We seek to ensure our students, faculty, and staff are insured adequately while abroad under our international health insurance policies through BCBS Global Solutions. In addition, all students, faculty, and staff are covered by a non-insurance emergency assistance plan provided by International SOS.
International health insurance policies
This policy covers the following groups:
- Enrolled undergraduate and graduate students, clinical fellows, residents, and postdoctoral research appointees, who are temporarily engaged in sponsored or approved educational activities outside the United States.
Automatic Enrollment
Undergraduate students participating in study abroad semester or academic year programs administered by Arts & Sciences, Olin Business School, and Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts will be automatically roster enrolled in the GeoBlue/BCBS Global Solutions student policy for the duration of their study abroad. The GeoBlue/BCBS Global Solutions Student Insurance charge will appear on the student’s WashU billing statement within the academic semester.
Self-Enrollment
All other WashU undergraduate and graduate students engaged in educational activities abroad must self-enroll online:
- Visit the GeoBlue/BCBS Global Solutions enrollment site.
- Use WashU’s group access code KXW-37937.
- Pay with a credit card.
If you are traveling to Spain or Germany and require a visa, please reach out to Global Travel Safety before enrolling in insurance.
Note: the GeoBlue/BCBS Global Solutions Student policy is not a substitute for the student’s existing domestic health insurance coverage. The GeoBlue/BCBS Global Solutions student policy does not provide domestic (United States) coverage and does not meet the University’s requirements for student health insurance. It is a supplement to the student’s existing health insurance plan.
Student assistance plan
As part of their WashU insurance plan, all undergraduates receive emergency assistance by United Healthcare Global for trip 100 miles or more away from campus, domestically and internationally. This policy should be utilized by students traveling independently and for domestic off-campus programs. This is not a replacement for enrolling in BCBS Global Solutions for international travel.
If calling from within the United States: 1-800-527-0218 (toll free)
To call collect from outside the United States: 1-410-453-6330
School of Medicine students
Participation in the WashU School of Medicine Student Health Service is required for all full-time medical students on the Medical Campus. Medical students are not covered under United Healthcare Global. WashU School of Medicine Student Health Services does not provide coverage for students or eligible dependents when traveling outside of the United States. The School of Medicine requires that students carry a minimum of $100,000 medical insurance coverage, plus adequate personal and travel safety assistance. Coverage should be purchased through GeoBlue/BCBS Global Solutions.
WashU offers an international healthcare plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Global Solutions* to all faculty and staff traveling abroad for university business purposes (personal travel excluded), provided they are already enrolled in a primary health insurance policy. This plan applies to faculty members doing research abroad while on sabbatical. The university’s International Travel Oversight Committee worked to ensure that employees, including their traveling spouse and/or unmarried, dependent children, have guaranteed access to the highest quality medical care across the globe. Register online to learn about the extra care you receive when you travel with BCBS Global Solutions.
Registration
- Visit the BCBS Global Solutions site and select Register for an Account.
- Enter the WashU Group Access Code QHG99999WUBT.
- Complete the personal information fields.
After registration, you will be directed to the WashU Hub where you can download the BCBS Global Solutions mobile app, membership card, and member guide, and access member tools and services for navigating risks and finding the best medical care options while abroad. For questions about registration or medical coverage, call 1-888-412-6403 inside the United States or 1-610-254-5830 outside the United States.
If you have previously registered for BCBS Global Solutions, you do not have to register again, but you will need to print out your ID card. It is important to have your BCBS Global Solutions ID card to access health care services; you will need to present your ID card whenever you receive medical care.
*BCBS Global Solutions previously operated under the name GeoBlue. Plan features and benefits remain unchanged despite the new product name.
Travel contacts
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