Getting Care While You Travel

Know how to get the health care you need

If you’re planning to travel, make sure you know what to do if you or a family member is injured or gets sick.

You can find a doctor or other provider while traveling by calling a BCBSTX Personal Health Assistant or using the Provider Finder®. For travel within the United States, use the Provider Finder tool for your plan. For travel abroad, Blue Cross Blue Shield Global® Core helps you find providers and hospitals.

If you are traveling out-of-state but within the United States, you have access to the same level of benefits you receive in-network as long as you visit in-network providers. HealthSelect of Texas® participants will still need a referral from their primary care physician for specialist visits, and prior authorization is required for inpatient hospital stays, high tech radiology, and certain other services. For more information visit the Referrals and Prior Authorizations page.

If you are traveling outside of the United States, Blue Cross Blue Shield Global® Core allows you to see providers abroad for covered health services at the out-of-network benefit level. If you seek care outside of the United States, you will have to meet an out-of-network annual deductible. If you have a true emergency, the cost of your care will be covered at the in-network level, but some providers may require you to pay for your care up front and submit a claim with Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core for reimbursement.

Be prepared

  • call a BCBSTX Personal Health Assistant toll-free at (800) 252-8039 (TTY: 711), Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. or Saturday from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. CT with any questions before you leave,
  • bring your medical ID card when you travel and 
  • if you get medical care while traveling, keep all the related receipts and paperwork.

Find a provider while traveling

For travel within the United States:
Call a BCBSTX Personal Health Assistant toll-free at (800) 252-8039 (TTY: 711) or use the Provider Finder tool for your plan.

For travel outside of the United States:
Use the international Provider Finder tool via www.bcbsglobalcore.com, or call Global Core customer service toll-free at (800) 810-BLUE (2583).

Medical Virtual Visits

Another convenient and low-cost option for minor illnesses and injuries while traveling within the United States is medical Virtual Visits. With medical Virtual Visits, you and your covered dependents can consult a doctor online for your urgent health care needs. Medical Virtual Visits give you access to a licensed board-certified doctor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. Learn more about Virtual Visits.