Summary of Benefits
		Election of Coverage and Eligibility Provisions
		Comprehensive Medical Benefits
		Income Protection Benefit
		Dental Benefit
		Dental Schedule of Benefits
		Prescription Drug Benefit
		Vision Benefit
		Life Insurance & AD&D Benefit
		General Exclusions and Limitations

		Summary of Benefits
		Election of Coverage and Eligibility Provisions
		Comprehensive Medical Benefits
		Prescription Drug Benefit
		General Exclusions and Limitations

		How to File a Claim
		When to Call Us
		Request an ID Card
		Continuation of Coverage (COBRA)
		Claim Appeal Procedure
		Coordination of Benefits
		Privacy Practices
		Health Benefits Plan Claim Procedures
		Summary of the Cafeteria Plan
		Forms & Publications

Search this site

TRAVELING OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES OR CANADA

Some plans do not include every benefit mentioned. Refer to your plan booklet to verify which benefits are included in your plan.

Plan Provision

The Health Plan does not cover expenses for treatment that is received outside the United States or Canada, except for emergency care. Persons who plan on traveling should have all routine or planned health needs, including refilling necessary prescriptions, attended to prior to leaving the country.

BlueCard Worldwide

If you do need emergency care outside of the United States or Canada, the Plan’s relationship with BlueCross BlueShield gives you access to “BlueCard Worldwide.” This program links international providers and BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. It provides benefits to the patient and also provides an electronic network for simplified claims processing and reimbursement.

For program details, including your responsibilities, log on to www.bcbs.com. Under the "Healthcare Coverage" heading, click on "BlueCard" and then click on "Worldwide Traveling Outside the U.S."

You are only a phone call away from a BlueCross BlueShield PPO provider. Use the toll-free, 24-hour access line, 800-810-BLUE (2583) or log on as described above to find doctors and hospitals throughout the world. Why not call in advance before you travel?

Top of Page

Assistance Available

BlueCard Worldwide also provides the following services:

• worldwide doctor and hospital locations
• initial medial assessment by a medical professional
• English translators for patients
• emergency transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility
• review of all patient bills to ensure billing accuracy

Top of Page

Claim Processing

In most cases, you are not required to pay up front for inpatient care at a BlueCard Worldwide hospital.

For outpatient care, patients pay the provider and then submit an international claim form.

Specific program details, including claim forms, are provided at www.bcbs.com. Under the "Healthcare Coverage" heading, click on "BlueCard" and then click on "Worldwide Traveling Outside the U.S." Forms may also be obtained by calling BlueCrossBlueShield at 800-810-BLUE (2583).

Top of Page