COVID-19 Resource Centre

Pacific Blue Cross has developed an online resource to help you and your family stay safe, healthy and informed. It will be updated regularly.

Learn more below  BC's COVID-19 Vaccination Plan

What can Members do to help?

We ask that you help us fight the spread of COVID-19 by encouraging social and physical distancing.  Please remember to go digital and get claims paid directly to your bank account:

  • If you already have a Member Profile, sign-in and update your banking information through the Account section
  • Don’t have a Member Profile yet? Register today.
  • For individually purchased plans to ensure continuous coverage ask us to switch your payments to a credit card

 

Your health & wellbeing with Pacific Blue Cross

We realize that with all the changes in the world, it can be a difficult time for you and your family. We want you to comfort knowing your group benefits or personally purchased health plan is here for you. These benefits vary from plan to plan and the details can be found anytime on our website or mobile app.

Member Profile Download our Mobile App

 

Digital, Virtual & Telehealth Care


As the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues to evolve, and we fight the spread of the virus through physical distancing – it has changed the way we access health care. Here is a list to help you look after the health and wellbeing of you and your family. Coverage varies from plan to plan so be sure to check your coverage on your Member Profile.

Health Services:
We accept eligible claims for these health services. Check your coverage and contact your provider for digital, virtual and telehealth care solutions.
  • Registered counselling
  • Psychological services
  • Naturopathic services
  • Speech therapy services
As of March 24, 2020, Pacific Blue Cross will allow the following:
  • Physiotherapy - Subsequent treatments
  • Chiropractic services - Subsequent treatments

As of April 27, 2020, Pacific Blue Cross will allow the following:

  • Occupational therapy services
  • Dietitian services
  • Hearing services
  • Physiotherapy – Initial treatments
  • Chiropractic Services – Initial treatments

More information about Telehealth and Virtual Care services

 


 

Dental Services
Check your coverage and contact your dentist for digital, virtual and telehealth solutions.

 


 

Home Delivery of Prescription Medication
Get a full pharmacy experience from the comfort of your home. Connect with a pharmacist, refill prescriptions and get ongoing disease management.  See our preferred pharmacy network for solutions.

 


 

Mental Health Support
If you or a loved one need mental health support, we’ve put together some helpful resources.

 


 

Health Risk Assessment
Get a free health profile, access wellness articles and tips while you create action plans to improve your health and wellbeing. Just sign-in to your Member Profile and click “Digital Wellness Tools” to get started.

 


 

Disability Case Management
From our Pacific Blue Cross work & wellness team comes remote case planning, return to work planning & remote rehabilitation expertise. 

 


 

COVID-19 Information & Self-Assessment
For information and self-assessment, the following COVID-19 BC Support App is available to you in partnership with the BC Ministry of Health.

 


 

Access a Virtual Clinic
Use these free virtual clinics that allows you to book virtual appointments with BC-based doctors at your convenience.

 

B.C.'s doctors are now available to provide care to patients using telephone or video.

In person services

Providers are working closely with the Ministry of Health to offer you safe, in-person services. Learn more about what your experience will look like below.

Health Services

Chiropractic Massage Therapy Naturopathy Nursing Optometry Physiotherapy Podiatry Psychology Speech and Hearing Acupunture


Dental Services

Dentists and certified dental specialists have received guidelines from the Provincial Health Officer, the College of Dental Surgeons of BC and WorkSafeBC to ensure safe, in-person services.

Dentists Dental Hygienists Denturists


Pharmacy Services

Pharmacies continue to provide in-person services. Contact your local pharmacy for more information on what to expect for your next visit. Find a pharmacy near you through our Preferred Pharmacy Network.

Learn More


Pacific Blue Cross Services

Our walk-in centre is temporarily closed until further notice.

Our COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan

 

Managing health and wellbeing during COVID-19

 



Frequently Asked Questions

As BC’s health benefits society, the health and wellbeing of our members and their families is of paramount importance. Pacific Blue Cross has developed an online resource to help address benefit-related questions we are receiving about the COVID-19 pandemic and your benefits.

 

If you have group benefits (extended health) plan

  1. What am I covered for under my Extended Health Plan in regards to COVID-19?

    Group benefits vary from plan to plan.  For details visit your Pacific Blue Cross Member Profile

  2. What am I covered for under the travel insurance provider by my employer through our group extended health plan?

    If you have travel insurance provided by your employer through your group extended health plan, be sure to check your benefits and coverage limitations, as well as the government travel advisories for your destination(s) before you travel. Your plan includes a pre-travel service through Medi-Assist which can help provide information on Government Advisories and recommended vaccinations for your destinations. Call 1-888-699-9333 (toll-free within Canada or the US) to learn more.

If you have prescription medication coverage

  1. Can I get early refills on my prescription or buy larger quantities to see me through this crisis?

    If you have questions about your prescription(s) please reach out to your pharmacist.

    Stocking up on larger quantities of medicines can create challenges for others. Your pharmacist will work with you to determine your best options for early refills and prescription quantities. They will use their best judgment to ensure that everyone gets the medicines they need to support overall health and wellness.

    Pacific Blue Cross supports the recommendations put forth by the British Columbia College of Pharmacists determining best practices for Early Refills and Emergency Supplies.

    The BC Pharmacy Association has created an information sheet for patients to help you understand the regulations around prescription renewals and emergency refills.

  2. Are you looking for a pharmacy in your area?

    Pacific Blue Cross has a robust Preferred Pharmacy Network to support affordable  access for your medications.

  3. Do I still need a trial of warfarin in order to be eligible for prior approval of certain anticoagulants?

    For Blue RX members, Pacific Blue Cross will align with PharmaCare to modify the criteria for initial coverage of the following anticoagulants so that a prior trial of warfarin therapy and subsequent lab tests will no longer be required. Affected drugs include:

    • Rivaroxaban (Xarelto®)
    • Apixaban (Eliquis®)
    • Edoxaban (Lixiana®)
    • Dabigatran (Pradaxa®)

    For further details, please refer to BC PharmaCare Newsletter Edition 20-006: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/health-drug-coverage/pharmacare/newsletters/news20-006.pdf

If you have Disability Coverage

  1. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, what do you need to do to get access to your disability benefits?

    Claims with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis will be processed and paid based on the regular guidelines.  An elimination period will be applied to all COVID-19 claims in line with policy provisions. An attending physician’s statement/positive test result will be required for COVID-19 claims. The insured and employer will be required to provide completed claim forms for COVID-19 claims.

  2. If you have been in contact with someone else who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, can you access your disability benefits?

    If you have been advised to self-monitor for symptoms because you may have been exposed to someone who is infected but don’t have any symptoms yourself, you will not be eligible for disability benefits. We suggest that you contact the HR department within your organization or apply for EI benefits.

  3. What if my organization decides to suspend operations temporarily, how will the disability benefits come into play?

    If your organization decides to suspend operations temporarily and you are asymptomatic, you will not be eligible for benefits.  You will need to speak to your organization to discuss payment options.   

  4. If you are traveling out of country and hospitalized for recovery and treatment of COVID-19, does the STD elimination period begin and could benefits be paid for a period you are not in Canada?

    If you are already out of country when you become ill and are hospitalized for treatment that is medically necessary, the terms of the policy would be met. If the claim is allowed, an elimination period will be applied in line with policy provisions. An attending physician’s statement/positive test result will be required for COVID-19 claims. The insured and employer will be required to provide completed claim forms for COVID-19 claims.

  5. If you are traveling out of country and are diagnosed with COVID-19 and medically directed to quarantine, does the STD elimination period begin and could benefits be paid for a period you are not in Canada?

    As quarantine is the medically necessary treatment for diagnosis of COVID-19, as an industry, we have determined that we will assess self-quarantine claims and consider up to the 14-day maximum.  While you are out of country, you would be following instructions of physicians; therefore, this would meet the terms of the policy.  If the claim is allowed, an elimination period will be applied in line with policy provisions, but the maximal period considered would be 14 days, subject to the other provisions of the policy. In this case, the fact that the diagnosis has been made implies that the quarantine has been medically directed (vs. self-quarantine which is not medically directed). An attending physician’s statement/positive test result will be required for COVID-19 claims. The insured and employer will be required to provide completed claim forms for COVID-19 claims.

  6. If you are traveling out of country and exposed to COVID-19 and decide to self-quarantine (no diagnosis), does the STD elimination period begin and could benefits be paid for a period you are not in Canada?

    An STD claim for quarantine and mild symptoms with no positive COVID-19 test does not meet the definition of disability under the policy and does not qualify for disability benefits. The claim will be denied, and the individual will be redirected to EI.

  7. If you are within Canada and exposed to COVID-19 and decide to self-quarantine (no diagnosis), does the STD elimination period begin and could benefits be paid?

    An STD claim for a quarantine with no positive COVID-19 test does not qualify for disability benefits.  The claim will be denied, and you will be redirected to EI.

  8. If you are directed to quarantine/self-isolate by the Government or a health care professional, are you eligible for disability benefits?

    An STD claim for a directed quarantine with no symptoms is not payable. You should be referred to EI for benefits.

  9. If I have flu-like symptoms, will the waiting period be waived as it is with COVID-19?

    If you file a Short Term Disability claim for flu-like symptoms but have not been tested for COVID-19, the case will be processed as a normal STD claim. The waiting period applies.   We will accept the updated Plan Member Confirmation of Illness Form (coming soon).

In the event that you are not eligible for disability benefits from your insurance provider, please visit Service Canada for financial support options.

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html

If you have Personal Health Insurance

For details on your personal health insurance plan visit your Pacific Blue Cross Member Profile

 

Individual Purchased Travel Insurance and COVID-19

For details on your individual travel plan and COVID-19, please visit our travel FAQ

 

About COVID-19

COVID-19 is the name of a disease caused by a new coronavirus that was first reported from Wuhan, China on December 31, 2019. There are now thousands of cases in various countries and regions around the world.  The Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for Canada. Public health risk is continually reassessed as new information becomes available. There are some confirmed cases in Canada so here are some facts to help keep you and your family safe, healthy and informed.
 

  1. What is a coronavirus?

    Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are typically associated with mild illness, similar to the common cold.  COVID-19 is a new disease that has not been previously identified in humans. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people, and more rarely, these can then spread from person to person through close contact. For details visit the Canadian Government website on Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Frequently asked questions (FAQ).

  2. What are the symptoms?

    Those who are infected with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms. You may not know you have symptoms of COVID-19 because they are similar to a cold or flu.

    Symptoms may take from 2 to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. This is the longest known infectious period for this disease.

    Symptoms have included:

    • Fever
    • Cough
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Pneumonia in both lungs

    Most people develop only mild symptoms. But some people, usually those with other medical complications, may develop more severe symptoms, which can be fatal.

  3. How do I prevent it?

    There are currently no vaccines available to protect you against COVID-19. In general, the following advice can help reduce the risk of infection or spreading infection to others:

    • stay home if you are sick
    • when coughing or sneezing:
      • cover your mouth and nose with your arm to reduce the spread of germs
      • dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible and wash your hands afterwards
    • wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
    • avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
    • avoid visiting people in hospitals or long-term care centres if you are sick

    If you want to know more visit Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Prevention and risks.

A few frequently asked questions about Travel Insurance

  1. 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.

  2. How does a Travel Advisory issued by the government affect travel coverage?

    Travel insurance policies often have limitations of coverage associated with accidents or diseases arising from travel to a location where the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory or health warning advising Canadians not to travel to this country, region or city.

    Important COVID-19 Travel Insurance information

    The Government of Canada has issued an official global advisory to avoid non-essential travel (Level 3) outside of the country to limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, coverage related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) will be affected:

    Travel Medical Insurance
    For trips that depart on or after March 13, 2020, Coronavirus (COVID-19) related illness will not be covered. You can learn more about how Government travel advisories impact coverage in our Travel Insurance FAQs.

    Trip Protection Insurance (Cancellations/Interruptions)
    Effective March 12, 2020, we are considering Coronavirus (COVID-19) to be a known event for individually purchased Trip Protection. Travel insurance is intended to cover losses arising from sudden and unforeseeable circumstances. Any claims resulting from events known to a policyholder at time purchasing the trip are not covered.

    These conditions will remain in effect until the advisory is lifted or otherwise stated by Pacific Blue Cross.

     

    If you purchased a Trip Protection plan prior to March 12, 2020 you will be covered for trip cancellation or interruption claims related to COVID-19.

    When the Canadian government issues an advisory to "avoid all travel" or "avoid non-essential travel" to your destination, that is considered an unexpected situation and is therefore eligible for Trip Protection (cancellation or interruption) benefits. However, your trip must have been purchased PRIOR TO the government issued advisory.

    Government Advisory Level
    TRAVEL MEDICAL PLAN

    Purchased as a stand-alone plan or part of a Package plan, Travel Medical provides coverage for:

    • Emergency medical
    • Hospitalization
    • Ambulance fees
    • Repatriation costs
    TRIP PROTECTION PLAN
    (STANDALONE OR PACKAGE)

    Purchased as a stand-alone plan or part of a Package plan, Trip Protection provides coverage for:

    • Trip cancellation, interruption, delay
    • Baggage
    • Air flight accident
    • Accidental death & dismemberment
    LVL 1 & 2
    NO IMPACT TO COVERAGE
    LVL 3 & 4
    When travelling without vaccination, or vaccine unavailable
    Advisory
    BEFORE DEPARTURE
    Travel
    Medical

    NOT COVERED
    Advisory
    AFTER DEPARTURE Travel
    Medical

    COVERED
    Advisory
    BEFORE TRIP PURCHASE
    Trip cancellation, interruption, delay

    NOT COVERED
    Advisory
    AFTER TRIP PURCHASE*
    Trip cancellation, interruption, delay

    COVERED
    LVL 3 & 4
    When travelling Fully Vaccinated
    Advisory
    BEFORE DEPARTURE
    Travel
    Medical

    COVERED
    Advisory
    AFTER DEPARTURE Travel
    Medical

    COVERED
    Advisory
    BEFORE TRIP PURCHASE
    Trip cancellation, interruption, delay

    NOT COVERED
    Advisory
    AFTER TRIP PURCHASE*
    Trip cancellation, interruption, delay

    COVERED
    • PBC advisory exclusion only applies to an outbreak of infectious disease. Not all infectious diseases have available vaccines.
    • Claims unrelated to the infectious disease are not impacted by advisories and will be paid according to contract terms.
    • This chart is for illustrative purposes only and does not form part of your contract. Full details are found in the Travel Policy.

    *As of March 12, 2020, COVID 19 remains a known event and is not covered under our Trip Protection plans.
    See Trip Protection section for additional information

     

    Travel Insurance is intended to protect consumers from sudden and unforeseen events that arise and leave them with out of pocket expenses that they did not expect to incur.

    When a Level 3 or 4 advisory is issued by the Government of Canada, they are stating that Canadians can expect to experience health or safety concerns and so should not travel.

    For any Trip Cancellation benefits, this means that a trip purchased after a Level 3 or 4 advisory is issued cannot be cancelled for the reason of this advisory. This is an expected event.

    For any Travel Medical or Interruption/Delay benefits, if you choose to depart on your trip after the Government of Canada has issued a Level 3 or 4 advisory, then all benefits on your plan are invalidated. You are not covered because it is expected that you could experience an issue causing a claim.

    When there are Regional Advisories — some parts of your trip are Level 1 and 2, but some parts are 3 or 4 — if you choose to travel to the Level 3 or 4 Advisory region, then none of your benefits will apply. It is expected that you could experience a claim — it is a known event.

    When Travel Advisories remain Level 1 or 2, all of your benefits are in force and applied according to the contract. This would include contracting COVID19 during your travel, or being delayed because of quarantine.

    This information applies to all of our plans, single trip or annual, stand alone or packaged.

    We always recommend that you read your travel policy booklet and check the Government of Canada website prior to any travel, especially when world conditions are changing rapidly.

    For any pre-travel trip destination questions such as travel advisory, shots, visas or safety concerns, please contact Medi-Assist who have the most up to date information for your destination.

    As always, our customer service representatives are here to help.

  3. What if I have Trip Protection Insurance and I decide not to travel?

    Trip Protection Insurance provides coverage when an unexpected situation impacts your travel plans. Deciding not to travel because you no longer want to go or you don’t think it will be safe (unless the Government of Canada has issued a general recommendation not to travel to the region) are not covered reasons. Check your policy’s details for a full explanation of what is covered.

  4. What does Trip Protection Insurance provide cover for?

    Trip Protection Insurance helps you recover non-refundable, prepaid expenses should an unexpected situation such as these arise:

    • An event that leads the Government of Canada to issue a general recommendation not to travel to the region (plan must be purchased prior to the Government’s recommendation)
    • Illness that requires a doctor’s attention prior to or hospitalization during your trip
    • Adverse weather conditions resulting in cancellations or delays
    • Unexpected death in the family
    • New pregnancy that would mean the Covered person would be travelling during the 33rd week or later of their pregnancy
    • Jury duty (except for Law enforcement officers)
    • Loss of employment (must be employed permanently for at least 1 consecutive year)
  5. Can I buy travel insurance if I have an existing medical condition?

    Yes - Regardless of any existing conditions, we always advise members to still purchase coverage, as it will protect against all other accidents not related to that condition.

    Travel insurance policies are designed to provide protection against unexpected emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption.

    Depending on your age and the condition pre-existing medical conditions are covered if they are stable for a certain time period (as specified in your policy) before your policy's effective date.

    It is important you review and understand any clauses or definitions in your chosen policy. Each travel insurance policy will uniquely define a pre-existing condition and there are many variations in wording. For example, policies may not cover conditions arising prior to the trip departure date:

    • that are unstable
    • where symptoms of an illness appeared
    • that have been diagnosed or treated
    • where medications have been changed

    Travel policies will also specify a time frame, based on your age that relates to the evaluation of your pre-existing conditions. This time frame could be as short as 3 months but could be 1 year, 5 years or longer.

    Some policies may provide coverage for your pre-existing conditions if you complete a more detailed medical questionnaire.

    When purchasing our travel policy, we will evaluate pre-existing conditions for people 60 years and younger based on their health within the previous 3 months prior to the day their coverage begins. For people age 61 and over, we evaluate based on their health within 6 months prior.