COVID-19 Updates - Individual 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 several 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 GeoBlue members on our individual (non-group sponsored) plans including our Voyager, Trekker, Xplorer and Navigator plans. If you are seeking information about our group (employer and university-sponsored) 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 you to file online. Send completed claim forms and legible, itemized bills from the provider to [email protected] or fax to +1.610.482.9623. Expatriate members with access may file a claim online through the member portal or the GeoBlue mobile app. 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 our short-term (Voyager and Trekker) plans are encouraged to wait until they return to the U.S. to submit their claims.
Policy Cancellations: GeoBlue members may cancel plans up until the day of departure. Requests for policy cancellation must be received in writing to [email protected]. There is no need to speak to someone for policy cancellation requests. If you need to contact us by phone, click here for more information.
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. 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.

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Coverage and Care FAQs

Will GeoBlue provide coverage and waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing?

For molecular (RT-PCR) and antigen testing:

Coverage: The claim will be covered in any of the following circumstances:
- Prescribed testing from a doctor
- Contact testing
- Medical facility admission testing
Testing that is not medically necessary or is required as a prerequisite for work, school or entry into country is not covered.
Cost-sharing:
- As of January 1, 2021, existing plan rules apply where there may be cost sharing for a COVID-19 molecular (RT-PCR) or antigen test. Please consult your Certificate of Coverage for more information on co-pays, deductibles, coverage and benefits.

For Over the Counter (OTC) testing:
Over-the-Counter (OTC) tests are not covered for members
- On an individual travel (Voyager or Trekker) or expat plan (Xplorer or Navigator) underwritten by 4 Ever Life International, Limited, Bermuda.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) tests are covered* for members

- On an individual travel plan (Voyager or Trekker) underwritten by 4 Ever Life Company, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.
Members should consult their Plan Description to confirm their plan’s underwriter.

*For specific guidelines on covered OTC tests, please refer to the OTC frequently asked questions.
Are members covered if they contract COVID-19?

GeoBlue Voyager and Trekker plans
Medically necessary treatment for COVID-19 is covered as an Illness under GeoBlue Voyager and Trekker plans, up to age 95. As of January 1st, 2021, medically necessary COVID-19 treatment is covered, however the policy deductible applies (if applicable).

GeoBlue Navigator and Xplorer plans
The long-term Xplorer and Navigator plans cover medically necessary COVID-19 testing and treatment. If you have additional questions, please contact expat[email protected].
Is the COVID-19 vaccination covered under my healthcare policy?

GeoBlue Voyager and Trekker plans
Our Voyager and Trekker plans are designed to provide medical coverage outside of the United States only and do not include an immunization/vaccination benefit. The cost of the COVID-19 vaccine will not be covered by these plans. Based on the country where the vaccination is administered, the government may or may not fund the cost.

GeoBlue Navigator and Xplorer plans
If the vaccine is administered in the U.S.
The cost of the COVID-19 vaccine is covered by the U.S. government under the CARES Act regardless of whether or not your policy includes an immunization/vaccination benefit. The pharmacy or provider, where you have the vaccine administered, will be reimbursed under the CARES Act. You are not responsible for any cost share for the vaccination itself.
If there is an administration charge in addition to the cost of the vaccine, GeoBlue will cover 100% up to the CMS* published fee for all Navigator and Xplorer plans except Xplorer Essential and Select plans:
Vaccination(s) administered prior to March 15, 2021: CMS regulated administration fees:
- Single dose vaccine: up to $28.39 for a single dose vaccine;
- Double dose vaccine: up to $45.33 ($16.94 + $28.39 for both doses).
Vaccination(s) administered on or post March 15, 2021: CMS regulated administration fees:
- Single dose vaccine: up to $40;
- Double dose vaccine: up to $40 per dose
Xplorer Essential and Select plans do not include an immunization/vaccination benefit in the U.S.; you will be responsible for the cost of the vaccine and any administration costs charged separately from the cost of the vaccine.
If the vaccine is administered outside the U.S.
Based on the country where the vaccination is administered, the government may or may not fund the cost. GeoBlue will not reimburse any claims for the cost of the vaccination in locations where the government funds the cost. GeoBlue will pay eligible non-government paid vaccination costs based on your plan immunization/vaccination benefit (subject to usual, customary and reasonable cost standards; member cost share and limits may apply). Additionally, if the administration fee is a separate charge, GeoBlue will pay that fee at 100% using the CMS* fee as the maximum amount (CMS regulated administration fees:
Vaccination(s) administered prior to March 15, 2021: CMS regulated administration fees:
- Single dose vaccine: up to $28.39 for a single dose vaccine;
- Double dose vaccine: up to $45.33 ($16.94 + $28.39 for both doses).
Vaccination(s) administered on or post March 15, 2021: CMS regulated administration fees:
- Single dose vaccine: up to $40;
- Double dose vaccine: up to $40 per dose
*The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the U.S. GeoBlue will consider administration fees for the COVID-19 vaccine based on reasonable cost using CMS published fees when the plan includes an immunization/vaccination benefit.
Is the COVID-19 booster covered under my healthcare policy?

GeoBlue Voyager and Trekker plans
Our Voyager and Trekker plans are designed to provide medical coverage outside of the U.S. only and do not include coverage for an immunizations/vaccinations benefit. The cost of the COVID-19 vaccine will not be covered by these plans. Based on the country where the vaccination is administered, the government may or may not fund the cost.

GeoBlue Navigator and Xplorer plans
If the vaccine is administered in the U.S.

The cost of the COVID-19 booster is covered by the U.S. government regardless of whether your policy includes coverage for immunizations/vaccinations. The pharmacy or provider, where you have the vaccine administered, will be reimbursed. You are not responsible for any cost share for the booster itself.

If there is an administration charge in addition to the cost of the vaccine, GeoBlue will cover 100% up to the CMS* published fee for all Navigator and Xplorer plans except Xplorer Essential and Select plans. Please refer to the below guidelines:
- For Pfizer administered after 9/22/2021 or for Moderna & Janssen after 10/20/2021 for these populations:
- 65 years of age or older
- 18-64 years old at high risk of severe COVID-19
- 18-64 years old with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2
- For any type of booster for anyone 18 years of age or older, after 11/20/2021
- The booster type does not need to match the original treatment type
- Single dose CMS published fee = $40
Xplorer Essential and Select plans do not include coverage for immunizations/vaccinations in the U.S.; you will be responsible for the cost of the vaccine and any administration costs charged separately from the cost of the vaccine.

If the vaccine is administered outside the U.S.
You should check your certificate of insurance or benefit summary to determine if your policy includes coverage for immunizations or vaccinations. Based on the country where the vaccination is administered, the government may or may not fund the cost. GeoBlue will not reimburse any claims for the cost of the vaccination in locations where the government funds the cost. GeoBlue will pay reasonable charges for eligible non-government paid vaccination costs according to your plan immunization/vaccination benefit (member cost share and limits may apply). If there is an administration charge in addition to the cost of the vaccine, GeoBlue will cover 100% up to the CMS* published fee. Please refer to the below guidelines:

- For Pfizer administered after 9/22/2021 or for Moderna & Janssen after 10/20/2021 for these populations:
- 65 years of age or older
- 18-64 years old at high risk of severe COVID-19
- 18-64 years old with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2
- For any type of booster for anyone 18 years of age or older, after 11/20/2021
- The booster type does not need to match the original treatment type
- Single dose CMS published fee = $40

*The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, CMS, is part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the US. GeoBlue will consider administration fees for the COVID-19 vaccine based on reasonable cost using CMS published fees when the plan includes an immunization/vaccination benefit.
Do I have access to telemedicine services?

Yes! A safe and convenient option for accessing healthcare services is our telemedicine service, Global TeleMD™, which is available at no additional cost to our GeoBlue members.
The Global TeleMD app provides remote access to a global network of licensed doctors by telephone or video without needing to leave your home or office. All Global TeleMD doctors in the region are briefed on the World Health Organization’s recommendations and are prepared to render remote consultations with patients around the world. Remote consultations via Global TeleMD are free and can be used as many times as you need.
The Global TeleMD app can be downloaded for free to your mobile device from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Once you download the app, you’ll need to create a profile, which is quick and easy. Please have your member ID card or Certificate Number available when creating your profile.
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?

COVID-19 requirements vary worldwide. We highly recommend you review the host country’s COVID-19 requirements before you travel to or within that country. Costs associated with a mandatory quarantine, when not medically necessary, are not covered under your plan. For example, if you test positive for COVID-19 but are asymptomatic and forced to quarantine in a hospital, those hospital charges will not be covered by your plan as these costs are not considered medically necessary.
Are there any restrictions for purchasing plans to travel to a high-risk country?

GeoBlue Trekker and Voyager plans
GeoBlue plans are available for purchase, however we do encourage travelers to review and consider all travel plans according to travel restrictions country-by-country. Medically-necessary treatment for COVID-19 is covered as an Illness under GeoBlue Voyager and Trekker. As of January 1, 2021, existing plan rules apply where there may be cost sharing. Please consult your Certificate of Coverage for more information on co-pays, deductibles, coverage and benefits or to see a quote, visit www.geobluetravelinsurance.com.

GeoBlue Navigator and Xplorer plans
GeoBlue plans are available for purchase, however we do encourage travelers to review and consider all travel plans according to travel restrictions country-by-country. The long-term Xplorer and Navigator plans cover medically-necessary COVID-19 testing and treatment. To see a quote, visit www.geobluetravelinsurance.com. For questions regarding new long-term applications, please contact [email protected]
I have a Voyager/Trekker medical travel plan. Am I covered for medical transport/medical evacuation if I have COVID-19?

You are not excluded from transport if you have COVID-19. If your request for transport is because of COVID-19, the decision to transport is based on medical necessity.
What is GeoBlue’s position on coverage for anti-body testing as a requirement for return to work or school?

GeoBlue’s position remains consistent in covering testing when medically necessary and as part of diagnosis and treatment. Specifically, GeoBlue will cover, at no cost sharing until 1/1/2021, COVID-19 anti-body testing when ordered by a doctor for diagnostic and treatment purposes, when used to diagnose a suspected case for which PCR (polymerise chain reaction) testing is negative or unavailable. Anti-body testing should not be ordered as a stand-alone test for diagnosis and treatment.
GeoBlue will not cover any COVID-19 testing (including anti-body testing) requested by non-medical personnel (members, employers, school programs, governmental agencies) for non-diagnostic treatment purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, testing for personal information or for return to work/school requirements. Please consult your Certificate of Coverage for more information on co-pays, deductibles, coverage and benefits.
I have an Xplorer/Navigator plan. Am I covered for medical evacuations related to COVID-19?

Medical evacuation coverage and restrictions vary by product. If your plan provides coverage for medical evacuation, the medical evacuation would be covered under the following circumstances:
- Sudden accident or unforeseen* illness that leads to a recommendation for medical evacuation by the local attending physician.
- Medical evacuation is medically necessary and subject to approval by our physicians in consultation with the attending physician
- Medical evacuation is advisable i.e. the patient is stable enough to travel, noting that evacuation is always to the nearest capable facility
- Evacuation is practically possible (e.g., with due consideration of origin and destination government rules and restrictions, the availability of commercial air ambulance providers and a receiving facility)
* Unforeseen illness refers to a condition that was not pre-existing
Is Post-Departure Trip Interruption coverage impacted for Voyager plans?

Coverage for Trip Interruption depends on when you purchased your plan. Coverage for Trip Interruption on Voyager plans is not available for trips to a country subject to a CDC level-3 travel warning, or similar warning from the government of the destination country. If the policy was purchased after the date the destination country became subject to such a warning, coverage would not be available.

There is no impact to Trip Interruption coverage for eligible members who purchased a GeoBlue Voyager plan prior to the listed dates and have travelled or are planning travel to one of the listed countries. Members who meet these criteria may use the Trip Interruption benefit as needed ($500 max).

Preventive quarantine in a hotel, cruise ship or any other location would not be covered.
For all CDC references, please visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices.
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?

GeoBlue has compiled a list of COVID-19 hotlines by country as a resource to help you get in contact with the local public health authorities. In many cases, the public health authorities are directing and managing access to testing and have oversight of the public health response to this pandemic. If you are unable to communicate with the operators of the hotlines due to a language barrier, please contact the Embassy or consular service in the country of your stay by hotline, email or via their accounts on social media for guidance. This information, compiled from open sources, is provided as a courtesy and is current as of when we compiled the data. We cannot provide any warranties about the accuracy and/or comprehensiveness of the data. This is provided for informational purposes only and cannot be substituted for official governmental data, or consultation with a licensed healthcare professional.
Can children receive the vaccine?

We follow the guidance provided by the U.S. FDA and CDC. Currently, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is the only one available to children ages 5 years and older (last updated 11/2/21). For more information on the vaccine for children, please visit the following site where you can ask questions within the COVID-19 Vaccine ChatBot: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/index.html

Coverage for the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is dependent upon your policy and whether it’s received inside or outside the U.S. Please see next question “Is the COVID-19 vaccination covered under my healthcare policy?”.

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OTC Testing Coverage FAQs

Are OTC tests covered?

Over-the-Counter (OTC) tests are not covered for members
- On an individual travel (Voyager or Trekker) or expat plan (Xplorer or Navigator) underwritten by 4 Ever Life International, Limited, Bermuda.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) tests are covered for members
- On an individual travel plan (Voyager or Trekker) underwritten by 4 Ever Life Company, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.
Members should consult their Plan Description to confirm their plan’s underwriter.
How many tests are covered?

Each covered individual (policyholder and any dependents) will be covered for up to eight (8) OTC tests per 30-day period, plus any additional test ordered by an attending healthcare professional.
As an example, it’s eight tests per 30-day period (not calendar month) for each covered individual on the policy. If a box contains two tests, then six tests remain for reimbursement for that covered individual in the 30-day period. Any claims for reimbursement must be submitted per covered individual (under each member ID).
What tests/brands are covered?

FDA-authorized, self-administered tests are covered under the regulation, regardless of whether they are ordered by a healthcare professional. As a rule, if you can take and read the results of the test on your own at home and it is FDA-authorized, it is covered under the new regulation. Tests that must be processed by a lab or administered by a healthcare professional (for example, PCR tests) are not covered, unless they are ordered by a healthcare professional for diagnostic purposes.
A list of approved tests can be found here.
How often should I get tested? Are eight tests an appropriate amount?

We encourage everyone to follow the latest CDC guidelines for testing, which can be found here.
Am I responsible for any cost-sharing for the OTC tests?

No, you will not be responsible for any cost-sharing or contribution.
Can I be reimbursed for OTC tests obtained outside the U.S.?

Yes, if you obtain an FDA-authorized OTC test outside the U.S. on or after 1/15/2022 you can submit a claim for reimbursement.
How do I submit a claim for reimbursement?

You can submit a paper claim following the instructions on the claim form. You are required to submit a copy of your receipt that shows the amount and the date purchased.
Am I required to have symptoms or suspected exposure to purchase and be reimbursed for OTC tests?

No. You can receive OTC tests for diagnostic purposes, even if you do not currently have symptoms or suspected exposure.
Do you recommend people purchase at-home tests, even if they are less accurate than diagnostic tests?

COVID-19 tests will play a crucial role in ending this public health crisis. We encourage everyone to follow the latest CDC guidelines and, when using at-home tests, follow the manufacturer instructions on appropriate use.
How else can I obtain COVID at-home tests?

Americans can order free at-home COVID-19 tests. Orders for up to four tests per household can be placed using the website www.COVIDtests.gov. Members may also want to contact their primary health insurance carrier regarding OTC testing coverage.

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Global TeleMD™ services are provided by Advance Medical, part of Teladoc Health, directly to members. GeoBlue assumes no liability and accepts no responsibility for information provided by Advance Medical and the performance of the services by Advance Medical. 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.