Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Plans

Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Plans

Please click on a question below to see the answer.

1. How do I get the discount on travel coverage if I already have Extended Health or Dental coverage from Pacific Blue Cross?

   If you have a Pacific Blue Cross Extended Health Care and/or Dental plan you are eligible to receive a discount of 10% or more off your Travel Insurance premium. Simply enter your extended health or dental policy number and any applicable discounts will be automatically applied to your purchase.

2. Can I pay by cheque?

   When applying online, you must pay by using a major credit card.

   However, you can mail in an application and enclose a cheque payable to Pacific Blue Cross for the premium. You can also come into our office and apply. Pacific Blue Cross must receive your application and cheque before you depart from BC.

3. How do I make a claim?

   Phone us at:
   604 419-2800 or toll free at 1 866 971-2800

   Write to us at:
   Pacific Blue Cross
   Travel Claims
   PO Box 7000
   Vancouver BC V6B 4E1

   E-mail us at: inhealth@pac.bluecross.ca

4. How do I appeal a claim decision?
   If you wish to appeal a decision about a recent claim, contact our Call Centre. Often an appeal can be avoided by simply providing you with more information about your claim or what is covered by your plan.
   
   If one of our service representatives is unable to resolve the matter with you, they can escalate your request to a Benefit Review Committee for further review. They will explain how to file an appeal and help you to provide all relevant information regarding your claim.
5. Who should I contact in an Emergency?

   CanAssistance
   Within Canada and the USA: 1 888 699–9333
   For all other countries: 1 604 419-4487 collect

6. What if I stay longer than original trip length?

   You can purchase an extension on your existing policy. Travel Extensions must be purchased before your policy expires.

   Phone: 604 419-2200

   Fax: 604 419-2199

   E-mail: inhealth@pac.bluecross.ca

7. Why do I need Travel Insurance?

   You should be aware that your provincial coverage may not pay for all health care costs you may incur while outside of the province, and the difference can be substantial. For example, B.C. pays $75 (CAD) a day for emergency in-patient hospital care, while the average cost in the U.S. often exceeds $1000 (US) a day, and can be as high as $10,000 (US) a day in intensive care. For this reason, you are strongly advised to purchase additional health insurance from a private insurer before you leave the province, whether you are going to another part of Canada or outside the country. You are advised to purchase additional coverage even if you plan to be away for only a day.

8. Do I need Travel Insurance if I travel in Canada?

   Our Government health plan covers a limited amount of expenses that are incurred outside the province. A Travel Plan will pick up costs not covered by our Government health plan.

9. Who should I contact if I have an illness or accident while I am traveling?

   If the Covered person needs health care while out of the province, he/she must call CanAssistance immediately. Within Canada and the USA: 1 888 699–9333. From all other countries: 1 604 419-4487 collect. Please have your travel certificate number and your Care Card number ready.

10. Is your plan first payer?

    If you have an Extended Health Plan with Pacific Blue Cross, your Travel Plan will be first payer. This protects the lifetime limit on your Extended Health Plan.

11. Why are you asking for my Care Card Number?

    In order for you to qualify to purchase travel insurance, you must have a valid Care Card number. Although, you are not required to provide it at time of purchase, we may request it later in order to process your claim.

12. Why are you asking for my Social Insurance Number (SIN)?

    In order to process a claim we may require your Social Insurance Number. Although, you are not required to provide at time of purchase, we may request it later.

13. What is the difference between a Single Trip plan and Multiple Trip plan?

    A Single Trip plan will provide insurance coverage for one trip. If you are planning to travel more than once per year, you can save money by purchasing a Multiple Trip plan.

14. Why should I purchase Multiple Trip plan instead of Single Trip plan?

    If you take more than 2 trips per year, it may be less expensive to buy 1 Multiple Trip plan instead of 2 or more Single Trip plans. For example, if you are in the 0 - 34 age group, you take two 15 day trips in one year and if you purchase two Single Trip plans, it would cost you $86 for both plans. Alternatively, if you purchase one 15-day Multiple Trip plan, the cost would be $52. Plus you will be covered for any more trips (up to 15 days in length) taken within the year.

15. Which Multiple Trip Plan should I purchase?

    Determine how long your average trip is going to be and buy a plan based on that length of trip. If necessary, you can extend some of your trips that are longer in duration.

16. What is trip cancellation?

    This benefit will provide reimbursement of your travel costs if your trip is cancelled before departure due to a covered risk.