With global telemedicine, members get care they trust—plus added convenience and no claims.
Global assignments and living abroad come with plenty of moving parts. Healthcare shouldn’t be the one that causes friction.
Access to timely, trusted medical care—especially for everyday health issues—reduces disruption that can impact focus, productivity, and daily life abroad. That’s why global telemedicine has become a must-have feature in any well-rounded international health plan.
More than just emergency care.
Most people assume travel medical insurance is only for emergencies. And yes, it absolutely covers those worst-case scenarios—heart attacks, serious infections, unexpected surgeries. But what about the everyday stuff?
Colds, sinus infections, UTIs, allergies, stomach bugs—these don’t magically stop when someone leaves the country. Abroad, these conditions can become time-consuming and stressful distractions that affect well-being and work.
That’s why the best international health plans cover both big and small health needs. Our plans do. We include global telemedicine in every health plan we offer, because no one should have to jump through hoops to feel better fast.
Telemedicine delivers familiar care in unfamiliar places.
When you’re sick abroad, you need fast answers—not online searches, language barriers, or unfamiliar local healthcare systems.
With telemedicine built into their international coverage, members can:
- Speak with a doctor (who speaks English and other common languages)
- Access care 24/7/365 from anywhere in the world
- Use a simple app to request a consult
- Fill prescriptions at local pharmacies
No out-of-pocket costs. No claims to file. No time wasted trying to get an appointment.
Even in countries with great healthcare, people choose telemedicine.
Global telemedicine isn’t just for rural areas or places with weak healthcare systems. Our data shows high usage in countries with excellent care, such as Italy, Spain, France, Canada and Germany.
In fact, 80% of our telemedicine visits are from short-term travelers1, and most are for general medicine. Why? Convenience wins. People prefer care that’s fast, familiar, and doesn’t require navigating a whole new system.
Global telemedicine helps manage costs
Let’s talk numbers. For organizations with globally mobile teams, telemedicine isn't just a benefit—it’s a strategic cost-control tool.
Our data shows:
- 72% of telemedicine users avoid high-cost claims1, including emergency room visits
- 75% of registered users actively engage1 with the platform, showing real value
When employees use global telemedicine services, employers can reduce their claims volume and medical spend. Members get free access to quality care without hassle or stress. Everybody wins.
Don't let domestic telemedicine leave gaps abroad.
Here’s a common misconception: “We already offer telemedicine in our U.S. plan.” Unfortunately, most domestic telemedicine services don’t extend internationally. Licensing restrictions prevent doctors from practicing across countries—even virtually. So, if you call your regular telehealth provider from overseas, they likely can’t treat you or prescribe medications locally.
That means without an international solution, members abroad may lose access to virtual care altogether and must navigate unfamiliar health systems during vulnerable moments.
That’s why everyone needs an international plan with global telemedicine built in as a core feature. It ensures members can access care that’s compliant, localized and truly global.
Confidence builds trust.
When people feel supported wherever they go, they travel with confidence. They value their coverage. They trust their plan...and you.
That’s what Blue Cross Blue Shield Global SolutionsSM delivers: not just care, but confidence. Not just a benefit, but reassurance. That peace of mind strengthens global mobility strategy, reinforces your value, and delivers a better experience for everyone.
Source: 1. Usage data from Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions global telemedicine app.
