Frequently Asked Questions

GeoBlue (now part of Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions) is a leading provider of international travel medical insurance for U.S. residents traveling outside the United States. It provides comprehensive medical coverage, emergency evacuation, and 24/7 assistance in 190+ countries. It is ideal when your regular U.S. health plan offers little or no coverage abroad.

In most cases, no. Medicare, Medicaid, and most employer-sponsored or marketplace plans do not cover medical care outside the U.S. (except in rare cases like Puerto Rico). Even if they do, the coverage is often limited, requires upfront payment, and has no medical evacuation benefit. That’s why millions of Americans buy supplemental travel health insurance like GeoBlue before every international trip.

Traditional “travel insurance” usually includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss, and some medical coverage. Travel health insurance (also called travel medical insurance or international medical insurance) focuses primarily on medical expenses, hospitalization, prescriptions, and emergency medical evacuation. GeoBlue specializes in the medical side — perfect if your main concern is healthcare costs while abroad rather than trip cancellation.

Medical evacuation (medevac) is one of the most valuable benefits of travel health insurance. If you suffer a serious injury or illness abroad and local hospitals cannot provide adequate care, medevac arranges and pays for transportation (often by air ambulance) to a better facility or back to the U.S. Costs can exceed $100,000–$300,000. GeoBlue plans include up to $500,000–$1,000,000 in evacuation coverage depending on the plan.

Yes — with limitations. Most GeoBlue plans offer a “look-back” period (typically 6–12 months). If you have been stable on medication and have not had treatment or hospitalization for a condition in that period, it may be covered. Always review the specific policy wording or speak with one of our licensed agents for your situation.

Typical benefits include: hospital stays, doctor visits, surgery, prescription drugs, emergency dental, ambulance, medical evacuation & repatriation, and 24/7 telemedicine. Some plans also include accidental death & dismemberment and hazardous sports coverage. Check the plan brochure for exact limits.

Yes. You can see any licensed provider in 190+ countries. In many popular destinations, GeoBlue has direct billing arrangements so you don’t pay out of pocket. You also have access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO network when you return to the U.S.

Pricing depends on age, trip length, destination, coverage limits, and deductible. Typical examples (2026 rates):
• 2-week Europe trip for a 35-year-old: $45–$95
• 6-month Asia trip for a 28-year-old digital nomad: $280–$520
• Family of 4 for 10 days in Mexico: $120–$210
• Senior (68) for 3 weeks in Europe: $180–$340
Get your exact personalized quote in under 60 seconds using the link above.

Click any “Get Instant Quote” button on this site. You’ll be taken to the official BCBS Global Solutions quote engine (our partner). Answer a few simple questions about your trip and travelers, and you’ll see real-time pricing and plan options instantly. No obligation and no credit card required to view quotes.

Most GeoBlue plans require purchase before departure from the U.S. (or before your current coverage expires). We strongly recommend buying at least 2–4 weeks before your trip. Some short-term plans may allow purchase up to 24–48 hours before departure — check during the quote process.

Yes — almost every university and study abroad program requires proof of international medical insurance with minimum coverage amounts (often $100,000+ medical and $50,000+ evacuation). GeoBlue Navigator and Voyager plans are specifically designed for students and are accepted by virtually all programs. We can help you match the exact requirements of your school.

For trips longer than 3–6 months, consider GeoBlue’s annual multi-trip or long-term expatriate plans (Worldwide Premier). These offer renewable coverage, higher limits, and are often more cost-effective than buying multiple single-trip policies. Many digital nomads and remote workers choose these for 12-month renewable terms.

Absolutely. GeoBlue has excellent options for travelers over 65 and those with pre-existing conditions (subject to underwriting). We also have plans suitable for families traveling with children or grandparents. Let our licensed agents help you find the right fit — higher medical limits are often recommended for older travelers.

Annual multi-trip plans are perfect for business travelers who take 3+ international trips per year. You pay one premium and are covered for all trips up to a certain number of days per trip (usually 30–90 days). This is far more convenient and often cheaper than buying separate policies each time.