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Brought to you by the international healthcare experts at GeoBlue(R)
The Key: Lock In Your Business, Unlock the World
Q3 2024

How Does GeoBlue® Select Medical Partners to Build a Worldwide Network?

We do it with the help of our Regional Physician Advisors (RPAs)!

RPAs are doctors around the globe whom we’ve chosen to work with not only for their credentials and medical expertise but also their local knowledge of the country or region where they practice. Basically, they’re experts on local standards of care.

Photo: Seated discussion with doctor

We consult our RPAs when we’re recruiting providers, and they help us find the best doctors and care available for our members worldwide. Plus, RPAs may act as liaisons between GeoBlue and the treating clinician in active cases. RPAs are an integral part of our team, and we rely on them to help us deliver the excellent worldwide care our members expect.

With our exceptional network of doctors and global facilities, we provide members flexible access to one of the largest care networks in the U.S. and over 190 countries worldwide. To learn more about how GeoBlue works to secure the best care for our members, check out this recent article from ITIJ.


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Technology That Supports. So the Globally Mobile Can Succeed.

The globally mobile population is growing. In 2023, 71% of employer groups reported an increase in international assignments in the previous year, and 80% of employer groups expected an increase in international assignments in the next 12 months.1 Short-term travel also saw an uptick, with a 10% increase of U.S. outbound international travel in 2024 compared to the same time period in 2023.2
Infographic: 71%, 80%, and 10% statistics from paragraph
Healthcare plays a big role for globally mobile employees—and their employers. Insufficient coverage can lead to large unbudgeted expenses, undue stress and even assignment failure. The shocking reality: the failure rate of overseas assignments is almost 40%, at an annual average cost of $311,000.3
Infographic: 40% statistic from paragraph
However, the right technology can help by providing worldwide access to care from quality providers, helping members feel confident and capable of managing their health needs anywhere in the world. GeoBlue is proud to offer technology tools and services that meet our members’ needs to live, work and travel abroad, without worries or what-ifs.
Illustration: Multiple device types
  • GeoBlue mobile app—Helps members search for and find healthcare resources around the world (watch an overview here)
  • Global TeleMD™—Smartphone app that provides access to virtual visits with international doctors 24/7/365, without incurred claims
    • 72% of Global TeleMD users avoided costly medical expenses, from emergency room visits to general practitioner consultations4
  • International Employee Assistance Program—Offers same-day virtual appointments as well as information, resources and counseling on work, life, personal and family issues*
*The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is offered with our Blue Cross Blue Shield Global® Expat, Blue Cross Blue Shield Global TCN (Third Country Nationals) and GeoBlue Navigator® for students health plans. EAP is not offered with our Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Traveler or Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Traveler Companion plans.

Sources: 1. Health and Risk Benefits Design for Internationally Mobile Employees, WTW, 2023 Report.
2. U.S. International Air Travel Statistics (I-92 data) (trade.gov) International Trade Administration.
3. Why 40% of Overseas Assignments Fail and What You Can Do to Prevent It, Learnlight, 2018.
4. Global TeleMD data, May 2024.


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You Talk, We’ll Listen
At GeoBlue, we’re committed to delivering valuable insights through The Key, our quarterly newsletter tailored to Blue Plans. You’re a valued partner, and your feedback can help us refine the content and format to better meet your needs and support your sales and marketing efforts.

We’ll be emailing you a survey so you can guide us in making sure The Key continues to be a useful resource for you. Please keep an eye out for the survey and take a few minutes to complete it. Thank you!
Illustration: Converstation bubble - Your opinion matters


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Where in the Blue world is GeoBlue?

We’re looking forward to connecting with your sales and account teams, your broker partners and your clients in person in 2024!

Where we’ve been this quarter:
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan AEP/OEP Kickoff
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Community Golf Classic
  • Blue Agencies Conference
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Employee Fair
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Employee Fair
If your plan has an upcoming event we should attend, please contact our sales team. We look forward to seeing you!


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Three Reasons to Follow Us on LinkedIn
 
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Catch the Headlines: Be among the first to hear about news and issues impacting the globally mobile
 
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Grab a Seat: Register for upcoming events and webinars featuring relevant topics and industry experts
 
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Get to Know Us: Catch snippets of who we are and how we’re simplifying the international healthcare experience
 
Contact our sales team
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Blue Cross Blue Shield Global® is a Brand owned by Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. GeoBlue is the trade name of Worldwide Insurance Services, LLC (Worldwide Services Insurance Agency, LLC in California and New York), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and is made available in cooperation with Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies in select service areas. Medical, dental and vision coverage for U.S. clients is provided under insurance policies underwritten by 4 Ever Life Insurance Company, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, NAIC #80985 under policy form series 54.1220. 4 Ever Life Insurance Company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Telemedicine 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 Teladoc Health. Support and information provided through this service does not confirm that any related treatment or additional support is covered under a member’s health plan. This service is not intended to be used for emergency or urgent treatment medical questions.

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