Overseas Travel Insurance
Going abroad? Your domestic health plan likely won't cover you there. Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions plans start at about $1/day.
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Key Points
- Your domestic health insurance — including Medicare — generally does not cover you once you leave the United States.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions (formerly GeoBlue) offers single-trip and multi-trip plans with access to providers in over 190 countries, with rates starting around $1/day.
- Plans can be purchased up to one day before departure and may be extended while you’re already overseas.
Are You or a Family Member Traveling Overseas?
More people than ever are traveling outside their home country — for business, recreation, or personal reasons. Frequently, domestic health insurance doesn’t provide coverage for overseas medical emergencies, and international travelers generally can’t obtain this type of protection once they’re already outside their home country.
Important: Most traditional health insurance — including Medicare — does not cover expenses such as emergency medical evacuation, medical reunion, return of mortal remains, or trip interruption while abroad.
Who Should Apply for Overseas Travel Insurance?
Anyone traveling outside their home country needs comprehensive protection — but eligibility depends on your situation.
U.S. Citizens & Residents
Can purchase coverage to travel anywhere outside the U.S.
U.S. Citizens Living Abroad
Can purchase coverage as long as they hold a current, valid U.S. passport.
Foreign Visitors to the U.S.
Can purchase coverage with a current, valid passport ID number.
Single-Trip vs. Multi-Trip Plans
Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions offers two main plan structures, each available in Gold and Platinum tiers.
Single Trip
Designed for one international trip lasting 1 day up to 182 days. Available in Gold (no pre-existing condition coverage, no trip cancellation) and Platinum (covers pre-existing conditions). Can be purchased up to one day before departure.
Multi-Trip (Annual)
One policy covers unlimited international trips over 12 months, each trip up to 70 days. Ideal for frequent travelers, business professionals, and anyone visiting family abroad multiple times a year.
| Plan Tier | Emergency Medical | Pre-Existing Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $50,000–$1,000,000 | Not covered |
| Platinum | Up to $1,000,000 | Covered |
Rates typically range from about $1 to $32 per day depending on age, trip length, and coverage selected — most travelers pay $2–$5/day.
Comprehensive Protection For
- Hospital & medical expenses
- 24-hour medical emergency services
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Emergency dental care
- Accidental death & dismemberment
- Return of minor children
- Repatriation of remains
- Limited trip interruption (varies by plan)
These plans provide secondary medical coverage, meaning you generally file a claim with your primary health insurance first. They focus primarily on medical protection and offer limited or no coverage for trip cancellation, travel delay, or baggage — if those matter to you, ask us about supplemental trip protection.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions
Formerly known as GeoBlue, Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions has provided international healthcare coverage to travelers and expats for nearly 30 years. It’s an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association — you don’t need an existing domestic BCBS plan to purchase their travel coverage.
190+
Countries with provider access
A+
Better Business Bureau rating
24/7
Multilingual emergency assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my domestic health insurance cover me overseas?
Generally, no. Most U.S. health plans, including Medicare, do not provide coverage outside the United States. A dedicated international travel medical plan fills that gap.
How soon can coverage start?
A Single Trip plan may be purchased up to one day before your departure date, and coverage can begin as early as midnight. If you’d like a hard copy ID card, allow about two weeks before your effective date.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
The Platinum plan covers pre-existing conditions; the Gold plan does not. Multi-Trip Platinum also covers pre-existing conditions for travelers enrolled in a qualifying primary U.S. health plan.
Can I extend my plan while I’m already overseas?
Yes — once issued, you may request a policy extension while you’re already traveling.
What’s the difference between Single Trip and Multi-Trip plans?
Single Trip covers one international trip up to 182 days. Multi-Trip Platinum covers unlimited trips over 12 months, with each individual trip covered up to 70 days — a better value if you travel internationally more than once a year.
Official Resources
⚠ Disclaimer: Plan availability, coverage limits, and pricing vary by traveler age, destination, and trip length. Review the full policy certificate before purchasing. NISONA is an independent insurance agency and is not affiliated with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
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