Blue Cross and Blue Shield® Federal Employee Program® Enhances Experience for Overseas Members

WASHINGTON, February 13, 2024 – Members of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS®) Federal Employee Program (FEP®) will now receive an enhanced member experience while living and working abroad. Effective January 1, 2024, the Overseas Assistance Center—which assists members with needs like overseas provider referrals, billing and emergency medical evacuations—will now be managed in collaboration with GeoBlue®.

GeoBlue is the broadest global health insurance network available offering coverage in more than 190 countries. FEP members will now have access to the high-tech, high-touch service from GeoBlue, creating a simplified international health care experience for members.

“Our members want easy access to trusted care when and where they need it,” said David Yoder, FEP senior vice president at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. “GeoBlue’s vast network and capabilities will help FEP members access higher quality medical care in any town, country or time zone.”

The GeoBlue mobile app provides quick and convenient access to a variety of tools and resources. Members can submit claims for reimbursement, locate nearby physicians and facilities, find country-specific prescription and over-the-counter names and preparations for close to 500 medications, and use our extensive medical phrase and term translation tool.

BCBSA FEP members can also get support before they vacation or relocate to another country through GeoBlue’s Pre-Departure Program.

“The Pre-Departure Program is a unique service that helps members transition to a new country and navigate the health care experience,” said Diego Fernández, GeoBlue president and CEO. “As the international solution for Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies, we are eager to leverage our extensive global capabilities and world-class service to safeguard the health and well-being of the 5.7 million FEP members who live or travel abroad.”

For more information on the FEP Overseas Program, visit https://www.fepblue.org/overseas.

About GeoBlue

Owned and backed by 15 Blue Cross Blue Shield companies and Bupa, GeoBlue is the trade name for the international health insurance programs of Worldwide Insurance Services, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. For 25 years, GeoBlue's purpose has been to simplify the international health care experience for the globally mobile. GeoBlue members have access to one of the largest care networks in the world, coupled with high-tech, high-touch services that enable them to fulfill their international aspirations. Whether it's executives doing business in Tokyo, students studying in Spain, or tourists traveling the world, the power of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield brand is always within reach. To learn more, visit about.geo-blue.com.

About the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan (FEP®)

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan, also known as the Federal Employee Program® (FEP®), has been part of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program since its inception in 1960. It covers roughly 5.7 million federal employees, retirees and their families out of the more than 8.5 million people who receive their benefits through the FEHB Program. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association negotiates annually with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to determine the benefits and premiums for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan. The local Blue Cross Blue Shield companies are the primary points of contact for Service Benefit Plan members. They are responsible for processing claims and providing customer service to our members. To locate the address and telephone number for a local Blue Cross and Blue Shield company, please visit fepblue.org/contact-us.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a national federation of independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies.