Traveling with BCBSND Insurance

See how easy your health benefits travel with your luggage.

Mother and daughter packing suitcase for trip after checking their health insurance plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota.

Most people don’t plan on getting sick or hurt while they’re traveling out of the state, either for work or for vacation. But when it happens, it can feel scary and overwhelming trying to decide where to go and what to do. The key is to create a care plan before you go and to know what tools are available to you should you need them.

Traveling within the United States

When traveling around the U.S., you can still access many of the same benefits and discounts as a member of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND). That’s because BCBSND members are automatically part of the BlueCard program. This program allows them to go to any Blue Cross Blue Shield provider in the U.S. to receive the same provider discounts as in-state residents. To find a provider within the BlueCard network, members can use the Find a Doctor tool in the member portal.

But what happens when your trip takes you outside of the U.S.? We’re still here for you.

Traveling outside the United States

Your benefits don’t end the moment you cross a border into another country. You’re still backed by Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core hospitals, a convenient mobile app, and a service center that is open 24/7. If you are traveling outside of the U.S., follow these tips to help prepare for your trip:

Using health benefits outside the United States and its territories
If you need to use your health benefits during your trip, you can eliminate a lot of hassles by contacting the service center at Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core. They can help arrange appointments for you if necessary. In most cases, they can also help set up direct billing if you need to stay in a hospital, eliminating the hassle of trying to pay for care when you’re far away from your local bank. Other considerations for using your health benefits abroad include:

  • If it’s an emergency, please go directly to the nearest hospital.
  • For non-emergencies, contact the service center at Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core to coordinate an appointment and billing.
  • Contact BCBSND on your card for questions about preauthorization.
  • For care not arranged through the service center, you might need to pay upfront.
  • If you need to file a claim, it can be done via the mobile app or by completing the eClaim process online.

International Considerations for Medicare and Medicaid Expansion
If you’re enrolled into Medicaid Expansion or Medicare, it’s also good to understand what insurance options you have if you’re traveling abroad. Medicaid Expansion doesn’t cover services outside of the U.S. Medicare Parts A and B won’t pay for health care outside of the U.S. typically; however, it might pay for some services in Canada or Mexico. Plus, there are some Medicare Supplement plans that include some foreign travel coverage.

Travel Considerations with Medicare
Medicare Parts and B won’t pay for health care outside of the U.S. typically; however, it might pay for some services in Canada or Mexico. Plus, there are some Medicare Supplement plans that include some foreign travel coverage. BCBSND members can find out what supplement plans include emergency foreign travel benefits online or by calling Member Services.

Travel Considerations with Medicaid Expansion
Medicaid Expansion doesn’t cover services outside of the U.S.

So what options are there if you need to purchase additional health insurance to ensure that you’re covered for an upcoming trip? You still have options through Blue Cross Blue Shield GeoBlue.

Additional Coverage from Blue Cross Blue Shield GeoBlue

If you think you’ll need additional coverage overseas, you can consider international health care plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield GeoBlue for peace of mind. GeoBlue makes it easy for members to access care while traveling the world. It’s simple, convenient, comprehensive – and more affordable than you might think. They offer multiple individual and group plans that can be tailored to fit your travel needs and situation.