Compare to other insurance.
Coverage that goes the distance.
Authorized Agent:
BCBS Global Solutions
Authorized Agent: BCBS Global Solutions
Does my health insurance cover me outside the U.S.?
Most domestic plans offer limited coverage abroad. Blue Cross Blue Shield Global SolutionsSM provides support and coverage worldwide, so you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.
Health insurance that travels with you.
Your U.S. health plan might stop at the border. We’ve designed coverage that fills those gaps, protecting your health and your finances wherever life takes you.
| Domestic Health Coverage | International Health Insurance | |
|---|---|---|
Access to 24/7/365 assistance services to set up hospital stays and coordinate care |
Domestic Health Coverage
|
International Health Insurance
|
COVID-19 medically necessary testing and treatment |
Domestic Health Coverage
|
International Health Insurance
|
Access to hand-selected contracted global provider network |
Domestic Health Coverage
|
International Health Insurance
|
Clear, extensive evacuation/repatriation coverage and AD&D |
Domestic Health Coverage
|
International Health Insurance
|
Direct Pay—Access to our hand-selected doctors and hospitals that have agreed to bill us directly |
Domestic Health Coverage
|
International Health Insurance
|
Top-rated digital tools, including 24/7/365 telemedicine and security profiles |
Domestic Health Coverage
|
International Health Insurance
|
Edit Access to 24/7/365 assistance services to set up hospital stays and coordinate care |
Domestic Health Coverage
|
International Health Insurance
|
Domestic health insurance
Most domestic health plans offer little or no coverage abroad, leaving you at risk of high out-of-pocket costs. Even with some coverage, you may pay upfront and face complex reimbursement later.
Medicare coverage
Medicare usually doesn’t cover care outside the U.S., and even Advantage or Supplement plans offer only limited emergency coverage. For real peace of mind abroad, you need a trusted plan.
Trip cancellation insurance
Trip cancellation plans cover delays and lost bags but offer limited medical support. If you get sick or injured abroad, you need a partner who ensures access to quality care and medical support.
Credit card travel protection
Credit card travel insurance usually protects your trip investment, not your health. Coverage limits are lower than standalone plans, with little or no medical coverage. You must pay for the trip with the card to qualify for benefits.
Cruise line insurance
Cruise line insurance may offer limited medical coverage, usually only during the cruise. It often excludes travel to and from the ship, with modest benefits focused on trip cancellation—not full medical protection for your whole journey.
A little extra goes a long way.
Our global health plans offer defined benefits, worldwide care, medical evacuation, 24/7/365 support and telemedicine—all from $2/day, so you can travel with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Everyone! If you are going outside of the U.S., you should really protect yourself with a travel medical plan. Relying on your regular insurance could leave you with a large bill if you get sick or injured. Our plans protect every type of travel, from a spring break vacation in the Caribbean to a business trip to Tokyo. Planning to move to another country? We have a plan for that too! Find out more about all of our plans!
No. Your regular health insurance will not cover you outside of the U.S. Or it may provide very limited coverage. If you get hurt or sick while overseas, you could be left with a large bill to pay. Our plans make sure you are protected so you can explore the world without any worries.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue and Shield Association.
Other Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies focus on health insurance in the U.S. Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions only focuses on providing health insurance solutions for those who live, work, travel or study abroad.
We have 3 travel medical plans that cover current health conditions as soon as you buy them. They are:
- Medical Coverage for Travel: Single Trip Platinum
- Medical Coverage for Travel: Multi-Trip Gold
- Medical Coverage for Travel: Multi-Trip Platinum
To buy these plans you need to have primary coverage. Primary coverage is the health insurance that you use while in the U.S.
Moving overseas? For long-term coverage to start right away, you’ll need to give us a letter from your previous health insurer that shows you were covered for at least 6 months. If you didn’t have health insurance, you’ll need to wait up to 6 months for your current health conditions to be covered. This is called a waiting period.
If you had health insurance for less than 6 months, your waiting period will be shortened by the number of months you were previously covered. For example, if you had health insurance for 2 months, your waiting period will be shortened by 2 months from 6 months to 4 months.