COVID-19 Updates - Group Members

As the world continues to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that this may be a difficult time for our globally mobile members around the world. GeoBlue is committed to supporting the health and well-being of our members and employees during this unprecedented crisis and have taken a number of actions to offer additional support and protection.

Our team, including our global medical experts, have been continually monitoring the situation. We will update this page, as needed, to keep you informed and answer questions you may have about how our products and services can support you during this difficult time.

The information on this page addresses services and products for members on our group (employer or university-sponsored) plans including members of our BCBS Global Traveler and Expat plans or GeoBlue plans for educational institutions. If you are seeking information about our individual (Voyager, Trekker, Xplorer or Navigator) plans, click here.


Important Notices

  • Customer Service: We are experiencing higher than normal call volumes which may impact wait times to reach an agent by phone and/or response times to your email inquiries. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through these unprecedented circumstances. Many common questions around coverage related to COVID can be found on the FAQs below. If you are calling about a claim that was submitted less than 30 days ago, we ask that you allow the full 30 days before contacting us about the status of your claim.
  • Outpatient Guarantees of Payment: COVID-19 continues to cause delays in some of our services. If you are calling to request an outpatient guarantee of payment for a non-urgent service scheduled within the next 48 hours, we ask that you pay the provider at the time of service and file a claim for reimbursement. Remember to keep all receipts and documentation for your claim. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through these unprecedented circumstances.
  • Paper Claims: To avoid any potential claim submission delays, we strongly encourage members to file online. Members can submit claims electronically through the app or through the Member Hub on www.geo-blue.com or www.geobluestudents.com. We do not recommend postal mail submission at this time.
  • Claims Reimbursement by Check: Visit the U.S. Postal Service’s alerts page to learn if there are any international service disruptions. We encourage members to choose ACH or wire transfer for claims reimbursement where available. Members on educational institution-sponsored plans are encouraged to wait until they return to the U.S. to submit their claims.
  • Provider Availability: Provider availability, services and operating hours may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Complimentary telemedicine services are available for non-emergency situations through our Global TeleMD™ mobile app at no cost to members and can be used as many times as needed. Members should check their member guide to see if they have access to Global TeleMD. Should members require an in-person office visit with a doctor, we strongly encourage members to contact them in advance to understand their office hours and available services.

February 28, 2020 

For Members – General Coverage Questions

  • Will my healthcare plan provide coverage and waive cost-sharing for the COVID-19 test?

  • Is the cost of COVID-19 treatment covered under my healthcare policy?

  • Will the cost of a COVID-19 test be covered when required prior to receiving in-patient surgery?

  • Some healthcare providers are charging an administrative fee to cover the cost of personal protective equipment (PPE) and/or extra cleaning and sanitation. Are those fees covered?

  • Is the COVID-19 vaccination covered under my healthcare policy?

  • Is the COVID-19 booster covered under my healthcare policy?

  • What happens if I test positive for COVID-19 but do not require medical treatment (considered asymptomatic) and the government mandates I quarantine in a hotel or medical facility? Will my plan cover costs for this stay?

For Members – Questions about OTC Testing Coverage

  • Does the new Over the Counter (OTC) COVID testing regulation apply to me?

  • What does the regulation mandate?

  • How many tests are covered?

  • What tests/brands are covered?

  • How often should I get tested? Are eight tests an appropriate amount?

  • Am I responsible for any cost-sharing for the OTC tests?

  • Can I be reimbursed for OTC tests obtained outside the U.S.?

  • How do I submit a claim for reimbursement?

  • Can the pharmacy process a claim for OTC tests?

  • Am I required to have symptoms or suspected exposure to purchase and be reimbursed for OTC tests?

  • Do you recommend people purchase at-home tests, even if they are less accurate than diagnostic tests?

  • How else can I obtain COVID at-home tests?

For Members – Questions about Additional Support

  • Do I have access to telemedicine services?

  • I feel overwhelmed by the current situation. Are there any support services available to me and my covered dependents?

  • Where can I find COVID-19 travel recommendations and restrictions for my country of assignment?

For Members – Questions about Seeking Care

  • I’m currently located outside the U.S. and think I may have symptoms of COVID-19. How do I reach the local public health authority in my location?

For Clients or Brokers

  • Do any symptoms or risk factors need to be formally documented for COVID-19 tests to be covered?

  • What is GeoBlue’s position on coverage for anti-body testing as a requirement for return to work or school?

  • Do students, expats and business travelers have access to telemedicine services?

  • Members of Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Traveler (BT) plans have a 180-day trip limit. What happens if a member is quarantined resulting in their total trip exceeding 180 days?

  • Do BCBS Global and GeoBlue products provide coverage for the medical evacuation of suspected or infected patients?

  • Will GeoBlue or its vendors manage the medical evacuation of suspected or infected patients?

  • If a group with global travel coverage has employees in an area where there’s an outbreak, would the policy cover evacuation if employees are not showing signs of illness?

  • What if the employees are ill? Can they be evacuated elsewhere?

  • What about members covered under Political and Natural Disaster (PEND) coverage. How are they being handled with respect to the coronavirus outbreak?

 



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Global TeleMD™ services are provided by Teladoc Health, directly to members. GeoBlue assumes no liability and accepts no responsibility for information provided by Teladoc Health and the performance of the services by them. Support and information provided through this service does not confirm that any related treatment or additional support is covered under a health plan. To discuss the coverage under a health plan, members should contact us using the number on the back of their ID card. This service is not intended to be used for emergency or urgent treatment medical questions.
 February 28, 2020