GeoBlue for Employees
International Health Insurance for Employees
Âé¶¹´«Ã½ faculty and staff traveling abroad on university business are automatically covered by Âé¶¹´«Ã½’s business traveler insurance plan with BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions, formerly GeoBlue.
University business refers to travel that supports Âé¶¹´«Ã½ duties and is funded by operational or grant money. Examples include:
- Conferences and data collection
- Research or teaching assignments
- Recruitment, site visits, or student trips abroad
Who Is Covered
Eligible
- Benefits-eligible faculty, staff, post-docs, fellows
- Spouse, partner, or unmarried dependents traveling with you
Special cases (approval required from Risk Management)
- Adjunct faculty, part-time staff, athletic trainers, faith leaders leading NU groups
Not covered
- McGaw residents, independent contractors, volunteers, adjunct/emeritus employees, visiting international scholars
- Employees permanently based abroad
Coverage Overview
This plan provides international health insurance for eligible employees and their dependents while traveling on university business. Highlights include:
- Medical coverage up to $250,000 per trip (up to 180 days) for routine and emergency care
- No deductible; no cost to the unit or department if traveler meets eligibility criteria
- Emergency medical and security evacuation
Important: This is only a summary. For full details, consult the GeoBlue Employee Member Guide or the Certificate of Coverage.
Before You Travel
- Register once before traveling; go to enter access code QHG9999NWBTY, and use your Âé¶¹´«Ã½ email and download the employee ID card.
- Download the mobile app to find doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies abroad.
- Use the app to schedule appointments, set up direct pay, or access telemedicine.
- Check medication restrictions on the Traveling with Medications webpage.
Emergencies and Claims
- In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or clinic, then refer to Emergencies Abroad.
- For routine care: Use the mobile app or website for providers and direct billing.
- If you pay up front: submit a reimbursement for care by email.
Visa Letters
If proof of insurance is required for a visa:
- Email: visaletters@geo-blue.com
- Include: full name (as in passport), date of birth, destination(s), travel dates, and group code QHG9999NWBTY
- Processing time: 3 business days
Questions
- Eligibility: Contact Angela Piersanti, Office of Risk Management
- Plan details or support: Contact globalsafety@northwestern.edu