Study Abroad Health Insurance
Union places a high priority on the health and well-being of students. To ensure student have appropriate coverage, since January 2015, International Programs has partnered with GeoBlue to provide international and health and emergency evacuation services to Union College students who study abroad outside of the United States. Students approved to study abroad (outside of the U.S.) will be enrolled in GeoBlue insurance plan. Coverage will be included in the study abroad fee. If there is a program in which the provider offers GeoBlue insurance coverage, the study abroad fee associated with the health insurance will be waived.
Participants in the following programs will not be covered by International Program's GeoBlue's insurance policy:
- Domestic mini-terms (Adirondacks, Civil Rights, Community Engagement, Mexican-American Border, and New Hampshire Presidential Primary)
- Non-Union programs in which the program provider offers GeoBlue insurance among the program offerings
What Does GeoBlue Insurance Cover?
The GeoBlue study abroad insurance plan will provide you with up to $250,000 of medical benefits while abroad. There is no deductible per injury or sickness. It provides 100% coverage for physician office visits, inpatient hospital services, and outpatient hospital and physician services. It provides 100% coverage for prescription drugs. In addition it covers accidental death and dismemberment up to $10,000, repatriation of remains up to $25,000, medical evacuation up to $100,000, and a bedside visit from a relative up to $1,500. Refer to the GeoBlue Certificate of Coverage for full details.
When Am I Covered?
Students will be covered from two days prior to their program start date through two days following their program end date.
Through the GeoBlue student website, students can purchase additional individual coverage at their own cost if they will be travelling abroad prior to the start of the program or beyond the end of their program date. When calling for additional coverage outside of the study abroad program dates please inquire about the GeoBlue individual plan(s), which is a separate coverage from the Union College Study Abroad plan.
In addition, if you or your parents temporarily suspend your U.S. healthcare coverage while abroad, be sure to make sure the insurance is activated again upon your return.
How do I get a health insurance ID card?
The International Programs office will enroll you for GeoBlue Insurance. Once registered, you will receive an email from GeoBlue prompting you to create an account on their website. It is very important that you create your account before you leave the United States. Once you create your account you can print your health insurance card and look for in-network, English speaking doctors in the country you will be staying in. In you do need medical attention while abroad and have to go to an out-of-network healthcare provider, you will use your GeoBlue account to submit a claim for reimbursement. GeoBlue guarantees 100% reimbursement, with a $0 deductible.
How Would I Use GeoBlue Abroad?
Your health insurance ID card contains all the useful numbers you will need. In the event of a medical emergency, you may call 800.257.4823 within the U.S. or call collect to 610.254.8771 outside of the U.S.
How Can I Learn More?
After being accepted into a study abroad program, visit the GeoBlue website to:
- View the certificate of coverage for full details of the Study Abroad benefits
- Register to use the Member Site Tools
- Print your insurance card
- Get a claim form
- Search for a doctor
- Check the status of a claim
- Learn about health information at destination and view a CityHealth Profile
- Understand the security risks at destination and view a GeoBlue Security Profile
- Translate medical terms, phrases and drugs from one language to another
- Prepare for and learn about travel and health issues
- Read up-to-date health, security and education news
- Read host country culture resources