Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover me in Mexico?

Asked by: Davin Langworth  |  Last update: December 7, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (54 votes)

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.

Will my health insurance cover me in Mexico?

When moving to Mexico, you do not have to leave your U.S. medical insurance behind. Many insurance providers offer international coverage or have partnerships with healthcare facilities in Mexico, ensuring that you can continue using your existing insurance while enjoying the benefits of living in Mexico.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover you internationally?

As a Blue Cross and Blue Shield member, you take your healthcare benefits with you when you are abroad. Through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core program, you have access to doctors and hospitals around the world.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal cover me internationally?

Yes, your Service Benefit Plan coverage protects you around the world. Benefits for covered services under FEP Blue Focus®, FEP Blue Basic™ and FEP Blue Standard™ are paid at the Preferred level.

How do I know if my health insurance covers international?

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.

Episode 914 | Future of Blue Cross Blue Shield in New Mexico

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What happens if you have a medical emergency in a foreign country?

Health Care Resources for Travelers

The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).

Does my health insurance cover me while traveling?

Generally, most domestic health insurance policies are not accepted abroad, so there is a benefit to purchasing travel medical insurance as a supplement to your health insurance coverage. The travel medical coverage is only valid while you're traveling.

Is my US health insurance valid in other countries?

Does my health insurance work internationally? Many health insurance plans do not cover you when you are out of the country. For those that do, the coverage is often limited and requires you to pay at the time of service, save receipts and file for reimbursement once you get home.

Is Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield an HMO or PPO?

We have a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

Our fee-for-service Plan offers services through a PPO.

Is BCBS in every country?

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is a national association of 33 independent, community-based and locally operated BCBS companies. The Association owns and manages the BCBS trademarks and names in more than 170 countries around the world.

Is BCBS accepted in Mexico?

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.

Do I need my insurance card when traveling internationally?

Carry your insurance card and a claim form if your policy covers you outside the United States. Medicare does not cover medical care when you travel the United States. Visit Medicare.gov for more information. Some health insurance companies pay for “customary and reasonable” hospital costs abroad.

How does Blue Cross Blue Shield Global work?

Through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core program, you have access to doctors, hospitals and other health services in nearly 200 countries and territories around the world. Call the Service Center in these situations: You need to locate a doctor or hospital or need medical services.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover internationally?

Blue Cross Blue Shield Global™ provides a full range of health care coverage solutions for people who live, work and travel internationally.

Do hospitals in Mexico take US insurance?

Do Mexican hospitals accept USA coverage? USA health insurance coverage is not accepted in private hospitals of Mexico. The same is applicable for Medicare as well. Unless you have a USA health plan that covers healthcare in Mexico, you will have to pay out-of-pocket for availing medical services.

Does my full coverage insurance cover in Mexico?

No, U.S. auto insurance policies aren't valid in Mexico.

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield the same as Blue Cross?

In 1982, Blue Shield merged with The Blue Cross Association to form the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBS). Prior to 1986, organizations administering BCBS were tax exempt under 501(c)(4) as social welfare plans.

What is the difference between Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and HMO?

HMO plans typically have lower monthly premiums. You can also expect to pay less out of pocket. PPOs tend to have higher monthly premiums in exchange for the flexibility to use providers both in and out of network without a referral. Out-of-pocket medical costs can also run higher with a PPO plan.

What happens if you need to go to the hospital in a different country?

The staff at U.S. consulates throughout the world can help traveling Americans locate health care providers and facilities, contact family members in the U.S., and assist with the wire transfer of funds from the U.S. Even if your insurance company will cover part of the charges of your medical care abroad, you will ...

Do I need travel insurance if I have health insurance?

Even if your health plan does cover you internationally, you may want to consider buying a special medical travel policy. Much of the additional coverage available is supplemental (or "secondary"), so it covers whatever expenses your health plan doesn't, such as deductibles.

Can you use Medicare in Mexico?

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 I use Medicaid in Mexico?

People with disabilities who have Medicaid or Medicare are not covered while they are outside the United States.

How much does international health insurance cost?

How much does international health insurance cost? The average annual cost of an international medical insurance plan is $5,500 per year. * However, plans range from as low as $500 with limited benefits to as much as $8,000 - $10,000, or more, for a comprehensive policy that includes coverage in the USA.

What travel insurance will not cover?

Adventure sports, winter sports and potentially dangerous activities (such as climbing and white-water rafting) are often not covered as part of a standard travel insurance policy. So you might need to pay for extra cover.