International Students: Accessing Blue Shield Coverage

can international students get blue shield

International students can obtain health insurance coverage through GeoBlue, an independent licensee of Blue Cross Blue Shield. GeoBlue offers comprehensive travel medical insurance that includes hospitalization, doctor visits, prescriptions, and emergency medical evacuation. It also provides a mobile app to help users find care, make appointments, and receive travel alerts. GeoBlue plans are available for students travelling overseas on study abroad programs, research assignments, or other international educational experiences. Additionally, universities like the University of Iowa offer Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa plans (SHIP) that provide coverage for international students both within and outside the state.

Characteristics Values
Company Name GeoBlue
Parent Company Blue Cross Blue Shield
Service Provides international students with access to Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance coverage
Features Mobile app, translation tool, search for healthcare providers, request appointments, set up direct billing, provide proof of coverage, view security profiles, read travel alerts, mental health support services
Coverage Worldwide coverage, including urgent and emergency services, through the BlueCard and Away From Home Care programs
Reimbursement Submit the bill for reimbursement if there are no BlueCard providers in the country

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GeoBlue provides international students with access to Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance coverage

GeoBlue is a leader in providing international students with access to Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance coverage. GeoBlue is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, offering international health insurance coverage to students, faculty, and staff.

GeoBlue plans are sold in the U.S. in collaboration with participating Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies, helping students navigate and pay for healthcare worldwide. GeoBlue's international student health insurance plans are designed to address the unique needs of international students navigating the U.S. healthcare system. This includes providing access to healthcare providers, assistance with appointments, and direct billing.

The GeoBlue mobile app further enhances the user experience by offering a range of features. Users can search for healthcare providers, request appointments, set up direct billing, and provide proof of coverage. The app also includes a translation tool to assist with scheduling doctor visits and ensuring proper medication dosages. GeoBlue provides comprehensive coverage, including hospitalization, doctor visits, prescriptions, and emergency medical evacuation.

In addition to its health insurance offerings, GeoBlue provides travel tips and advice for international students embarking on long-term trips. GeoBlue's customer service is highly regarded, with users praising its expertise, ease of handling complex situations, and reliability in honouring its promises. The GeoBlue team is accessible via multiple channels, including phone, email, and the GeoBlue mobile app, ensuring that students can reach out for assistance whenever needed.

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GeoBlue offers mental health support services for international students

GeoBlue is an independent licensee of Blue Cross Blue Shield that provides international students with access to Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance coverage. GeoBlue helps students, faculty, staff, and administrators identify, access, and pay for quality healthcare all around the world.

International students are more prone to mental disorders, including depression, compared to their domestic peers. They also face challenges such as culture shock, homesickness, and language barriers. GeoBlue offers mental health support services for international students to address these issues.

GeoBlue's mobile app provides a concierge-level service that allows users to manage their health wherever they are. The app includes a translation tool to help with scheduling doctor visits and ensuring the right dosage of medication. It also provides security profiles and travel alerts to make journeys safer. GeoBlue also offers custom plans that cover long-term stays for students.

In addition to the app, GeoBlue provides a single point of contact for all services, making it easy for users to get things done. GeoBlue's customer service team is experienced in handling healthcare in different countries and can provide expert advice and support.

GeoBlue's international travel health insurance plans can be written for short trips (1 day to 6 months) or purchased as primary insurance for expats or individuals relocating to another country for an extended period (6 months or longer). These plans include coverage for mental health emergencies, which are one of the top reasons for students to be medically evacuated from host countries.

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Blue Shield of California provides students with access to coverage through the BlueCard Program

The BlueCard Program simplifies the process of seeking medical care when away from home or travelling. It allows members to access covered benefits and facilitates claims processing and reimbursement. This is particularly useful for students who may need to seek healthcare services outside of their plan's service area, such as when studying or living away from their permanent residence.

To locate a provider within the BlueCard network, students can use the "Find a Doctor" tool on the Blue Shield website and select the "Providers Outside of California" link. This will direct them to the National Doctor and Hospital Finder, where they can identify providers within the BlueCard network. Alternatively, students can contact the Blue Shield Global Core Service Center at any time to receive assistance in finding a provider or accessing their coverage.

It is important to note that the specific benefits covered under the BlueCard Program may vary depending on the student's particular plan. For example, the PPO, POS, and Active Choice plans generally provide access to covered benefits, excluding dental, vision, and prescription drugs. Students can refer to their Evidence of Coverage (EOC) or Certificate of Insurance (COI) booklet for detailed information about their specific plan's covered services.

In cases where there are no BlueCard providers available in the country a student is visiting, they can still receive reimbursement for their healthcare expenses. By paying directly for the healthcare services and then submitting the bill to Blue Shield, students can be reimbursed for their eligible medical costs. This demonstrates the flexibility and accessibility that the BlueCard Program offers to students seeking healthcare both domestically and internationally.

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Blue Shield Global Core Service Center provides assistance for international claims

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core Service Center provides assistance for international claims. The Global Core program is included in every CareFirst plan and offers medical assistance services and access to providers, hospitals, and healthcare professionals in nearly 200 countries.

At Global Core hospitals, you typically don't have to pay upfront for inpatient care, and the hospital submits your claim for you. You are only responsible for the usual out-of-pocket expenses. However, at non-Global Core hospitals, you must pay the provider or hospital directly for inpatient care, outpatient hospital care, and other medical services. To be reimbursed for these expenses, you must complete an international claim form and send it to the Global Core Service Center.

If you need assistance with your claim submission, you can call the service center at 800-810-BLUE. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An assistance coordinator, working with a medical professional, will help arrange a physician appointment or hospitalization if necessary.

GeoBlue, an independent licensee of Blue Cross Blue Shield, provides international student health insurance. Their plans offer comprehensive coverage for international students, including hospitalization, doctor visits, and prescriptions. The GeoBlue mobile app also allows users to manage their health by searching for healthcare providers, requesting appointments, and providing proof of coverage.

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GeoBlue offers custom plans for international students with long-term stays

GeoBlue is a leader in providing international students with access to Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance coverage. GeoBlue plans are sold in the U.S. in collaboration with participating Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies, helping students, faculty, staff, and administrators identify, access, and pay for quality healthcare worldwide.

GeoBlue's international student health insurance plans are designed to address the unique needs of international students navigating the U.S. healthcare system. The company draws on decades of industry experience to provide superior service and account management. Testimonials from GeoBlue members highlight the company's expertise, ease of use, and reliability in handling healthcare needs in various countries.

In addition to long-term coverage, GeoBlue also offers short-term plans for students on Study Abroad programs, research assignments, or other international educational experiences. These plans provide peace of mind and ensure access to quality healthcare during their time abroad.

Frequently asked questions

GeoBlue is an independent licensee of Blue Cross Blue Shield that provides international students with access to Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance coverage.

GeoBlue's health insurance covers hospitalization, doctor visits, prescriptions, COVID-19 testing and treatment, medical evacuations, and more. It also offers a mobile app to help users find care, make appointments, and receive travel alerts.

Students can purchase GeoBlue health insurance by enrolling in their university's travel abroad insurance program. Alternatively, GeoBlue health insurance can be purchased directly from the GeoBlue website or through Relation Insurance Services.

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