Three hours of delay unlocks lounge access for group plan members, six adds a hotel night
A delay of three hours or more gives eligible group plan members access to an airport lounge where one is available, under the Flight Delay Service added to the Medavie Blue Cross travel benefit.
Delays of six hours or more may also qualify for additional compensation and one night of hotel accommodation, the insurer said.
Where lounge or hotel access is unavailable, according to Medavie Blue Cross, monetary compensation may be provided in its place.
Annual maximums apply.
The service covers domestic and international travel and is available in English and French to eligible group plan members across Canada.
Members who register their flight in advance receive compensations automatically once a qualifying delay occurs.
Medavie Blue Cross said the service operates without a traditional claims process.
When a qualifying delay is detected, members receive a notification and select their service through the platform.
Jaime Di Donato, manager of health and digital product solutions at Medavie Blue Cross, said delays affect members travelling for work, visiting family, or on vacation.
The service gives them access to assistance "without the added step of submitting a claim," she said in the announcement.
Canassurance Insurance Company, which distributes Blue Cross Travel Insurance in multiple provinces, is a partner on the service, and the technology comes from Blink Parametric.
Sid Mouncey, chief commercial officer at Blink Parametric, said the two companies are expanding access to flight disruption assistance for group plan members across Canada.
He said travellers receive support automatically when qualifying delays affect their plans, in the same announcement.
Details on how to access the services are on the Medavie Blue Cross Member Services website and mobile application.
