Manulife vs. Blue Cross in 2026: Health, Dental and Travel Coverage Compared
Updated November 2026 - Written by Krista DeKuyper
The short answer: Manulife is usually the better fit if you want drug, dental and travel coverage bundled into one plan. Blue Cross is usually the better fit if you want to build your own plan, skip benefits you don’t need, or have high prescription costs, since its drug add-ons have no overall maximum. For travel, every Manulife Flexcare plan includes 9 days of emergency coverage per trip. Blue Cross includes up to 30 days, but only on its Enhanced plan.
Key Takeaways
There’s no single “best” provider — the right choice depends on how you use health care.
Manulife’s ComboPlus, DentalPlus, and DrugPlus plans are designed to provide built-in benefits for prescription drugs, dental, vision, and paramedical services with set reimbursement structures and lifetime maximums.
Blue Cross prioritizes flexibility and customization. Complete Health plans act as a foundation, with optional dental and drug add-ons that let you tailor coverage and control monthly premiums.
You can browse plans from Manulife and Blue Cross easily with this instant quote comparison tool, which automatically compares plans and price points from every major carrier.
Prescription drugs and dental drive both cost and value. These two areas have the biggest impact on premiums and out-of-pocket savings, making them the most important factors when comparing plans.
Blue Cross isn’t one company. It’s a network of independent regional insurers. The Complete Health plans compared here are Medavie Blue Cross plans, offered in Ontario through Ontario Blue Cross.
Travel coverage works very differently. Manulife Flexcare plans include 9 days of emergency travel coverage per trip, up to age 70. Blue Cross Complete Health includes up to 30 days, but only at the Enhanced level. If you travel often, a standalone multi-trip plan may be the better buy.
Table of Contents
HealthQuotes Quick Recommendation
Manulife ComboPlus Starter
Manulife ComboPlus Starter is one of the most well-rounded plans available in Canada, combining prescription drug coverage, dental care, emergency travel insurance, and extended health benefits into one easy-to-manage package.
If you’re a first-time purchaser of health insurance, you can’t go wrong with Manulife’s low-cost beginner-friendly plan.
Want to see pricing? Get a personalized quote in under 60 seconds.
Free. Instant. No-obligations.
How to Choose Between Manulife vs. Blue Cross in 2026
So, how do you actually choose between Manulife and Blue Cross? Start by answering a few key questions:
Check what’s covered by your provincial health care: Coverage under provincial plans can change over time. Review what is currently covered to understand where gaps exist. Then, decide how much extra coverage you need based on where you most often end up paying out-of-pocket (usually for dental or prescription drug).
Consider how you will use the plan: Think about your current medical expenses. If you rarely visit doctors or specialists, a basic plan will likely be enough. But if you have frequent prescriptions, paramedical treatments, or dental work, a more comprehensive plan will be higher monthly cost but ultimately save you more money in the long run.
Plan for the future: Your insurance needs today might not reflect what you’ll need in the future. Consider potential family health concerns, upcoming life changes, or chronic conditions that could arise. Choosing a plan with flexibility and higher coverage limits now can prevent gaps later. While you can choose to change plans at any time, you may be subject to a cancellation fee and new waiting periods.
Compare pros and cons of each provider: Manulife offers strong comprehensive coverage, while Blue Cross provides more flexible options with the ability to mix and match different add-ons to suit your needs. Balancing their strengths and weaknesses with your personal needs will help you make the best choice. We breakdown the major pros and cons of Manulife and Blue Cross below.
Is Manulife the Same as Blue Cross? Where Medavie Fits In
No. Manulife and Blue Cross are separate companies that compete with each other.
Manulife is a single company based in Toronto. Its individual health plans, Flexcare ComboPlus, DentalPlus and DrugPlus, are sold across Canada through Manulife CoverMe and through brokers like HealthQuotes.
Blue Cross works differently. It’s a group of independent regional insurers that share the Blue Cross name through the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans. Each one sets its own plans, benefits and prices. The main ones are Pacific Blue Cross (BC), Alberta Blue Cross, Saskatchewan Blue Cross, Manitoba Blue Cross, Ontario Blue Cross, Quebec Blue Cross and Medavie Blue Cross.
Medavie Blue Cross vs. Manulife
The Blue Cross Complete Health plans on this page come from Medavie Blue Cross. Medavie is a not-for-profit insurer based in Moncton, New Brunswick. Since 2022, it has offered its individual health and dental plans in Ontario in partnership with Ontario Blue Cross. That’s why you may see both names on your documents. Complete Health used to be called Elements. If you see that name in older reviews, it’s the same plan.
So if you’re comparing Medavie Blue Cross vs. Manulife, you’re really comparing Complete Health and Manulife Flexcare. Here’s how they differ:
Company type: Medavie is not-for-profit. Manulife is a shareholder-owned company.
Plan design: Medavie lets you build a plan from modules. Manulife sells set bundles.
Drug coverage: Medavie’s drug add-ons have no overall maximum. Manulife plans have yearly drug caps.
Travel: Medavie includes up to 30 days, on Enhanced only. Manulife includes 9 days on every Flexcare plan.
Plan names and benefits can change depending on your province. Get a quote and we’ll show you which Blue Cross and Manulife plans are available where you live.
Manulife vs. Blue Cross: Pros & Cons
Manulife Health Insurance
More than 7 unique individual health plans available for individuals and families.
Limited ability to mix and match different coverage needs. Plan coverage is standardized.
Most plans include coverage for prescription drugs, dental, vision, and paramedical services.
Premiums can be higher for comprehensive coverage plans.
Manulife Vitality can be added to any plan to save on premiums and get exclusive rewards.
No options to exclude prescription drug or dental coverage that you don’t need.
Blue Cross Health Insurance
Those without drug or dental needs can benefit from a much lower monthly premium.
Dental and drug does not come with Complete Health and must be included as an add-on.
The most flexible coverage, allowing you to mix and match different coverage add-ons.
Plans that include both dental and drug add-ons will be more significantly expensive.
Enhanced dental add-on provides much higher coverage than competitors.
Entry and essential dental add-ons don’t include any major dental work or periodontal services.
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Manulife Flexcare Plans: ComboPlus, DentalPlus and DrugPlus
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Manulife Financial is one of Canada’s leading insurance companies, offering a wide range of products including health insurance, life insurance, retirement, and wealth management solutions. Manulife provides customizable coverage options tailored to meet the needs of individuals and families. Their primary health insurance plan is called ComboPlus, which comes in Starter, Basic, and Enhanced levels. You can compare the coverage details for ComboPlus Starter, Basic, and Enhanced below.
| Manulife ComboPlus Plan Comparison | |||
| Benefit | Starter | Basic | Enhanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription Drugs | |||
| Coverage Level | 80% of first $750, up to $600/year Generic only Max dispensing fee $6.50 |
70% to 90%, up to $5,000/year Generic only Covers smoking cessation & OTC |
90% to 100%, up to $10,000/year Brand-name & generic No dispensing fee max |
| Reimbursement Structure | 80% of first $750 Max $600/year |
70% of first $750 90% of next $4,972 Max $5,000/year |
90% of first $2,222 100% of next $8,000 Max $10,000/year |
| Exclusions | Smoking cessation, OTC, fertility, erectile dysfunction | — | — |
| Dental | |||
| Coverage | 70% up to $500/year Anniversary max $400 Recall every 9 months |
80% up to $750/year Anniversary max $750 Oral surgery not covered |
100% up to $1,500/year Anniversary max $920 Major restorative after Year 2 |
| Maintenance Reimbursement | 70% of first $575 | 80% of first $400 50% of next $860 |
100% of first $500 60% of next $700 |
| Vision | |||
| Vision Coverage | $150 every 2 years Optometrist $70 every 2 years |
$250 every 2 years Optometrist $70 every 2 years |
$250 every 2 years Optometrist $70 every 2 years |
| Paramedical Services | |||
| Coverage | $300 per practitioner/year $25 per visit (max 20) |
$300 per practitioner/year $25 per visit (max 20) |
$400 per practitioner/year $25 per visit (max 20) |
| Additional Benefits | |||
| Travel Insurance | 9-day emergency coverage $5 million per person, to age 70 |
9-day emergency coverage $5 million per person, to age 70 8 or 21 day add-ons available |
9-day emergency coverage $5 million per person, to age 70 8 or 21 day add-ons available |
| Registered Psychologist | 10 visits First $80, then $65 |
15 visits First $80, then $65 |
15 visits First $80, then $65 |
| Lifetime Maximum | $250,000 per person $260,000 (65+) |
$250,000 per person $260,000 (65+) |
$250,000 per person $260,000 (65+) |
Manulife DentalPlus Plans
For those with specialized dental needs, Manulife also offers their DentalPlus plans. Available in Basic and Enhanced, Manulife’s DentalPlus plans provide the same amount of coverage as ComboPlus but with additional dental coverage compared to what a standard ComboPlus plan would offer. Feel free to compare the DentalPlus Basic and Enhanced levels below:
| DentalPlus Plan Comparison | ||
| Benefit | DentalPlus Basic | DentalPlus Enhanced |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Structure | ||
| Medical Underwriting | No (Guaranteed Issue) | No (Guaranteed Issue) |
| Health, Drug & Vision Coverage | Same levels as ComboPlus™ Basic | Same levels as ComboPlus™ Enhanced |
| Maximum Coverage Limits | Matches ComboPlus™ Basic plan levels | Matches ComboPlus™ Enhanced plan levels |
| Dental Coverage | ||
| Services Covered | Fillings, cleanings, scaling, exams, polishing, select extractions | Fillings, cleanings, scaling, exams, polishing, select extractions, plus major restorative services |
| Year 1 Reimbursement | 50% of first $1,150 Anniversary max $575 |
70% of first $1,200 Anniversary max $840 |
| Year 2+ Reimbursement | 80% of first $400 50% of next $860 Anniversary max $750 |
100% of first $500 60% of next $700 Anniversary max $920 |
| Recall Visits | Every 9 months | Every 6 months |
Manulife DrugPlus Plans
On the other end of the spectrum is Manulife’s DrugPlus Plans. Like DentalPlus, Manulife DrugPlus is designed to help those with specialized drug needs get higher coverage for prescription drugs than what is available in standard ComboPlus plans. Manulife DrugPlus plans share the same amount of coverage as ComboPlus, but with additional prescription drug benefts.
| DrugPlus Plan Comparison | ||
| Benefit | DrugPlus Basic | DrugPlus Enhanced |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Structure | ||
| Medical Underwriting | Yes | Yes |
| Health, Drug & Vision Coverage | Same levels as ComboPlus™ Basic | Same levels as ComboPlus™ Enhanced |
| Maximum Coverage Limits | Matches ComboPlus™ Basic plan levels | Matches ComboPlus™ Enhanced plan levels |
| Drug Coverage | ||
| Reimbursement | 70% of first $750 90% of next $4,972 Max $5,000/year |
90% of first $2,222 100% of next $8,000 Max $10,000/year |
| Dispensing Fee | No maximum | No maximum |
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Blue Cross Complete Health Plans (Medavie Blue Cross)
Browse Complete Health Plans and Available Add-ons…
Blue Cross is a major health insurance provider in Canada, offering a variety of health and dental plans designed to provide affordable and reliable coverage. Blue Cross focuses on offering flexible health insurance options for individuals, families, and employers. Their primary health insurance plan is called Blue Cross Complete Health, and comes in Entry, Essential, and Enhanced levels. You can compare the differences of each plan below.
| Blue Cross Complete Health Plan Comparison | |||
| Benefit | Complete Health Entry | Complete Health Essential | Complete Health Enhanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Practitioners | |||
| Psychologist | $55 per visit, max $250/year | $80 per visit, max $400/year | $95 per visit, max $500/year |
| Massage Therapist | Not covered | $55 per visit, max $400/year | $70 per visit, max $500/year |
| Physiotherapist | $40 per visit, max $250/year | $55 per visit, max $400/year | $70 per visit, max $500/year |
| Chiropractor | $40 per visit, max $250/year | $55 per visit, max $400/year | $70 per visit, max $500/year |
| Acupuncturist | Not covered | $55 per visit, max $400/year | $70 per visit, max $500/year |
| Dietitian | $40 per visit, max $250/year | $55 per visit, max $400/year | $70 per visit, max $500/year |
| Naturopath | Not covered | $55 per visit, max $400/year | $70 per visit, max $500/year |
| Audiologist | $40 per visit, max $250/year | $55 per visit, max $400/year | $70 per visit, max $500/year |
| Occupational Therapist | $40 per visit, max $250/year | $55 per visit, max $400/year | $70 per visit, max $500/year |
| Osteopath | $40 per visit, max $250/year | $55 per visit, max $400/year | $70 per visit, max $500/year |
| Podiatrist/Chiropodist | $40 per visit, max $250/year | $55 per visit, max $400/year | $70 per visit, max $500/year |
| Speech Therapist | $40 per visit, max $250/year | $55 per visit, max $400/year | $70 per visit, max $500/year |
| Additional Coverage | |||
| Ambulance Services | Not covered | Up to $420/year | Up to $420/year |
| Hearing Aids | Not covered | Up to $400 every 5 years | Up to $500 every 5 years |
| Orthotics | Up to $150/year | Up to $150/year | Up to $225/year |
| Vision Care | Up to $100 every 2 years | Up to $150 every 2 years | Up to $300 every 2 years |
| Diabetic Supplies | Not covered | Up to $2,280/year (CGM) | Combined max $2,500/year (with medical equipment, nursing, prosthetics) |
| Medical Equipment | Not covered | No overall maximum | Combined max $2,500/year (with diabetic supplies, nursing, prosthetics) |
| Nursing | Not covered | Up to $3,500 every 2 years | Up to $5,600 every 2 years |
| Prosthetics | Not covered | Up to $10,000 lifetime | Up to $10,000 lifetime |
| Accidental Dental | Up to $7,000 lifetime | Up to $7,000 lifetime | Up to $7,000 lifetime |
| Accidental Death & Dismemberment | Not covered | Up to $15,000 member/spouse, $5,000 per child | Up to $20,000 member/spouse, $5,000 per child |
| Trip Duration Benefits | No coverage | No coverage | Up to 30 days ($5 million) |
| Semi-Private Hospital Room | Not covered | Not covered | 100%, up to 90 days |
| Optional Add-ons and Plan Features | |||
| Critical Illness | Optional add-on. Pays $25,000 for the member, $25,000 for a spouse and $10,000 per dependent child for 16 covered conditions | ||
| Hospital Cash | Optional add-on. Pays $100 per day in hospital, up to 100 days per calendar year (30 days if you are 65 or older) | ||
| Assured Access | Put your plan on hold if you get group health benefits, then reactivate it later without having to qualify medically again | ||
Blue Cross Dental Benefit Add-on
Blue Cross’s insurance coverage works through optional add-ons, allowing policyholders to customize their plans according to their needs. This allows those without a need for expensive dental coverage to benefit from far lower premiums. For individuals and families needing dental coverage, Blue Cross offers optional dental benefits in the Entry, Essential, and Enhanced levels.
| Dental Benefit Add-On Comparison | |||
| Benefit | Entry Dental | Essential Dental | Enhanced Dental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Dental Services | |||
| Fillings | 60% coverage, $500 combined max/year (includes exams, cleanings & X-rays) | 70% coverage, no overall maximum | 80% coverage, no overall maximum |
| Extractions & Root Canals | Not covered | 70% coverage, no overall maximum | 80% coverage, no overall maximum |
| Periodontal Services | Not covered | Not covered | 60% coverage, max $1,200/year |
| Major & Specialized Dental | |||
| Major Dental Work | Not covered | Not covered | 60% coverage, max $500/year |
| Orthodontics (Age 18 & Under) | Not covered | Not covered | 60% coverage, $1,500 lifetime max, $125 monthly reimbursement limit |
Blue Cross Drug Benefit Add-on
For individuals and families needing prescription drug coverage, Blue Cross offers optional drug benefits in the Essential and Enhanced levels. Please note that there is no Entry level available for the drug benefit add-on.
| Drug Benefit Add-On Comparison | ||
| Benefit | Essential Drug | Enhanced Drug |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription Drug Coverage | ||
| Maximum Coverage | 70% coverage, no overall maximum | 80% coverage, no overall maximum |
| Birth Control | Covered | Covered |
| Smoking Cessation | Up to $800 every 5 calendar years | Up to $800 every 5 calendar years |
| Allergy Serums | Not covered | Up to $500/year |
| Vaccines | Not covered | Up to $250/year |
| Erectile Dysfunction | Not covered | Up to $250/year |
| Fertility | Not covered | Up to $1,500/year, $3,000 lifetime maximum |
How Blue Cross Caps Your Drug Costs
Blue Cross drug add-ons have no overall maximum, and they also limit what you pay out of pocket.
Essential Drug: You pay 30% of each prescription, up to $100 per prescription. Once your eligible drug claims reach $4,500 in a calendar year, Blue Cross pays 100% for the rest of that year. Your co-pays are capped at $1,350 a year.
Enhanced Drug: You pay 20%, up to $50 per prescription. Your yearly co-pay cap is $900.
Manulife works the other way. Each plan has a yearly drug maximum, up to $10,000 on Enhanced plans. Anything above that cap comes out of your pocket. If you take expensive medication long term, this is often the deciding factor.
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Manulife vs. Blue Cross Coverage Comparison Table
To understand differences in coverage, here’s a table comparing the coverage details of both Blue Cross and Manulife.
| Manulife vs. Blue Cross Comparison | ||
| Benefit | Blue Cross Complete Health | Manulife ComboPlus / DentalPlus / DrugPlus |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription Drugs | ||
| Coverage | Essential: 70% no max Enhanced: 80% no max |
Starter: 80%, up to $600 Basic: 70% to 90%, up to $5,000 Enhanced: 90% to 100%, up to $10,000 DrugPlus Basic/Enhanced match ComboPlus levels |
| Reimbursement / Limits | Essential: Covered, max 70% Enhanced: Up to 80%, includes fertility, ED, allergy serums, vaccines |
Starter: 80% of first $750 Basic: 70% first $750, 90% next $4,972 Enhanced: 90% first $2,222, 100% next $8,000 DrugPlus follows same rules |
| Exclusions | Essential: Allergy serums, vaccines, fertility, ED not covered | Starter: Smoking cessation, OTC, fertility, ED Basic/Enhanced: progressively more covered |
| Dental | ||
| Coverage | Entry: 60%, up to $500/year Essential: 70%, no overall maximum Enhanced: 80%, no overall maximum; major & orthodontics partially covered |
DentalPlus Basic: 50% first $1,150 Year 1, 80%/50% Year 2+ Enhanced: 70% first $1,200 Year 1, 100%/60% Year 2+, major restorative included |
| Recall Visits | — | Basic: every 9 months Enhanced: every 6 months |
| Vision | ||
| Coverage | Entry: $100/2yrs Essential: $150/2yrs Enhanced: $300/2yrs |
$150/2yrs Starter $250/2yrs Basic and Enhanced |
| Optometrist Visits | — | $70 every 2 years |
| Paramedical Services | ||
| Coverage | Varies by practitioner: $40–$70 per visit, max $250–$500/year | Starter/Basic: $300 per practitioner/year, $25 per visit max 20 Enhanced: $400/year, $25 per visit max 20 |
| Registered Psychologist | ||
| Visits | Essential: $55–$80 per visit, max $250–$400/year Enhanced: $70–$95 per visit, max $500/year |
Starter: 10 visits, $80 first, $65 subsequent Basic/Enhanced: 15 visits, $80 first, $65 subsequent |
| Travel Insurance | ||
| Coverage | Enhanced only: Up to 30 days ($5 million) Entry/Essential: Not included |
All ComboPlus plans: 9-day emergency coverage ($5 million, to age 70) 8 or 21 day add-ons available on eligible plans |
| Lifetime Maximum | ||
| Coverage | Varies by plan: nursing, prosthetics, medical equipment limits apply | All plans: $250,000 per person $260,000 if 65+ |
| Additional Benefits | ||
| Other Highlights | Ambulance, hearing aids, orthotics, diabetic supplies, prosthetics, accidental dental, AD&D included depending on plan | Covers prescription drugs, dental, vision, paramedical, psychologist visits, travel; specific reimbursement rules by plan tier |
Manulife vs. Blue Cross Travel Insurance
You can get travel coverage from either company in two ways. It can come built into a health plan, or you can buy a standalone travel plan. They work very differently, so it helps to look at each one separately.
Travel Coverage Included in Health Plans
| Feature | Manulife Flexcare | Blue Cross Complete Health |
|---|---|---|
| Plans that include travel | All Flexcare plans (ComboPlus, DentalPlus, DrugPlus) | Enhanced level only |
| Emergency medical maximum | $5 million per person | $5 million (100% coverage) |
| Maximum trip length | 9 days | 30 days |
| Longer trips | Add 8 or 21 extra days (availability varies by plan) | Buy a top-up travel plan |
| Age limit | Travel coverage ends at age 70 | Confirm on your policy |
| No-medical-questions option | Guaranteed Issue Enhanced: 10 days per trip | Guaranteed Acceptance: up to 17 days per trip |
The takeaway: Blue Cross covers longer trips, but you have to buy its top health tier to get any travel coverage. Manulife gives every Flexcare member short-trip coverage, which works well for weekends away and one-week holidays.
Standalone Travel Insurance: Blue Cross vs. Manulife CoverMe
Both companies also sell travel insurance on its own, with no health plan needed.
Manulife CoverMe offers single-trip and multi-trip emergency medical plans, all-inclusive plans that add trip cancellation and interruption, and a top-up plan to extend coverage you already have. Emergency medical limits go up to $10 million. Manulife also has a lower-cost single-trip plan for travel within Canada.
Blue Cross travel insurance depends on your province, since each regional Blue Cross sells its own plans. Ontario Blue Cross, for example, offers single-trip, multi-trip annual and top-up plans with $5 million in emergency medical coverage, with or without a deductible, plus 24/7 travel assistance. In Saskatchewan, Blue Cross health plan members can add a VIP Travel benefit for frequent trips.
Which Is Better for Travel?
Mostly short trips, and you want health and dental too: any Manulife Flexcare plan.
Trips of 2 to 4 weeks, and you want top-tier health coverage: Blue Cross Complete Health Enhanced.
Several trips a year, or trips longer than 30 days: a standalone multi-trip annual plan. Compare both companies before you buy.
Compare travel insurance quotes for Canadians
Travel Insurance for Canadians: Why Your Provincial Plan Isn’t Enough
Your provincial health plan covers very little once you leave your province. When out-of-country medical bills are covered at all, they’re paid back at your home province’s rates. Hospitals abroad, especially in the US, often charge far more than that. Even trips within Canada can leave gaps, like the cost of getting you home after an emergency.
You also need active provincial coverage to qualify for travel insurance. If you’re planning a long trip, check how long you can be away without losing it. Our provincial health plan guides explain the rules for each province.
Visiting Canada or studying abroad? See our options for visitors to Canada and student travel insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Overall, Blue Cross offers the cheapest plan. You can buy basic coverage through their Complete Health plan without dental and prescription drug coverage, which keeps the monthly premium much lower. For a comprehensive plan that includes dental and drug, Manulife's ComboPlus plans are the most cost-effective.
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Manulife offers bundled plans that include drug, dental, vision, and paramedical coverage in one package. Blue Cross offers flexible base plans with optional add-ons for dental and prescription drugs.
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It depends on your needs. Manulife suits people who want comprehensive coverage in one simple plan, which makes it a good choice for first-time buyers. Blue Cross is better for people who want to customize benefits and control premiums, and is often chosen by people who have had a private plan before.
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No. Manulife is a single Toronto-based insurance company. Blue Cross is a network of independent regional insurers, such as Medavie Blue Cross, Ontario Blue Cross, Alberta Blue Cross and Pacific Blue Cross. They compete with each other.
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They are separate members of the Blue Cross network, but they work together. Since 2022, Medavie Blue Cross has offered its individual health plans, including Complete Health, in Ontario in partnership with Ontario Blue Cross.
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Yes. Every Manulife Flexcare plan includes $5 million in emergency medical coverage for trips up to 9 days. Coverage ends at age 70. You can add 8 or 21 extra days on eligible plans.
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Only at the Enhanced level. Complete Health Enhanced covers emergency medical costs up to $5 million for trips up to 30 days. Entry and Essential do not include travel coverage.
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Generally, Manulife offers the best dental coverage at the most affordable price. Dental is included in their standard plans and covers preventive care like fillings, cleanings, exams, scaling and polishing. DentalPlus plans and higher coverage levels also cover major restorative work.
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Yes, but switching may involve new medical underwriting, waiting periods, or cancellation fees. To avoid gaps in coverage, keep both plans active until the new plan's waiting periods end.
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Yes. You can have plans from both providers at the same time through coordination of benefits. One provider is your primary insurer and receives your claims first. If it rejects or only partly covers a claim, you submit the rest to the secondary insurer.
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For short trips, Manulife is easier because travel comes with every Flexcare plan. For trips up to 30 days, Blue Cross Complete Health Enhanced covers more. For frequent or long trips, a standalone multi-trip plan from either company is usually the better fit.
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Yes. Provincial plans pay very little outside your province, usually only at your home province's rates. Travel insurance covers the gap, which can be large, especially in the US.
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No. Blue Cross drug add-ons have no overall maximum. Once your eligible drug claims reach $4,500 in a calendar year, Blue Cross pays 100% for the rest of the year.
Not Sure Between Manulife and Blue Cross? Start With These Scenarios
We’ll provide some common health insurance decision scenarios we see, along with best practices, professional advice, and the best Manulife and/or Blue Cross plan to meet your needs.
Scenario 1: “I need the cheapest premium available.”
For the cheapest plan, you will need to stay within the starter/basic or entry/essential plan levels. Additionally, the most expensive parts of your plan will be prescription drug and dental coverage, so excluding those (if possible) if the best way to get the cheapest rate available.
The best options in this scenario would likely be Manulife ComboPlus Starter and Blue Cross Complete Health Entry with no add-ons.
We wrote a full article exploring the cheapest health and dental plans available — You can read it here.
Scenario 2: “I want the plan with the highest annual limits”
Higher annual limits are best for those who have ongoing health needs and expect to use their coverage frequently.
Low-cost plans with high coverage percentages and reimbursement rates will often come with very limited annual maximums. If you aren’t mindful about your annual costs, you may find yourself paying entirely out-of-pocket within a couple months.
Plans such as Blue Cross’s Complete Health Essential and Enhanced plans have many categories covered with no annual maximums (excluding dental).
Scenario 3: “I want a plan that includes emergency travel coverage”
If you travel often, having emergency travel coverage on top of health, dental and drug coverage is a big plus.
Every Manulife Flexcare plan, including ComboPlus Starter and Basic, includes $5 million in emergency medical coverage for trips up to 9 days, until age 70. Blue Cross only includes travel in Complete Health Enhanced, but it covers trips up to 30 days. Entry and Essential have no travel coverage.
If your trips are short, any Manulife Flexcare plan has you covered. If your trips run 2 to 4 weeks, Blue Cross Complete Health Enhanced is the stronger pick. If you’re away longer or travel a lot, price out a standalone multi-trip plan before upgrading your health plan. Compare travel insurance quotes here.
Scenario 4: “I only need basic prescription drug coverage and don’t want to overpay”
Focus on basic health plans with a drug benefit or drug-only plans. This gives you coverage for what matters most without overpaying.
In this case, we’d recommend going with Manulife’s ComboPlus Starter, which offers comprehensive coverage including basic prescription drug. If ComboPlus’s drug coverage isn’t enough for your needs, Manulife’s DrugPlus Basic is a good alternative.
Blue Cross’s drug benefits are only available in the Essential/Enhanced levels.
Scenario 5: “I need a plan that won’t exclude costs related to my pre-existing condition”
You’re right to be concerned about exclusions. Many standard health insurance plans involve medical underwriting, meaning you will need to disclose pre-existing conditions. As a result, insurance companies may deny your application or exclude coverage related to your condition.
The best way to avoid this is by looking into guaranteed acceptance plans, which are designed to cover people with ongoing health needs and pre-existing conditions.
Scenario 6: “I rarely use healthcare services and just want backup coverage”
Even if your health needs aren’t serious or ongoing, it’s still valuable to have a basic health insurance plan for preventative care, unexpected medical expenses, and/or sudden changes in your health. Beginner plans are the best place to start here.
In this case, it makes sense to prioritize low-cost plans with comprehensive coverage. Manulife FlexCare ComboPlus Starter offers basic, comprehensive benefits and is a great place to start for first-time buyers.
Scenario 7: “I’m losing my group benefits from work”
Timing matters here. If you apply within 90 days of your group coverage ending, Manulife FollowMe plans don’t ask medical questions, and they cover pre-existing conditions. That makes them one of the easiest ways to keep coverage without a gap.
Some other insurers, including certain Blue Cross plans, offer similar conversion options. Compare them before your group plan ends. Learn more about conversion plans here.
How We Compared These Plans
HealthQuotes has helped Canadians compare health and travel insurance for more than 40 years. As an insurance broker, we work with Manulife, Blue Cross and other major carriers. It costs you nothing to use us, because the carriers pay us.
For this guide, we used the plan details each insurer publishes, including Manulife’s Flexcare plan comparison charts and Medavie Blue Cross’s Complete Health module comparison. Benefits and prices change, so we review this page regularly. Always confirm details in your policy before you buy.
Last reviewed: November 2026
Sources: Manulife Flexcare plans, Medavie Blue Cross Complete Health modules, Manulife travel insurance for Canadians, Ontario Blue Cross travel insurance policies
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