A health insurance plan with coverage abroad and emergency evacuation is vital when traveling internationally – especially in the era of COVID-19. All students participating in O'Neill International programs are enrolled in a group health insurance plan through Indiana University's provider, GeoBlue.
Browse the information below to find answers to common questions about your health and medical coverage abroad.
Health coverage abroad
Insurance coverage
Once you accept your offer to participate in an O’Neill International program, you will be registered in a group health insurance plan administered by GeoBlue (Anthem). This is an automatic process, so there is nothing additional you need to do to be enrolled in the insurance.
Yes. All students participating in an O’Neill International program are automatically enrolled in the group insurance plan, regardless of other coverage.
Parents/Guardians can register with GeoBlue to have online access to the tools necessary to help you manage your healthcare. They can help arrange direct pay, view the plan details, and even sign up for alerts relating to health and safety risks in the area where you will be traveling. Instructions on how parents can register with GeoBlue can be found on the Parents tab.
No. The GeoBlue insurance coverage is only valid for the specific dates of the program. If you plan to travel internationally prior to or following your program, you will need to have your own insurance/coverage for those dates.
O’Neill International only enrolls students studying abroad on O’Neill Interntational programs in the GeoBlue group insurance plan. All IU-Administered programs do the same. Check with the office or agency who runs your program to see if they if they will enroll you in a group insurance plan or if you are required to have your own insurance.
Visit https://members.geobluestudents.com or speak with the OIO staff about any questions you may have.
Healthcare and medications while abroad
OIO will provide you with contact information for the nearest participating hospital during the mandatory pre-departure orientation. You may contact the hospital directly to schedule an appointment or contact GeoBlue for help scheduling a cashless office visit with an English speaking doctor. Note that for a cashless visit, “direct pay” should be requested at least 48 hours prior to your appointment. More information about this may be found on the GeoBlue website.
If you are on a short term program - a staff member will be on the ground to support you through any issues you may encounter. Notify the staff member if you get sick or hurt while on the program and they will help you to address the situation.
In the case of an emergency, go immediately to the nearest physician or hospital and then contact GeoBlue. GeoBlue will contact your medical provider and monitor your case to ensure the medical care is appropriate and adequate resources are available.
If you are taking medication, contact the GeoBlue Global Health and Safety team after you have received confirmation of your insurance enrollment. The Global Health and Safety team will determine if you can take your medication with you or if it is available for you to get after arriving in your host country.
Additionally, OIO strongly encourages you to set up a travel appointment with your primary care physician or the IU Health center to discuss where you are going, any required vaccinations, and if those may react with medications you are currently taking.
Be sure to bring your insurance card, passport, and a credit card or some other form of payment. If it will make you more comfortable, consider also bringing a friend, classmate, or the program staff (if you are on a short term program).
If you don’t speak the local language, write down your problem on a piece of paper and bring a phone with a translation app such as Google translate, just in case you end up with hospital staff who do not speak English.
Keep all documents, forms, and receipts that you receive. These will be important for insurance purposes later.