International Health Insurance FAQs

Find answers to common questions about GeoBlue for Students, Northwestern’s international health insurance plan. FAQs are divided into four categories: general insurance information, GeoBlue rebranding, registration and claims, eligibility and coverage, and visa letters.

General Insurance Information

What is the insurance program for Northwestern student travelers?

Northwestern has transitioned to a GeoBlue blanket program effective January 1, 2025, for all student travelers. This means that students no longer enroll directly with GeoBlue for coverage, and that there is one group plan number for all Northwestern student travelers. A student may travel abroad for different university purposes while at Northwestern but have the same plan number.

Why does Northwestern require that I maintain my domestic plan while abroad?

Although GeoBlue applies only while abroad (and not in the United States), Northwestern University’s Student Insurance Office requires all full-time students to maintain domestic health insurance coverage during study abroad enrollment. This is to avoid any gaps in coverage in case a medical emergency abroad requires the student to return home early for continued treatment or recovery.

When might travelers want to purchase the commercial policy for international travel?

Students and employees should consider enrolling in a separate commercial health insurance for independent leisure travel or personal travel before or after the program.

GeoBlue Rebranding

What changes should we expect as GeoBlue rebrands to BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions?

The coverage and services that BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (abbreviated to BCBS Global Solutions) provides Northwestern with will stay the same, including the claims process, the Pre-Departure Program, and Global TeleMed. The rebrand is only affecting the name of the international health insurance plan, so the apps, websites, social media, and other documents will slowly phase out of the old name to the new one.

What is the new contact information for BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions?

The phone numbers and mailing addresses will stay the same with the rebranding. However, their email addresses will be changing to reflect the new name under the @bcbsglobalsolutions.com domain. You can still email the @geo-blue.com domain, and your email will automatically redirect to their new email address.

Why does the GeoBlue name still show up on some documents or websites?

The change to BCBS Global Solutions will have a phased roll-out over time until the end of 2027 when the GeoBlue name is fully retired. You may still see the GeoBlue name on ID cards, claims forms, or other documents, but they are still valid and providers will still accept them with either the old or new name.

Registration and Claims

How do I register for the GeoBlue blanket program?

Registering is optional but provides access to important health information at your destination. To register, download the free GeoBlue mobile app or go to bcbsglobalsolutions.com and use your Northwestern email address and the student Group Access Code: GTB9999NWBKT.

I traveled abroad as a Northwestern student before 2025. When I log into the GeoBlue mobile app, I receive an error message. How can I resolve this?

Your prior registration has been removed. To create a new registration, log into the GeoBlue app or go to bcbsglobalsolutions.com and use your Northwestern email and student Group Access Code: GTB9999NWBKT.

How do I submit claims for medical services paid out of pocket?

You can find the claim form and instructions at Reimbursement for Care. Please email claims forms for medical services paid out of pocket to claims@geo-blue.com.

Eligibility and Coverage

I am an international student returning to my country of citizenship and permanent residence, am I eligible for the Northwestern GeoBlue Student Plan?

In general, students are not eligible in their country of citizenship, though some exceptions apply for students traveling on short-term (two weeks or less) Northwestern-sponsored travel. Students on short-term Pritzker or Kellogg Exchange Programs may be eligible for coverage. Check with your school contact for confirmation.

If my undergraduate study abroad program provider includes a health insurance product, am I also covered under Northwestern’s GeoBlue for Students plan?

Many of the third-party program providers with whom we work (see “exempt programs”) provide participants with a high-quality insurance plan and 24/7 support services. As a result, those students are not eligible for the Northwestern GeoBlue Student Plan. Refer to Study Abroad Health Insurance for a list of exempt programs.

Can my spouse/partner qualify as an eligible dependent for purposes of enrollment?

Yes, possibly. Review the definition of "Eligible Dependent" in Section 10 of the GeoBlue Certificate of Coverage for confirmation.

Visa Letters

How can I show proof of enrollment in an international medical insurance plan to obtain my visa?

Students and employees who need proof of insurance for visa purposes can email visaletters@geo-blue.com for a visa letter. To expedite the process, include the following in your email: 1) traveler's full name as it appears on their passport, 2) date of birth, 3) destination country(s), travel dates and Group Access Code GTB9999NWBKT for students or QHG9999NWBTY for employees. Please allow 3 business days for personalized visa letter preparation. Proof the visa letter carefully upon receipt.

If you have additional questions about international health insurance, email globalsafety@northwestern.edu.