By Thomas Vincz, Public Relations Manager

Whether you’re heading down the shore for a week, visiting Florida to see Mickey, or taking the family trip of a lifetime to a faraway foreign land this summer, getting sick or injured is the last thing anyone wants on our vacation. With a little advance planning, you can make sure you’ve got what you need to protect your health and your wallet when you’re away.

Check in With Us Before You Leave

Knowing what your Horizon BCBSNJ plan covers while you’re on vacation is the best way to prevent avoidable out-of-pocket costs. Before you leave, use our online chat service or call the customer service number on the back of your membership ID to make sure you understand how to get the most out of your benefits when you’re away from home.

In an Emergency

If it’s an emergency, seek care as quickly as possible at the closest emergency room. Nothing is more important than your health or safety. If you are away from home, but still here in the United States, emergency care is always covered at the in-network level of benefits for every plan no matter whether the hospital is in-network or not.

Vacationing close to home

Taking a trip down the shore or staying someplace else here in NJ? Regardless of where you are in the Garden State, Horizon BCBSNJ has you covered the same way as if you stayed at home. Use the physician finder to locate an in-network doctor, hospital or urgent care center to reduce your out of pocket costs.

Out-of-state, but still in country

Traveling domestically but beyond New Jersey’s borders? You have a few options:

BlueCard

Cardholders should look for the suitcase in the lower right corner to know if you’re covered for BlueCard.

If your plan includes BlueCard® coverage, you can tap into Blue Cross Blue Shield’s national network of doctors, hospitals, and urgent care centers whenever you need care. You’ll know if you’re covered under the BlueCard program if your insurance card has a suitcase icon in the lower right corner on the front of your insurance ID card. To find doctors or facilities in the BlueCard network, visit the Blue National Doctor and Hospital Finder, or call the member services number on the back of your membership ID card or 1-888-630-BLUE.

Out of network coverage

If your plan doesn’t include the BlueCard program but does include benefits for out-of-network care, you can get non-emergency care from any doctor, hospital or urgent care center and you will be covered under your out-of-network policy terms. Not all policies include out-of-network coverage benefits, so it’s best to check your policy or give us a call before you leave for your vacation.

Telehealth

Getting care has never been easier with Horizon BCBSNJ’s telehealth options. Depending on your plan and where you are, you may be able to use one or more of the following options from your computer or mobile device:

Horizon CareOnline℠ allows you to talk with a U.S. board-certified, licensed doctor via video, chat or phone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No appointment needed!

Horizon’s Nurse Chat provides instant access, 24/7 support to all 50 states by December 2019.

The Horizon Blue mobile app includes access to telehealth options available for your specific plan. Be sure to download the app and sign-in before you leave to have quick access to all your benefits when you’re on the go. To downlaod the app, simply text “GetApp” to 422-272 or search for “HorizonBlue” in the Apple or Google app stores.

Leaving the United States?

Health care, and the health care systems, in foreign countries, can be very different than what you are used to here in the U.S. Travelers facing an unexpected health emergency can face huge out of pocket expenses unless they plan ahead.

Blue Cross Blue Shield℠ Global Core 

If your Horizon BCBSNJ plan includes BlueCard coverage, you automatically have Global Core, which provides coverage for emergency and urgent care when traveling outside of the United States. Click here to learn more about Global Core coverage and to download an app that will help you find doctors, translate medical terms, file a claim, and access local emergency information when you are outside the country.

GeoBlue

Whether you have a Horizon BCBSNJ plan or not, you can purchase international medical coverage through GeoBlueThese comprehensive, low-cost, high-quality plans are available for individuals and groups traveling abroad. GeoBlue plans protect your health by providing quick access to thousands of doctors and hospitals around the world with little or no out of pocket expenses.

GeoBlue identifies and contracts with the best doctors and hospitals in more than 190 countries. When services are rendered, GeoBlue handles direct payment to the provider; members don’t need to pay upfront or submit claim forms.

GeoBlue plans can cover you whether you’re taking a short vacation or a months-long journey abroad. They provide 24/7 phone, web, and mobile support, translation services and offer coverage options that include medical transportation back to the United States.

Summer vacations can provide memories that last a lifetime. With a few simple steps before you go, you’ll make sure that your Horizon BCBSNJ health coverage is packed right alongside your bathing suit or walking shoes!