So, how does Blue Card coverage work?

In an emergency, go to the nearest doctor or hospital. In emergency situations, services will be processed at in-network rates, even when services are received from an out-of-network provider.

For non-emergency care in the US visit a participating Blue Card doctor or hospital for the highest level of covered benefits. You may visit a non-participating Blue Card doctor or hospital, but your out-of-pocket expenses will be higher, except in the case of an emergency. When you arrive at the doctor or hospital you are visiting, you will simply present your BCBSNC membership ID card. To find a Blue Card doctor in the area you are in, you can search the “Find a Blue Card Doctor” tool online or call the customer service phone number on the back of your ID card.

Coverage varies outside of the US, therefore for non-emergency care outside the US, you simply contact BCBSNC Customer Service prior to your trip for specifics on the country you will be visiting.  Also, visit Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Worldwide online to print a list of doctors in the country you will be visiting.

As always, don’t forget to bring your BCBSNC membership card when you travel!

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

Health care coverage around the world
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina members are covered outside of North Carolina and in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide through BlueCard. And there’s nothing extra to sign up for — the BlueCard program is an automatic benefit of BCBSNC membership.

With BlueCard, members can easily find participating doctors and hospitals for care outside of North Carolina using these online provider search tools:

Inside United States (outside North Carolina): BlueCard Doctor and Hospital Finder Outside United States: BlueCard Worldwide®  Members can also obtain a list of participating providers by calling the BlueCard phone number on the back of their BCBSNC ID cards.

Away From Home Care®

BlueCare HMO members temporarily residing in a state other than North Carolina for at least 90 consecutive days can receive a guest membership to that state’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield HMO plan through the Away From Home Care program. This program is available in most states and the District of Columbia and is ideal for:

Students: Dependents attending school out-of-state

Families apart: Family members living in different HMO service areas

Long-term travelers: Members on long-term work assignment in another state or retirees with a dual residence

Away From Home Care is available at no extra cost to the member, though members must apply for the guest membership. Member benefits may be different in states outside North Carolina.

*This content of this post is provided by BCBSNC.

For more information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our qualified agents.  Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC).  You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health.  Call us for details.