BCBS Study Abroad Student Insurance
Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions' Study Abroad Student plan is built for students studying outside their home country, offering up to $1,000,000 in international student medical coverage, pre-existing condition coverage, emergency evacuation and 24/7 worldwide assistance - all designed to satisfy university and J1 visa health insurance requirements.
What Is BCBS Global Solutions Study Abroad Student Insurance?
The BCBS Global Solutions Study Abroad Student plan, available through American Visitor Insurance, is purpose-built student travel medical insurance for students who are studying outside their home country. It delivers comprehensive international medical coverage that protects students against unexpected illness, injury, or medical emergencies while abroad.
Backed by the trusted Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Network spanning more than 190 countries, students can locate quality healthcare wherever their program takes them. As a recognized Blue Cross Blue Shield global student plan, it also meets most university and student visa health insurance requirements, including required coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation - making it a popular choice for anyone comparing study abroad health insurance options.
- Access to a global network of vetted medical providers
- High medical coverage - up to $1,000,000 in emergency medical protection
- Global doctor network with trusted hospitals worldwide
- 24/7 customer service and worldwide assistance
- Pre-existing condition coverage for insured students under age 70
Who Is BCBS Global Solutions Study Abroad Student Insurance Best Suited For?
Students studying a full year or longer who want unlimited annual and lifetime medical maximums, J-1 visa-compliant coverage, and the flexibility to pick their own deductible.
If you can show at least 6 months of prior creditable health coverage, current health conditions can be covered from your first day on the plan instead of facing a waiting period.
Accidental injuries from everyday recreational and school activities are covered like any other injury. (Professional or extreme sports, such as skydiving or mountaineering, are excluded.)
International students living in the U.S., international faculty and research scholars, and Optional Practical Training (OPT) participants also qualify for this plan.
Students who need maternity coverage as a standard benefit - routine maternity is excluded on this plan (only complications of pregnancy are covered) - or students who need a plan that auto-renews without reapplication. Speak with a licensed agent about other student insurance options if either applies to you.
What Students Actually Need to Check First?
Not every plan advertised as "study abroad health insurance" checks these boxes. Here's how BCBS Global Solutions Study Abroad Student Insurance stacks up against what actually matters when you're choosing international student health insurance.
Who Is Eligible for BCBS Study Abroad Student Insurance?
Students up to age 74 at the time of application are eligible (coverage ends once you turn 75). Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens and permanent residents living abroad, and legal U.S. residents. Applicants must reside outside their home country for at least 3 months per year and be engaged in an educational activity, including:
Studying full-time on a valid student visa.
International faculty and research scholars in the U.S.
Optional Practical Training participants living in the U.S.
Planning to study outside the U.S., applying from anywhere.
- The pre-existing condition waiting period can be waived with proof of prior creditable coverage.
- The plan does not cover individuals enrolled only in online courses or ESL/language-only courses.
- Spouses, partners and children can be added to the coverage.
- Unmarried children (natural, step, or legally adopted) are eligible up to age 26.
Why Should You Buy BlueCross BlueShield Study Abroad Student Insurance?
This student health plan offers reliable international medical coverage for students studying outside their home country - covering doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency evacuation and mental health services, backed by 24/7 global assistance and direct billing.
- publicGlobal Coverage for Students Abroad: Covers medical expenses, hospitalization, emergency evacuation and repatriation - protection most home or campus health plans don't provide internationally.
- hubTrusted Global Network: Backed by Blue Cross Blue Shield, with access to a vast network of quality providers offering cashless, direct-billed treatment.
- verifiedMeets University & Visa Requirements: Satisfies most study abroad and student visa health insurance requirements, including evacuation and repatriation coverage.
- health_and_safetyComprehensive Medical Protection: Reliable support in unfamiliar healthcare systems, so students can focus on studying rather than medical bills or claim hassles.
- favoritePeace of Mind for Students & Parents: Multilingual customer service and assistance for emergencies, claims or medical coordination - anytime, anywhere.
- tuneFlexible Plan Options: Tailored for short-term, semester or full-year study abroad programs, with the option to extend coverage before or after your program dates.
How Much Does Study Abroad Student Insurance Cost Per Month?
The BCBS Study Abroad Student international student medical coverage cost per month ranges from $426 to $517, depending on the student's age, the plan maximum, and the chosen deductible. The plan offers an unlimited medical maximum with deductible options of $0, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000. The sample pricing below reflects a $500 deductible.
Advantages & Disadvantages of BCBS Study Abroad Student Insurance
Advantages
7 benefitsUnlimited annual and lifetime medical maximum
Pre-existing conditions covered for students under age 70
Access to the BCBS Global Network in 190+ countries
Meets J1 visa and most university insurance requirements
No waiting period for preventive care services
Cashless, direct-billed treatment at many network hospitals
Eligible up to age 74, wider than most student plans
Disadvantages
6 limitsPremiums run higher than budget-tier student plans
Maternity is excluded except for life-threatening complications
Does not cover treatment received within the United States for outbound students
Online-only and ESL/language course students are not eligible
Professional/extreme sports injuries are excluded
Vision, hearing aids, fertility and cosmetic procedures excluded
How to Apply for BCBS Global Solutions Study Abroad Student Insurance?
- Passport (for identity and date-of-birth verification)
- School/program name and U.S. or host-country address
- Your school's minimum insurance requirement, if a waiver is needed
- Form I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 exchange visitors)
- Intended coverage start and end dates (3 months to 364 days)
- Payment method for monthly or full-premium payment
Students who'd rather not apply online, or who don't have access to a U.S. payment method, can call American Visitor Insurance's licensed agents at (877) 340-7910 for help completing the application by phone.
How Study Abroad Student Coverage Works in Action
Severe stomach pain during a semester overseas turns out to require emergency surgery. Hospitalization, surgery and in-hospital doctor visits are covered at 100% outside the U.S.
A serious injury in a remote area requires transport to the nearest adequate facility — covered up to $250,000 lifetime maximum.
A routine annual physical and screening is covered at 100% outside the U.S., up to $250 per calendar year.
What Are the Benefits of StudentSecure Elite Insurance?
| Benefits | Outside U.S | U.S.(In Network) | U.S.(Outside Network) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Care Office Visits - as many as 8 visits per Calendar Year | All except a $10 copay per visit | All except a $30 copay per visit | 60% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% |
| Preventative Care For Babies/Children: (Birth to Age 18) a. Office Visits/examination b. Immunizations, Lab work & X-rays | 100% | 80% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% | 60% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% |
| Preventative Care for Adults: (Age 19 and Older) a. Routine Pap Smears, annual mammogram b. PSA For Men | 100% | 80% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% | 60% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% |
| Annual Physical Examination/Health Screening | 100% Maximum Covered Expense of $250 and limited to one per Calendar Year | 80% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% Maximum Covered Expense of $250 and limited to one per Calendar Year. | 60% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% Maximum Covered Expense of $250 and limited to one per Calendar Year. |
| Lifetime Maximum per Insured Person | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Annual Maximum per Insured Person | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Benefits | Outside U.S | U.S.(In Network) | U.S.(Outside Network) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgery, X-rays, In-hospital doctor visits, Organ/Tissue Transplant | The Insurer will pay 100% of Covered Expenses | 80% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% | 60% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% |
| In-patient medical emergency | 100% | 80% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% | 60% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% |
| Professional Services Surgery, anesthesia, radiation therapy, in-hospital doctor visits, diagnostic X-ray and lab work | 100% | 80% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% | 60% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% |
| Outpatient Medical Care | 100% | 80% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% | 60% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% |
| Ambulatory Surgical Center | 100% | 80% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% | 60% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% |
| Durable Medical Equipment | 100% | 80% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% | 60% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% |
| Benefits | Outside U.S | U.S.(In Network) | U.S.(Outside Network) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Transportation | Maximum Lifetime benefit for all Evacuations up to $250,000 | Maximum Lifetime benefit for all Evacuations up to $250,000 | Maximum Lifetime benefit for all Evacuations up to $250,000 |
| In-patient medical emergency | 100% | 80% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% | 60% to Coinsurance Maximum then 100% |
| Repatriation Of Mortal Remains | Maximum Benefit up to $25,000 | Maximum Benefit up to $25,000 | 6 Maximum Benefit up to $25,000 |
| Accidental Death and Dismemberment | Maximum Benefit: Principal Sum up to $10,000 | Maximum Benefit: Principal Sum up to $10,000 | Maximum Benefit: Principal Sum up to $10,000 |
Key Features of BlueCross BlueShield Travel Insurance
Hospitalization, doctor visits and emergency medical evacuation are all included.
Access to English-speaking, Western-trained doctors in 190+ countries.
Many network doctors bill BCBS directly, avoiding upfront payments and claims.
Round-the-clock concierge service and online support for emergencies.
The BCBS app helps you find care, schedule appointments and access telemedicine.
Access to counseling and mental health services while studying abroad.
What Is Excluded From Study Abroad Student Insurance?
- check_circle Routine medical checkups, preventive care beyond plan limits, or elective procedures.
- check_circle Maternity, except for life-threatening complications.
- check_circle Treatment received within the United States
- check_circle Treatment received within the United States
- check_circle Vision, hearing aids, fertility, or cosmetic procedures
- check_circle Professional or extreme sports injuries (skydiving, mountaineering, etc.)
How Do I File a Claim With BCBS Global Solutions Study Abroad Student Insurance?
To file a claim with BCBS Global Solutions Study Abroad Student Insurance, follow these steps:
How Does BCBS Global Solutions Study Abroad Student Insurance Work?
Your BCBS Global Solutions Study Abroad Student international student health insurance covers sudden illness and accidental injury, with preventive care covered at 100% and no waiting period. For non-emergency admissions or scheduled outpatient procedures requiring pre-certification, call the number on your ID card at least 14 days ahead; for an emergency admission, you (or your provider) must call within 48 hours.
Show your BCBS Global Solutions ID card at a Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Network or BlueCard PPO provider to access direct billing and minimize out-of-pocket costs. Out-of-network providers are allowed, but you'll typically need to pay upfront and file for reimbursement at the lower coinsurance rate.
After your chosen deductible ($0-$5,000) is met, covered expenses are paid at 100% internationally, 80% at U.S. in-network providers, or 60% at U.S. out-of-network providers, up to your unlimited annual and lifetime maximum. Once you reach your selected Coinsurance Maximum, the plan pays 100% for the rest of that Calendar Year.
Download the claims form and submit it with supporting documents by mail to Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions, P.O. Box 1748, Southeastern, PA 19399-1748, USA, or by fax to +1-610-482-9623. For help, call the number on your ID card or American Visitor Insurance's support team at (877) 340-7910.
Once documentation is received, covered amounts are processed and paid. Coverage stays active until the end of your selected Period of Coverage (3 months to 364 days) - it does not renew automatically, so if your program continues, you'll need to submit a new application before your current period ends.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Study Abroad Student Insurance - FAQs
Why Buy BCBS Insurance Through American Visitor Insurance?
- Side-by-side plan comparison - Compare prices and benefits across BCBS plans to find the best fit for your needs.
- Experienced support - Licensed agents with 20+ years of experience in international student and visitor insurance.
- Helpful resources - Detailed FAQs, blog articles, and guides built from real student and parent questions.
- Claims support when you actually need it - the same team that helped you enroll can guide you through filing a claim, so you're not left to interpret WorldTrips claim form alone.
- Extend or Cancel Anytime - We help you extend coverage or cancel your plan if travel plans change.
- Licensed & Trusted Platform - American Visitor Insurance is a licensed US-based insurance platform (NJ License #1181604).