Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.
Travel medical insurance can save you from steep costs if you experience a medical emergency while traveling, especially when traveling abroad, where your primary health insurance won't cover you. GeoBlue Travel Insurance can offer the protection you seek at low rates. Here's what you need to know before investing in a GeoBlue plan.
GeoBlue Travel Insurance
compare policies and rates with SquareMouth Travel Insurance
Insider’s Rating
3.5/5
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A-
Pros
- A subsidary of Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Offers strong medical plans as long as you have a regular health insurance plan, but it doesn't have to be through Blue Cross
- Offers long-term and multi-trip travel protection
Cons
- Multiple complaints about claims not being paid or being denied
- Does not provide some of the more comprehensive coverage like CFAR insurance
- Buyers who do get claims paid may need to file multiple claim forms
GeoBlue Travel Insurance Overview
GeoBlue travel insurance specializes in medical travel insuranceplans. These plans cover healthcare costs while traveling abroad but lack trip cancellation, lost luggage, and other coverages often associated with travel insurance. As such, this medical-only travel insurance option may only be suitable for some globetrotters.
Like many of the best travel insurance companies, GeoBlue offers very good coverage for a specific group of people. In this case, GeoBlue provides extremely cheap travel insurancefor younger travelers with no pre-existing conditions.
Older travelers may need to look elsewhere, as there is a steep increase in premiums. Additionally, GeoBlue charges extra to cover pre-existing conditions. The extra cost isn't as noticeable when you're younger, but it's more substantial for older travelers.
One great benefit of GeoBlue is a refund policy. GeoBlue allows you to cancel your policy and receive a full refund up to the day before your policy goes into effect.
GeoBlue's Travel Insurance Plans
GeoBlue offers three distinct medical travel insurance plans for individual travelers with varying levels of coverage. It also has a few group travel insurance plans for larger parties. Regular health insurance plans, destination, budget, and other factors play into the shopping experience. GeoBlue recommends each program for specific groups, but all three can be used for extended periods or multiple trips.
Here's an overview of the types of coverage included in each GeoBlue individual plan:
Plan Name | Best For | Inclusions |
Voyager | Single-Trip Travel Medical Insurance Coverage | Inpatient and Outpatient Benefits (Surgery, Office Visits, Ambulance Services), Prescription Drugs, Dental (Accidental & Relief of Pain), Physical & Occupational Therapy, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Repatriation of Remains, Emergency Medical Transportation & Family Travel Arrangements, Loss of Baggage & Personal Effects, Post-Departure Trip interruption Transportation & Quarantine Coverage, Hazardous Activities (Skiing & Scuba Diving) (Multiple Tiers Available) |
Trekker | Multi-Trip Annual Medical Insurance Plan | Inpatient and Outpatient Benefits (Surgery, Office Visits, Ambulance Services), Prescription Drugs, Dental (Accidental & Relief of Pain), Physical & Occupational Therapy, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Repatriation of Remains, Emergency Medical Transportation & Family Travel Arrangements, Loss of Baggage & Personal Effects, Hazardous Activities (Skiing & Scuba Diving) (Multiple Tiers Available) |
Xplorer | Annual Plan for Long-Term Travelers | Preventive and Primary Care (Office Visits, Diagnostic Tests, Immunizations), Professional Services (Surgery, Anesthesia, In-Hospital Doctor Visits), Inpatient Hospital Services, Ambulatory and Therapeutic Services (Ambulance Services, Accidental Dental, Physical & Occupational Therapy), Rehabilitation & Therapy (Inpatient & Outpatient Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services), Other Service (Home Health Care, Hospice, Skilled Nursing) Prescription Drugs, Global Travel Benefits, (Emergency Medical Transportation, Repatriation of Remains, Accidental Death & Dismemberment) (Multiple Tiers Available) |
Additional Coverage Options from GeoBlue
GeoBlue offers fewer riders or additional coverage options compared to other providers. Looking at the descriptions above, the three plans give a detailed list of included services, not all of which will be applicable during the average trip. The Voyager and Trekker plans have no additional coverage options.
However, the Xplorer plan is aimed at long-term travelers (including those who temporarily work internationally). So it provides two optional riders that come in handy if you're outside your home country for months at a time:
- Enhanced Prescription Drug Rider: Provides up to $25,000 of coverage for prescription drugs per calendar year.
- Basic US Benefits Rider: Provides healthcare benefits in the United States, emergency medical care, inpatient hospital coverage, and prescription drugs coverage.
Purchasing and Managing Your GeoBlue Policy
GeoBlue Travel Insurance Cost
Travel insurance coverage varies greatly, andthe amount you pay reflects the range of protection. However, since travel insurance protects your financial investment, it's typically worth spending a few extra dollars for higher coverage maximums, especially for medical insurance and evacuation expenses.
To receive a quote with GeoBlue, you need to provide your age, duration of travel, and ZIP code. You do not need to input your budget for the trip or your destination to receive a quote.
We ran a few simulations to offer examples of how much GeoBlue single trip Voyager plan will cost for travelers of various ages. Rates vary based on deductibles, desired coverage limits, and whether they want pre-existing condition coverage.
- A 23-year-old from an Illinois ZIP code taking a week-long trip: $8.56 to $16.16.
- A 30-year-old from a California ZIP code for two weeks: $20.55 to $38.40
- A 65-year-old couple from a New Jersey ZIP code for two weeks: $139.20 to $270 ($69.60 to $135 per person)
GeoBlue offers a multi-trip plan, that can cover multiple trips over a year. A 35-year-old would pay $184 for annual travel insurance with GeoBlue.
How to File A Claim with GeoBlue
The easiest way to submit a claim with GeoBlue travel insurance is to file it through its online Member Services page or mobile app.
Policyholders can also file claims via mail, fax, or email. If you wish to submit physical paperwork, the company asks that you send it to one of the following addresses:
Mail: GeoBlue
Attn: Claims
933 First Avenue
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Fax: +1.610.482.9623
Email: claims@geo-blue.com
GeoBlue Customer Service Reviews
Customer reviews of GeoBlue are relatively scarce. The greatest concentration of reviews is on its SquareMouth page, where it averages 4.6 stars out of five across just over 100 reviews. Its Trustpilot page paints a negative picture of GeoBlue's services, receiving 1.8 stars across an admittedly small sample size of 25 reviews. Google reviews on its headquarters in Pennsylvania add shades of gray to the black-and-white reviews on Trustpilot and SquareMouth, averaging 3.2 stars across over 110 reviews.
Customers complained that GeoBlue refused to issue payouts due to issues out of their control. One reviewer reported that they did not receive their payout because the clinic they received care at couldn't itemize their costs when filing paperwork with GeoBlue. Complaints also mentioned agents unfamiliar with policy specifics.
Despite mixed reviews, GeoBlue has a highly rated mobile app on both the Apple app store and Google Play store. Its iOS app has 4.7 stars across 4,300 reviews. Its Android app has 4.2 stars across 800 reviews.
Compare GeoBlue Travel Insurance
See how GeoBlue travel insurance stacks up against the competition.
GeoBlue Travel Insurance vs. Allianz Travel Insurance
Both GeoBlue and Allianz offer single-trip, standalone medical insurance plans. In addition, both provide coverage for emergency medical transportation, emergency medical claims, and baggage loss. However, there are a few differences.
GeoBlue supplies coverage for non-emergent inpatient and outpatient visits and accidental death or dismemberment. It also explicitly includes preexisting conditions pending your travel with a regular health insurance plan. Meanwhile, Allianz issues coverage for epidemics and other travel services like cancel for any reason coverage.
In addition, the two plans are structured differently. Allianz offers payouts up to a set dollar amount. GeoBlue covers a certain percentage of qualifying medical costs after a met deductible.
Read our Allianz travel insurance review here.
GeoBlue Travel Insurance vs. AIG Travel Guard
AIG's essential travel insurance plan provides medical evacuation coverage, security evacuation coverage, trip delay, and other coverages. In line with the low price, the essential plan's limits for each section are limited. For example, travelers would get a max of $15,000 medical travel insurance coverage. The company does not offer a standalone medical plan.
AIG Travel Guard customers may or may not be eligible for a preexisting conditions waiver, whereas GeoBlue's plans specify preexisting coverage as long as you have a permanent health insurance plan from your work or otherwise.
AIG focuses primarily on single-trip coverage options, though it does provide an annual travel insurance plan. GeoBlue's website recommends plans for different travelers, but all three programs allow for multiple trips or extended travel times.
Regardless, if you want broader protection for necessary medical treatments, you will likely be served with a plan from GeoBlue. On the other hand, if you're looking for more trip cancellation and other standard travel insurance coverages, you will steer towards AIG.
Read our AIG Travel Guard travel insurance review here.
GeoBlue Travel Insurance vs. World Nomads Travel Insurance
The travel insurance plans sold by World Nomads differ slightly from GeoBlue's. Rather than focusing exclusively on covering your medical costs and limited baggage loss, World Nomads offers a comprehensive insurance option. Its plan also includes trip cancellation, interruption, and more coverage.
In addition, World Nomads' plan covers a wide range of adventure sports, compared to the two (downhill skiing & scuba diving) covered by GeoBlue. Looking at the two companies side by side, you may see many of the same services. However, the two companies offer staggered benefits. World Nomads has a more extensive list to cover whatever comes your way.
However, GeoBlue is more thorough in covering preexisting conditions and other medical services if its terms are followed. If you look at the details, GeoBlue covers higher amounts for the services it includes.
Read our World Nomads travel insurance review here.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Rated GeoBlue Travel Insurance
When reviewing GeoBlue travel insurance, we compared its products against those of other top travel insurance providers. In particular, we examined the available plan options, supplemental policies, claim limits, inclusions, exclusions, and sample policy premiums.
Selecting the best policy for you and your travel companions is about finding a policy with the correct type of coverage and adequate claim limits. That said, price is also an essential factor for many consumers. In addition, trip-specific riders for things like rental care coverage or adventure activities may be necessary for some travelers.
As such, we take all that into account when writing our reviews. Then individual readers can make decisions based on their travel plans and needs. You can learn more about how we rate travel insurance products here.
GeoBlue FAQs
How does GeoBlue Travel Insurance compare to regular travel insurance?
GeoBlue lacks any trip cancellation coverage and other trip inconvenience benefits. However, it's also far cheaper than many comprehensive travel insurance policies.
Can I get coverage from GeoBlue if I have a pre-existing condition?
While GeoBlue covers pre-existing conditions, you'll have to pay extra.
Is GeoBlue Travel Insurance available for travel within the United States?
GeoBlue coverage targets international travel for US residents or US residents traveling abroad. GeoBlue provides secondary medical, so it'll kick in after your primary health insurance plan has issued its payout. As such, it's less useful for US residents traveling within the US.
How can I find healthcare providers while abroad with GeoBlue?
You can utilize GeoBlue'sresources such as its highly rated mobile app and online directory to find a healthcare provider.
What steps do I need to follow to file a claim with GeoBlue?
To file a claim with GeoBlue, you typically need to submit the necessary documentation, including medical records and receipts, within a specified timeframe. Timely submission is crucial for efficient claim processing, especially since customer reviews allude to a long and difficult claims process.
Tara Mastroeni is a freelance real estate and personal finance writer. Besides Business Insider, she writes for Forbes and LendingTree. You can find her at TMRealEstateWriter.com or on Twitter@TaraMastroeni.
Compliance and Operations Associate
Evelyn He is a Compliance and Operations Associate on the Personal Finance team to ensure content accuracy and editorial independence so readers get up-to-date and objective financial advice.The compliance team's mission is to provide readers with fact-checked and current stories so they can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by ensuring language is clear, precise, and fully compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards.
Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.
**Enrollment required.
