About this program

Healthcare coverage when you are traveling or living abroad
As a Blue Cross and Blue Shield member, you take your healthcare benefits with you when you are abroad. Through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core program, you have access to doctors and hospitals around the world.

Worldwide Benefits

To take advantage of the program:

  • Always carry your current member ID card.
  • Before you travel, contact your Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) company for coverage details. Coverage outside the United States may be different.
  • If you need to locate a doctor or hospital, call the Service Center for Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core (see number below). An assistance coordinator, in conjunction with a medical professional, will arrange a physician appointment or hospitalization if necessary.
  • If you need inpatient care, call the Service Center (see number below) to arrange direct billing. In most cases, you
    should not need to pay upfront for inpatient care except for the out-of-pocket expenses (noncovered services, deductible, copayment and coinsurance) you normally pay. The hospital should submit the claim on your behalf.
  • In addition to contacting the Service Center, call your BCBS company for precertification or preauthorization. Refer to the phone number on the back of your member ID card. Note: This number is different from the phone number listed below.
  • For outpatient and doctor care or inpatient care not arranged through the Service Center, you may need to pay upfront. Complete a Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core International claim form and send it with the bill(s) to the Service Center (the address is on the form). You can also submit your claim online or through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core mobile app. The claim form is available from your BCBS company or online at www.bcbsglobalcore.com.

To learn more about Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core:

  • Visit www.bcbsglobalcore.com.
  • Use the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core app for Android*, iPhone, and iPod touch.** (Rates from your wireless provider may apply).
  • Call your BCBS company.
  • Call the Service Center at 1.800.810.2583 or collect at 1.804.673.1177, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

 

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core program was formerly known as BlueCard Worldwide®.
Blue Cross, Blue Shield, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield symbols, BlueCard, BlueCard Worldwide, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Global are trademarks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.
*Android is a trademark of Google Inc. **Apple, the Apple logo, iPod touch, and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.