OUR HISTORY
For over 80 years, Ontario Blue Cross has been providing exceptional care to individuals.
The rich history and extensive expertise of Ontario Blue Cross have consistently positioned us as a reliable partner in health care, travel insurance, and life insurance. Beyond a symbol, we provide unparalleled support and assistance to our valued customers, dedicated employees, and trusted partners worldwide. At the core of our priorities lies human connections, as we strive to unite people in serving communities.
With our social mission in mind, Blue Cross has been a steadfast supporter of community initiatives since its inception.
Learn more about our community involvment
Read our 2023 Philanthropic Impact Report
Origins of Blue Cross
Putting the needs of the community first
In 1929, a group of Texas teachers embarked on a remarkable social experiment. They willingly contributed a modest fee per semester to access 21 days of healthcare at a university hospital. This ground-breaking initiative, known as Blue Cross, gained swift popularity.
The iconic blue cross symbol made its debut in North America in 1934, capturing attention and intrigue. Over the course of the 1930s and 1940s, the movement rapidly expanded, spanning across the United States and Canada.
The objective was clear: providing affordable, high-quality care for the population.
In 1941, the Ontario Association of Hospitals secured a $15,000 loan to establish the Blue Cross Plan, offering coverage for hospital care. Around the same time, during the early 1940s, a group of 16 Quebec doctors and businessmen came together to found an association that proposed innovative plans to assist with hospital expenses. These plans drew inspiration from the renowned American Blue Cross model.
In 1941
The Blue Cross Plan was founded in Ontario
Initially focusing on hospitalizations, health insurance gradually expanded to include physician visits and prescription drugs. Hospitals, including future university hospitals, had the opportunity to enhance their services, drive innovation, and foster collaboration with Blue Cross Plans at the national level.
In 1957, new laws in Ontario and Quebec introduced universal health care and drug coverage. With the aim of alleviating strain on the hospital network, Blue Cross developed supplementary and advantageous offerings to cater to the growing healthcare needs of countless citizens.
Your Partner for All Trips
In the mid-1970s, air travel became increasingly affordable, leading to a rise in tourism. Travelers began realizing the potential risks involved in their journeys. To address this concern, Blue Cross introduced its inaugural travel insurance policy in 1977, offering comprehensive coverage for emergency medical expenses during trips abroad.
With its rich experience and renowned reputation, Blue Cross established its subsidiary for travel assistance in 1989. As a leading player in the industry, our travel assistance services provide global coverage, ensuring accessibility from any corner of the world.
Our Flight Delay Service, launched in 2018, offers travelers compensation proportional to the duration of the delay. This enables them to enjoy access to airport lounges or hotel accommodations.
Blue Cross, a recognized symbol
With one insured person out of three in North America, Blue Cross boasts an impressive reputation! According to Leger's 2015 ratings of top Canadian companies, it secured the top position as the premier healthcare provider. In Canada, it stands tall among the top three most esteemed brands.
Blue Cross is now a nationwide brand, marketed across all provinces through extensive Blue Cross plan networks coordinated by the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans.