Travel Coverage

Before traveling, it’s important to learn about the travel services available to you as an IU employee or medical/optometry resident, and to understand how your healthcare coverage works if you experience medical needs or emergencies while away from home.

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Emergency Travel Assistance

Assist America Program Guide
Assist America Program Guide

Your IU-provided Basic Group Life Insurance includes 24/7 access to Assist America, a program designed to help you prepare for trips and respond to emergencies while you are traveling. Please note that this is not travel insurance and it is not health insurance.

Services are available when employees, residents, or eligible family members (spouse and children through age 25) travel more than 100 miles from home or internationally for up to 180 days for business or pleasure. There is no cost for enrollment; however, any fees or costs for services received through the program are the responsibility of the participant.

Services Available

Services available through Assist America include:

  • Pre-trip information such as Visa requirements, currency exchange, immunization requirements, and embassy and consulate referrals
  • Locating lost or stolen items (such as luggage or travel documents)
  • COVID-19 information
  • Medical emergency monitoring
  • Evacuation due to political or natural disaster
  • Emergency medical evacuation, medical repatriation, and repatriation of remains
  • Emergency transportation

Review the Travel Assistance Program Guide for a full list of services.

Contact Assist America 24/7

  • Within the U.S.: 800-872-1414
    Outside the U.S.: +1-609-986-1234
  • Press the ‘Tap for Help’ button on the Assist America Mobile app
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  • Reference Number: 01-AA-STD-5201

Along with the benefits listed above, if you are a resident with the IU School of Medicine or Optometry, you may have additional emergency travel assistance benefits through your Disability Insurance. Visit the IU Resident Disability plan page for details.


Healthcare While Traveling

The information below is for employees, IU medical and optometry residents, and family members enrolled in IU-sponsored healthcare plans. Review each section to learn steps to take before traveling, how to access emergency or non-emergency care while traveling, and how pay for those services. Be sure to have an up-to-date copy of your health plan ID card(s) with you at all times while traveling.

Outside the U.S.

Medical Care

Employees, residents, and family members enrolled in an IU-sponsored Anthem medical plan have access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Global Core® network of physicians and hospitals overseas, and out-of-network benefits.

Before Traveling
Download the BCBS Global Core mobile app. You can use the app to search for providers, translate medical terms and phrases, file international claims, and more.

Non-Emergency Care
When you’re traveling abroad and need non-emergency medical care, call the BCBS Global Core Service Center 24/7 at +1-804-673-1177 before getting care. They can help you set up a doctor visit or hospital stay.

Emergency Care

  • If you need emergency medical care, call the local equivalent of ‘911’ or go to the nearest hospital.
  • If you are unsure if it is safe to do so, or if the nearest hospital cannot provide sufficient care, call Assist America at +1-609-986-1234 or press the ‘Tap for Help’ button in the Assist America mobile app. They can direct you to appropriate medical resources, including referrals to vetted providers and hospitals, and provide transportation or evacuation to a facility if needed. 
  • If you are admitted to the hospital, you or a family member should call Anthem Member Services at 844-736-0920 within 48 hours of the admission, or as soon as possible within a reasonable period of time.

Paying for Services
When you call the BCBS Global Core Service Center prior receiving care, they will work with the doctor and Anthem to approve and accept a Guarantee of Payment (GOP). If you get care from a doctor or hospital that has not accepted a GOP:

  • Present your medical ID card to the facility to see if they can file a claim for you. All international claims are covered at the in-network rate, however many international providers cannot file claims to US insurance companies.
  • You will likely need to pay the cost up front, then submit a copy of your receipt and a completed International Claim Form to Anthem for reimbursement.
  • Receipts in other currencies and languages will be translated by Anthem as part of the reimbursement process, and reimbursement will be based on the exchange rate on the date of the medical service.

Travel Benefit
Beginning January 1, 2023, IU medical plan benefits were expanded to include a travel benefit of up to $2,000 annually for covered medical services that are not available within 100 miles of the member’s home, subject to plan cost shares. Eligible travel and lodging expenses must be paid up front by the member, then submitted to Anthem for reimbursement using the following process.

  1. Verify that Anthem has received the claim for the medical services provided.
  2. Once that claim is on file, complete the Travel & Lodging Claim Form.
  3. Email the completed claim form and receipts to TravelandLodgingOHINKYWIMO@anthem.com.
Medications

Before Traveling
Due to FDA regulations, CVS Caremark is unable to ship prescription medication internationally. If you are planning extended travel outside the U.S., contact your pharmacist to make sure any existing prescriptions will allow the full amount of medication needed for your trip.

If you are enrolled in an IU-sponsored medical plan and need authorization to obtain extra refills of your prescriptions before traveling, contact IU Human Resources at or 812-856-1234 to request a vacation override at least a week ahead of your travel date.

While Traveling
All international claims are covered at the in-network rate, however many international providers cannot file claims to US insurance companies. You will need to pay for your prescription up front, then submit a claim form and receipt directly to CVS Caremark.

Replacement of Medications, Medical Devices, and Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses
Assist America may be able to arrange to refill a lost or forgotten prescription, or to ship replacement eyeglasses, corrective lenses, or medical devices to you. You are responsible for any costs associated with this service. Contact Assist America 24/7 by calling +1-609-986-1234 or by pressing the ‘Tap for Help’ button in the Assist America mobile app.

Dental Care

Employees, residents, and family members enrolled in an IU-sponsored Cigna dental plan have access to out-of-network dental benefits while traveling internationally.

Paying for Services
Members are required to pay up front for services, then submit a completed claim form and receipt to Cigna for reimbursement. For services provided by a non-network dentist, Cigna will reimburse according to the Maximum Reimbursable Charge. The MRC is calculated at the 90th percentile of all provider charges in the geographic area. The dentist may balance bill up to their usual fees.

Vision Care

Employees, residents, and family members enrolled in an IU-sponsored Anthem medical plan have access to out-of-network vision benefits while traveling internationally.

Paying for Services
Members are required to pay up front for services and/or eyewear, then submit a completed claim form and receipt to Anthem Blue View Vision.

Within the U.S. (outside Indiana)

Medical Care

Employees, residents, and family members enrolled in an IU-sponsored Anthem medical plan have access to Anthem’s National PPO (BlueCard PPO) network of providers and facilities across the U.S., and out-of-network benefits. 

Before Traveling
Download the Sydney Health mobile app. Through Sydney you can view your medical plan ID card, find a provider, visit with a doctor virtually through LiveHealth Online, contact Anthem Member Services, and more.

Non-Emergency Care
You can search for a provider in Anthem’s BlueCard PPO national network using the ‘Find a Doctor’ tool at anthem.com or through the Sydney Health mobile app. You can also call Anthem Member Services at 844-736-0920.  

Emergency Care
If you need emergency medical care, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. If you are admitted to the hospital, you or a family member should call Anthem Member Services at 844-736-0920 within 48 hours of the admission, or as soon as possible within a reasonable period of time.

Paying for Services
Simply present your medical ID card to the network facility and pay any deductible/coinsurance/copayment amount. The facility will electronically file the claim for you. If you choose to visit a non-network facility, you will need to pay for any services received up front, then submit a copy of your receipt and a completed Medical Claim Form to Anthem for reimbursement.

Travel Benefit
Beginning January 1, 2023, IU medical plan benefits were expanded to include a travel benefit of up to $2,000 annually for covered medical services that are not available within 100 miles of the member’s home, subject to plan cost shares. Eligible travel and lodging expenses must be paid up front by the member, then submitted to Anthem for reimbursement using the following process.

  1. Verify that Anthem has received the claim for the medical services provided.
  2. Once that claim is on file, complete the Travel & Lodging Claim Form.
  3. Email the completed claim form and receipts to TravelandLodgingOHINKYWIMO@anthem.com.
Medications

Employees, residents, and family members enrolled in an IU-sponsored Anthem medical plan have access to the national CVS Caremark pharmacy network, which includes most retail and supermarket chain pharmacies and some independent pharmacies. Visit the CVS Caremark Pharmacy Locator or call CVS Caremark Member Services at 866-234-6952 to find a network pharmacy near you.

Paying for Prescriptions
Simply present your medical ID card to the network pharmacy, and pay any deductible/coinsurance/copayment amount. The pharmacy will electronically file the claim for you.

If you choose to visit a non-network pharmacy, you will be required to pay up front for your prescriptions, then submit a copy of the receipt and a completed claim form to CVS Caremark for reimbursement.

Replacement of Medications, Medical Devices, and Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses
If you are traveling more than 100 miles from home, Assist America may be able to arrange to refill a lost or forgotten prescription, or to ship replacement eyeglasses, corrective lenses, or medical devices to you. You are responsible for any costs associated with this service. Contact Assist America 24/7 by calling 800-872-1414 or by pressing the ‘Tap for Help’ button in the Assist America mobile app.

Dental Care

Employees, residents, and family members enrolled in an IU-sponsored Cigna dental plan have access to the national Total CIGNA DPPO network. You can find a network dentist outside of Indiana using the online Find a Dentist tool or by calling Cigna Member Services at 800-244-6224.

Paying for Services
Simply present your dental ID card to the network facility and pay any deductible/coinsurance/copayment amount. The facility will electronically file the claim for you.

If you choose to visit a non-network dentist, you will be required to pay up front for services, then submit a copy of the receipt and completed claim form to Cigna for reimbursement.

Vision Care

Employees, residents, and family members enrolled in an IU-sponsored Anthem medical plan have access to a national network of vision care providers. Find a network provider outside of Indiana by using the online provider search tool or calling the customer service number listed below.

Paying for Services
Simply present your ID card to the network facility and pay any deductible / coinsurance / copayment amount. The facility will electronically file the claim for you.

If you chose to visit a non-network provider, you will be required to pay up front for services, then submit a copy of the receipt and a completed claim form for reimbursement to Anthem Blue View Vision.


Frequently Asked Questions

What if I need non-emergency medical care while I’m traveling outside the U.S.?

If you are enrolled in an IU-sponsored medical plan and need non-emergency medical care while traveling, you have several options. You can:

  • Call the 24/7 Nurseline at 800-337-4770 for guidance on non-emergency health questions or concerns.
  • Visit with a physician virtually 24/7. Anthem plan members have access to telehealth visits with a provider through LiveHealth Online.
  • Visit a network provider or facility. Anthem plan members should call the BCBS Global Core Service Center 24/7 at +1-804-673-1177 before getting care. They can help you set up a doctor visit with a network provider. You will generally need to pay for your care up front and then submit a claim form to Anthem for reimbursement, since international providers generally cannot bill insurance directly.

What if I need emergency medical care while I’m traveling outside the U.S.?

  • If you need emergency medical care, call the local equivalent of ‘911’ or go to the nearest hospital.
  • If you are unsure if it is safe to do so, or if the nearest hospital cannot provide sufficient care, call Assist America at +1-609-986-1234 or press the ‘Tap for Help’ button in the Assist America mobile app. They can direct you to appropriate medical resources, including referrals to vetted providers and hospitals, and provide transportation or evacuation to a facility if needed. 
  • If you are admitted to the hospital, you or a family member should call Anthem at 844-736-0920 within 48 hours of the admission, or as soon as possible within a reasonable period of time.

What if I need non-emergency medical care while I’m traveling within the U.S.?

If you are enrolled in an IU-sponsored medical plan and need non-emergency medical care while traveling, you have several options. You can:

  1. Call the 24/7 Nurseline at 800-337-4770 for guidance on non-emergency health questions or concerns.
  2. Visit with a physician virtually 24/7. Anthem plan members have access to telehealth visits with a provider through LiveHealth Online.
  3. Find an in-network provider or facility. Anthem plan members can search for a provider in the BlueCard PPO national network using the ‘Find Care’ tool at anthem.com or through the Sydney Health mobile app. You can also call Anthem Member Services at 844-736-0920.

What if I need emergency medical care while I’m traveling within the U.S.?

If you need emergency medical care, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.

If you are admitted to the hospital, you or a family member should call Anthem at 844-736-0920 within 48 hours of the admission, or as soon as possible within a reasonable period of time.

How do I submit a claim for reimbursement for medical services I paid out of pocket?

Many international providers cannot file claims to US insurance companies, which means you will likely need to pay for services up front, then submit a copy of your receipt and a claim form to Anthem for reimbursement.

  • Services within the U.S.: Log in to your account at Anthem.com or complete the Anthem Medical Claim Form. Be sure to include copies of your receipts with your claim.
  • Services outside the U.S.: Submit the Anthem International Claim Form with copies of your receipts. Receipts in other currencies and languages will be translated by Anthem as part of the reimbursement process, and reimbursement will be based on the exchange rate on the date of the medical service.

How do I submit a claim for reimbursement for prescription drugs I paid out of pocket?

Submit a copy of the receipt and a completed claim form to CVS Caremark for reimbursement.

Can I use my HSA to pay for healthcare services provided in other countries?

Yes. The IU Benefit card can be used at any healthcare provider where Visa is accepted.

You are responsible for verifying that the expense is a qualified medical expense under Section 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code and IRS Publication 502.

Regarding foreign exchange rates (if applicable), any card transaction outside of US currency is subject to the current daily exchange rate established by VISA. Depending on the card, you could be charged a markup or a conversion fee. These fees are like what you'd pay for any other credit card and can range anywhere from 1 - 3% depending on the provider. Check with your provider regarding these fees.

What if there is a political or natural disaster while I’m traveling?

In the event of a potentially life-threatening natural disaster or a political or security event occurring while you’re traveling:

  • Assist America will connect you with a security specialist to discuss on-the-ground security assistance and/or evacuation.
  • You are responsible for any costs associated with this service and advanced payment is required.

Additionally, Assist America offers up to one hour of phone counseling and follow-up referrals to qualified counselors as needed or requested in response to a traumatic situation.

Contact Assist America 24/7

  • Within the U.S.: 800-872-1414
    Outside the U.S.: +1-609-986-1234
  • Press the ‘Tap for Help’ button on the Assist America Mobile app
  • Reference Number: 01-AA-STD-5201

I need a letter outlining my medical coverage for a trip. How do I receive one?

Some organizations or travel groups require a letter outlining the medical coverage available to you while traveling. To request a travel letter, contact at least a few weeks before your departure date.

What should I do if my travel plans require a COVID-19 test?

Entry into some countries requires a negative COVID-19 test. Some destinations do not accept in-home tests or may not allow you to bring an in-home test into the destination for reentry purposes. Be sure to confirm government guidelines before traveling. If you are unable to find these guidelines, you can contact Assist America at 800-872-1414 for assistance.

COVID-19 testing is available locally or through the university. IU-sponsored medical plans cover the cost of COVID-19 testing regardless of the reason. However, some testing locations may not bill insurance.

If flying out of country, many large international airports offer testing for this purpose. These tests generally cost around $200-250 and often require cash payment or credit card (they typically will not bill insurance). Visit the airport’s website for more information on the testing services offered.

For information on traveling for university business, visit the IU Travel Management Services website.