist is getting paid for doing nothing yet we pay $3500 and my claim was denied. I asked to speak to someone and was told there was no one to speak to. No to a manager and no to whoever denied my claim. This company Blue Cross will take your money and do absolutely nothing for you. How do they get away with this? Scammers

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HelloSafe » Travel Insurance » Blue Cross

Is Blue Cross Travel Insurance in Canada worth it? 2024 Review

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Information verified by   Alexandre Desoutter

Our articles are written by experts in their fields (finance, trading, insurance etc.) whose signatures you will see at the beginning and at the end of each article. They are also systematically reviewed and corrected before each publication, and updated regularly.

Blue Cross travel insurance is a well-established insurance provider that offers coverage for Canadian travellers. With a reputation for reliability, Blue Cross is a trusted choice for those seeking reliable travel insurance solutions.

But how much does Blue Cross travel offer cost? What does it cover? What are its pros and cons? And most importantly, is it the best choice for you? Find all this and more in our complete review of Blue Cross travel insurance Canada.

5 Key Takeaways on Blue Cross travel insurance

• Provides comprehensive coverage for Canadian travellers
• Offers various plans to suit different travel needs, including single-trip and multi-trip policies
• Covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage and other travel-related incidents
• May have limitations depending on specific situations and individual health conditions
• Compare Blue Cross with other providers using HelloSafe comparator and get free quotes

Our 2024 review on Blue Cross travel insurance

Blue Cross is a reputable provider in Canada, catering to travellers' needs by offering travel insurance plans. The company's policies cover a wide range of travel-related incidents, including medical emergencies, trip interruptions and baggage loss.

The company aims to provide peace of mind to travellers by protecting them from unexpected expenses while abroad. Its extensive coverage options and reputation in the insurance industry make it a good option for Canadian travellers seeking reliable travel insurance.

Let’s take a look at its pros and cons to further understand Blue Cross insurance Canada:

• Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies during travel
• Options for trip cancellation and interruption coverage
• Provides coverage for lost or delayed baggage
• Multi-trip policies for frequent travellers
• Access to a vast network of healthcare providers
• Blue cross travel insurance reviews show good customer service
• Pre-existing conditions coverage may not be all-inclusive
• Some plans may have limited coverage for extreme sports or adventure activities
• High deductibles on certain policies
• Policy costs may be higher for older travellers

Before choosing Blue Cross, be sure to compare its offer with its competitors:

Compare the best travel insurance plans on the market!

What is Blue Cross travel coverage in Canada?

What does blue cross travel insurance cover.

Blue Cross Travel Insurance Canada typically covers a range of incidents, such as:

• Emergency medical expenses during travel
• Trip interruption or cancellation under some unforeseen circumstances
• Baggage loss, delay, or theft
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage
• Travel assistance services, including emergency evacuation
• Optional: Covid coverage

Below, we have outlined the features of each coverage option offered for the single-trip plan when traveling outside of Canada to assist you in selecting the most suitable option:

What is not covered by Blue Cross travel plans?

The specific exclusions may vary depending on the policy, but typical exclusions might include:

• Pre-existing medical conditions (unless specifically covered)
• Injuries or accidents related to extreme sports or risky activities
• Travel to countries or regions under travel advisories or warnings

In some cases, Blue Cross might provide coverage for stable pre-existing conditions , which are medical conditions that have been stable and controlled for a certain period before the trip. The definition of "stable" and the required stability period can vary from one policy to another. It's important for travelers with pre-existing conditions to be upfront and honest when providing their medical history during the application process. Failure to disclose pre-existing conditions accurately can lead to claims being denied later on.

Good to know

Medical or trip cancellation/interruption coverage is mandatory, while dismemberment and baggage coverage or accidental death are optional.

Is Blue Cross travel insurance available in all provinces?

Blue Cross offers coverage to travellers from all Canadian provinces, including but not limited to:

• British Columbia (Pacific blue cross travel insurance)
• Saskatchewan
• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Prince Edward Island
• Newfoundland and Labrador

For example

Blue Cross offers almost the same coverage for all provinces. For instance, Alberta Blue Cross travel coverage is similar to that of blue cross travel insurance Ontario — emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation, and assistance services. The main difference lies in the specific plans and pricing available to residents of each province.

Does Blue cross have travel insurance for seniors?

Yes, Blue Cross offers travel insurance to seniors in Canada. Its offer is designed to cater to the unique needs of older travelers. These insurance plans typically offer comprehensive coverage, including the following:

• emergency medical expenses,
• trip cancellations,
• baggage loss.

They may also provide coverage for pre-existing medical conditions , as well as extended trip durations suitable for seniors traveling abroad

There are eligibility criterias for travellers aged 55, we discuss these further down on this page. Policies are tailored to accommodate the potential health risks associated with age.

How to contact Blue Cross travel insurance?

For inquiries or assistance, individuals can contact Blue Cross through their customer service channels, which may include phone numbers, email, or online chat support available on their official website.

The Blue cross travel insurance phone number numbers may vary based on your province. In Ontario, you can call Blue Cross at:

• 416-640-3444
• 1-866-732-2583

Another easy and quick way to contact Blue Cross is to login on your Blue Cross account and get in touch with the insurer through its private online channels.

Blue Cross travel insurance for visitors to Canada

Blue Cross offers insurance for visitors to Canada to provide health travel coverage and financial protection for individuals who are visiting Canada from other countries. This type of visitor travel insurance is essential for international visitors as it helps cover medical expenses in case of unexpected illnesses or accidents while in Canada.

How much does Blue Cross travel insurance cost?

The cost of Blue Cross's travel insurance is determined by several factors, including:

• the total trip cost,
• the trip destination (whether you need travel insurance for the USA or Europe, your premium will not be the same),
• the age of the traveller,
• the chosen coverage level.

Below are some examples of the costs for Blue Cross single-trip plans available to healthy travellers based in Ontario:

For the Mexico trip example, baggage coverage can be added to the medical-only plan for an additional $19.96, making the plan total $74.22. Similarly, for the Trip Cancellation and Interruption only plan, baggage coverage can be added for $19.96, resulting in a plan total of $142.12.

Additionally, with emergency medical coverage, you have the option to add an optional deductible, which is the amount you will pay out of pocket before your coverage takes effect. The deductible options available are $250, $500, $1,500, $2,500, or $5,000.

If you want to compare Blue Cross prices with other travel insurances to see what suits you best, you could use our comparator below. Get quotes and pricing information in no time and it's completely free to use.

Are you eligible for Blue Cross travel insurance?

To qualify for insurance coverage with Blue Cross, you must meet the following criteria:

• You are a Canadian resident who is covered under a health insurance plan from the government.
• You are at least 30 days old on the departure date of your trip.

Moreover, for travellers aged 55 and over, the following conditions must not apply:

• You have received medical advice not to travel.
• You are suffering from a medical condition in a terminal stage.
• You are suffering from kidney failure and treated with dialysis.
• You have been diagnosed with or treated for metastatic cancer in the last five years.
• You have been prescribed or treated with home oxygen in the past 12 months.

Blue Cross Medical Travel Insurance refers to travel insurance policies that emphasize medical coverage, ensuring that travellers have financial protection in case of unexpected medical emergencies while travelling.

How to make a Blue Cross travel insurance claim?

To make a claim with Blue Cross travel coverage, travellers typically need to follow these steps:

• Contact Blue Cross as soon as possible to initiate the claim process.
• Provide all necessary documentation and details related to the incident.
• Complete any claim forms required by the company.
• Cooperate with the claims adjuster, if needed, to provide additional information.

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GeoBlue Travel Insurance Review (2024)

Get a free quote to protect your next vacation below.

from Geoblue via Squaremouth.com

Josh Lew is a travel journalist and writer based in the midwestern U.S. He has been active for the past decade, covering airlines, international destinations and ecotourism for sites like TravelPulse and TreeHugger. He currently contributes to content writing agency World Words.

Sabrina Lopez is an editor with over six years of experience writing and editing digital content with a particular focus on home services, home products and personal finance. When she is not working on articles to help consumers make informed decisions, Sabrina enjoys creative writing and spending time with her family and their two parrots.

GeoBlue is a bit different from other top travel insurance providers . In a world of comprehensive trip insurance, this independent licensee of Blue Cross Blue Shield keeps it simple by offering straightforward single-trip and multi-trip health plans.

This insurance brand caters to all types of travelers, from vacationing families to adventure-seekers living or studying abroad for extended periods. With features like a network of doctors who bill GeoBlue directly and coverage for pre-existing conditions, GeoBlue is for people who only need medical coverage when traveling.

At the same time, those seeking trip cancellation insurance won’t find what they are looking for with GeoBlue, which only offers modest interruption and lost baggage coverage.

GeoBlue Travel Insurance Overview

GeoBlue has plans designed for different types of travelers. Its single-trip and short-term coverage is branded as “GeoBlue Voyager.” These options have travel medical coverage limits ranging from $50,000 to $1 million and include accidental death and dismemberment, emergency evacuation , repatriation and prescription drug reimbursement.

In addition to different coverage limits, this insurer has deductible options ranging from $0 to $500. Also, patients can use telemedicine services for non-emergency care.

Trekker-branded insurance coverage is for frequent international travelers needing medical coverage across multiple trips. Meanwhile, Navigator and Xplorer plans to provide emergency and non-emergency healthcare benefits to expats, students, maritime crew members and missionaries.

Pros and Cons of GeoBlue

Compare geoblue to the competition.

Use the table below to compare GeoBlue to other travel insurance providers. However, keep in mind that other providers will cover more costs for your trip, such as cancellation and interruption, whereas GeoBlue just provides travel medical insurance. 

Why Trust MarketWatch Guides

Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.

Companies Reviewed

Quotes Collected

Rating Factors

What Does GeoBlue Cover?

GeoBlue’s Voyager Essential and Voyager Choice are budget-friendly travel insurance options focusing on medical services. Essential does not require a U.S.-based primary health plan, but Choice does.

Here is what you get with the GeoBlue Voyager Essential plan.

• $50,000 to $1 million emergency and non-emergency medical coverage
• $500,000 for medical evacuation
• $25,000 for death, dismemberment, or repatriation costs
• 50% prescription drug coverage up to $5,000
• $500 baggage coverage per trip or $100 per bag
• $1,000 trip interruption insurance

If you plan to take multiple trips or live abroad for more than six months, the Xplorer or Trekker plans can provide long-term protection.

Optional Riders

A rider is an addition to a standard insurance agreement. It amends the details or adds other coverage to the policy. For instance, a rider could raise coverage limits or make exceptions for a pre-existing condition.

Because of the varying coverage limits and deductible choices on the Voyager Essential plan, riders are usually not necessary. However, Voyager Choice offers several upgrades that may be worthwhile to some travelers.

• $50,000 death and dismemberment coverage
• 100% coverage for prescription drugs up to $5,000
• No 180-day exclusion for pre-existing conditions
• $50 per day for trip interruptions involving quarantine

Though both these plans are open to all U.S. citizens, Voyager Choice requires that you have an active health insurance policy in the U.S.

Policies Offered

GeoBlue travel insurance plans focus on medical care, including emergencies and regular outpatient office visits. However, other coverages are also a part of some plans.

All policies offer $25,000 for specified hazardous activities, such as alpine skiing and scuba diving (diving certification required for coverage).

How Much Does GeoBlue Travel Insurance Cost?

Travel insurance policy prices depend on different factors, including the cost of your trip, your age, pre-existing medical conditions, your destinations, coverage limits, the length of your stay, and other factors. The insurer will ask about these different variables during the signup process.

Cost of International Travel Insurance

Quotes represent the cost for a month-long trip from Sept. 1 to Sept. 30, 2023 for a 40-year-old traveler from Texas. The plan has a $0 deductible and $1,000,000 in medical coverage.

Voyager plans have $1,000 in trip interruption and $500 in lost baggage coverage.

Read More: Travel Health Insurance For Visitors To USA

Does GeoBlue Offer 24/7 Travel Assistance?

GeoBlue says it offers 24/7/365 assistance for all medical insurance plans through its mobile app, site and a toll-free international call center.

The app includes self-service features like virtual insurance ID cards, in-network doctor listings, medication dose conversions and access to telemedicine services on compatible devices. Telemedicine services are via Teledoc Health and include same-day appointments and additional communications, such as appointment notes, via the policyholder’s phone.

Insured customers can also contact GeoBlue via phone on toll-free and collect-call hotlines. Operators are able to coordinate services listed on the policy, check coverage eligibility and find doctors in the country.

GeoBlue Customer Reviews

GeoBlue has over 80 reviews on Squaremouth and a rating of 4.63 out of 5 as of June 2023. Many of the customers mentioned that they needed international health insurance without cancellation or other travel coverage and found that GeoBlue was the best fit for their needs. Some reviewers struggled to find information about healthcare providers in GeoBlue’s network in their destination country.

Here are four reviews from verified customers on Squaremouth.

“Really pleasant person at GeoBlue assisted me pre-departure when I had some difficulties accessing membership cards via the internet. She was very patient and very helpful. We had no health incidents while traveling, but we expect to purchase similar coverage next time we travel out of the U.S.” —Catherine from GA “My trip to Israel was canceled by the tour company one week before we were to leave. I sent an e-mail to GeoBlue to inform them that the trip had been canceled. Within minutes I received an e-mail from GeoBlue that my insurance had been canceled and that I would receive a refund to my credit card ASAP. I hope to re-schedule this trip as soon as possible and I will only use GeoBlue for securing travel insurance. I could not have been more satisfied with the service and would highly recommend them to anyone considering travel insurance in the future.” —Pamela S. Johnson from OH “I had my suitcase stolen while on my trip in Sweden. When I returned, I filed a claim ($500 total, $100 per item for lost/stolen Item) and have been turned down twice, the latest because I have no receipts for the items lost (we are talking suitcase, [clothes], shoes, electric toothbrush, toiletries, etc. [Things] that people do not keep receipts on). The first denial was noted as not providing medical records and receipts, as if they hadn’t even bothered to read the claim. I did provide them with the police report that I was provided, the report that the Gate 1 tour company provided, and a break-down of what was in the suitcase, including prices.” —Kenneth from AL “I have been constantly asked by the medical doctor in Greece over a 6 month period to help them as I made 2 visits to the doctor and they claim they were not paid. Since I [contracted] Covid I also had bloodwork, chest X-rays, etc., 2 visits in all. I paid direct to the hospital [on my] first visit and met my deductible . ($250 or 240.50 euros). The doctor claims they were never paid by GeoBlue! I called from Greece, which is very expensive, to GeoBlue twice and asked that they [please] straighten this out. I sent 2 emails stating the same. But to this day the doctor’s secretary is writing to me to secure payment for them. I was sick in May — it is now November! I told the doctor that you are in GeoBlue’s network and you should be contacting GeoBlue to get paid. Most annoying and frustrating.” —Martha from FL

Note: GeoBlue responded to the above review with the following : Thank you for your review! A response to your claim inquiry email was sent on 11/16/2022, please check your email and spam folder for our resolution to your claim issue.

How To File a Claim with GeoBlue

GeoBlue offers several options for filing a claim. Customers with travel medical plans will have access to the Member Hub and mobile app. Both allow for electronic claims submission. The process includes filling out a claims form and submitting scans or images of medical bills and supporting documents. You can also file a claim by fax, email or traditional mail.

GeoBlue has country-specific phone numbers for some destinations.

Is GeoBlue Worth It?

GeoBlue focuses on providing health insurance for people traveling outside of their home country. You can use deductible and coverage limit options to change the cost and level of protection of your policy.

GeoBlue stands out for travel health insurance because it offers telemedicine, a worldwide network of doctors, direct payment for in-network services and both short and long-term insurance options. We recommend requesting a quote from GeoBlue, along with at least two other travel insurance providers, to make sure you get the best value for your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About GeoBlue

Does geoblue cover pre-existing conditions.

Some GeoBlue programs cover pre-existing conditions. For single-trip coverage, the Voyager Choice plan covers all pre-existing conditions. The basic Voyager Essential also does, but it has a six-month exclusion period from the coverage start date.

Does GeoBlue have policies for group travel?

GeoBlue offers group options for both of the Voyager plans. If you travel with a group of five or more people, you qualify for a 10% discount. Group members must be 95 years old or younger.

Does GeoBlue have a plan for expatriates?

The GeoBlue Xplorer plan is for expats and their family members who plan to be outside the country for at least three months during the year. Explorer Essential has no U.S. coverage, while Xplorer Premier offers comprehensive coverage at home and abroad.

Does GeoBlue offer trip cancellation insurance?

GeoBlue does not have traditional trip cancellation insurance. Voyager plans include $1,000 in trip interruption coverage and $25 to $50 per day for quarantine-related delays.

Other Insurance Resources From MarketWatch Guides 

Gain insight into our ratings for the best home, renters, pet, travel or life insurance providers and find affordable recommendations for necessary insurance products.

• Prominent Pet Insurance Companies
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Methodology: Our System for Rating Travel Insurance Companies

• A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
• A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
• A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
• A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
• A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
• Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
• Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
• Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
• Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.

A.M. Best Disclaimer

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GeoBlue Travel Insurance Review: Is it Worth the Cost?

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Table of Contents

What does GeoBlue travel insurance offer?

Geoblue travel insurance cost and coverage, what isn’t covered, how to choose a geoblue plan online, is geoblue travel insurance worth it.

• Flexible deductible options.
• Wide ranging medical coverage.
• Low prices for medical only needs.
• Lacks in traditional travel insurance coverage options such as trip Interruption, bag delays, etc.
• Better when paired with travel credit card insurance coverage.

If you’re going on a trip soon, you may be wondering whether to invest in travel insurance. This type of insurance can offer protection in the event that you fall ill, your plans change unexpectedly or you experience unavoidable delays.

GeoBlue is one insurance provider offering plans to travelers, with a number of plans available based on your needs. Here's a review of GeoBlue travel insurance, including the options offered and how to choose your plan.

GeoBlue insurance offers two different plans for travelers, though it focuses mainly on medical coverage . These plans are called Voyager Essential and Voyager Choice. The former offers lower coverage options than the latter and is generally cheaper (though as you'll see, not always by a large amount).

The company also provides multitrip, long-term and group options for those who need them.

» Learn more: How much is travel insurance?

How much does GeoBlue cost? GeoBlue’s travel insurance is mostly medical-based and includes a comprehensive list of inclusions, though it also has coverage for some travel mishaps.

To get an idea of costs, we used a sample trip for a 33-year-old traveler from California with existing insurance heading out in August on a two-week trip.

Note that for this GeoBlue insurance review, we selected the highest coverage amount with no deductible. There are choices that allow you to include a higher deductible and a lower coverage limit, which may lower your plan cost.

Here’s what the two GeoBlue plans cover:

As you can see, there’s not a big difference when it comes to how much GeoBlue’s plans cost, with just about $7 between the two different offerings.

In terms of benefits, most are the same as well — the biggest difference between the Voyager Essential and Voyager Choice plans comes down to prescription medication coverage and coverage related to accidental death and dismemberment .

The less-expensive Essential plan pays 50% of your prescription costs, while the Choice plan covers the full 100%. As well, the Choice plan doubles accidental death coverage from Essential's $25,000 to $50,000.

Other than that, differences are minimal. You’ll get less coverage for emergency dental care and quarantine expenses , but otherwise, everything else is the same.

» Learn more: How does travel insurance work?

Is GeoBlue travel insurance good? Unlike many other travel insurance policies, GeoBlue’s products include coverage for hazardous activities and medical quarantine.

However, while GeoBlue shines when it comes to medical coverage, it falls short in other travel insurance aspects. Many travel insurance plans provide better options in the event that your bags are delayed , your flight is canceled or you miss nonrefundable bookings.

In GeoBlue’s case, the low levels of reimbursement for these types of issues may be problematic. However, bear in mind that many travel credit cards provide complimentary travel insurance that would pair well with a GeoBlue plan.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

To purchase a GeoBlue plan online, go to the company’s website .

You’ll see the option to generate a quote and you’ll type in your trip dates, traveler's age and ZIP code.

Once you hit "Get A Quote" the results page pops up, which will give you the option to choose your deductible amount and maximum level of coverage. You can also toggle between single trip and multi trip.

Once you’ve decided on a plan, you’ll need to fill out all pertinent information including your contact information, your health plan details and beneficiary. Once you review the terms of the plan, select to payment and input your credit or debit card information.

After that, your policy will be issued.

» Learn more: 6 common travel insurance myths

While it offers excellent medical care for low prices, GeoBlue’s policies fall short when it comes to other travel coverage. However, if you also have a travel credit card , you may be able to pair the two together for relatively strong travel insurance coverage at a low cost.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

• Travel Insurance Plans
• GeoBlue Cost

Compare GeoBlue Travel Insurance

Why you should trust us, geoblue travel insurance review 2024.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

GeoBlue travel insurance specializes in offering medical travel insurance plans . These specialized plans cover healthcare costs while traveling abroad but lack trip cancellation, lost luggage, and other standard travel insurance services. This GeoBlue travel insurance review looks at what GeoBlue offers and what it may lack.

This medical-only travel insurance option may only be suitable for some globetrotters. But travelers who are a fit will find GeoBlue provides extensive coverage options and access to a worldwide network of healthcare providers with cheap travel insurance .

Of course, travelers should always check with their regular health insurer first. Your standard health insurance may provide limited coverage abroad. Even if you still want supplemental coverage, you should know if it would be primary or secondary. Here's what you need to know before investing in GeoBlue plans.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. A subsidary of Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers strong medical plans as long as you have a regular health insurance plan, but it doesn't have to be through Blue Cross
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers long-term and multi-trip travel protection
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Multiple complaints about claims not being paid or being denied
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Does not provide some of the more comprehensive coverage like CFAR insurance
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers who do get claims paid may need to file multiple claim forms

Travel Insurance Plans from GeoBlue

GeoBlue offers three distinct medical travel insurance plans for individual travelers with varying levels of coverage. It also has a few group travel insurance plans for larger parties. Regular health insurance plans, destination, budget, and other factors play into the shopping experience. GeoBlue recommends each program for specific groups, but all three can be used for extended periods or multiple trips.

Here's an overview of the types of coverage included in each GeoBlue individual plan:

Additional Coverage Options from GeoBlue

GeoBlue offers fewer riders or additional coverage options compared to other providers. Looking at the descriptions above, the three plans give a detailed list of included services, not all of which will be applicable during the average trip. The Voyager and Trekker plans have no additional coverage options.

However, the Xplorer plan is aimed at long-term travelers (including those who temporarily work internationally). So it provides two optional riders that come in handy if you're outside your home country for months at a time:

• Enhanced Prescription Drug Rider: Provides up to $25,000 of coverage for prescription drugs per calendar year.
• Basic US Benefits Rider: Provides healthcare benefits in the United States, emergency medical care, inpatient hospital coverage, and prescription drugs coverage.

GeoBlue Travel Insurance Cost

The price you pay for travel insurance can vary widely depending on several factors. Typically, your trip destination, duration, age, insurance plan, and any additional coverage options you add to the base plan will play a role. In GeoBlue 's case, you'll also have the opportunity to select your deductible and maximum coverage limits with some plans, which can impact your travel insurance premiums.

For instance, a 30-year-old who plans to go on a weeklong trip to France would have the following options with GeoBlue's Voyager Choice plan, which offers a choice of deductible and coverage limits.

• $11.68 premium with a $60,000 medical limit and $500 deductible
• $20.08 premium with a $1 million medical limit and $0 deductible

Meanwhile, two travelers in their sixties interested in purchasing GeoBlue's annual Trekker plan would have a choice between the following plans.

• $250 for the Trekker Essential plan with a $500,000 medical limit and a $200 deductible
• $390 for the upgraded Trekker Choice plan with a $1 million medical limit and a $100 deductible

Are you traveling long-term or looking for flexibility around your destination and end date? We recommend checking in with GeoBlue to make sure you understand the rules.

Unfortunately, many customers find themselves in a pinch without coverage because they went outside the stated terms of their insurance policy. GeoBlue agents can answer questions and clarify terms as needed.

How to File A Claim with GeoBlue

The easiest way to submit a claim with GeoBlue travel insurance is to file it through its online Member Services page or mobile app.

Policyholders can also file claims via mail, fax, or email. If you wish to submit physical paperwork, the company asks that you send it to one of the following addresses:

Mail: GeoBlue

Attn: Claims

933 First Avenue

King of Prussia, PA 19406

Fax: +1.610.482.9623

Email: [email protected]

See how GeoBlue travel insurance stacks up against the competition. 

GeoBlue Travel Insurance vs. Allianz Travel Insurance

Both GeoBlue and Allianz offer single-trip, standalone medical insurance plans. In addition, both provide coverage for emergency medical transportation, emergency medical claims, and baggage loss. However, there are a few differences.

GeoBlue supplies coverage for non-emergent inpatient and outpatient visits and accidental death or dismemberment. It also explicitly includes preexisting conditions pending you travel with a regular health insurance plan. Meanwhile, Allianz issues coverage for epidemics and other travel services like cancel for any reason coverage.

In addition, the two plans are structured differently. Allianz offers payouts up to a set dollar amount. GeoBlue covers a certain percentage of qualifying medical costs after a met deductible.

Allianz Travel Insurance Review

GeoBlue Travel Insurance vs. AIG Travel Guard

AIG 's essential travel insurance plan provides medical evacuation coverage, security evacuation coverage, trip delay, and other coverages. In line with the low price, the essential plan's limits for each section are limited. For example, travelers would get a max of $15,000 medical travel insurance coverage. The company does not offer a standalone medical plan.

AIG Travel Guard customers may or may not be eligible for a preexisting conditions waiver, whereas GeoBlue's plans specify preexisting coverage as long as you have a permanent health insurance plan from your work or otherwise.

AIG focuses primarily on single-trip coverage options, though it does provide an annual travel insurance plan. GeoBlue's website recommends plans for different travelers, but all three programs allow for multiple trips or extended travel times.

Regardless, if you want broader protection for necessary medical treatments, you will likely be served with a plan from GeoBlue. On the other hand, if you're looking for more trip cancellation and other standard travel insurance coverages, you will steer towards AIG.

AIG Travel Insurance Review

GeoBlue Travel Insurance vs. World Nomads Travel Insurance

The travel insurance plans sold by World Nomads differ slightly from GeoBlue's. Rather than focusing exclusively on covering your medical costs and limited baggage loss, World Nomads offers a comprehensive insurance option. Its plan also includes trip cancellation, interruption, and more coverage.

In addition, World Nomads' plan covers a wide range of adventure sports, compared to the two (downhill skiing & scuba diving) covered by GeoBlue. Looking at the two companies side by side, you may see many of the same services. However, the two companies offer staggered benefits. World Nomads has a more extensive list to cover whatever comes your way.

However, GeoBlue is more thorough in covering preexisting conditions and other medical services if its terms are followed. If you look at the details, GeoBlue covers higher amounts for the services it includes.

World Nomads Travel Insurance Review

When reviewing GeoBlue travel insurance, we compared its products against those of other top travel insurance providers. In particular, we examined the available plan options, supplemental policies, claim limits, inclusions, exclusions, and sample policy premiums.

Selecting the best policy for you and your travel companions is about finding a policy with the correct type of coverage and adequate claim limits. That said, price is also an essential factor for many consumers. In addition, trip-specific riders for things like rental care coverage or adventure activities may be necessary for some travelers.

As such, we take all that into account when writing our reviews. Then individual readers can make decisions based on their travel plans and needs. You can learn more about how we rate travel insurance products here .

GeoBlue FAQs

The exact definition of legitimacy can often be subjective. However, GeoBlue currently holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. In addition, the company earns largely positive reviews from its customers.

GeoBlue travel insurance works in most places around the globe. Fortunately, the company provides a comprehensive service map to help potential customers determine if their destination is covered before applying.

Most GeoBlue travel insurance plans are meant to provide international coverage. However, the Xplorer plan offers the option to add a supplemental rider extending its coverage to include the United States.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

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33 years of working and this is my payback...

33 years of working and my union sets up Blue Cross for my extended health plan. Which I pay dearly for every month. So I get a pair of orthotics and send in my paperwork and claim. 2 weeks later I get an email that states 'My claim has been processed. I can go online and check. Make sure all info is correct. Payment can take up to 3 days." So I go online and check. "Amount $0. Eligible $0." OMGOSH. What's going on? I check all the required documents. Yes they are there. I phone Blue Cross. I wait on hold. I am agitated. I am stressed. Its money I require. Finally I speak to a person (who works from home). Tells me my claim has gone to another department to determine if its covered but it should be because everything is there. So why the email I ask? Why does it say it has been processed? He says that he doesn't know why but it is probably just automated. But they are behind and it now takes up to 36 working days to process claims. "Are you kidding me? So i get an email that says it has been done, I get stressed because I do not know why it is not eligible, and I phone and you tell me this? 36 WORKING days? Is this because you work remotely and can put in the laundry? Take your dog for a walk? take your kids to school? Go to the corner store? This is ridiculous!! I pay for your service. You are behind because we just wasted half an hour of my time and your time! Because the right hand doesn't know what the left is doing?!" So now my anger is at the top. No supervisor to talk to because its not like they can walk down the hall and speak to someone to ask to calm down a customer. Nope. I am on a call back list. What is wrong with this picture?

Date of experience : April 10, 2024

Irresponsible case handling

Please anyone trying to use this Insurance this Blue Cross or Can Assistance as you Travel Insurance DO NOT book with these. I booked in Sept 2023 travel insurances which included lost baggage and flight delays. I submitted forms online multiple times, sent emails 17th times and even mailed copies of every information they asked of. You will get a chatbot message "Case manager from CanAssistance will be in touch Case manager assigned was Franco" To save time money and stress I suggest not to book with these scam companies

Date of experience : October 09, 2023

I have been trying for over 1 year to…

I have been trying for over 1 year to have my Blue Cross claim reviewed and unfortunatly they wash their hands of dealing with their claimants and use Can Assistance as their claim adjusters. Never have I ever encountered such an inefficient and incompetent organization that is void of any communication abilities and clueless when it comes to processing a claim. All requisite info has been provided and I have been asking for an escalation of my claim. Impossible to speak with an adjuster, just front line phone operators. They deserve a negative star.

Date of experience : October 18, 2023

I subscribed for a private health…

I subscribed for a private health insurance plan tailored for newcomers. The information provided on their website is quite clear. The payment was smooth and I received all the supporting documents very quickly (something like 2 weeks). What made me give 3 stars out of 5 is that they partly ignored obligations and constraints caused by the COVID crisis and did not followup their current client base. Meaning that people paid a plan for a certain date but as they could not make it to Canada on time, they had to pay more for an extension.

Date of experience : August 07, 2020

Scam insurance

I signed up for a foreign insurance since I was going there for a semester abroad. Paid the money i needed to easily. Unfortunatly i hurt My shoulder and was sent to pfysiotherapi. I have now tried for 6 months to get this scam of an insurance company to Even acknowledge the fact that I have sent them claims and emails severel times... And I have recieved nothing back from them.

Date of experience : April 01, 2023

Worst company to dealing waiting 55…

Worst company to dealing waiting 55 minute submitted clame talk so many times with so many people look on web tell it’s in process calling again tell me missing one day overall that is worst insurance company that dealing do not buy any health program for that garbage insurance company it’s not standing for value for custumer word word worst company

Date of experience : December 20, 2023

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Medipac Travel Insurance Review 2024

Updated: Jan 8, 2024, 12:53pm

Tailor-made for snowbirds, Medipac Travel Insurance offers emergency medical insurance with no age limits. While pricier than other medical-only plans, especially for younger travellers, Medipac gets our nod for offering individual underwriting for hard-to-insure applicants with pre-existing conditions and a robust emergency assistance service .

• Individual coverage for pre-existing conditions
• Several discounts available
• No age limits
• Transparent rate chart
• Expensive compared to other medical plans for younger travellers
• No trip cancellation or interruption coverage
• No baggage coverage
• No online claim processing

Table of Contents

About medipac travel insurance, what travel insurance does medipac travel insurance offer, medipac travel insurance plans, summary: plan comparison, medipac travel insurance cost, comparing medipac travel insurance with other insurers, optional add-ons for medipac travel insurance, does medipac travel insurance offer any discounts, does medipac travel insurance offer annual multi-trip plans, medipac 24/7 travel assistance, does medipac travel insurance have cancel for any reason (cfar), does medipac travel insurance have interruption for any reason (ifar), medipac travel insurance and pre-existing medical conditions, medipac travel insurance exclusions, medipac travel insurance eligibility, how to file a claim with medipac travel insurance.

For over 30 years, Medipac Travel Insurance has positioned itself as an emergency medical insurance specialist, choosing not to insure baggage loss, trip cancellation and trip interruption. The reason? Because those “minor inconveniences” (compared to a heart attack or broken leg) are often covered by home insurance policies or by the travel operators. The company maintains that keeping this focus allows for efficient processing of claims and prompt and fair customer service.

Medipac Travel Insurance is exclusively endorsed by the Royal Canadian Legion and the Canadian Snowbird Association.

Medipac Travel Insurance is underwritten by Old Republic Insurance Company of Canada.

Medipac travel insurance offers comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies while travelling.

If you get ill or are injured on your trip, emergency medical insurance can pay for treatment-related expenses up to the coverage limits in your plan. These expenses can include doctor and hospital bills, medication and lab work, as well as medical evacuations, repatriation and arranging for a bedside companion if you are hospitalized.

Medipac Travel Insurance does not offer trip cancellation or interruption coverage, delay benefits or baggage insurance .

There is one emergency medical plan and two plan upgrades (or endorsements) for Canadian residents travelling outside of Canada:

Medipac Plan: This plan provides coverage for emergency medical treatment including:

• Hospital accommodation up to a semi-private room, intensive care unit or coronary care unit expenses
• Physician’s charges for medical and surgical care
• X-rays and diagnostic tests
• Local licensed ambulance
• Drugs and medication, up to a 30-day supply
• The cost or rental of casts, splints, trusses, braces, crutches, rental of a wheelchair or other medical appliances
• Private duty nursing, up to $7,500
• Paramedical services from a chiropractor, osteopath, chiropodist, podiatrist or physiotherapist, maximum $500
• Emergency dental treatment due to a blow to the face, up to $5,000
• Emergency dental treatment due to pain, up to $500

Medical coverage also provides additional benefits, such as the cost to transport a relative to your bedside if you are hospitalized, out-of-pocket expenses for an accompanying family member if your return is delayed due to hospitalization and the cost to return home (be repatriated) if medically necessary.

MedipacMAX Plan: This plan offers all of the medical coverage listed above with higher limits. This benefit also includes:

• Canadian Hospitalization Benefit: Paid if you are returned to Canada for medical reasons and you are hospitalized within three days of return.
• Pet Benefit: Paid to cover transportation costs to return your pet(s) to Canada if you are repatriated for medical reasons. This also covers boarding costs for up to one week.
• Excess Luggage Benefit: Reimburses shipment costs to return your excess luggage if you are repatriated due to medical reasons.
• Return to Canada Benefit: Covers the cost of return economy airfare if you fly home due to a covered reason, such as a family member who is not travelling with you dies, and later returns you back to your vacation destination.
• Relocation Benefit: Pays to cover the cost of temporary accommodations and transportation if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a hurricane, flood, forest fire, sinkhole or earthquake.
• Accidental Death Benefit: Pays if you die as a result of an accident while you are outside of Canada and your travel insurance is in effect.
• Inpatient Rehabilitation Benefit: Pays for the cost of inpatient rehabilitation if you suffer an orthopedic injury and are recommended for inpatient treatment at your destination.

MedipacPLUS Plan: This plan offers all of the medical coverage provided in the Medipac Plan and the MedipacMAX Plan, but with lower limits.

The MedipacPLUS and MedipacMAX plans both offer Claim-Free Discount Protection. If you make one medical claim that exceeds your deductible, your claims-free status (and therefore, your discount) will be protected for the following year’s purchase of travel insurance.

We’ve highlighted the key benefits for each coverage option available for the single trip plan when travelling outside of Canada to help you identify which is the best fit for you.

The benefit maximums are in USD unless otherwise indicated.

The price of a Medipac travel insurance plan depends on factors such as your age and the trip length, as well as your COVID-19 vaccination status (one dose earns a 5% discount) and whether you’ve smoked in the last two years (adds 20% to your premium if you have).

You can also choose a deductible, or the amount you pay out of pocket before your coverage kicks in, of $0, $99, $1,000, $5,000 or $10,000. A zero deductible adds 10% to the cost of the $99 deductible rates.

Here are some examples of the cost for the Medipac single trip plan for healthy, non-smoking travellers based in Ontario who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This assumes a $0 deductible and each includes a 10% discount.

Travellers under the age of 56 travelling for less than 41 days do not have to complete a medical questionnaire and automatically qualify for the Preferred Plus (or best) rate.

Purchasing the MedipacMAX plan endorsement adds $147 to the base Medipac Plan cost, while the MedipacPLUS plan endorsement adds $59.

Travellers interested in getting a quote can either check online or refer to the Medipac Travel Insurance Guide that provides pages of comprehensive charts that detail premium costs according to different trip lengths and age bands, for example, up to 55, 56 to 60, 61 to 65, all the way up to 86 plus, for different rates and deductibles.

RBC Insurance

Emergency medical: Unlimited Cancel For Any Reason: No Baggage insurance (maximum): $1,000

Related: RBC Insurance Review

TuGo Travel Insurance

Emergency medical: $10 million Cancel For Any Reason: Yes, 50% Baggage insurance (maximum): $500

Related: TuGo Travel Insurance Review

Manulife Financial

Emergency medical: $10 million Cancel For Any Reason: No Baggage insurance (maximum): $1,000

Related: Manulife Financial CoverMe Review

Medipac Travel Insurance does not offer any optional add-ons, upgrades or endorsements besides the MedipacMAX and MedipacPLUS endorsements noted above.

Yes. Medipac Travel Insurance offers several ways to save money:

• Early Bird Travel Discount: Purchase before August 31, 2023 and receive a 5% discount.
• COVID-19 Vaccine Discount: Receive a 5% discount off your premium if you have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine before your departure date.
• Claim-Free Advantage Discount: Receive a discount for the number of consecutive years you have remained claim-free (with a minimum of three years), receiving 1% for every year you qualify, up to 5%.
• Loyalty Credit: Receive a 1% premium credit for each consecutive year you purchase Medipac travel insurance, up to a maximum of 10%.
• Claim-Free Discount: Receive a discount of 1% for each claim-free year, up to a maximum of 10%.
• Provincial discounts: Save an additional 5% if you live in PEI, Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon.
• Superannuate Special: Retired civil servants, military personnel and retired RCMP officers who participate in the Public Service Health Care Plan can receive a premium credit and an upgraded 40-day annual plan at no extra cost.

Yes. You can buy multi-trip annual insurance if you travel more than once a year for multiple individual trips. Medipac Travel Insurance offers an annual plan for 23 days or 33 days. Coverage can be topped up by calling for an extension for the full duration of your trip. The cost of the add-on depends on the trip length and your age.

For example, assuming a $99 USD deductible and a trip length of 41 to 50 days, the cost is as follows:

Medipac Assist provides a 24-hour assistance hotline staffed with in-house medical professionals. Emergency services may include:

• Verifying your insurance coverage
• Referral or transfer to one of network of physicians or medical providers
• Managing your claim
• Providing multilingual interpreters to communicate with physicians and hospitals
• Contacting your family and physician
• Paying covered expenses to medical providers on your behalf
• Monitoring your medical condition
• Arranging for return transport to a hospital in Canada, if necessary

If a medical emergency happens while you are on your trip, you or someone acting on your behalf, must notify Medipac Assist before seeking medical treatment, or as soon as reasonably possible. If you do not, Medipac will reimburse only 75% of eligible covered expenses, to a maximum of $50,000 USD. Also, some medical procedures and tests, such as MRIs, CAT scans and angiograms, as well as any surgery, must be approved in advance.

Medipac travel insurance does not provide coverage for any pre-existing medical condition that was not stable and controlled in the 90 days before your coverage takes effect.

A medical condition is considered stable and controlled when, in the 90 days before your trip:

• The medical or physical condition, symptom, illness or disease did not first manifest itself, and/or
• The medical or physical condition, symptom, illness or disease was not first investigated, and/or
• The medical or physical condition, symptom, illness or disease has not worsened, and/or
• No change in medication or its usage or dosage occurred, was prescribed or recommended by a physician, and/or
• No medical attention was received, prescribed or recommended by a physician.

If you are not eligible for Medipac Travel Insurance due to a pre-existing condition, the company offers an Individual Underwritten Application for travellers who do not qualify for coverage due to recent changes in their health, medication or recent hospitalizations. You will be required to complete a more detailed health questionnaire, which is then reviewed by the medical underwriting team. It takes between seven to 10 days to receive an offer of acceptance or decline.

There are a number of scenarios not covered by travel insurance and it’s critical to know what not to do before you make a claim. The following are general exclusions to coverage provided by Medipac travel insurance:

• War, rebellion, insurrection or terrorism, or participation in a riot, civil commotion, demonstration or any military service
• Suicide, attempted suicide or self-inflicted injury
• Normal pregnancy and childbirth, or any complication or symptom in the last 18 weeks before the expected due date or the nine weeks after
• Any child born during a trip
• A trip made for obtaining a diagnosis, treatment, investigation, surgery or palliative care
• Emotional, psychological or mental disease, disorder or condition
• Cosmetic or experimental medical/surgical treatment
• Rehabilitation, continued treatment or complications of the condition that caused the medical emergency after discharge
• Any expenses incurred after declining medical repatriation and/or evacuation
• Any criminal act
• Any treatment, services or supplies deemed not medically necessary
• Any medical procedures and/or test, including MRI, CAT scan, angioplasty, etc., not authorized in advance
• Any treatment, services or supplies provided by a home for the aged, rest home, health spa, nursing home, convalescent home, hospice, palliative care facility, rehabilitation facility or a facility for the treatment of drug addicts and/or alcoholics
• Any damage or loss of hearing aids, eyeglasses, contact lenses, sunglasses, artificial teeth or artificial limbs
• Non-compliance with recommended medical treatment, including medication, before or during your trip
• Abuse of alcohol, drugs or prescription medication
• Regular treatment of any condition that existed before your coverage started
• A heart, lung, liver, kidney or bone marrow transplant
• Any medical emergency resulting from the practice or, training for or participation in any high-risk sport, including scuba diving, mountaineering, rock or precipice climbing, hang gliding, paragliding, sport parachuting, skydiving or bungee jumping, or any speed or endurance contest, or any athletic or sport activity for remuneration or prize money
• Any medical condition that occurs in any destination where the Government of Canada issued a “avoid all non-essential travel” or “avoid all travel” advisory before your coverage starts or your departure date, excluding any COVID-19 travel advisories
• A general health examination or check-up
• A COVID-19 test that is required for entry or exit from a country or jurisdiction

To be eligible for coverage, the following must be true:

• You are a Canadian resident
• You purchase your insurance before leaving on your trip and from within Canada
• You must be covered under a provincial or territorial health plan

In addition, if you are 56 and older, you are ineligible for coverage if between your date of application and your effective date of insurance any of these situations apply:

• You have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and been advised not to travel
• You have been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis or interstitial lung disease
• You had an organ or bone marrow transplant
• You had been treated for or diagnosed with lung cancer, metastatic cancer or two or more cancers (excluding basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer)
• You had a cardiac condition with an ejection fraction of less than 40% or a ventricular function grade of three or four
• You had moderately severe or severe cardiac valve stenosis
• You had an aneurysm or dilated artery greater than 4.5 cm in size that remains surgically untreated
• You underwent chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted drug therapy for cancer or malignant tumours
• You had surgery or stenting on any artery or had cardiac pacemaker surgery
• You had a heart attack, a cardiac arrest, an episode of congestive heart failure, or one of a list of cardiac-related surgeries and/or procedures
• You had a stroke, a transient ischemic attack or a ministroke
• You had any chronic lung disease that caused you to be hospitalized for more than 24 consecutive hours or for which you have been prescribed or taken prednisone or Solu-Medrol (a corticosteroid)
• You had taken or been prescribed home oxygen
• You had taken or been prescribed insulin or two or more medications for diabetes and medication (including nitroglycerin) for a heart condition

If you are under the age of 56 and travelling for less than 41 days, these situations do not apply.

To make a claim , you must first contact Medipac Assist prior to seeking medical attention that, in turn, initiates the claims process. Medipac Assist can mail you a claims kit or you can download the forms from the website. Once completed, you mail your claim package to the address provided on the form.

In addition to your claim form(s), you may be asked to provide:

• Medical records, including final diagnosis by the attending physician
• Official billing from other providers, including proceed codes, diagnostic codes, the tax ID of the medical provider, etc.
• Original invoices and receipts for any expenses paid out of pocket
• Medical records relating to the continuation of any treatment after your return to Canada
• Proof of departure if making a claim under the Annual Add-on
• Death certificate and boarding pass/flight information if making a claim under the Return to Canada benefit

Once the claims process is initiated, forms must be returned to the Medipac office within 30 days of receipt or the company will reduce the amount paid under your policy. You have 90 days to submit written proof of the claim.

Medipac Travel Insurance FAQs

Does medipac pay for medical costs upfront.

According to the company, Medipac will “pay your eligible medical bills directly to the medical provider or hospital for you whenever possible,” adding that some medical providers do not accept direct payment and you may be required to pay up-front for medical treatment and then claim those expenses when you return home.

Does Medipac offer coverage extensions?

Yes. Your coverage is automatically extended for 72 hours starting on the final day of your trip due to a transportation delay beyond your control, as long as your policy has not expired. If you are hospitalized, your coverage is extended for the period of hospitalization, plus 72 hours after discharge.

If you would like to extend the length of your trip once you have already left home, you can apply for an extension by calling Medipac during general office hours at least five days before the expiry of your policy. To be considered for an extension you must be in good health, have had no change in health since your initial application date and you must not have experienced any event that may result in a claim. You will need to complete a questionnaire, pay the required premium and pay a non-refundable administrative fee per person, per extension.

Does Medipac require a medical questionnaire?

If you are aged 55 and under and travelling for less than 41 days, you do not need to complete a questionnaire. If you are age 56 and over, you’ll need to complete a questionnaire to determine your rate category: Standard, Preferred or Preferred Plus.

Does Medipac Travel Insurance have any age restrictions?

No. Medipac Travel Insurance has no age limits.

When does my coverage with Medipac begin?

In general, your insurance coverage begins on your departure date.

Can I get a refund with Medipac?

Refund requests must be made in writing from within Canada by mail or email. A full refund will be issued if before the insurance takes effect the policy is cancelled because you or your spouse can not travel due to sickness or injury or if you are unable to travel due to a death in the family. A full refund less a $50 administration fee will be issued if the policy is cancelled before coverage takes effect for any other reason. A partial refund, less a $20 administration fee, will be issued if you return early to Canada with at least 10 unused dates remaining on your policy. No refund is available if any claims have been made.

Does Medipac offer a free look period?

Yes. Medipac gives you 10 days after purchase to review the policy and, if you’re not satisfied, cancel for a full refund if you have not departed on your trip and there is no claim in progress.

Fiona Campbell is a Staff Writer for Forbes Advisor Canada. She started her career on Bay Street, but followed her love for research, writing and a good story into journalism. She is the former editor of Bankrate Canada, and has over 20 years of experience writing for various publications, including the Globe and Mail, Financial Post Business, Advisor’s Edge, Mydoh.ca and more.

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Compare the best life insurance in Canada (2024)

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Runner-up for no medical

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Why we picked it

Pros and cons, best for universal life insurance.

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Blue Cross life insurance

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Canada Protection Plan

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Co-operators

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Empire Life

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Equitable Life

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Foresters Financial

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Blue Cross Life Insurance Review Canada [2024] | All the Facts

PolicyMe content follows strict guidelines for editorial accuracy and integrity. Learn more about our editorial guidelines .

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Key takeaways:

• Blue Cross life insurance offers a range of coverage options, including term life, whole life, and universal life insurance.
• Blue Cross's life insurance policies are customizable to fit individual needs and budgets, with a variety of riders available to provide additional protection.
• Unique features offered by Blue Cross life insurance include child life insurance and accidental death coverage.

Our Blue Cross Life insurance review

To help you determine whether blue cross insurance is right for you, we reviewed their different products, prices, features and customer feedback.

Our rating for Blue Cross life insurance: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Blue Cross Life Insurance is a Canadian insurance company that has been providing Canadians with life insurance policies for over 70 years. They offer a range of coverage options, including term life, whole life , and universal life insurance.

Blue Cross's life insurance policies are customizable, which means that customers can choose the coverage amount, term length, and riders that fit their individual needs and budget. Blue Cross understands that every person's situation is unique, and their policies reflect that by offering options that can be tailored to each customer's specific needs.

In addition to its life insurance policies, Blue Cross also offers a range of health and wellness programs designed to help policyholders maintain optimal health and well-being. These programs may include access to virtual care, wellness coaching, mental health support, and more. By investing in the health of its policyholders, Blue Cross is committed to providing comprehensive insurance coverage that goes beyond just financial protection.

Blue Cross life insurance policies are available in most provinces and territories in Canada, making it an accessible option for many Canadians.

Blue Cross insurance: Quick facts

• Headquarters in Etobicoke, Ont
• A+ AM Rating/ A+ BBB Rating
• Founded 1957
• Employees: 400

Blue Cross life insurance rates for 2023

See how Blue Cross term life insurance prices stack up against the prices of products offered by other life insurance providers in Canada.

Pros of Blue Cross life insurance

• Customizable policies: Blue Cross life insurance policies can be tailored to fit individual needs and budgets, with a range of coverage options and riders available.
• Health and wellness programs: Blue Cross offers a range of health and wellness programs to policyholders, which can help promote healthy living and prevent illness.
• Reputation: Blue Cross has been serving Canadians for over 70 years and has a strong reputation for providing reliable insurance coverage.

Cons of Blue Cross life insurance

• Limited availability: While Blue Cross life insurance is available in most provinces and territories in Canada, it may not be an option for everyone.
• Cost: Blue Cross life insurance premiums may be higher than those offered by some other insurance companies.
• Limited features: While Blue Cross offers unique features such as child life insurance and accidental death coverage, these may not be necessary or useful for all policyholders.

Positive Blue Cross life insurance review

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Negative Blue Cross life insurance review

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Blue Cross Life Insurance products

1. term life insurance.

• Coverage amount: Blue Cross's life insurance policies offer coverage amounts ranging from $25,000 to $5 million, depending on the type of policy.
• Term lengths available: Blue Cross offers term life insurance with terms ranging from 10 to 40 years, whole life insurance, and universal life insurance.
• Riders: Blue Cross offers a range of riders, including critical illness rider, accidental death and dismemberment rider, children's rider, and waiver of premium rider.
• Exclusions: The specific exclusions depend on the type of policy and riders selected. Customers should carefully review their policy documents for details.
• Renewable or convertible: Blue Cross's term life insurance policies are renewable and convertible, which means that policyholders can renew their policy at the end of the term or convert it to a permanent policy without needing to undergo a medical exam.
• Uniqueness: Blue Cross offers unique features such as child life insurance , which provides coverage for a child's entire life, and accidental death coverage, which provides an additional benefit if the insured dies accidentally. Additionally, Blue Cross offers a range of health and wellness programs to its policyholders, which can help promote healthy living and prevent illness.

Bottom line:

The decision of whether or not BCAA life insurance is worth it depends on individual circumstances and needs.

For those who are looking for customizable life insurance policies with large coverage amounts, Blue Cross may be a good option. The lack of a medical exam requirement and availability of additional riders may also make it an attractive choice for some.

FAQ: Blue Cross Life insurance life insurance

‍ what types of insurance does blue cross offer ‍.

Blue Cross offers a range of insurance products, including life insurance, health insurance, dental insurance, travel insurance, and more.

Who is eligible for Blue Cross coverage? ‍

Eligibility for Blue Cross coverage depends on the specific product. For example, life insurance policies may have age restrictions or health requirements, while travel insurance may not cover certain destinations or pre-existing conditions. It's important to review the policy details carefully to determine eligibility.

How do I file a claim with Blue Cross? ‍

The process for filing a claim with Blue Cross depends on the type of insurance product. Generally, claims can be submitted online through the Blue Cross member portal, by email, or by phone. Instructions for filing a claim will be provided in the policy documents.

Does Blue Cross offer group insurance for businesses? ‍

Yes, Blue Cross offers group insurance for businesses, including health, dental, and life insurance. Group insurance policies can be customized to fit the needs of the business and its employees.

How long has Blue Cross been in business? ‍

Blue Cross has been providing insurance coverage to Canadians for over 70 years, with a focus on promoting health and wellness and providing reliable and affordable insurance options.

What is Blue Cross's customer service phone number? ‍

The customer service phone number for Blue Cross varies depending on the specific product and location. Contact information can be found on the Blue Cross website or in the policy documents.

Who owns Blue Cross insurance?

Blue Cross Life Insurance is owned by the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans, a not-for-profit organization that operates as an alliance of independent Blue Cross member organizations across Canada. These member organizations work collaboratively to provide health and travel insurance products to individuals , families, and groups across the country.

The Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans is not owned by any individual or company, but rather by its member organizations. The member organizations operate autonomously within their respective provinces or territories, but share the common goal of providing reliable, affordable insurance products and exceptional customer service to their policyholders.

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Laura McKay

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