Winter 2025
Retirement on your mind? Check out our guide on financial planning
Retirement can be exciting and opens doors to all sorts of possibilities—travel, new hobbies or maybe even volunteering. However, it does require a significant amount of financial planning. Our popular financial guide for retirement can be very helpful. You’ll find all kinds of information—from credit scores to types of available income and our health care system. A quick tip: as an Alberta Blue Cross plan member, you may be eligible for preferred rates on our Retiree plan.
Last few days of Bonus February at Balance®
If you haven’t already completed your Health Risk Assessment (HRA) on Balance®, do it in February and receive 1,000 bonus points. Use these points to bid on prizes within Balance®. You can even earn more points by completing Learn & Earn modules. Plus, the Reward Store just got bigger! There are over $140,000 in prizes up for grabs in 2025, including almost 7,500 gift cards. Cara Food, Costco and Home Depot are the newest retailers to join you on your health journey. Staying healthy has never been this rewarding. Balance® is available through the member site.
Canadians choose off-peak travel as costs rise: Blue Cross Travel Study
Travel may be getting expensive, but Canadians are finding smart ways to adapt, according the 2025 Blue Cross Travel Study. Almost 81% travellers have made adjustments, with many choosing off-peak seasons, budget-friendly destinations or shorter trips. With costs top of mind, 55% of Albertans see financial security as an important factor in their travel plans—helping them explore with greater confidence. Beyond cost pressures that are amplified by a weaker dollar, many want to avoid over-touristed areas and factor in climate change concerns when choosing a destination. Albertans, especially, are seeking off-the-beaten-path locations.
Travel coverage on credit cards not enough
Planning on relying on your credit card for your travel insurance needs? According to a Canadian Press article, credit cards often offer limited coverage for customers over the age of 55 “in anticipation of increased medical issues”. Financial experts say while travel insurance might have upfront costs, it’s worth the investment. “I would rather not have to panic or worry if my flight is cancelled and I don’t have any compensation in place,” a travel expert was quoted as saying. Our travel insurance page has all the details if you’re curious about what is covered and savings with our annual plans.
Start 2025 right. Review your coverage needs
We’re more than a month into 2025 and by now, most of us have an idea about our goals for this year. We won’t jinx them by calling them resolutions, but you get the drift. It’s also a great time to ensure you have the right coverage for your needs. You may have plans to travel more or perhaps your medication requirements have changed. Or maybe you just need the option of higher paramedical maximums. To review or change your level of coverage, you can do so at any time on the member site.
Fraud Prevention Month is almost here
March is Fraud Prevention Month—a perfect time to focus on protecting ourselves and our communities from fraud. It’s a reminder of the importance of integrity, transparency and ethical practices. We’re committed to these values and our safe disclosure policy ensures that concerns can be reported anonymously and without fear of retaliation. If you ever have a good-faith concern, you can call our independent third-party Confidence Line at 1-866-441-8477 or create a report online. Your voice matters!
Community Wellbeing grant recipients have been announced
This past year was big for our Community Wellbeing grant program. The program supports community organizations that promote health and wellbeing across Alberta. In 2024, we received a massive number of deserving applications leading us to increase the number of program recipients from 30 to 50! The full list of the 2024 grant recipients is on our website. Know of a similar organization that can benefit from the program? The application process reopens on March 4, 2025.
Fall 2024
Travelling to Mexico? You can’t carry both your laptop and tablet!
Many travelers have been fined for carrying too many electronic devices on their trip to the sun-kissed beaches of Mexico. For instance, you may have to pay a 19% duty on the value of one of the devices if you are carrying both a laptop and a tablet, or risk confiscation. Want a quick overview on electronics regulations in Mexico? Read our latest blog article here.
Timing matters when planning your retirement health coverage
Don’t wait until your last day at work to think about health benefits. Coming off an existing benefits plan, you have a 30–90-day window, depending on your benefits providers, to secure retiree coverage without interruption. Acting within this timeframe can save you from waiting periods for prescription and dental care. Our comprehensive retirement guide offers a lot of resources to help you plan your retirement with confidence.
Individual Assistance Program has got your back
Did you know your plan may include confidential professional counselling services at no extra cost? As part of our Individual Assistance Program (IAP), our partners at Homewood Health offer short-term, solution focused support in dealing with a range of life’s challenges – depression and anxiety to nutrition and weight management, addictions to relationship conflicts, addressing workplace challenges to taking financial control in life. Blue Choice®, Blue Assured®, Retiree and Young Adult plan members have access to 12 sessions. When you feel it’s the right time to ask for some help, register for IAP services online or by calling Homewood Health at 1-844-375-5399.
Winter eye protection: Keep your sunglasses handy
Winter is coming and your summer shades might have to work harder. The right pair cuts the glare from sunlight bouncing off of snow and creates a shield between your eyes and the dry, cold air. While your eyes won’t freeze (thanks, biology!), dryness can cause discomfort and red, watery eyes. Sign in to Balance® through the member site to learn how to protect your eyes during winter and you can earn points to bid on some great prizes.
Your plan level names have changed. Review your coverage now!
Starting October 23, 2024, we’ve updated our plan level names to make them clearer and more intuitive. These changes apply to Retiree, Blue Assured, and Young Adult plans, as well as Blue Choice plans purchased after October 2017.
Here’s how the names have changed:
- Level A is now Basic
- Level B is now Enhanced
- Level C is now Enhanced+
- Level D is now Premium
- Level E is now Premium+
(Young Adult plan only)
For example, if you previously had Level A Extended Health Benefits, you now have Basic Extended Health Benefits. While the change is only to the names and does not impact your coverage, it may be a good time to review your coverage and ensure they still match your needs. If you would like to review or change your level of coverage, you may do so at any time through the member site or app.
Now accepting applications for Indigenous scholarship program
The Alberta Blue Cross Indigenous scholarship program is accepting applications and is now open to Indigenous students in any year of study. The expanded scholarship program offers nine $1,500 scholarships every year to make post-secondary education financially more accessible for our Indigenous communities. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2025, and must include details on applicant’s community involvement, personal goals and financial need.
Holiday Service Schedule
While our offices are closed from December 25, 2024, to January 1, 2025, your benefits are always accessible. Visit our member site or app anytime to submit claims, upload documents, pay premiums, manage your account, and more. Your benefits don't take a holiday – access them 24/7 online.
Travelling over the holiday season?
If you plan to travel outside of Alberta during the holidays, don't wait – secure your travel insurance early. Purchase travel coverage online anytime. Our travel specialists will be available December 26, 27 and 30 from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm MST. Our regular hours will resume on January 2, 2025.
Postal service strike: What this means for you
Due to the current postal service strike, mail delivery is suspended nationwide. While these disruptions are beyond our control, we are committed to ensuring you have uninterrupted access to your benefits and that there are no disruptions in your claim payments or statements. Visit our postal service strike guide for more information. Step-by-step guides are available for all our online services.
Summer 2024
Travel stress-free with our Flight Delay Service
Now included with Blue Choice, Blue Assured, Young Adult and Retiree plans, our Flight Delay Service provides protection against unexpected expenses. It includes access to an airport lounge for delays of 3 hours or more and access to a hotel room and $50 per person allowance, up to a maximum of $200 per policy for delays of 6 hours or more. Be sure to register at least 24 hours in advance of your trip.
Wellness travel tips for snowbirds
As snowbirds plan their next adventure, we offer wellness tips focused on health and safety during winter travels. These include consulting healthcare providers, ensuring sufficient medication supplies, checking travel advisories and securing comprehensive travel insurance. Thorough preparation ensures both safety and enjoyment during your trip.
Your 5 top questions about retirement benefits answered
Retirement can be confusing and overwhelming for some. That's why we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions into a single, easy-to-read, discussion-style article. You’ll find answers to your questions and a link to another valuable resource: our comprehensive guide to retirement.
Our Built Together program is now accepting applications
Is your community in need of a new or improved active living space? Our Built Together program aims to support healthier and more active lifestyles for communities across Alberta. It focuses on promoting physical activity by awarding grants of $50,000 to support active living spaces. We invite community leagues, school councils, municipalities or other non-profit community groups or organizations with new projects to apply for this program. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your community's physical activity amenities and make a lasting impact.
Young Adult plan members: Stay in touch with healthcare providers through Virtual Care
Get the help you need, when you need it. Our Young Adult plan is designed to help you maintain and support your health and give you peace of mind with benefits that focus on prevention, such as virtual care. This benefit gives Young Adult plan members remote access to healthcare via video or phone consultations with professionals. It offers effective and timely medical support without the hassle of in-person visits. Covering a broad spectrum of health issues, virtual care ensures plan members can stay in touch with healthcare providers 24/7.
Are you a Face of Wellness?
Our fourth annual Faces of Wellness program launched August 1 and runs until October 1. We’re accepting applications and nominations from Albertans who champion wellness and have embraced the courage to overcome. Those recognized as faces of wellness have the chance to win amazing wellness-themed prizes including the grand prize of a weekend away in the Alberta Rockies.
Spring 2024
Travelling this summer? Don’t forget travel insurance
While some of our plans already include travel insurance, opting for additional protection with our Trip Cancellation or Interruption ensures you are covered for the unexpected. This add-on also includes Flight Delay Service to give you access to an airport lounge for delays of 3 hours or more and access to a hotel room for delays of 6 hours or more.
Hello Fresh is now part of the Blue Advantage discount program
Looking for a break of cooking every day? Get 20 free meals for dinner over the next 8 weeks with this Hello Fresh offer, now available on Blue Advantage. Whether you’re on a group or individual plan, you get access to discounts from over 100 businesses.
Help them plan ahead with our Young Adult plan
Have kids graduating school soon and no longer qualify to remain on your plan based on their age? Our Young Adult plan is designed to help you maintain and support your child’s health and give you peace of mind with health and dental benefits that focus on prevention. It also offers customizable coverage on mental health services, prescription drugs, paramedical practitioners and dental services.
Thinking about retirement? Check out our Retirement guide
Regardless of when you retire, there’s lots to consider when planning your retirement, including health and dental benefits. Retirees should consider enrolling in a benefits plan for peace of mind and to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for drugs, vision and medical devices. There are options to continue to support your wellness so you can start your retirement worry free.
What you need to know about the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
The CDCP is a federal government program that provides dental coverage for those meeting specific eligibility criteria. While navigating the eligibility requirements can be challenging, we are here to help you understand what has been released about the plan so far.
The Hearts of Blue annual report is now available
Hearts of Blue supported 45 charities in 2023 and donated more than $67,000 to organizations across Alberta. The continued support from Alberta Blue Cross® team members made our dream a reality for these organizations. Discover the difference we made in our community and help us keep the momentum going in 2024.
Fall 2023
Help them plan ahead with our Young Adult Plan
Have kids graduating school soon and no longer qualify to remain on your plan based on their age? Our Young Adult plan is designed to help you maintain and support your overage dependent’s health and give you peace of mind with health and dental benefits that focus on prevention for your child. It also offers customizable coverage on mental health services, prescription drugs, paramedical practitioners and dental services.
Personal life insurance: plan the future
Life insurance offers you, and your loved ones, protection and peace of mind. In the event of a death, life insurance provides your loved ones with a death benefit—a tax-free, lump sum payment to help take care of their financial needs. This can help cover mortgage payments, funeral costs, living expenses and tuition costs. You can choose between term or whole life insurance or even opt with additional protections specifically tailored to your needs.
Keep your information up to date
You can update your information anytime, anywhere with our user-friendly member site and mobile app. By keeping your information up to date, you ensure the fast and efficient treatment of your claims.
Travelling soon? Be protected with our extensive travel insurance packages.
Whether it's a dream getaway or just a regular trip, no one wants their travel or vacation interrupted. A lot can happen while travelling: illness, accidents, lost bags, or flight delays. Our travel insurance plans give you peace of mind and let you enjoy your trip by offering protection with emergency medical care, trip cancellation or interruption, flight delay service and much more.
Do you know about Blue Advantage?
Savings are available to Blue Cross® members across Canada. Whether you’re on a group or individual plan, you get access to discounts from over 100 businesses. The list of participating providers is continuously expanding to provide members with great savings on various products and services. Get discounts on medical services and products, fitness center memberships, food delivery services and more.
Find the Balance® in your life
Living a healthy lifestyle can be demanding with all that life throws at us. This is where Balance® comes into play: an easy-to-use, comprehensive, online tool to help you stay healthy. To help keep you motivated, every time you take a step to maintain or improve your health, learn about different health conditions or utilize the trackers such as the medication tracker, you earn points that can be redeemed for a chance to win great prizes. Access Balance® through the Alberta Blue Cross® secure site for plan members.
Summer 2023
Are you a face of wellness?
The Faces of Wellness program is once again accepting applications. This program celebrates Albertans who are champions for wellness—who make the most of life while living with a chronic condition, act as a role model for others, make positive lifestyle changes toward becoming healthier, and more. From August 1 to October 1, 2023, nominate yourself or someone else for the chance to win wellness-themed prizes, including the grand prize of a weekend away in the Alberta Rockies.
Travel insurance: all you need to know
Got travel on your mind? When travelling in Canada or internationally, know what travel insurance you have and what add-ons you may need to purchase. Embark on your next trip with peace of mind with our add-ons such as emergency medical care, trip cancellation of interruption to baggage loss coverage.
Is your young adult covered?
Time flies—it’s almost time for students to go back to school. Designed to protect young adults as they venture off on their own, our Young Adult plan—the first health and dental plan developed specifically for those 18 to 29 years old—helps them maintain and support their health with benefits that focus on prevention.
Reach your wellness goals with Balance®
Finish the summer strong with the support of Balance®, a free digital wellness solution that helps keep your physical, mental, social and financial wellbeing on track. Earn double the points when you complete a Health Risk Assessment (HRA) during the month of August. By completing an HRA, you can earn 1,000 points to bid on great rewards ranging from $10 to $220 in value. To access Balance®, sign into our member site or app and select ‘Benefits’ then ‘Balance’ from the main menu.
Leave your loved ones well cared for
Having life insurance means protecting your loved ones in the event of death. This death benefit—a tax-free, lump sum payment—helps alleviate your beneficiaries’ financial burden and take care of their needs. Life insurance becomes increasingly important when you get married, have a baby, buy a house, need to support your aging parents financially, carry a loan or debt, or are self-employed. With our life insurance plans, you can protect the health, wellness and financial stability of you and your loved ones. Learn more about our life insurance plans, including Term Life Insurance and Whole Life Insurance.
Spring 2023
Discover the Young Adult plan
We recently launched our Young Adult plan, designed to provide young Albertans between 18 and 29 years old with the coverage they need such as increased mental health support, dental coverage and more—so they can go through new life experiences worry-free. Read about the Young Adult plan’s offerings and hear from Alberta Blue Cross’s® vice-president of Individual Products, Nirmal Singh, about the importance of the plan through a personal story.
What will you build?
Applications are now open for the Built Together grant program. This program helps Albertans build spaces that foster active living in communities across the province. Whether it be outdoor gyms, cycling paths, playgrounds, skate parks, sports courts or outdoor rinks, the program is intended to support Albertans to live their best lives. Each year, five $50,000 grants are awarded for projects in one of each of the following areas: Edmonton, Calgary, a secondary city, rural community and an Indigenous community. Funding for this program is provided through the ABC Benefits Corporation Foundation. Community leagues, school councils, municipalities or other non-profit community groups or organizations can apply for the grant today.
Balance®—ask the experts
Balance® now has an embedded library of videos from Canadian wellness experts providing members with practical advice on topics in nutrition and physical, financial and mental wellbeing. There are already over 50 videos to watch and new videos will be uploaded every quarter. Earn Balance® points for watching, rating or submitting 1 question or topic suggestion for consideration each month. To access ®, sign into our member site or app and select ‘Benefits,’ then ‘Balance’ from the main menu.
Healthy food prescription incentive study
As part of our commitment to supporting the wellness of Albertans, we partnered with the University of Calgary to investigate if healthy food subsidies for food-insecure Albertans living with Type 2 diabetes can help them better manage their condition. This research study will be conducted by the University of Calgary and is funded by Alberta Health Services, Alberta Innovates and Alberta Blue Cross®. If you’re between the ages of 18 to 85, are living with Type 2 diabetes and have trouble affording food, you may be eligible to participate.
Retirement benefits: what you should know
"Why would I need coverage beyond what the provincial government provides? Do you offer extended benefit coverage?" You asked, we answered. Check out the answers to the top 5 questions we get asked about retirement benefits including the difference between government-sponsored plans and personal coverage.
Travel insurance packages that suit your needs
Travel insurance is an integral part of any trip. But choosing the right plan and add-ons to create coverage that’s perfectly designed for you is easier said than done. Travel insurance doesn’t have to be overwhelming—and we provide recommendations to help you make decisions you can feel good about. Discover our suite of travel packages today.
Winter 2023
Make the most of your next travel adventure
Planning for an upcoming trip? While no one wants to think about what could go wrong, an illness, accident, lost baggage or a flight delay can happen. But when it does, Alberta Blue Cross® travel insurance is there for you with 24/7 travel assistance, emergency medical care, flight delay service and more.
Fraud is everywhere—and seniors are most at risk
March is Fraud Prevention Month. Did you know that fraud is the number one crime against older Canadians? With recent reports of a new scam attempting to defraud seniors by promising health care payments, we are reminding seniors to be vigilant against fraud and have compiled handy tips to help older Albertans protect themselves from fraud and scams.
Retiring? Make the decision that’s right for you with our retirement guide
Are you starting to think about retirement? There is lots to consider when planning your retirement, including health and dental benefits. Retirees should consider enrolling in a benefits plan for peace of mind and to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for drugs, vision and medical devices. Check out our guide designed to help you understand the complexity of retirement health benefits, so you can start your retirement worry-free.
How to obtain a tax receipt for medical expenses
Using our member site or app, you can check your total amount of claims and view your receipts of paid premiums. Premiums paid and unpaid balances for health and dental benefits may be claimed as medical deductions on your income taxes, providing you meet the overall threshold for medical expenses to be claimed. In most cases, a paper receipt is not required when filing your taxes—just fill in the total on your tax form. You can check what medical expenses are eligible to claim on your tax return on the Canada Revenue Agency website.
Reach your wellness goals with Balance®
Reach your 2023 goals with the support of Balance®, a free digital wellness solution that helps keep your physical, mental, social and financial wellbeing on track. To access Balance®, sign into our member site or app and select ‘Benefits,’ then ‘Balance’ from the main menu.
Thinking micro can have a macro impact on your wellness goals
Many of us set new intentions for the new year but maintaining them can be challenging. In this blog, we give you practical tips to make your health and wellness journey more manageable. Learn how to use micro-habits to tackle your resolutions, starting with the small actions that can lead to big results.