Milestones
At Blue Cross we take great pride in our achievements. We have come a long way since 1941, developing innovative products and services to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers.
1941
The Ontario Hospital Association borrows $15,000 to start the Blue Cross plan for hospital care.
1944
The Blue Cross plan for hospital care enrolment reaches 500,000.
1951
The Blue Cross plan for hospital care enrolment reaches 1 million.
1958
The Blue Cross plan for hospital care enrolment reaches 2 million.
1959
The Government of Ontario launches the Ontario Hospital Insurance Plan and 600 Blue Cross employees are transferred to the Ontario Hospital Services Commission (now OHIP). The Ontario Hospital Association keeps Ontario Blue Cross in operation to provide the public with supplementary benefits that are not included in the government plan.
1960
Ontario Blue Cross introduces an extended health care plan.
1961
Ontario Blue Cross introduces a prescription drug plan.
1966
Ontario Blue Cross introduces a health plan for immigrants to Canada.
1967
Ontario Blue Cross introduces a dental plan.
1971
Ontario Blue Cross introduces a health plan for visitors to Canada.
1989
Ontario Blue Cross begins selling life and disability products on behalf of the Blue Cross Life Insurance Company of Canada.
The Plus 55 plan is introduced, designed for individuals 55 years of age and older.
An employee assistance plan is introduced for larger group clients.
1990
Ontario Blue Cross/Ontario Hospital Association officially opens Blue Wave Child Care Centre.
1991
Non-insured health benefits programs for prescription drugs implemented in Ontario and Saskatchewan.
Purchase of Health Assistance for Travellers Inc. (Pay-Med).
Florida Blue Cross/Blue Shield alliance enhances preferred provider networks.
LifeLine product introduced.
1992
Blue Cross adopts a Recovery and Revitalization Plan to allow Ontario Blue Cross to achieve its vision and mission in an increasingly competitive environment.
The Board of Directors adopts a new Charter of Board of Governance to create a more effective and efficient Board structure and organization.
Value Care and Deluxe travel products are introduced.
1995
The Blue Cross business portfolio is sold to Liberty Mutual Insurance.
Ontario Blue Cross started by Blue Cross Life.
1996
Ontario Blue Cross launches the Blue Choice health care plan.
1997
Ontario Blue Cross launches the group critical illness product LifeLink.
1999
Ontario Blue Cross purchased by Blue Cross Canassurance Group.
The Summertime Blue travel plan is introduced and useblue.com is launched.
2002
Ontario Blue Cross introduces the Basic Blue Choice health care plan.
2003
Ontario Blue Cross introduces the Blue Vision line of products, sold exclusively through brokers and consultants.
2004
Ontario Blue Cross launches the Blue Choice Balance health care plan.
The Blue Cross Member Assistance program for individual health plan members is implemented.
2007
Blue Advantage discount program is launched across Canada.
2013
Ontario Blue Cross develops a mobile travel assistance app.
2021
An agreement is signed with GeoBlue allowing our clients requiring medical services while travelling to have access to one of the largest network of health care providers and facilities across the United States.