Is this medical insurance or travel insurance

This is a travel medical insurance plan designed to provide medical and emergency benefits outside your home country.

What is the difference between travel medical insurance and expatriate health insurance?

Most single-trip travel medical insurance plans offer coverage for trips up to approximately 182 days, depending on the plan selected. Plans for expatriates are considered long-term in design. Expatriate plans are generally for people living abroad for more than 6 months a year. In addition these longer term plans require the applicant to go through medical underwriting at the time of application. The Single Trip Platinum plan is a simple Online enrollment and the only medical criteria is whether or not the application has underlying medical coverage which if they do pre-existing conditions are covered during your trip.

Does Single Trip Platinum meet visa requirements?

The BCBS Global Single Trip plan is designed to meet or exceed most if not all VISA requirements from most countries. Once you have enrolled you can create an Online account in their member area of their website. When you are logged into your account you will have access to all related documents including a VISA Letter that you can customize for a specific country and print if needed. If you have specific questions simply reach out to our offices.

Can I buy this plan after I’ve already left home?

No — This plan is generally purchased before departure.

Does this plan cover pre-existing conditions?

Yes as long as you have and maintain existing underlying coverage. Examples of underlying coverage are Individual medical plans such as ACA Compliant plan, (Healthcare.gov), a group policy, Medicare. Please note: MEDICAID IS NOT considered Underlying Coverage.

Does the plan cover telemedicine?

Some travel medical plans include telemedicine benefits. Refer to plan documents for the specific telemedicine benefit details and any applicable terms.

If I need medical care or emergency evacuation are pre-existing conditions still covered?

Coverage for pre-existing conditions in emergency situations depends on plan rules and eligibility requirements, including any underlying coverage provisions. Refer to plan documents for specific terms.. Examples of underlying coverage are Individual medical plans such as ACA Compliant plan, (Healthcare.gov), a group policy, Medicare. Please note: MEDICAID IS NOT considered Underlying Coverage.

BCBS Global Single Trip Platinum Travel Medical Insurance

Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions Single Trip Platinum is international travel medical insurance designed for U.S. residents traveling outside the United States for a single trip of up to 182 days.

Platinum is particularly valuable for travelers who want international medical coverage that includes eligible pre-existing conditions. The plan requires qualifying primary health coverage, which can include individual health insurance, employer-sponsored group coverage, or Medicare. Medicaid and VA health plans do not qualify as primary coverage under the plan.

Coverage includes international medical care, emergency medical evacuation, access to a worldwide network of doctors and hospitals, 24/7 assistance, and telemedicine services. The initial policy purchase must be completed before you depart on your international trip.

Who Is BCBS Global Single Trip Platinum Best For?

BCBS Global Single Trip Platinum is designed for U.S. residents who want comprehensive medical coverage while traveling internationally for a single trip of up to 182 days.

This plan may be especially well suited for:

Senior travelers and Medicare beneficiaries who want additional medical protection while outside the United States
Travelers with pre-existing medical conditions who meet the plan’s primary health coverage requirements
Individuals and families taking vacations or extended international trips
Cruise passengers traveling outside the United States
Business travelers on temporary international trips
Students and other short-term travelers spending time abroad
Travelers planning trips of up to 182 days who are not relocating abroad on a long-term basis

Platinum requires qualifying primary health coverage. Medicare can qualify as primary coverage when it meets the plan requirements. Medicaid and VA health plans do not qualify as primary health insurance under the plan.

What Does BCBS Global Single Trip Platinum Cover?

BCBS Global Single Trip Platinum provides medical coverage for eligible illnesses and injuries that occur while you are traveling outside the United States. The plan combines international medical benefits with access to BCBS Global's worldwide provider network and emergency assistance services.

Key Benefits include:

Medical coverage up to $1,000,000, depending on the benefit level selected
100% coverage for eligible medical expenses after the selected deductible
Coverage for eligible pre-existing conditions for travelers who meet the Platinum plan requirements
Emergency medical evacuation with benefits up to $500,000 per trip period
Hospital, physician and specialist care for covered medical conditions while abroad
Outpatient prescription drug coverage for eligible prescriptions obtained outside the United States
Access to doctors and hospitals in more than 190 countries
Unlimited telemedicine services at no additional cost
24/7/365 assistance through the BCBS Global Service Center
BCBS Global mobile app with digital ID cards, provider search, claim tracking, medical translations and other travel health tools

Travelers may choose from several medical maximum and deductible options when enrolling. Benefits are subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy.

How Does BCBS Global Single Trip Platinum Compare With Other Travel Medical Options?

Platinum vs Gold

BCBS Global offers both Gold and Platinum Single Trip plans for international travel of up to 182 days. The key difference is that Platinum can provide coverage for eligible pre-existing conditions, while Gold does not. Platinum also requires the traveler to maintain a qualifying primary health plan, while Gold does not.

Single Trip vs Multi-Trip Coverage

Single Trip coverage is designed for one international trip and can cover travel lasting up to 182 days. Multi-Trip coverage is intended for people who travel internationally several times during the year and provides coverage for multiple trips, subject to the plan's per-trip limits.

Travel Medical Insurance vs Expat Health Insurance

Single Trip travel medical insurance is designed for temporary international travel. Travelers who plan to live or work abroad on a longer-term basis may need expatriate health insurance instead, which is structured differently and may involve additional eligibility or underwriting requirements.

For travelers who have a qualifying primary health plan and want coverage that includes eligible pre-existing conditions, the Platinum Single Trip plan is the BCBS Global Single Trip option specifically designed for that need.

BCBS Global Single Trip Platinum Eligibility & Trip Length

BCBS Global Single Trip Platinum is available to eligible U.S. residents age 95 and younger who are traveling outside the United States for a single international trip of up to 182 days.

To qualify for the Platinum plan, you must maintain a qualifying primary health plan. This may include employer-sponsored group health insurance, an individual health insurance plan, or a governmental health plan such as Medicare. Your primary health plan does not need to be a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan.

Maximum age: Age 95 or younger
Maximum trip length: Up to 182 days
Primary health coverage required: Yes
Medicare can qualify: Yes, when it meets the plan's primary coverage requirements
Medicaid and VA health plans: Do not qualify as primary health insurance for Platinum eligibility
Purchase timing: The initial policy purchase must be completed in your home country before departing on your trip

Children under age 6 must be enrolled with a parent. Eligible family members must also meet the plan's residency and eligibility requirements.

If you are unsure whether your existing health insurance qualifies as primary coverage, please contact us before enrolling and we can help you review the requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions About BCBS Global Single Trip Platinum

Is BCBS Global Single Trip Platinum medical insurance or travel insurance?

It is primarily international travel medical insurance. The plan is designed to cover eligible medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and related health services while you are traveling outside the United States. It is not intended to replace a comprehensive trip cancellation policy.

Does Single Trip Platinum cover pre-existing conditions?

Yes. Platinum is the BCBS Global Single Trip option that provides coverage for eligible pre-existing conditions, provided the traveler meets the plan's eligibility requirements and maintains a qualifying primary health plan.

Does Medicare qualify as primary health coverage?

Yes. Medicare can qualify as a primary health plan for Platinum eligibility. Employer-sponsored group health insurance and qualifying individual health plans may also qualify. Medicaid and VA health plans do not qualify as primary health insurance under the Platinum eligibility requirements.

What counts as a qualifying primary health plan?

A qualifying primary plan may include an employer-sponsored group health plan, an individual health plan, or a governmental health plan such as Medicare. BCBS Global states that the primary plan must generally provide coverage limits greater than $50,000 per incident or per year.

Can I buy Single Trip Platinum after I have already left on my trip?

No. The initial purchase must be made in your home country before you depart. BCBS Global states that the plan may be purchased as late as one day before departure.

How long can a Single Trip Platinum policy cover me?

Coverage is available for trips of up to 182 consecutive days. BCBS Global allows trips as short as one day, although the minimum premium charge is based on seven days.

Does Platinum cover emergency medical evacuation for a pre-existing condition?

Yes, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. BCBS Global states that Platinum can cover both eligible medical care and emergency medical evacuation related to pre-existing conditions. Emergency medical transportation benefits are available up to $500,000 per trip period.

Does the plan include telemedicine?

Yes. BCBS Global includes unlimited telemedicine services at no additional cost, allowing members to connect with doctors remotely while traveling abroad.

Does Single Trip Platinum meet visa insurance requirements?

Visa and insurance requirements vary by country and by the type of visa being requested. Travelers should confirm the specific requirements of their destination country. BCBS Global members can access documentation, including visa or proof-of-coverage letters, that may be used to demonstrate international medical coverage when required.

Ready to Get a BCBS Global Single Trip Quote?

If you are planning an international trip and would like to see the cost of BCBS Global Single Trip Platinum coverage, you can obtain a quote and enroll online before your departure.

Get a Single Trip Platinum Quote & Enroll Online

If you have questions before enrolling, please feel free to call, text, or email. I specialize in international health insurance and am happy to help you understand the plan or determine whether Platinum fits your travel needs.

Traveling again? Returning customers can use the same quote link above to obtain coverage for their next international trip.

Additional Travel Medical Resources

BCBS Global

General Descriptions

BASIC Upgrade

International Student

For Seniors

Platinum Single Trip

Single Trip Snap Shot

Platinum Multi Trip

Trip Cancellation

Premier for Xpats

Cigna Global