Geo Blue Trekker question

[kent4489]

Hello,

I am looking at buying an annual travel medical policy. When checking into Geo Blue Trekker, I was told that if we are taken to one of their providers, we would incur no out of pocket costs (within the limits of the policy) and if we taken to an out of network, we would only pay the deductible. Does anyone know if this is correct? We have the ability to pay and be reimbursed, but this would obviously be much better. Just doesn't sound right to me. Can anyway confirm this or explain to me? I'm totally confused by insurance and have a fear that I mis-understand what to expect. Thank you so much for help.

[klfrodo]

As I understand it, Geo Blue does have a limited number of In Network facilities where they will direct pay.

However, I also think that if you are treated at a facility that is out of their network, you pay and then Geo Blue will reimburse at the out of network costs.

 

Having said all that, there are a number of posters on this forum with much more firsthand experience with GeoBlue who can provide more correct responses. I'm sure they will be along in just a couple of hours.

[kent4489]

On 10/19/2022 at 4:16 PM, klfrodo said:

As I understand it, Geo Blue does have a limited number of In Network facilities where they will direct pay.

However, I also think that if you are treated at a facility that is out of their network, you pay and then Geo Blue will reimburse at the out of network costs.

 

Having said all that, there are a number of posters on this forum with much more firsthand experience with GeoBlue who can provide more correct responses. I'm sure they will be along in just a couple of hours.

Thank you. I emailed travelinsurestore and still not clear after reply. I am hoping for a more clear answer 

[Hlitner]

The answer to the OP's question is "it depends."  And folks should understand that many times when in a foreign land, you will often not have an opportunity to shop for providers.  As an example, about two weeks ago DW hurt her ankle while docked in Cozumel and the ship's physician, working with the ship's local agent, got us an immediate appointment with an Orthopedic Physician at a local hospital.   As is typical of emergencies and urgent care you will often have little say in the matter unless you want to deal with delays and making your own arrangements (which can be difficult if there are language differences).  In our case we paid the hospital/physician nearly $1200 (which should be reimbursed by GeoBlue).

 

As to the GeoBlue provider network, it is never guaranteed.  During our recent appointment in Cozumel (which was at a major hospital) they would only have accepted direct assignment (which means you would not need to pay) if admitted to the hospital for over 24 hours.  Otherwise, they expected immediate payment (by the patient) before leaving the hospital.  In Puerto Vallarta (where we live part of the year) our preferred hospital is not part of the GeoBlue network although there are other local hospitals (and some physicians) in their network.   But you can never be sure if they will "accept assignment" until you actually need the service.  Americans need to understand that all the rules change once you leave the USA.  GeoBlue certainly tries to maintain a decent provider network, but that can be a very elusive goal.

 

We have long advised folks that when in foreign lands you should expect, as a general rule, to pay your medical bills (to both physician and hospital) and later seek reimbursement.  Having a decent credit limit on one or more credit cards is very helpful :).

[iamtrustworthy]

On 10/19/2022 at 2:23 PM, kent4489 said:

Hello,

I am looking at buying an annual travel medical policy. When checking into Geo Blue Trekker, I was told that if we are taken to one of their providers, we would incur no out of pocket costs (within the limits of the policy) and if we taken to an out of network, we would only pay the deductible. Does anyone know if this is correct? We have the ability to pay and be reimbursed, but this would obviously be much better. Just doesn't sound right to me. Can anyway confirm this or explain to me? I'm totally confused by insurance and have a fear that I mis-understand what to expect. Thank you so much for help.

Hi kent4489,

 

Here's the wording from Geo Blue's Individual Certificate of Coverage:

 

International/Foreign Country Providers
If You are outside the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Covered Expenses for these Foreign Country Providers are based on the Usual & Customary Fee, if applicable, which may be less than actual billed Charges. Foreign Country Providers can bill the Covered Person for amounts exceeding Covered Expenses. GeoBlue provides a list to Covered Persons of Foreign Country Providers with whom GeoBlue has contracted to accept assignment of claims and direct payments from Us or Our Administrator for Covered Expenses incurred by Covered Persons, thus alleviating the necessity of the Covered Person paying the Foreign Country Provider and submitting a claim for reimbursement. This particular group of Foreign Country Providers are a group of Foreign Country Providers for whom GeoBlue is able to provide background information and to arrange access for Covered Persons.

 

I hope this helps you.

 

Steve Dasseos