Review these up-to-date details about the Geoblue policy and processes. University faculty and staff traveling with students abroad should also be enrolled in the supplement insurance plan in order to:
- Utilize the medical and safety resources in program planning and student pre-departure planning;
- Allow University faculty and staff to access the resources to assist students in an emergency abroad; and
- Facilitate an emergency evacuation as a group.
- More information specific to the PEND coverage provided by Drum Cussac.
Enrollment process
Ohio State students traveling to international locations for the purpose of study abroad, undergraduate or graduate independent research, dissertation work, departmentally registered internships, service projects or with a university registered organization are required to enroll in the university’s supplemental international insurance which is provided through GeoBlue. The insurance includes coverage for medical, medical evacuation, repatriation and political emergency and natural disaster evacuation.
The cost of the insurance is $1.67 per day. For students participating in education abroad programming coordinated through the Office of International Affairs, the cost is built into the program fee and enrollment is automatic as part of the program application and admission process. Students who are traveling abroad independently should follow the instructions for enrolling in the supplemental insurance.
Policy coverage
- Zero deductible for covered injury or illness
- Pre-departure consultations with GeoBlue Global Health team
- Determine accessibility of prescription drugs or medical supplies
- Schedule appointments for routine care prior to departure
- System of GeoBlue network providers for coordinated guarantee of payment for direct billing
- Coverage for continuing care of pre-existing conditions while abroad (e.g. laboratory tests, counseling)
- Routine, non-emergency care for physical and mental health
- Prescription medication coverage
- Emergency medical care including medical evacuation
- Political emergency and natural disaster evacuation (PEND) provided by Drum Cussac
- Limited exclusions*
Schedule of Benefits
| Period of Coverage Maximum Benefits | $250,000 |
| Maximum Benefit Per Injury or Sickness | $250,000 |
| Period of Coverage Deductible | $0 per injury or sickness |
| Accidental Death and Dismemberment | $10,000 maximum benefit |
| Repatriation of Remains | $100,000 maximum benefit |
| Medical Evacuation (Medical Repatriation) | $250,000 maximum lifetime benefit for all evacuations |
| Bedside Visit | Up to a maximum benefit of $5,000 |
| Home Country Coverage | $10,000 maximum lifetime benefit |
View the policy brochure for more information on policy coverage.
*Ohio State works closely with our insurance provider to eliminate many common exclusions, however all travelers should be aware of the exclusions of coverage as described in the “What is not covered?” section.
Find more information specific to the PEND coverage provided by Drum Cussac.
Using the insurance
If you need to see a medical professional for care of a preexisting condition, care for a sudden illness or injury, or to fill a prescription while abroad, you can consult the GeoBlue directory of local providers at geobluestudents.com, via the GeoBlue Passport app or by contacting GeoBlue Global Health and Safety Services:
- 1-844-268-2686 (24/7 in the United States)
- 1-610-254-8771 (24/7 outside the United States)
- globalhealth@geo-blue.com
GeoBlue will list two types of providers:
- Network Providers
- Listed Non-Participating Providers
There is no deductible and no copayment for your medical care covered by the supplemental insurance plan. Students can pursue medical treatment from a Network Provider, a listed non-participating provider, or a local clinic or licensed medical professional at their destination and GeoBlue will cover 100% of any covered medical expense. How the payment works depends on which provider you choose.
If you select a Network Provider, GeoBlue can have the cost of your medical care paid directly to the provider. In most instances, this will require you to contact GeoBlue in advance of care to provide a guarantee of payment. If the provider accepts the guarantee of payment, they will bill GeoBlue directly for the cost of your care. If you select a listed non-participating provider, an unlisted local provider, or if you do not contact GeoBlue in advance of a Network Provider visit, you will likely have to pay the cost of your care up front and file a claim with GeoBlue after the fact to be reimbursed. Please make sure to keep all receipts and documentation associated with your visit in order to support your claim for reimbursement.
If you are traveling abroad on a program with Ohio State faculty and staff, you can request arrangements to be made for accompaniment to a hospital or doctor. However be advised that they do not carry funds to pay costs for routine and non-emergency medical care in-country for students. Travelers should expect to cover these costs and are advised to have an accessible contingency fund or credit card with them to cover any out-of-pocket expenses. Keep in mind that even if a doctor or facility is listed in the GeoBlue directory, there is no guaranteed access to immediate medical care for routine and non-emergency medical needs. An appointment can sometimes mean long waiting times and missing a scheduled activity. Although you may not want to miss an item on your itinerary abroad, maintaining your health is most important and you do not want to delay care and risk further complications.
Claims
If you receive care without arranging a guarantee of payment with a GeoBlue Network provider, then you will need to submit a medical expense claim form for reimbursement. Your claim form will need to be accompanied by any receipts, itemized provider bill and other documentation for service. We recommend you make a copy of your receipts and completed claim form for your files before submitting it to GeoBlue.
Receipts and documentation can be submitted via:
- Your personal plan page at geobluestudents.com
- The GeoBlue Passport mobile app
- Claims Submission Fax: 1-610-482-9623
- Claims Submission Email: claims@geo-blue.com
- Claims Submission Mail:
GeoBlue Students
100 Matsonford Rd.
Attn: International Claims Dept.
One Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087 USA - Customer Service: 1-610-263-2847 or 1-844-268-2686 (toll-free within the United States)