GeoBlue (BCBS Global) Health Insurance

To avoid out-of-pocket payment, students can request Direct Pay by going to local GeoBlue (BCBS Global) partnered providers. These providers have an established relationship with GeoBlue (BCBS Global) and will accept direct payment from the insurance. Complete these three steps:

1. Find a local doctor. Start with the BCBS Global Solutions website and find a doctor who works in your area. Find an approved GeoBlue (BCBS Global) doctor nearby. Schedule an appointment with your chosen doctor.
2. Set up Direct Pay. Request Direct Pay for your appointment through the GeoBlue (BCBS Global) App or the BCBS Global Solutions website. For the best service, put in your request 48 hours prior to the appointment.
3. Go to your appointment. If requested, show the Guarantee of Payment from GeoBlue (BCBS Global) to your provider, available on the BCBS Global Solutions app.

This is also outlined on the GeoBlue (BCBS Global) Direct Pay flyer. 

If you decide to go to an out-of-network provider, you will need to pay onsite and request a reimbursement* from GeoBlue (BCBS Global).

1. Find a local doctor. If you cannot find a doctor that works for you on the GeoBlue (BCBS Global) website, ask your program provider, faculty leader, or university for recommendations. Schedule an appointment with your chosen doctor.
2. Go to your appointment. Pay upfront for your visit.
3. File a reimbursement claim. (detailed below)

*For reimbursements, make sure you:

1. Have additional funds, such as a credit card or extra money for emergencies, to pay for the visit.
2. Keep your receipts to submit a claim.

If you paid for a medical appointment out of pocket, you will need to submit a reimbursement claim to GeoBlue (Global Solutions). This is an easy process that can be done from your phone.

1. Scan or take a picture of your receipt (can be in the local language).
2. Upload image to GeoBlue app or the GeoBlue (BCBS Global) website.
3. Follow any additional instructions.
4. Wait for your reimbursement! If you have any questions about when you will receive your reimbursement, contact GeoBlue (BCBS Global).

For more detailed instructions, check out the GeoBlue Reimbursement Claims flyer.

To locate a GeoBlue (BCBS Global)-approved physician or medical facility in your location abroad, visit the GeoBlue (BCBS Global) website. 

Health care providers listed as “Network Provider” have a direct-pay agreement with GeoBlue (BCBS Global), so you will have no out-of-pocket expenses.

If there are no GeoBlue (BCBS Global)-approved facilities in your area or you prefer to see another physician, you are welcome to do so. Once you have made an appointment or have been admitted to a hospital, please contact GeoBlue (BCBS Global) to open a case. If GeoBlue (BCBS Global) is unable to pay the health care provider directly, you may have to pay the bill on-site. Be prepared for this and have emergency funds available. If you pay out-of-pocket, you may submit a claim for reimbursement.

For the terms of coverage of the University of Michigan’s GeoBlue (BCBS Global) Insurance plan, download the Schedule of Benefits.

Coverage extends from 2 days prior to the official arrival date (or start date of the program) until 2 days after the last official date of the program.

Students may need to purchase health coverage that is required by the host country or program provider. A student’s program supplement will provide this information. This may be included in the program costs, or students may be instructed to purchase this on their own. This does not replace the GeoBlue (BCBS Global) insurance required by UM. Rather, students will have to purchase both policies.

GeoBlue Health Insurance is international travel health insurance and only provides coverage outside of the United States. In the event of an injury abroad, the GeoBlue insurance plan may provide some coverage when students return home, however this coverage is extremely limited and therefore students should maintain whatever current health insurance coverage they have in the US for the duration of their time abroad. If students need to seek continued treatment for an illness or injury that occurred while abroad, their US insurance plan will be needed.