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International Health Insurance FAQs

Find answers to common questions about GeoBlue for Students, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø’s international health insurance plan. FAQs are divided into four categories: general insurance information, GeoBlue rebranding, registration and claims, eligibility and coverage, and visa letters.

General Insurance Information

What is the international health insurance plan for ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø student travelers and how do I enroll?

ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø has transitioned to a Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions (BCBS Global Solutions) blanket program for all student travelers. This means that students no longer enroll directly with BCBS Global Solutions, formerly GeoBlue, for coverage, and that there is one group plan number for all ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø student travelers. A student may travel abroad for different university purposes while at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø but have the same plan number.

Why does ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø require that I maintain my domestic plan while abroad?

Although BCBS Global Solutions, formerly GeoBlue, applies only while abroad (and not in the United States), ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø’s Student Insurance Office requires all full-time students to maintain domestic health insurance coverage during study abroad enrollment. This is to avoid any gaps in coverage in case a medical emergency abroad requires the student to return home early for continued treatment or recovery.

When might travelers want to purchase the commercial policy for international travel?

Students and employees should consider enrolling in a separate commercial health insurance for independent leisure travel or personal travel before or after the program.

Visa Letters

Need proof of international health insurance?

Students and employees can request a visa letter as proof of international health insurance coverage. While visa letters are commonly used for visa applications, they can also provide health insurance verification for internship sites, host institutions, housing providers, and other organizations that require proof of insurance.

To request a visa letter, email visaletters@geo-blue.com and include:

  • Your full name exactly as it appears on your passport
  • Your date of birth
  • The country or countries you will visit
  • Your travel dates
  • Your Group Access Code:
    • Students: GTB9999NWBKT
    • Employees: QHG9999NWBTY

Please allow up to three business days to receive your personalized letter. When you receive it, review all information carefully to make sure it is correct.

GeoBlue Rebranding

What changes should we expect as GeoBlue rebrands to BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions?

The coverage and services that BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (abbreviated to BCBS Global Solutions) provides ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø with will stay the same, including the claims process, the Pre-Departure Program, and Global TeleMed. The rebrand is only affecting the name of the international health insurance plan, so the apps, websites, social media, and other documents will slowly phase out of the old name to the new one.

What is the new contact information for BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions?

The phone numbers and mailing addresses will stay the same with the rebranding. However, their email addresses will be changing to reflect the new name under the @bcbsglobalsolutions.com domain. You can still email the @geo-blue.com domain, and your email will automatically redirect to their new email address.

Why does the GeoBlue name still show up on some documents or websites?

Registration and Claims

How do I register for the BCBS Global Solutions / GeoBlue blanket program?

Registering is optional but provides access to important health information at your destination. To register, download the free mobile app or go to  and use your ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø email address and the student Group Access Code: GTB9999NWBKT.

I traveled abroad as a ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø student before 2025. When I log into the BCBS Global Solutions / GeoBlue mobile app, I receive an error message. How can I resolve this?

Your prior registration has been removed. To create a new registration, log into the BCBS Global Solutions app or go to  and use your ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø email and student Group Access Code: GTB9999NWBKT. 

How do I submit claims for medical services paid out of pocket?

You can find the claim form and instructions at Reimbursement for Care. Please email claims forms for medical services paid out of pocket to claims@geo-blue.com.

Eligibility and Coverage

I am an international student returning to my country of citizenship and permanent residence, am I eligible for the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø BCBS Global Solutions / GeoBlue Student Plan?

In general, students are not eligible in their country of citizenship, though some exceptions apply for students traveling on short-term (two weeks or less) ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø-sponsored travel. Students on short-term Pritzker or Kellogg Exchange Programs may be eligible for coverage. Check with your school contact for confirmation.

If my undergraduate study abroad program provider includes a health insurance product, am I also covered under ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø’s BCBS Global Solutions / GeoBlue for Students plan?

Many of the third-party program providers with whom we work (see “exempt programs”) provide participants with a high-quality insurance plan and 24/7 support services. As a result, those students are not eligible for the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø BCBS Global Solutions Student Plan. Refer to Study Abroad Health Insurance for a list of exempt programs.

Can my spouse/partner qualify as an eligible dependent for purposes of enrollment?

Yes, possibly. Review the definition of "Eligible Dependent" in Section 10 of the Certificate of Coverage for confirmation.
If you have additional questions about international health insurance, email globalsafety@northwestern.edu.