Independence Blue Cross Introduces Global Blue Coverage for Individuals and Families

Independence Blue Cross (IBC) announces the availability of GeoBlue Travel Medical and International Health Insurance products for individuals and families in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. Since 2011, IBC and GeoBlue have collaborated to offer group coverage for international business travel and expatriate insurance products and services. This coverage is now available for both IBC members and the general public. The new IBC travel and expatriate plans offered through GeoBlue will expand the availability of Blue coverage for all travelers. As well, expatriates will be covered in both the country where they live and anywhere they visit.

For example, if a GeoBlue customer relocates to a European nation, but travels to Asia or Africa, the customer will have health care coverage in each destination. Additionally, GeoBlue policies are available for purchase for both single-trip purposes and multi-trip needs.

"Consumers who purchase GeoBlue products can travel with confidence knowing they are covered worldwide by the trusted Blue brand," said Richard J. Neeson, IBC executive vice president and president of expanding markets. "At IBC, we're working to help the residents of our region stay healthy and ensure that, when they do get sick, health care is safe, coordinated, and available -- no matter where they are in the world."

"GeoBlue provides peace of mind to world travelers and expatriates as they pursue their personal goals," said Brendan Sharkey, director of individual products at GeoBlue. "Given the global arc of business and leisure activities today, the need is clear: timely access to an international network of carefully selected doctors and hospitals to meet whatever health needs arise, and GeoBlue delivers."

In order to use GeoBlue for short-term travel insurance, consumers must have U.S.-based primary health coverage in place. However, that coverage does not need to come from a Blue Cross® or Blue Shield® health plan. GeoBlue is a trade name of Worldwide Insurance Services, LLC, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and a subsidiary of Highway to Health (HTH). GeoBlue markets a full line of group and individual health insurance programs for expatriates and business travelers through arrangements with local Blue plans.