GeoBlue Insurance

[PaulMCO]

I found out that my medical plan includes GeoBlue insurance for worldwide travel.

 

Does anyone have experience with them and their record of paying claims.

[Suzanne123]

I've never had any problems with Blue Shield as my primary insurance, including treatment at a facility a hundred miles from home, and I'm seriously considering the yearly Trekker Choice plan from GeoBlue. Pre-existing conditions are covered.

They have a really neat app to find providers overseas.

http://www.geo-blue.com/mobileapp/index.htm#features

[GeezerCouple]

Is Geo-Blue an actual INSURANCE company/plan, one that pays for the actual medical care (according to the level of a policy's coverage) when one is traveling, or is it a service that helps to locate providers and facilitate care when one is traveling - with the payment still the responsibility of the traveler, and any possible other insurance payment coverage?

 

That didn't seem clear from the link, without actually starting some sort of sign-up process.

 

Thanks very much.

 

GeezerCouple

[wristband]

I agree Geezer, good point. I had the same sense of uncertainty when reading material on the web site. Interested to find out as there is a considerable difference.

[Suzanne123]

It is actual medical insurance. The app is just a nice thing to have in order to locate medical services overseas.

I was looking into the multi trip Trekker Choice plan:

http://www.geobluetravelinsurance.com/pdf_docs/certs/samples/SAMPLE_TrekkerChoice_0004.pdf

 

All their plans are listed here:

https://www.geobluetravelinsurance.com/product_overview.cfm

 

I saw this explanation on Youtube:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxHm76flAzo

Edited November 1, 2013 by Suzanne123
adding info

[CasaM]

I am considering the Trekker policy thru GeoBlue. My understanding is that you can buy this policy at any time before travelling, i.e. you don't have to buy it within a certain time of putting down your deposit for pre-existing coverage to apply. Does anyone know if this is correct?

 

Also, I'm not tech savvy and do not have a smart phone. Would I need that to run this app that lists the doctors?

 

Appreciate any input on this!

[jkm49]

For those that are interested in GeoBlue, I sent them an email asking the following questions. A copy with the questions and answers are below.

 

Kevin,

 

Please see answers underneath each question:

1. If and accident or medical event occurs while overseas, does the

patient have to pay the medical expenses and then ask for reimbursement

when he or she arrives back in the US?

Yes and No. We have contracted facilities overseas where we can setup up a guarantee of payment (GOP) through our global health and safety team. You can set these up by email or calling us directly. If we do not have a facility that is contracted in the city you are in you would have to pay out of pocket for costs and submit to us a claim form with any and all documentation (i.e. invoices, itemized bills, receipts etc.)

2. Does the patient have to obtain authorization for medical treatment?

More times then not you should notify us so we can make a case for any incident small or large. For some of the more severe medical treatments i.e. medical evacuation etc. you would need a pre authorization.

3. Are there certain medical problems not covered, like say sore throat or

any such minor medical problem?

These would be covered.

4. Does Geo-Blue have emergency contact numbers that can be reached from

overseas?

Yes, all emergency contact information is on the back of your ID card.

5. Do they Geo-Blue issue a medical health card?

Yes, printable.

6. How does reimbursement work as far for clients that are on Medicare A,

B? From what I have read Medicare does not provide much for overseas

medical problems. I will be on Medicare come the first of the year.

We are the primary insured and all claims would go through us.

7. I will have Tufts Medical Plan through Verizon for retirees, I believe

it is an Advantage Plan. At this time I am not sure that plan has coverage

for overseas. Does Geo-Blue work in conjunction with Medicare and other

insurance plans for retirees? When there is more than one insurance

company involved there is usually a payment structure determining who has

the primary responsibility for payment of the health cost. Does Geo-Blue

assume primary cost or do they pick up the cost that my other insurance

company does not pay?

See #6

 

8. Does Geo-Blue have a website that provides customer reviews of the

company? If so can you send me a link?

Our review page has not been added to our Geo-Blue website yet but I provided a link on our HTH travel insurance website that speaks of case studies.

 

http://hthtravelinsurance.com/case_studies.cfm

9. Are they connected with Blue Cross Blue Shield in anyway? Or is it in

name only?

Our Long term plans (in some states) that have domestic coverage utilized the Blue Cross and Blue Shield network in name and trademark only as we are separate companies.

 

Thanks,

 

Kevin Mercer