Frequently asked questions

You will be covered for emergency medical expenses if you have not had any symptoms or a diagnosis in the 90 days before your departure date. If you test positive during your trip, you will be covered for the cost of taking a COVID-19 test when prescribed by a physician following a medical emergency or sudden illness.

For when you or travel partner test positive for COVID-19 and need to stay at your destination

Some costs related to COVID-19 may be covered. If you purchased Trip Cancellation or Interruption coverage before November 1, 2022 or Optional Protection: Pandemic coverage, your insurance contract will be extended free of charge for:

Will I have coverage for COVID-19 if I test positive while travelling within Canada?

If you are sick or injured due to COVID-19 while travelling within Canada, most costs will be coordinated through your provincial health plan, but not all. For example, if you are hospitalized within Canada:

You could be subject to another provincial government restriction. For example:

Emergency travel benefits do not cover quarantine expenses. We encourage you to check the government recommendations and restrictions for the province you are travelling to closer to your travel date.

What happens if I need to quarantine at my destination?

If you or your travel partner test positive for COVID-19 during your trip and you need to stay at your destination, your insurance contract will be extended free of charge for:

Does Alberta Blue Cross ® cover COVID-19 testing at my destination or prior to boarding my flight home to Canada?

The cost of taking a COVID-19 test while travelling is covered when prescribed by a physician following a medical emergency or sudden illness.

Will I be reimbursed by Trip Cancellation or Interruption insurance if my travel agency or airline offers me a travel credit?

No, you will not be able to submit a claim for this amount if your service provider (travel agency or airline) offers a travel credit.

If I have been previously diagnosed with COVID-19, am I still eligible to buy travel insurance?

You are eligible to purchase travel coverage if you haven’t been diagnosed with COVID-19 and you aren’t showing symptoms of COVID-19 within the 90 days prior to your departure date.

I purchased and received a COVID-19 vaccine in another country. Can I claim the cost on my Alberta Blue Cross ® benefit plan?

COVID-19 vaccinations can be claimed under your Health Spending Account as long as they are submitted with all the required information, such as the pharmacy receipt, Drug Identification Number (DIN), patient’s name and any other relevant information.

Will I have emergency medical coverage if I go on a cruise?

Yes, the Government of Canada lifted its notice advising Canadians to avoid all cruise travel. Emergency medical coverage will cover you if you get sick or injured due to COVID-19.

Other

Am I covered if I travel to Ukraine or Russia?

There are some limitations to your coverage in the event of war. Please give our travel specialists a call at 1-800-394-1965.

Do you have travel insurance plans for seniors and snowbirds?

Yes we do! We have single-trip emergency medical plans, Trip Cancellation or Interruption coverage, Baggage loss coverage, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment for seniors. Whether escaping the snow to go to Arizona or adventure-seeking in Europe, seniors can get coverage with Alberta Blue Cross ® .

Should I purchase travel insurance while travelling in Canada?

We recommend purchasing travel insurance when travelling within Canada. Medically necessary health care services—hospital care and physician services—are typically covered in other provinces, but additional services like ambulance, hospital transfers, air ambulance and repatriation to your province are not covered. The additional coverage provided by our medical travel insurance goes beyond what is covered by the provincial government and helps keep medical costs in check.

Does my vaccination status affect my premiums?

No, your vaccination status does not affect whether you are eligible for insurance or your premium costs.

Changing travel plans

Can I change the dates on my travel insurance contract?

If you purchased travel insurance through a broker or travel agency, it's best to call them to confirm. If you purchased a plan directly from us, give our travel specialist a call at 1-800-394-1965.

I already purchased Alberta Blue Cross ® travel insurance, but I decided to stay longer than planned—what should I do?

Our single-trip and multi-trip annual plans can be extended. For a single-trip, you’ll need to call us before the return date of your original travel agreement. For multi-trip annual plans, you need to call us before the trip exceeds the maximum stay of your annual plan.

I already have travel insurance included in my Alberta Blue Cross ® employer or personal health plan, but I am travelling longer than it allows. Can I get the additional days’ coverage I need from you?

Of course you can! We will also give you a discount for this extension—just for being a valued Alberta Blue Cross ® member. Unfortunately, you can’t purchase your additional days of travel online, but please give us a call at 1-800-394-1965 and we can set you up. Make sure you call prior to the end of the existing trip limit on your employer or personal health plan.

Learn more about Emergency Medical Care coverage

What is covered by emergency medical insurance?

It covers medical or related expenses caused by an accident or emergency when you’re outside of Alberta. Our emergency medical travel insurance covers medical costs up to $5 million with optional deductibles to reduce premiums. Covered costs can include:

Does emergency medical insurance cover COVID-19-related expenses?

Emergency medical insurance will cover the cost of taking a COVID-19 test when prescribed by a physician following a medical emergency or sudden illness.

If you or your travel partner test positive for COVID-19 during your trip and you need to stay at your destination, your insurance contract will be extended free of charge for:

Can I add Trip Cancellation or Interruption coverage?

You can add it to our Emergency Medical Care plan. If you have existing coverage through your employer, you can still add Trip Cancellation or Interruption coverage to further protect your trip.

Do you provide Emergency Medical Care to seniors?

We provide quality medical coverage for seniors. Review our coverage options or give us a call to learn more.

What trip activities are covered?

Our travel plans are designed for Albertans looking to enjoy a relaxed vacation, so depending on the kinds of activities you want to do, there is a limit on what Alberta Blue Cross ® will cover. Activities that we consider to be extreme sports will not be eligible for coverage should you get hurt. In other words, if it’s not considered a traditional sport, or it’s made extreme and dangerous by modifying the equipment or locale, the claim isn’t likely to be covered. Here are some examples of extreme sports:

Be sure to read the exclusions, limitations and definition section of your contract for more details.

Learn more about Trip Cancellation or Interruption coverage

Is COVID-19 an eligible reason for trip cancellation or interruption?

Some costs related to COVID-19 may be covered. If you purchased Trip Cancellation or Interruption coverage before November 1, 2022 or Optional Protection: Pandemic coverage, you could be covered when:

See your travel insurance policy for more information.

If you wish to cancel or postpone your trip due to COVID-19, first contact your service provider (e.g., travel agency or air carrier) that sold your trip to request a refund or postponement. Then, please contact our customer service agents to explain your situation.

Trip Cancellation or Interruption coverage purchased after November 1, 2022 without Optional Protection: Pandemic coverage will not cover costs due to COVID-19 or any other pandemic.

Am I covered if my flights are delayed due to weather?

Bad, unpredictable weather is the cause of many flight delays or cancellations. If you purchased a travel insurance plan from us, it includes Flight Delay Service. This service offers access to an airport lounge, hotel room or per person allowance, depending on how long the delay is.

When should I buy Trip Cancellation or Interruption coverage?

It’s best to buy as soon as you book your trip. Cancellation insurance protects you from unexpected circumstances that arise before you leave.

Can I add this to my existing medical travel insurance plan?

You can add Trip Cancellation or Interruption coverage to your existing medical travel insurance plan, whether it’s through your employer or a personal plan.

Get a quote

Finding the right coverage you need for your trip starts with a quote. Get started online or give our travel team a call. We are here to help you.

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Alberta Blue Cross ®

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10009 108 St NW
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 3C5

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Land acknowledgement

We begin by acknowledging that we are on traditional lands, referred to as Treaty 6, Treaty 7 and Treaty 8 territory, and all the people here are beneficiaries of these peace and friendship treaties.

This territory is the home for many Indigenous Peoples, including the Blackfoot, Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Ojibwe, Stoney Nakota Sioux, and Tsuut’ina peoples, and the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis Settlements.

We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to moving forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.

©Copyright 2024 ABC Benefits Corporation. All rights reserved. ®* The Blue Cross ® symbol and name are registered marks of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans ® , an association of independent Blue Cross ® plans. Licensed to ABC Benefits Corporation for use in operating the Alberta Blue Cross Plan ® . ®† Blue Shield is a registered trade-mark of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

Life, disability and travel insurance plans are underwritten by various underwriters. For information, visit ab.bluecross.ca/underwriters.

Alberta Blue Cross ®

Head office
10009 108 St NW
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 3C5

Our company

Support

Our sites

Connect with us

Download our member app

Land acknowledgement

We begin by acknowledging that we are on traditional lands, referred to as Treaty 6, Treaty 7 and Treaty 8 territory, and all the people here are beneficiaries of these peace and friendship treaties.

This territory is the home for many Indigenous Peoples, including the Blackfoot, Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Ojibwe, Stoney Nakota Sioux, and Tsuut’ina peoples, and the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis Settlements.

We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to moving forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.

©Copyright 2024 ABC Benefits Corporation. All rights reserved. ®* The Blue Cross ® symbol and name are registered marks of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans ® , an association of independent Blue Cross ® plans. Licensed to ABC Benefits Corporation for use in operating the Alberta Blue Cross Plan ® . ®† Blue Shield is a registered trade-mark of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

Life, disability and travel insurance plans are underwritten by various underwriters. For information, visit ab.bluecross.ca/underwriters.