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TRAVEL WITH BLUECARD®

Coverage While Traveling

Traveling across the country or around the world? The BlueCard Program extends your health coverage benefit. If you’re already a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois member, log in to Blue Access for MembersSM to find more information about BlueCard.

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BlueCard Program 

Helping BCBSIL members stay covered, wherever they are.

Location

Get needed health care when you travel or live outside your Blue Plan service area.

Consistency

Get the same benefits as your BCBSIL plan when you travel or are away from home for an extended amount of time.

Options

Find a doctor anywhere in the U.S. Over 90% of U.S. providers contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

International

Find a doctor outside the U.S. in more than 200 countries around the world through BCBS Global™ Core.

Be Prepared

Be sure to call customer service at the number on your member ID card before you travel.

BlueCard coverage varies for each BCBS Plan. It depends on if you choose a provider who contracts with BCBS. The BlueCard Program is not available for Medicaid, Medicare Part D or Medicare Supplement plan members. HMO plan members can use the BlueCard Program only for emergency or urgent care when traveling or away from home for less than 90 days.

Verify your international benefits with your Blue Plan before leaving the United States or purchase a GeoBlue® plan.

Temporarily Residing Away From Home? 

BCBSIL members who have HMO plans may become guests of an affiliated HMO, giving them access to contracting hospitals and doctors when they’re away from home for at least 90 days. The Away From Home Care® Program is ideal for members who: 

  • Have a child attending school out of state
  • Have family members who live in different service areas
  • Have a long-term work assignment in another state

This program allows ongoing access to contracting hospitals and doctors. If you are already a BCBSIL member, log in to BAM℠ to get more information about Away From Home Care. Call the customer service number listed on your ID card to find out where the program is available.

The Away From Home Care Program is not available for Medicare or Medicaid plan members or for HMO plan members on the Blue Precision HMO℠ Network and BlueCare Direct℠, in collaboration with Advocate Health Care and Blue FocusCare℠.

This is only a brief description of some of the plan benefits. Not all benefits are offered by all Plans mentioned above. For more complete details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to your certificate of coverage.