Traveling in the wake of COVID

In the wake of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever to be prepared for medical emergencies while traveling internationally. Here’s why.

Man with camera and woman

08/23/21

Even before the pandemic, Americans were considered “vacation deprived.” A study by a popular travel site found that U.S. workers had 653.9 million unused vacation days in 2018.i Unsurprisingly, that number grew in 2020. Also unsurprisingly, Americans are planning on making up for it in 2021.ii  

Nearly 70 percent of Americans are planning leisure travel within the next nine months.iii As people prepare to explore the globe, it’s more important than ever that they’re prepared for a medical emergency.

Most people are familiar with travel insurance, which insures the financial investment of a trip. It covers things like lost luggage, canceled flights and if illness prevents you from leaving in the first place. However, it doesn’t usually cover the cost of medical care. 

Because of the pandemic, some countries require travelers to provide proof of medical insurance that includes coverage specifically for COVID-19 treatments. 

Protection from the unexpected

GeoBlue® offers medical coverage while traveling internationally — including medically necessary COVID-19 testing and treatment. Employees can purchase plans on their own with no involvement from their employer, and employer-sponsored plans are available for international business travelers. 

Features include around-the-clock access to support, appointment scheduling and destination health intelligence with no out-of-pocket payments at the point of care or claims paperwork. Specific coverage details depend on the type of plan.

Learn more about GeoBlue
 

You can also contact your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota representative if you’re interested in an employer-sponsored plan. 

 

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