Frequently Asked Questions About | BCBS Global (2024)

FAQs

What is BCBS Global? ›

Blue Cross Blue Shield Global^® is the brand used to identify the comprehensive portfolio of Blue Cross Blue Shield international medical insurance products that serve multinational employers and individuals traveling globally. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Global® brand is owned by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

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.

Our network brings flexible coverage to every community in the U.S. and over 190 countries around the world, making it the broadest global network available.

Blue Cross Blue Shield members have access to medical assistance services, doctors and hospitals in most countries around the world. To learn more about your international coverage visit BCBS Global® Core or contact your local BCBS company.

International medical insurance plans cover your healthcare costs wherever you are. Coverage usually includes in-patient, out-patient, wellness, evacuation, dental, and vision treatment, along with other premium benefits. Global policies are often renewable annually for life or until your specified termination date.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield developed separately, with Blue Cross providing coverage for hospital services and Blue Shield covering physicians' services. Blue Cross is a name used by an association of health insurance plans throughout the United States.

Make sure you have a plan to get care overseas, in case you need it. Consider buying additional insurance that covers health care and emergency evacuation, especially if you will be traveling to remote areas.

When should you get trip cancellation and/or trip interruption insurance? If you would lose the money you paid for your flights, accommodations, rental car, or activities if you had to cancel or go home early, travel insurance that specifically includes trip cancellation and trip interruption is probably a good idea.

U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.

In the broadest terms, global insurance protects U.S. companies that do business abroad. In many cases, standard business insurance policies do not typically provide coverage outside of the United States.

How much travel medical insurance do I need? ›

How much travel medical insurance do you need? Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends buying at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage for international travel. For travelers going on a cruise or to a remote destination, the site recommends at least $100,000 in coverage.

What is a Guarantee of Payment? GeoBlue issues a Guarantee of Payment (GOP) to define the charges GeoBlue has agreed to pay for medically necessary services; it clearly indicate any applicable copayments, coinsurance or deductibles that are the responsibility of the patient.

The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs advises the following for international travelers: Learn what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas before going abroad. Carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of insurance as well as a claim form.

Private insurance might or might not offer coverage overseas, but again, it depends on the plan you have. So, the best way to find out whether your health insurance covers international travel is to contact your insurance provider.

Most U.S. auto insurers won't cover you while driving abroad, except for driving in Canada and driving in Mexico. Unless you have a credit card offering rental car insurance, you'll probably need to purchase your insurance from the rental company. Learn more about international car insurance and rental car insurance.

GeoBlue Customer Reviews

GeoBlue has over 80 reviews on Squaremouth and a rating of 4.63 out of 5 as of June 2023. Many of the customers mentioned that they needed international health insurance without cancellation or other travel coverage and found that GeoBlue was the best fit for their needs.

BlueCard PPO links Blue Plan PPO network doctors and hospitals to Blue Plans throughout the United States. If you or your family are traveling or living in another Blue Plan's area, you can present your ID card to any BlueCard PPO doctor or hospital.

Glossary | BCBS Terms | Blue Cross Blue Shield.

As a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois member, you have access to the BlueCard^® PPO network, which links you to a network of doctors and hospitals throughout the United States. You also have access when travelling or working abroad to BlueCard Worldwide^® doctors and hospitals in more than 200 countries.