Medavie Blue Cross Eye Care — Direct Billing
Direct Billing Available at Charm Optical
A Friendly Heads-Up About Coverage Amounts
The coverage details on this page are based on publicly available information from the provider's own website. Your actual coverage may be different depending on your specific plan, your employer's selections, and when your benefit period resets.
We always recommend checking with your provider directly to confirm your exact coverage — and the easiest way is usually through their app or online portal, where you can see your remaining benefits instantly.
One more thing: we are not able to verify your insurance over the phone or by email. To check your coverage, you will need to visit us in store — we can look everything up for you right at the counter. It only takes a minute, and there is never any obligation.
About Medavie Blue Cross
Medavie Blue Cross was founded in 1943 in Nova Scotia as the Maritime Hospital Service Association — and within its first 18 months, they had already signed up 80,000 members. They were renamed Medavie Blue Cross in 2005, and have grown into Canada's fourth-largest life and health insurer.
Today, Medavie Blue Cross serves approximately 3.8 million Canadians — roughly 1 in 10 people in the country. Like Alberta Blue Cross, they are a not-for-profit organization, meaning surplus goes back into products and community rather than to shareholders.
What makes Medavie unique is their role as Canada's largest private administrator of federal government health programs. They handle benefits for the RCMP, Veterans Affairs Canada, the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) for refugees. So if you have benefits through any of those programs, Medavie is the company processing your claims behind the scenes.
Vision Coverage Details
Medavie Blue Cross vision coverage varies by plan. Here are the typical ranges:
| Plan Type | Vision Coverage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Group Plans | $200–$400 per person (varies) | Every 24 months |
| Individual Plans | Varies by plan selection | Every 24 months |
| Federal Programs (RCMP, VAC, etc.) | Per benefit grid | See specific program |
Coverage includes eye exams, prescription glasses, contact lenses, and specialized imaging. The exact amount depends on your employer's plan design — some plans are more generous than others.
Tip: Check Your Coverage
Medavie Blue Cross members can check their remaining benefits through the Medavie Blue Cross mobile app or by signing in at medavie.bluecross.ca. You can see your remaining vision balance, claims history, and digital ID card all in one place.
How We Bill Medavie Blue Cross
We direct bill Medavie Blue Cross at our South Edmonton location. Bring your Medavie member card, and we will look up your plan and remaining vision balance right away. We submit the claim electronically before you leave — you only pay your share (if any). Whether your Medavie plan is through your employer, a federal program, or an individual policy, the process is the same.
Coverage at a Glance
Here’s what your plan typically covers when you visit Charm Optical. Coverage amounts vary by plan — check with your insurance provider for exact details.
Eye Exams
Comprehensive eye exams with a licensed optometrist, usually covered once every 12–24 months.
Prescription Glasses
Frames and lenses with your prescription. Most plans cover a set amount every 24 months.
Contact Lenses
Daily or monthly contacts. Usually covered as an alternative to glasses.
Prescription Sunglasses
Sunglasses with your prescription are covered. Non-prescription sunglasses are not eligible.
How Direct Billing Works
Bring Your Card
Just bring your insurance card when you come in. No need to call your provider or fill out any forms beforehand.
We Verify Your Coverage
We’ll look up your plan right away and let you know exactly what’s covered — no surprises.
Walk Out — We Handle the Claim
We submit the claim for you before you leave. You just pay your co-pay if there is one. Done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Charm Optical direct bill this provider?
Yes! We direct bill right from our clinic in south Edmonton. Just bring your insurance card and we’ll submit the claim for you in real time — no paperwork to take home.
What does this plan typically cover for eye care?
Most plans cover eye exams, prescription glasses, contact lenses, and prescription sunglasses. Coverage amounts and frequency vary by plan — we recommend checking with your provider or downloading their app to see your exact benefits.
Do I need to bring anything else besides my card?
Nope — your insurance card is all we need. We’ll look up everything from there. If you have a specific benefits booklet or app showing your coverage details, that can help too, but it’s not required.
Ready to Use Your Medavie Blue Cross Eye Care — Direct Billing Benefits?
Book your eye exam online in 30 seconds. Just bring your insurance card and we’ll handle everything from there.
Or call us at (780) 490-0090