Is Blue Cross Blue Shield valid in other countries?
Asked by: Carolyne Mante | Last update: November 13, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (14 votes)
Does BCBS cover you in other countries?
BCBS Companies provide members with coverage outside of the U.S. through the BlueCard Worldwide® program, to be rebranded Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core effective 1/1/17. Coverage is dependent upon the product and plan design.
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.
Can I use my USA insurance 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.
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.
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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 I use my health insurance card in another country?
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 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 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.
Is my insurance valid in other countries?
Your U.S. policy likely only covers you in the U.S. and Canada, so you'll need a separate policy when driving in all other countries. Whether you plan to drive across a border or rent or purchase a car overseas, you have plenty of options for getting the international auto insurance coverage each country requires.
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.
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.
Is Blue Cross Blue Shield across the US?
With 33 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) health insurance companies, we offer personalized health care across the country.
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.
Is health insurance Covered in other countries?
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.
Is Blue Cross Blue Shield good in all states?
Every Blue Cross Blue Shield plan participates in the BlueCard program that allows you to use your plan benefits to access care anywhere inside the United States.
Is Blue Cross Blue Shield accepted 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.
Can I use my US health insurance abroad?
Some primary insurance plans, if you have it in your home country, will cover you overseas. If so, you may need to pay extra costs for being out-of-network or have limits on what will be covered (e.g. emergencies only). Goverment-funded health plans, such as Medicaid in the U.S., often do not cover overseas costs.
Where does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover?
BCBS understands and answers the needs of local communities, while providing nationwide health care coverage for 115 million members in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
What countries accept U.S. Medicare?
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.
What happens if you don't pay a foreign hospital bill?
If no action is taking on your medical bill and you do not pay what is owed, additional charges can be added to your account balance in the form of late fees and interest. Additionally, the healthcare provider can move your balance into international debt collection or file a lawsuit against you.
Can I see a doctor in another country?
Consult Your Embassy or Consulate
Another useful resource for finding a doctor abroad is your embassy or consulate. For example, U.S. citizens can often find a list of international hospitals and doctors under the "American Citizens Services" section of their embassy's website.
What happens if I get sick in another 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.
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.
What happens if an American goes to the hospital in Portugal?
Please note: Portugal does not offer free medical treatment to visitors, and under European Union rules non-EU citizens are required to have travel medical insurance covering emergency medical, hospitalization, and repatriation (including the case of death).