INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL PLANS 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS Coverage Designed for Manitobans...2 Travel Coverage is Important...2-3 Why Choose Manitoba Blue Cross?...3 Plan Description Deluxe Travel Health Plans...4-5 Tour Package Plan...6-7 Annual Travel Plan...8-9 Student Travel Health Plan...10-11 Trip Cancellation Plans...12-13 Travel Accident Plan...14 Travel Health Benefits...15 Automatic Extension Benefit...16 Accidental Death & Dismemberment Benefit Dismemberment Benefit...16 International Travel Assistance...17 Eligibility Eligibility...18-19 Extensions Extensions...20 Refunds...21 Frequently Asked Questions...22-25
This brochure is intended to assist you in understanding the terms and benefits of the Manitoba Blue Cross Travel Plans, and does not, in itself, constitute an agreement. For exact conditions, please see your Coverage Provisions.
COVERAGE DESIGNED FOR MANITOBANS / TRAVEL COVERAGE IS IMPORTANT Coverage Designed for Manitobans Manitoba Blue Cross has been providing travel health coverage to Manitobans for over 30 years and we are highly regarded in the province for our coverage. As a Manitoba company, we pride ourselves for being in tune to the needs of Manitobans when an unexpected accident or illness occurs while travelling. We offer six unique travel health products exclusively designed for the people of our province. Travel Coverage is Important Travel should be worry free, but unexpected illness or injury can occur. The difference between what Manitoba Health will pay and the actual cost may be substantial. Even when you are travelling within Canada, expenses do add up. Travel health coverage guards against loss of savings spent on unexpected emergency medical bills incurred outside of Manitoba. Also, many countries like Cuba and certain countries in Europe have begun requesting proof of health insurance before entry into the country is permitted. Your Manitoba Blue Cross travel health policy will meet this requirement. 2
Why Choose Manitoba Blue Cross? We re local and have a firm understanding of what coverage Manitobans require while travelling outside of the province. We are a not-for-profit organization that puts the needs of Manitobans first. We offer personalized service by phone, email or in person. We work with the International Travel Assistance provider to provide 24-hour worldwide assistance if you find yourself in an unexpected emergency medical situation in a foreign country. We are up front about the coverage we offer and any exclusions or limitations to plans. We support agents who sell our products in communities throughout the province. Agents are trained on a continual basis to ensure you receive the proper information about our plans. We offer competitive rates. Whenever possible, we work with service providers to reimburse them directly, saving you from paying costs upfront and waiting for reimbursement. We do our best to keep our customers informed about travel issues by posting travel tips and advisories on our website on an ongoing basis. WHY CHOOSE MANITOBA BLUE CROSS? 3
DELUXE TRAVEL HEALTH PLANS Deluxe Travel Health Plans Do you have a single trip planned and are looking for emergency travel health coverage? The Deluxe Travel Health plans are our most fundamental plans designed to cover you in case an emergency situation should occur while travelling. You will be covered for things like emergency hospital and medical coverage, emergency evacuation from a remote location and emergency dental care. Benefits include: Travel Health Benefits (see page 15) Automatic Extension Benefit (see page 16) Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit (see page 16) International Travel Assistance Service (see page 17) 4
Deluxe Travel Health plans: Blue Plan For Manitobans under age 55. No medical questionnaire required. Gold Plan Preferred rates for Manitobans age 55 to 74. Medical questionnaire is required. Silver Plan Non-preferred rates for Manitobans age 55 and over. No medical questionnaire is required. Pre-existing condition clause applies. DELUXE TRAVEL HEALTH PLANS See page 18-21 for eligibility, extension and refund information. 5
TOUR PACKAGE PLAN Tour Package Plan Looking for a plan to cover your tour, cruise or all-inclusive vacation? The Tour Package Plan is uniquely designed to cover you for all aspects of your trip and is the perfect option for any tour, cruise or all-inclusive package you have booked. In addition to emergency medical, you will be covered for all components of your travel arrangements, which may include transportation, accommodation and excursions. You will even be covered for loss or damage to baggage or personal effects. 6
Benefits include: Travel Health Benefits (See page 15) Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit (See page 16) International Travel Assistance Service (See page 17) Airfare and Holiday Cancellation Coverage (See page 12-13) Air Flight and Common Carrier Accident Insurance Baggage Protection TOUR PACKAGE PLAN See page 18-21 for eligibility, extension and refund information. 7
ANNUAL TRAVEL PLAN Annual Travel Plan Are you a frequent traveller? Does your family travel separately throughout the year? The Annual Travel Plan provides you with year-round emergency travel health coverage for trips that are 32 days or less. You will be covered if an unexpected health emergency happens anytime you travel or if you have family coverage, anytime a family member travels. 8
Benefits include: Travel Health Benefits (see page 15) Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit (see page 16) International Travel Assistance Service (see page 17) ANNUAL TRAVEL PLAN See page 18-21 for eligibility, extension and refund information. 9
STUDENT TRAVEL HEALTH PLAN Student Travel Health Plan Are you a student studying outside of the province? If you are age 30 or under and studying outside of Manitoba, the Student Travel Health Plan will cover you for emergency services such as ambulance, medical or dental care. 10
Benefits include: Travel Health Benefits (see page 15) International Travel Assistance Service (see page 17) See page 18-21 for eligibility, extension and refund information. STUDENT TRAVEL HEALTH PLAN 11
TRIP CANCELLATION PLANS Trip Cancellation Plans Concerned about financial loss if your trip is cancelled? The Trip Cancellation plans allow you to make travel arrangements with peace of mind knowing that you are covered if your trip is unexpectedly cancelled or rescheduled due to illness, injury or death. Trip Cancellation plans to choose from: Airfare Cancellation Plan With the Airfare Cancellation Plan you ll be covered for your airfare costs if your trip is suddenly cancelled or if you need to return earlier or later than scheduled due to illness, injury or death. Benefits include: The non-refundable portion of airfare The extra cost of one-way economy airfare home if you purchase the extra air coverage The extra cost of air transportation to your destination in the event of a missed connection due to a change by a tour operator Repatriation benefit Please Note: Benefits are not payable if the cause of the cancellation existed at the time of the application. 12
Holiday Cancellation Plan The Holiday Cancellation Plan will cover your transportation and land expenses if your holiday is cancelled unexpectedly due to illness, injury or death. Benefits include: The non-refundable portion of prepaid travel arrangements The extra cost of airfare home (if included in holiday package) A single supplement if your travelling companion must cancel Transportation to your holiday destination in the event of a missed connection Unused portion of prepaid travel costs if you do not proceed on your trip after an excessive delay of a scheduled carrier Transportation to join or rejoin a tour or group if you miss a portion of your holiday Repatriation benefit TRIP CANCELLATION PLANS See page 18-21 for eligibility, extension and refund information. 13
ADD-ON Add-On Travel Accident Plan The Travel Accident Plan can be added to a Deluxe Travel Health plan or either Trip Cancellation plan. With the addition of this plan, you will be covered if accidental injury or death occurs while you travel. You have the option to select coverage of: $25,000, $50,000 or $100,000. Benefits include: Coverage for loss of life, limb or sight caused from an accident while travelling. (See Travel Provisions for a complete description.) 14
Travel Health Benefits The following benefits are included in the Deluxe Travel Health plans, Tour Package Plan, Annual Travel Plan and the Student Travel Health Plan. The benefits are applicable to unexpected emergency treatment only. See Travel Provisions for complete description and specific benefit maximums. TRAVEL HEALTH BENEFITS Accidental/Emergency Dental Ambulance Services Board and Lodging Blood and Blood Plasma Dependent Escort Drugs or Medicines Emergency Remote Evacuation Hospital In-Patient Allowance Hospital Services Paramedical Private Duty Nursing Repatriation Benefit Replacement of Prescription Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses Return of Pet Emergency Veterinary Care Return of Vehicle Transportation to Bedside Transportation to Identify Deceased 15
AUTOMATIC EXTENSION BENEFIT Automatic Extension Benefit Travel Health and Travel Accident benefits will be extended at no extra cost for up to 72 hours after your scheduled return date: If you are hospitalized due to a medical emergency on your last day of coverage, your benefits will remain in force throughout the period of hospitalization, plus 72 hours following your discharge from hospital. For trips of 32 days or less, the automatic extension only applies if your return is delayed due to the fault of the carrier in which you are a fare paying passenger. (A claim under this benefit must be supported by a letter from the transportation authority confirming the period of delay.) For trips of more than 32 days, the automatic extension applies regardless of the reason for the delay. Accidental Death & Dismemberment Benefit This benefit is underwritten by: Blue Cross Life Insurance Company of Canada These benefits are included in the Deluxe Travel Health, Tour Package and Annual Travel plans. Maximum amount payable $10,000 per person. Payments vary depending on the nature of loss. 16
International Travel Assistance Service International Travel Assistance is included in the following plans: Deluxe Travel Health, Tour Package, Annual Travel and Student Travel Health. International Travel Assistance offers 24-hour worldwide assistance to you and family members covered under your plan both before you travel and should you find yourself in an unexpected emergency situation while travelling. One phone call connects you with the service s multilingual coordinators who will assure you receive prompt and efficient health care when you are in a foreign country. INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ASSISTANCE SERVICE The service will help you locate the proper medical care nearest you, provide insurance verification, assist with translation, or arrange for emergency evacuation if needed. 17
ELIGIBILITY Eligibility To be eligible for a Manitoba Blue Cross travel plan, you must be a resident of Manitoba registered with and entitled to benefits from Manitoba Health. You are not eligible for coverage if travelling against medical advice. Deluxe Travel: You must apply for coverage prior to date of departure and for the entire duration of trip outside of Manitoba/Canada. Coverage for trips in excess of 32 days cannot be purchased more than 30 days in advance. Tour Package: Coverage may only be purchased within 72 hours of initial deposit or prior to any penalty period. You must have purchased a tour package which includes all components of your travel arrangements (transportation, accommodation, excursions, etc.). The total period of coverage may not exceed 32 days. Student Travel: You must be covered by Manitoba Health for the entire school term and be age 30 or under on date of departure. You must apply for coverage prior to date of departure, and be in full-time attendance at a school, college or university outside of Manitoba. Special arrangements must be made with Manitoba Health for a term certificate. A copy of the certificate may be required by Manitoba Blue Cross. A family purchasing this plan must consist of a student (full-time) with a spouse and/or children. 18
Annual Travel: You must be under 75 years of age. If purchased prior to your 75 th birthday, coverage will be effective for the entire duration of the coverage term. Coverage must be purchased prior to date of departure from Manitoba. Pre-existing condition clause applies to people age 55 to 74. ELIGIBILITY Trip Cancellation: This coverage may only be purchased within 72 hours of initial deposit or prior to any cancellation or penalty period. Benefits are not payable if the cause of cancellation existed at the time of application. It is important to select the benefits that will cover the total cost of your travel arrangements and that every member of your family travelling together is covered. 19
EXTENSIONS Extensions Deluxe Travel: You may extend the duration of your original policy if, you request the extension prior to the expiry date of your policy, medical attention has not been received and a claim has not been incurred during the initial term. Your original policy plus the extension cannot exceed: Blue Plan (under age 55)..183 days Gold Plan (age 55 to 74)...183 days Silver Plan (age 55 and over) 62 days Student Travel: If you have a nine-month Student Travel Health policy you may choose to extend the duration of your policy to 12 months if, medical attention has not been received during initial term, a claim has not been incurred during the initial term and you request the extension prior to expiry date of your policy. No extension is available on the 12-month term. Annual Travel: If you are under 55 (on effective date of term of coverage) and planning a trip in excess of 32 days, you may purchase additional days of coverage (maximum 30) at a cost of $4.00 per day ($12.00 minimum). While travelling, you may extend coverage beyond 32 days if, you request the extension prior to 32 nd day of your trip, medical attention has not been received and a claim has not been incurred. Additional days are not available for purchase online or to those age 55 to 74. A separate plan should be purchased from the departure to return dates for trips in excess of 32 days. 20
Refunds Deluxe Travel: A complete refund is available if your entire trip is cancelled and you notify Manitoba Blue Cross or an authorized agent prior to the date of departure. A partial refund will be calculated based on categories of time from the date notification is received by Manitoba Blue Cross or an authorized agent. No refund is available if a claim was incurred during the original term of coverage or if your policy has been extended. REFUNDS Tour Package: No refunds are available except in the case of duplicate Manitoba Blue Cross travel coverage or if the tour operator cancels the tour and refunds all prepaid travel costs. Student Travel: Refunds are available on a monthly pro-rated basis providing no medical attention has been received. Annual Travel: Refunds are not available, except in the case of duplicate Manitoba Blue Cross coverage. Trip Cancellation: Refunds are not available for either the Airfare Cancellation Plan or the Holiday Cancellation Plan. 21
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Frequently Asked Questions When should I buy travel coverage? Travel coverage must be purchased prior to leaving Manitoba or Canada. If you are travelling by air with a tour or vacation package, coverage must be purchased within 72 hours of making your initial deposit or payment on your air travel, tour package or vacation package. I am travelling with my sports team outside of Manitoba. Would I be covered under a Manitoba Blue Cross travel health plan? Yes. There are no exclusions in our plans for hospital or medical expenses if you are travelling for sports. However, if you are travelling with your sports team for remuneration, you would not be covered for the travel accident and accidental death and dismemberment (a sum paid if there is loss of or loss of use of a limb or your sight, or loss of life as the result of an accident). If you are travelling with a team for recreation and are not being paid, you will still be covered for this portion. If I participate in an extreme sport (like parachuting, skydiving, bungee jumping, gliding or racing) will I be covered under a Manitoba Blue Cross travel health plan? Yes. There are no exclusions in our plans for hospital or medical expenses if you participate in one of these activities while travelling. 22
The portion of our plans that would not be covered is the travel accident and accidental death and dismemberment (a sum paid if there is loss of or loss of use of a limb or sight, or loss of life as the result of an accident). Can I top up my travel coverage with coverage from another carrier? You cannot combine Manitoba Blue Cross travel health coverage with coverage from another plan. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS We advise you to purchase Manitoba Blue Cross plan coverage for the entire duration of your trip. What is a pre-existing condition? A pre-existing condition is considered a medical condition or illness that existed 12 months before coverage starts (or before each trip in the case of the Annual Travel Plan), for which you consulted a physician, or were hospitalized, or received treatment, or were prescribed treatment or new medication, or were given a change of dosage to a current medication. For Trip Cancellation plans a pre-existing condition would apply to six months prior to the purchase date of the policy. How can I best answer my medical questionnaire? When in doubt, the best way to answer the medical questionnaire is to take the form to your doctor to complete with your updated medical history. 23
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Frequently Asked Questions What else do I need to know about pre- existing medical conditions and medical questionnaires? Pre-existing conditions and effectively completing a medical questionnaire has been a hot news topic in regards to the travel health coverage industry. Please be assured that Manitoba Blue Cross has put steps in place to ensure that these situations do not happen to our customers. 1. We ensure that our authorized agents and our call centre representatives are continually trained to understand the terms and conditions of our products to help guarantee that you are provided with the proper information. 2. Manitoba Blue Cross is a not-for-profit organization that puts the needs of Manitobans first. Our service isn t bottom line driven; we are focused on protecting Manitobans from costly medical bills that exceed Manitoba Health s coverage and do our best to ensure Manitobans have the proper coverage they need if an accident or illness occurs while travelling. 3. When in doubt, we ask our customers to consult their doctor to ensure they provide the correct medical history. 4. Applicants age 55 to 74 who have answered a medical questionnaire agree to report to Manitoba Blue Cross any change in medical condition that would alter the answers to their medical questions prior to date of departure. 24
Where to Buy Travel Coverage On the web Visit our website at: www.mb.bluecross.ca Through your local authorized agent We have authorized agents in various communities throughout the province who are thoroughly trained to help you find the travel plan that is right for you. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Visit our website to find an agency near you. By Telephone We have representatives on hand to answer your calls Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Call our Information Service Centre at: 204.775.0151 in Winnipeg 1.800.USE.BLUE (1.800.873.2583) within Manitoba In Person Visit us in person at 599 Empress Street in Winnipeg, across from Polo Park. Our walk-in Customer Service Centre is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 25
IN PERSON 599 Empress Street 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday BY TELEPHONE 204.775.0151 Information Service Centre 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Toll-free at 1.800.USE.BLUE (1.800.873.2583) (within Manitoba only) 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Toll-free at 1.888.596.1032 (within Canada) 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday BY MAIL Manitoba Blue Cross PO Box 1046 Stn Main Winnipeg MB R3C 2X7 www.mb.bluecross.ca Registered trademark of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans, an association of independent Blue Cross plans used under license by Manitoba Blue Cross. MBC 1530 20M 09/14