BlueCard® Program FAQs
How do I find doctors and hospitals outside of my Blue Plan's service area in the United States?
How will the participating doctor's office or hospital know that I am a Blue Plan member?
What do I do if I need medical care in a foreign country?
How do I file a claim?
How can I inform you of my other insurance coverage?
How do I find doctors and hospitals outside of my Blue Plan's service area in the United States?
- Visit the BlueCard® Doctor and Hospital Finder at http://www.bcbs.com/ or
- Call BlueCard Access® at 1.800.810.BLUE (2583)
If you are a PPO member, be sure to use a BlueCard® PPO doctor or hospital to receive the highest level of benefits.
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How will the participating doctor's office or hospital know that I am a Blue Plan member?
Participating doctors and hospitals will identify your benefits through one of these symbols found on your ID card.
Traditional PPO Plans
and HMO Plans
What do I do if I need medical care in a foreign country?
- Contact your Blue Plan for coverage details before you leave
- Carry your current Blue Plan ID card
- In an emergency, go directly to the nearest hospital
- To locate a doctor, hospital, or medical assistance services (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- Call BlueCard® WorldWide Service Center at 1.800.810.BLUE (2583) or
- Call collect at 1.804.673.1177
- If you need inpatient care
- Call 1.800.810.2583 or collect at 1.804.673.1177.
- In most cases, no upfront payment is needed for inpatient care at participating BlueCard® Worldwide hospitals except for out-of-pocket expenses you normally pay.
- Hospital should submit your claim on your behalf.
- In addition to contacting the BlueCard® Worldwide Service Center, call your Blue Plan for pre-certification or preauthorization.
- You must pay upfront for care received from a doctor and/or non-participating hospital.
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How do I file a claim?
- If the BlueCard® Worldwide Service Center arranged your hospitalization, the hospital will file the claim for you. You will need to pay the hospital for normal out-of-pocket expenses.
- For outpatient and doctor care, or inpatient care not arranged through the BlueCard® Worldwide Service Center, you will need to pay the healthcare provider and submit an international claim form with original bills to the Service Center.
- International claim forms are available from your Blue Plan, the Service Center or online at www.BCBS.com/bluecardworldwide.
Back to topHow can I inform you of my other insurance coverage?
You can download the
Other Coverage Questionnaire form and submit it by mail or fax or call customer service at
- Blue Cross Customer Service - 1.800.599.2583
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