International Health Insurance Coverage
Embark on your next adventure with peace of mind.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s (BCBS) international health insurance gives you the confidence to explore, work or live abroad knowing you’re covered wherever life takes you.
Health Insurance Coverage for International Travel
Whether you’re relocating for a new job, studying in another country, or planning a trip overseas, our comprehensive coverage ensures you have access to trusted healthcare in more than 190 countries. With Blue Cross Blue Shield Global SolutionsSM, you’ll always have support by your side, making your experience abroad as smooth and worry-free as possible.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions
Your health care needs don't have to be confined by borders. Explore international coverage options or get a quote for your upcoming trip. Already a member? Access the support you need right away.
Global Health Coverage: What's Included
With features like emergency medical coverage, telemedicine access and personalized support, our benefits empower you when traveling abroad, allowing you to focus on your journey without worrying about health care needs.
Coverage from Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions includes:
- Global Access: Trusted network of health care providers in over 190 countries, including 24/7 access to global telemedicine services
- Comprehensive Coverage: Inpatient, outpatient, emergency care, diagnostics and prescriptions
- Digital Tools: Mobile apps for claims, ID cards, telehealth, scheduling and care navigation
- Multilingual Support: 24/7 multilingual assistance, including care navigation, when you need it most
- Emergency Transportation: Local transport, medical evacuation and repatriation
- Payment Guaranteed: Providers bill insurance directly so you're not responsible for large out-of-pocket costs
Health Insurance for Senior Travelers
Retiring abroad, visiting family overseas or crossing off bucket-list destinations should make international travel for seniors an exciting adventure rather than a source of stress. Medicare has limited coverage outside the U.S. and may result in significant out-of-pocket costs when needing to seek care. Our health insurance plans for travelers are designed to give you peace of mind, wherever life takes you.
Expat and Business Travel Coverage
Our international health care products are designed to align with your talent strategy, enhance your employee experience and simplify global mobility operations.
Employer plan options include:
- Tailored group plans for expats and business travelers
- Centralized administration and digital portals
- Cost management tools and flexible add-ons
- Access to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield networks in the U.S.
Coverage for Studying Abroad
Our overseas medical insurance plans are built to support your academic journey, ease your transition abroad, and give you peace of mind while you explore the world.
Student plan features include:
- Tailored coverage for study abroad and exchange programs
- Pre-trip planning tools and country-specific health guides
- Mental wellness resources and telemedicine access
- 24/7/365 support and mobile tools for on-the-go care
For Non-U.S. Based Individuals
Two of the premiere brands in health care, Bupa Global and Blue Cross Blue Shield Global, have strategically partnered to offer health plans that include global coverage including in the U.S. for those living outside of the U.S.
Questions about International Health Insurance
Answers to common questions about international health insurance coverage, eligibility, provider networks and claims.
International health insurance, also called global health insurance, is comprehensive medical coverage designed for people traveling or living abroad for extended periods—think expats, long-term students, digital nomads, retirees, and globally mobile employees. It typically includes inpatient and outpatient care, prescriptions and sometimes maternity or mental health benefits, depending on the plan.
Key differences most travelers search for:
- Propose: International health insurance provides comprehensive coverage, designed to give access to routine, preventive and emergency care. Traveler insurance provides short-term coverage focusing on non-medical benefits like trip cancellation and baggage loss, with limited medical coverage for accidents and illness.
- Ongoing care: International plans can support chronic conditions and routine care; travel plans usually stabilize you and send you home for follow-up.
Some Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies provide their U.S. members with the ability to utilize their domestic coverage outside of the U.S, providing reimbursement of some health care expenses incurred internationally through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core® program. Coverage and claims process varies widely based upon the domestic product design, and typically includes out of pocket costs (co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, etc).
For more information regarding the program or to search for providers outside of the U.S., please visit the program website.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions℠
Owned by 15 Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies and Bupa, Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions℠ is the trade name for the robust portfolio of international coverage products through Worldwide Insurance Services, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans.