CORONAVIRUS (Covid-19) Resources for GeoBlue Members
March 12, 2020
GeoBlue, a leader in global health insurance, continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. To offer protection and resources to keep our members safe, we are announcing several steps in response to the outbreak.
Effective immediately, the following resources are available to GeoBlue members enrolled in our fully-insured plans. Self-funded plans will be able to opt-out of this program:
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GeoBlue will cover, with no cost-share to members, medically-necessary, prescribed diagnostic testing for the virus, known officially as COVID-19, consistent with U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.
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This coverage includes the cost of the COVID-19 test, physician/doctor consultation fee and associated costs related to administering the COVID-19 test.
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GeoBlue will waive prior authorizations for medically-necessary, prescribed tests and covered services related to COVID-19, consistent with CDC guidelines.
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To help reduce potential exposure, GeoBlue encourages members to utilize our telemedicine service, Global TeleMDTM, which provides 24/7 confidential access to a global network of doctors around the world via telephone or secure video call. Global TeleMD is available to GeoBlue’s corporate, scholastic and individual enrolled members at no additional cost.For a limited time, we are expanding access to Global TeleMD to Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Traveler members as well.
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The above actions apply to all plans with medical benefits underwritten by 4 Ever Life Insurance Company or 4 Ever Life International Limited.
OTHER SERVICES AVAILABLE TO YOU
TELEMEDICINE SUPPORT
A safe and convenient option for accessing healthcare services is our telemedicine service, Global TeleMDTM, which you can download for free to your mobile device from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
“The health of members continues to be the focus for GeoBlue. We are closely monitoring the information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and working directly with our members, our Blue Plan partners in the U.S. and Bupa globally to remove barriers to care as we work through this outbreak,” said Sheldon Kenton, CEO/President, GeoBlue.
Members experiencing symptoms consistent with the coronavirus should speak with a clinician as soon as possible. For questions about benefits and coverage, members should call the toll-free number on the back of their insurance card. We will continue to proactively communicate with our key stakeholders as needed.
For reliable information about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at cdc.gov/coronavirus
FAQ Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Q: I’m a professional crew member and I’m insured under the GeoBlue Navigator plan for crew. The yacht is currently in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Am I covered for Coronavirus treatment?
A: The Coronavirus has NO impact on the Navigator plan for existing members. Coverage is included as it is for any flu. Please refer to your policy certificate for details.
Q: Is Coronavirus testing covered under the Navigator crew policy?
A: Yes, testing is included and FREE for Navigator policyholders if it’s medically necessary and prescribed by a physician.
Q: What does the Global TeleMD APP include?
A: With Global TeleMD you can speak to a doctor at a time that fits your schedule. Your consultations are stored securely in the app and are ready to be shared with your regular doctor.
Global TeleMD includes a global network of doctors, medical guidance and consultations, same day virtual appointments, prescriptions and referral letters are subject to local regulation.
Q: I’m a crew member from South Africa and I’m thinking about applying for the Navigator crew medical. I’m concerned about the current Coronavirus pandemic and I’m wondering if the plan will cover any treatment?
A: NEW approved applicants will be covered for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) treatment. The policy is medically underwritten, and you must be free from symptoms or illness at the time of application.
If the “host country” on the application is China or South Korea, then there’s a “pend status” in Underwriting.
