Does Blue Cross Blue Shield include international coverage?
Asked by: Avis Conroy | Last update: June 19, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (33 votes)
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover internationally?
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 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.
Does my health insurance cover me when I travel internationally?
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.
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.
How GeoBlue Works - Why International Trips Need True International Coverage
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.
Does Anthem Blue Cross PPO cover international travel?
**Note: Global coverage is available to HMO and PPO members for urgent and emergency services ONLY! You will have to pay out of pocket and then be reimbursed once you file a claim when you return home. If you have any questions, please contact SISC Anthem Customer Service at 800-825-5541.
What happens if I get sick in a foreign country?
Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance. If you want, they can inform your family and friends.
Can my insurance cover me in another country?
Before you go, consider your insurance options.
U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas.
Do I need to tell insurance about going abroad?
Your motor insurance certificate. Your insurer may ask to be told when you're going abroad and only provide third party cover when you do. An International Driving Permit when necessary.
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.
What is the Blue Cross Blue Shield service benefit plan?
For 60 years, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan, also known as the Federal Employee Program—or simply FEP—has provided health insurance to the federal employee workforce. We are proud to have been part of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program since its inception in 1960.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield work in Korea?
Overseas coverage
If members need medical care outside the continental U.S, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan offers worldwide coverage. Through the Overseas Assistance Center, members are covered when working or traveling overseas.
How much is international health insurance?
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.
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.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois cover me internationally?
If you're planning to travel out of the country, your benefits travel with you. With our unique BlueCard Worldwide® program, you can access contracting doctors and hospitals in more than 200 countries and territories around the world.
Can I use my Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance in another country?
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.
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.
What happens if you have to go to the hospital in another 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 additional medical insurance when traveling abroad?
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.
What happens if an American gets sick in Europe?
While no system is perfect, Europe's universal health care does mean that everyone is taken care of — including foreigners. So if you get sick or injured while traveling, you will receive treatment, no questions asked.
What is the most common illness during international travel?
Common travel-related illnesses include: Diarrheal disease. Most travel-related diarrheal diseases are acquired by consuming contaminated water and food.
What is the difference between travel insurance and international health insurance?
International health insurance is designed to provide a comprehensive level of health care to those relocating from their home country for a sustained period of time, whereas travel insurance provides cover for emergency treatment while you are in another country for a shorter space of time.
Is there international travel insurance?
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Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Texas cover internationally?
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.