Blue cross blue shield international health insurance

Plans for international travel

When you leave the U.S., you may not have all the protection you need through your domestic medical plan. That’s why it’s important to consider international coverage from GeoBlue. Part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield family, GeoBlue1 international health plans take the worries and what-ifs out of traveling and living abroad.

GeoBlue international health plans feature:

  • Single-trip, multi-trip, and expat plans available
  • Access to doctors in more than 190 countries
  • Direct billing with providers
  • Coverage for emergency medical evacuations not typically covered by domestic health plans
  • 24/7/365 assistance from a team of global health and safety experts
  • Cashless, paperless billing
  • Global TeleMDTM telemedicine services that provide 24/7/365 access to doctor consultations by telephone or video

You can enroll right up to the day you plan to travel, and you don’t need to be enrolled in an Independence Blue Cross medical plan to purchase an international health insurance plan.

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For more information or to enroll, call 1-855-481-6647 (TTY: 711) to speak with a GeoBlue representative.

Are you planning a trip abroad or are you planning to live or work outside the U.S.?  There are a lot of good reasons to consider an international health plan.

Why do I need an international health plan?

When traveling outside of the U.S., not all medical insurance covers you. And if you are living or working abroad, you'll want to ensure that you have the same access and quality health care that you are used to. You also want to ensure that you have the right protection, including coverage for services that your domestic medical plan may not cover, such as medical evacuation and repatriation. And you'll want expert support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days of the year, no matter what time zone you're in.

Why choose GeoBlue?

The name you trust for health insurance at home is the name you can trust for health insurance abroad. GeoBlue is part of the BlueCross family, but you don't need to be a BlueCross member to enroll in a GeoBlue health plan. As your healthcare advocate, GeoBlue will help you navigate unfamiliar healthcare systems around the world to make sure you get the care you need. For certain plans, you can even enroll up to the day before you travel.

GeoBlue members get the benefits of:

  • Coverage for up to age 95 and $1 million in claims
  • Coverage for medically necessary COVID testing and treatment* 
  • Flexible cancellation policy if travel plans suddenly change
  • Trip interruption protection** 
  • Global TeleMDTM (telemedicine services) for contactless care anywhere in the world
  • Digital tools to help you connect with providers, communicate in the native language and more  
  • Medically necessary evacuation and repatriation services and coordination 
  • 24/7/365 service and assistance

GeoBlue plans sold in the U.S. in collaboration with participating Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies help students, faculty, staff and administrators identify, access and pay for quality healthcare all around the world.

 

COVID-19 information regarding provider availability, claims processing and FAQs is available

Read more on COVID-19»

Outbound International 

Blue cross blue shield international health insurance

Students and faculty traveling overseas on Study Abroad programs, research and teaching assignments, or other international educational experiences can explore the world confidently with our Scholastic Outbound health insurance plans

Learn more about our Outbound Plans »

Inbound International

Blue cross blue shield international health insurance

We understand the challenges for international students and faculty trying to navigate the U.S. healthcare system. Our Scholastic Inbound plans and superior service address the needs of this population, by drawing on decades of industry experience.

Learn more about our Inbound Plans »

GeoBlue Member Story

GeoBlue Student Testimonial - Video from GeoBlue on Vimeo.

Blue cross blue shield international health insurance

What Our Customers Are Saying

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“To us, the biggest advantage GeoBlue provides is superior Account Management. We have a single point of contact for all services. That’s what makes this work – there’s never any guessing on our end, and never difficulty in figuring out how to get something accomplished. This model works really well.”

– Michael Liebowitz, Director of Risk Management, NYU

“I've had marvelous experiences with GeoBlue. I've required healthcare in two countries, both with obscure languages and their own quirky hospital systems, and you have handled it all with ease. Every time I have called your customer service, the advice has been expedient and expert. Most importantly, because this is not my experience with all insurers, you have always kept your promises. It is such a joy to travel without having to worry whether I can afford medical help or not, or whether I'll need to fight for six months to get reimbursed.Thank you so much!”

– Elina S., GeoBlue Member traveling in Greece and Finland

“When the reality hit me that my son was sick in a foreign country over 7,000 miles away in the Philippines, I felt helpless. But the GeoBlue staff was so caring and helpful. They were able to tell me how close the best source of care was from his location (only eight miles!) and explained about the high standards of care all their facilities have agreed to provide. And the fact that my son could use the mobile tools to secure care and arrange for direct payment provided even more assurance that he would be supported by a completely competent and forward thinking company!”

– Joy C., GeoBlue Member Parent

“Wow! That clinic was the nicest one that I’ve ever been to. The staff was really helpful and expeditious. I showed up early for my appointment, but they accommodated me immediately so I didn’t have to wait. And from what I understand, they did all that because I am a GeoBlue customer. I’ve been sick abroad before, but I never received customer service like this.”

– Brian H., GeoBlue Member traveling in Germany

“We were so our of our element and so frightened and GeoBlue assured us that things were being taken care of and that they would be handled just as well if we were in the states. This was an incredible burden, and you took it off of us”

– Linda A., GeoBlue Parent

Blue cross blue shield international health insurance

GeoBlue Travels with You

The GeoBlue mobile app puts our concierge-level service right in your hand. Manage your health wherever you are by searching for healthcare providers, requesting appointments, setting up direct billing and providing proof of coverage. Use the translation tool to help you schedule your doctor visit or ensure you’re getting the right dose of the right medication. With the app, you can also view security profiles and read travel alerts to make your journey safer.

Does Blue Cross coverage outside US?

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan has you covered worldwide. If you need medical care outside the U.S, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands you can rest assured that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan offers worldwide coverage.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas cover international travel?

Like your passport, always carry your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) identification (ID) card with you when you travel or live abroad. Through the BlueCard Worldwide program, you have access to medical assistance service, doctors and hospitals in nearly 200 countries and territories around the world.

Does Medicare cover you when traveling outside the US?

In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Can a tourist get health insurance in USA?

Can a tourist get health insurance in USA ? Yes, tourists can and should buy visitor visa medical insurance for USA. Given the high cost of healthcare in the US, it is very risky to travel to the US without the best health insurance for foreigners.