Blue Cross Blue Shield company offers mental health support for international students

Published June 1, 2023
Four students walking down the hall at school

Countries like China, Japan, Germany and France are big players in the global economy and they attract thousands of young, intelligent minds to their top-quality university. While the opportunity to study internationally is an exciting and rewarding experience, it's important not to overlook the realities and challenges of navigating life within new cultures. The academic and social pressures that young people face should be taken into consideration as families plan for the travel and well-being of their students when abroad.

International solutions for students

GeoBlue provides international Blue Cross Blue Shield products that support the health of students who live and study abroad.  As post-pandemic international travel continues to increase, so does the need for adequate access to care and a simplified international health care experience. Navigating a foreign healthcare system amid geographic, social and cultural complexities can be challenging. This is especially true when it comes to mental health emergencies, which are at the top of the list of reasons students are medically evacuated from host countries.  

Case study

In one case, an American college student with a pre-existing mental health condition sought care at a medical facility in China. GeoBlue took the lead, serving as care coordinator across continents, addressing translation and billing issues, and ultimately ensuring the well-being of the student with an evacuation back to the U.S.

GeoBlue’s leading international solutions include a robust array of services

  • Pre-departure Program
  • Global Telehealth
  • Global Wellness Assist Program
  • Assistance With Travel Arrangements
  • Direct Payment to Providers
  • Elite Provider Network
  • Medical Case Monitoring
  • Medical Evacuation

Studies also show international students are more prone to mental disorders including depression, compared to their domestic peers. In addition to supporting students abroad, GeoBlue offers solutions for students  entering  the U.S. health care system. These inbound students face similar circumstances of culture shock, homesickness and language barriers. Click here to learn about GeoBlue.

Read more on mental health challenges of studying abroad.

GeoBlue is the trade name of Worldwide Insurance Services, LLC (Worldwide Services Insurance Agency, LLC in California and New York), an independent licensee of Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and is made available in cooperation with Blue Cross and Blue Shield Companies in select service areas. Coverage is provided under insurance policies underwritten by 4 Ever Life Insurance Company, Oakbrook Terrace, IL,