International Travel with Blue Cross Blue Shield
If you are traveling outside of the U.S., BCBS has a program called Bluecard Worldwide. This service can arrange hospitalizations or make appointments for you. You can view these links to access more information:
If you need to find a hospital or doctor and are outside the U.S., call (804) 673-1177. If you are inside the U.S. and have questions, call (800) 810-2583. These lines are open 24-7. I suggest attaching these phone #s on your BCBS insurance card when you are traveling.
When You Need Healthcare Outside the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands
Always carry your Blue Cross and Blue Shield ID card.
Contact your Blue Plan before leaving as your health care benefits may be different outside the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.
In an emergency, go directly to the nearest hospital or doctor. Call the BlueCard Worldwide Service Center if hospitalized.
If you need to locate a doctor or hospital, or need medical assistance services, call the BlueCard Worldwide Service Center at 1.800.810.BLUE (2583) or call collect at1.804.673.1177, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An assistance coordinator, in conjunction with a medical professional, will arrange a physician appointment or hospitalization, if necessary.
Call the BlueCard Worldwide Service Center at 1.800.810.2583 orcollect at1.804.673.1177when you need inpatient care. In most cases, you should not need to pay upfront for inpatient care at BlueCard Worldwide hospitals except for the out-of-pocket expenses (noncovered services, deductible, copayment and co-insurance) you normally pay. When cashless access is arranged, the hospital will submit your claim on your behalf.
Call your Blue Plan for precertification or prior authorization, if necessary. Refer to the phone number on the back of your ID card.
Claims Filing and Payment Information
For inpatient care at a BlueCard Worldwide® hospital that was arranged through the BlueCard Worldwide Service Center, you should only pay the provider the usual out-of-pocket expenses (noncovered services, deductible, copayment and coinsurance) when cashless access is arranged. The provider files the claim for you.
For all outpatient and professional medical care, you pay the provider and submit a claim.You may also have to pay the hospital (and submit a claim) for inpatient care obtained from a non-BlueCard Worldwide hospital or when inpatient care was not arranged through the BlueCard Worldwide Service Center.
To submit a claim, complete an International Claim Form and send it to the BlueCard Worldwide Service Center. The claim form must be completed and accompanied by itemized bills otherwise your claim will be returned to you and payment will be delayed.