Health Insurance Information

GeoBlue Basics

The GeoBlue/Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Traveler plan is a blanket policy providing access to GeoBlue’s network of doctors and hospitals abroad, as well as medical referrals and country-specific health and safety information. Through the website or app you can Find an International Provider (medical and dental care). 

Eligibility

• Benefits-Eligible Employees are covered under the Global Traveler Plan while traveling internationally on GW sponsored or affiliated travel provided they are under age 80 and enrolled in a Primary Plan.*
  To review the definition of a GW Benefits-Eligible Employee, please see the GW Health and Welfare Plan Summary Plan Description (PDF). For questions, please contact GW Benefits via email at [email protected] or via phone at 571-553-8382.
   
• Postdoctoral Associates and Postdoctoral Scholars are covered under the Global Traveler Plan while traveling internationally on GW sponsored or affiliated travel provided they are under age 80 and enrolled in a Primary Plan.*

Note:  the maximum trip coverage period is 180 days.

If you are traveling on GW business and do not qualify under GW’s faculty/staff or student plans with GeoBlue, we recommend enrolling in an individual plan through GeoBlue and applying for reimbursement through the sponsoring department.

Eligible Dependents

Eligible Dependents traveling with Benefits-Eligible Employees (Participants) are covered under the Global Traveler plan and can register/print an ID card/access plan benefits similarly.

An Eligible Dependent means a person who is the Eligible Participant’s:

1. spouse; partner;
2. unmarried natural child, stepchild or legally adopted child who has not yet reached age 26;
3. own or spouse’s own unmarried child, of any age, enrolled prior to age 26, who is incapable of self support due to continuing mental retardation or physical disability and who is chiefly dependent on the Eligible Participant.

Enrollment/ID Card

While enrollment is not required to access plan benefits, you can use GW’s Group Access Code: QHG99999GWBT to register/create an account on GeoBlue's website or via the GeoBlue app. 

A group ID Card is available through the website or app.  As this is a blanket plan and eligibility is verified following use of the plan benefits, the group ID card cannot be presented in lieu of payment for service.

Medical Emergency

In the event of a medical emergency, go to the nearest hospital for treatment.  Be prepared to pay out-of-pocket for service and file a claim with GeoBlue for reimbursement.

Call GeoBlue at +1-215-798-3714 so they can assist and monitor your care.  GeoBlue may be able to arrange a Direct Pay.

Find an International Provider

Through the website or app you can Find a Provider (medical, dental, mental health care).  You can see any physician outside the US – you will need to pay out-of-pocket for service and file a claim with GeoBlue for reimbursement OR, if you select a physician in GeoBlue’s network, you have the option to click Request Direct Pay at least two days prior to your appointment.

Telehealth

Download the Global TeleMD app (you will need GW’s Group Access Code: QHG99999GWBT to register/create a profile) to request a same day virtual or phone appointment with a general medicine physician (available 24/7).

COVID-19

GeoBlue is an accident and illness insurance plan. It does not provide the type of benefits found under a travel insurance or cancel for any reason insurance policy. 

GeoBlue covers COVID testing when prescribed by a physician for symptomatic individuals or for individuals who were directly exposed and may be asymptomatic.  If a Participant receives a prescription or referral through GeoBlue’s telehealth vendor, the subsequent test would be covered. Participants can submit a claim for a COVID test the same way as other medical services and indicate the reason/diagnosis on the claim form.

*A Primary Plan is a Group Health Benefit Plan, an individual health benefit plan, or a governmental health plan (including Medicare) designed to be the first payor of claims for an Insured Person.  Not sure if you are enrolled in a Primary Plan?  Contact GW Benefits via email at [email protected] or via phone at 571-553-8382.