Health and Evacuation Insurance

US Fellows


Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Expatriate Health Plan — Plus

This plan has an unlimited lifetime maximum and includes emergency medical evacuation and outpatient services throughout the world. Below are few key highlights of your insurance plan:

  • The plan includes comprehensive health care both inside and outside of the United States, however, it is designed for you to spend the majority of time abroad. The plan covers 80% of expenses inside the U.S and 100% of expenses outside of the U.S.
  • Inside the U.S.: The deductible for care sought inside the U.S. is $500 for In-Network Providers and $1,000 for Out-of-Network Providers. The Out-of-Pocket Maximum inside the U.S. is $2,000 for In-Network care and $4,000 for Out-of-Network care. BCBS has the largest hospital and physical network in the U.S., including 96% of all U.S. hospitals and 92% of all U.S. physicians.
  • Outside the U.S.: The deductible for care sought outside of the US is $0 and the Out-of-Pocket Maximum is $0.
  • Inside the U.S., you have access to care through the GeoBlue provider network. To find a doctor or facility, visit the “Find Doctors and Hospitals Inside the U.S.” section in the Member Hub on www.geo-blue.com or select “Provider Finder” in the GeoBlue app. Your plan requires that certain services in the U.S. be pre-authorized before you receive them. When you seek treatment, if your provider doesn’t initiate preauthorization, you are responsible for initiating the pre-authorization process to determine whether the services are medically necessary. For more information regarding pre-authorization, please see the Certification Requirements and Pre-Authorization section in your Certificate.
  • Outside the U.S., you also have access to care through the GeoBlue provider network. To find a contracted doctor or facility, visit the “Find Doctors and Hospitals Outside the U.S.” section in the Member Hub on www.geo-blue.com or select “Provider Finder” in the BCBS app. Outside of the U.S., you are free to see any provider you choose without a reduction of benefits. If you see a non-contracted provider, you may have to pay out of pocket for treatment and submit a claim. Once you make an appointment, contact BCBS to provide the doctor’s office with the information required to arrange Direct Pay. For optimal service, request Direct Pay at least 48 hours prior to your appointment. In many countries, providers require payment at the time of the visit unless Direct Pay has been arranged.
  • If you need to submit a claim, you can do so easily through the app or Member Hub on www.geo-blue.com. Scanned paper documents are delivered directly to the Claims Department and your eClaims are saved in the Claims section of the Member Hub.
  • For a comprehensive list of your benefits and coverage, please see your benefit booklet in the Member Hub.

24/7 Member Services:
Outside the U.S.: + (610)254-5304
Toll-Free Within the U.S.: 1-855-282-3517
Email: customerservice@geo-blue.com

24/7 Medical Assistance Including Evacuation:
Collect Calls Accepted: +1 (610) 254-8771
Toll-Free Within the U.S.: 1-800-257-4823
Email: globalhealth@geo-blue.com
Pre-Authorization in the U.S.: 1-800-952-3404

International Fellows

All international trainees that have coverage from their home institution are expected to continue with this coverage.

While in the U.S.

HBNU will purchase health and evacuation insurance for international trainees only during the NIH Orientation in the U.S. and during the Short-Term U.S. training. The insurance will be purchased through TW Lord unless university-specific health insurance is required. The plan information will be provided when you receive the insurance card and summarized here:

Accident and Sickness Medical Expense Benefits: 

Subject to the Deductible, this Plan will pay 80% of the first $5,000 of Eligible Medical Expenses and thereafter, 100% of Eligible Medical Expenses up to a Maximum Benefit amount of $250,000 for each Injury or Sickness. The Deductible is $50.00 per Injury or Sickness (maximum of 3 per Policy year).

Use of hospital emergency room for Sickness will result in an additional deductible of $50.00. In addition the percentage payable for the Eligible Medical Expenses will be reduced by 20%. This limitation will not apply in the case of a Medical Emergency.

Eligible Expenses
Eligible Expenses with respect to the Plan include but are not limited to the following Usual, Reasonable and Customary charges.

1. Fees for diagnosis or treatment by a doctor, surgeon, anesthetist, radiologist, physiotherapist, or other licensed medical professional acting within the scope of his or her license;
2. Hospital Room and Board charges; payment will be limited to the Hospital’s semi-private room rate accommodations unless confined in an Intensive Care Unit;
3. Laboratory, diagnostic and X-ray examinations;
4. In-Patient and Out-Patient prescription drugs and medicines;
5. Expenses incurred for treatment of mental or Nervous Disorders. Benefits are payable: a) for In-Patient expenses up to 30 days of confinement with a lifetime maximum of $25,000; b) for Out-Patient expenses, benefits will be payable up to $1,000 per year;
6. Expenses incurred for a newborn child during the first 31 days for routine in-hospital care to a maximum of $500;
7. Professional ambulance service; and
8. Expenses for repair of sound, natural teeth caused by an Injury up to a maximum of $2.000 for any accident

Please note that this insurance plan is intended for use during emergencies or acute illness. It is not intended for preventative care.

Trainees are also strongly encouraged to utilize the following safety resources:

  • Register with the U.S. Embassy to receive regular travel advisories
  • Review current travel advisories issued by the U.S. State Department

Malpractice Insurance

Due to institutional concerns and the type of research being conducted, some Fellows may need in-country malpractice insurance. Please talk with your mentor and site to determine if this insurance is needed. This insurance is not covered through this fellowship.