How to maximize your coverage if you have more than one benefit plan

This article was updated May 5, 2022.

If you have more than one benefit plan, whether through a spouse, family member or a plan with another benefit provider, you can combine your coverage by using Coordination of Benefits (COB). COB is standard practice among benefit providers in Canada and allows people with more than one plan to maximize their coverage.

How does it work?

When you use COB, you submit claims to your primary benefit provider, whether that’s Alberta Blue Cross^® or another organization, for payment according to your coverage and benefits. Once you have received a claims statement from that provider, you can submit a claim for the outstanding amount to your second plan.

How do I use my COB coverage?

When you submit a claim to Alberta Blue Cross^® through our member site, you must indicate whether you have coverage through an external benefit carrier. Once your claim has been processed and paid out, you can submit any outstanding balance to your second plan.

Please note that even with COB, some claims may not be fully covered. For example, dental claims are only paid up to the dental fee guide referenced by your plan.

How long will it take to process my claim?

We do everything possible to process your claim quickly. For the quickest service, please ensure you’ve attached all your receipts by uploading them to the member site, indicate that you are coordinating benefits and include the plan ID numbers for all of your plans.

It is important to contact Alberta Blue Cross^® if your spousal situation or second coverage changes.

COB may vary with each benefits plan and benefits carrier. Please consult your plan contract or your benefit provider for full details about your coverage and benefits.

Questions?

Read our Understanding Coordination of Benefits document to learn more about COB. Please call our Customer Services department toll free at 1-800-661-6995 for assistance with COB or any aspect of your benefits or contact us through our website.