Most U.S. health insurance plans, including Medicare, do not cover medical expenses outside the United States. For seniors traveling internationally, that gap in coverage can be costly. A single emergency room visit abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars, while a medical evacuation can sometimes exceed $100,000.
Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Single Trip Platinum plan was built to close that gap. Backed by the trusted Blue Cross Blue Shield network in 190+ countries, it provides comprehensive medical coverage for U.S. seniors traveling internationally. This includes full coverage for pre-existing conditions, access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO network with direct billing capabilities, and medical limits up to $1,000,000 for travelers up to age 95.
Traveling as a senior should be enjoyable. Seniors with travel insurance can travel with less stress knowing that a travel medical insurance plan like Blue Cross Single Trip Platinum has their back. We will go through its benefits, eligibility, and why travel insurance is worth it for U.S. seniors traveling abroad.
What You Will Learn in This Guide:
- How Single Trip Platinum’s medical coverage can extend up to $1,000,000 for senior travelers up to age 95
- Why Blue Cross travel insurance stands out by covering pre-existing conditions rather than just their acute onset
- How this policy provides U.S. seniors with access to the reputable Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO network worldwide
Why is Blue Cross Single Trip Platinum the Best Travel Insurance for U.S. Seniors Abroad?
What sets Blue Cross Single Trip Platinum apart from other senior travel insurance plans isn’t just the coverage limits, but its outstanding network. Unlike plans that rely on unfamiliar providers, Single Trip Platinum taps into the Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO network, giving seniors access to the same quality-vetted physicians and hospitals they associate with Blue Cross coverage at home, now available in over 190 countries worldwide.
Many domestic health insurance plans, including Medicare, do not cover senior travelers internationally. However, with a plan like Single Trip Platinum, it ensures U.S. seniors get the coverage they need in case of a medical emergency overseas.
Who is Blue Cross Travel Insurance Best For?
Single Trip Platinum is best for U.S. seniors looking for a travel medical insurance plan to supplement their medical coverage abroad. However, plenty of travelers from the U.S. can consider this plan, including:
- Travelers with pre-existing conditions like asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure who have a primary health plan in the U.S. and want those conditions covered while abroad
- Vacationers up to 95 who are traveling internationally and want a plan that uses the renowned Blue Cross Blue Shield network
- Seniors who want high medical limits (up to $1,000,000) and comprehensive coverage without the age limits often found in other travel insurance plans
What Does Blue Cross Travel Insurance Cover?
Every benefit provided by Single Trip Platinum is backed by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions network, the same Blue Cross name U.S. seniors have trusted for decades, now available in 190+ countries.
If you go to a doctor or hospital within the Blue Cross network, Blue Cross can pay the bill directly. You won’t need to pay out of pocket and figure out how to get reimbursed later.
Plus, if you ever need assistance during your trip, whether you need help finding an English-speaking doctor, require emergency evacuation, or just aren’t sure what to do, the BCBS Global Health and Safety team is available 24/7 to guide U.S. seniors abroad.
| Benefit | Coverage Limit |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | 100% up to your selected policy maximum |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | 100% up to your selected policy maximum if you have a primary U.S. health plan |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | Up to $500,000 |
| Inpatient/Outpatient Services | 100% up to your policy maximum for hospital stays, surgery, and office visits |
| Prescription Medicine | Up to $5,000 |
| Dental Emergency | Up to $500 |
| Trip Interruption | Up to $1,000 |
| Baggage Loss | Up to $500 |
| Accidental Death (AD&D) | Up to $50,000 |
| Repatriation of Remains | Up to $25,000 |
Secure Single Trip Platinum Today
How Does the Blue Cross PPO Network and Direct Billing Work for Seniors Abroad?
Seniors traveling abroad often worry about having to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket, then waiting weeks for reimbursement. However, Blue Cross Single Trip Platinum addresses this directly through two features:
The Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Network: Through BCBS Global Solutions, Single Trip Platinum provides access to a vast network of English-speaking physicians, hospitals, and specialists in 190+ countries. It’s just like the same Blue Cross Blue Shield network quality that seniors in the U.S. are already familiar with, but extended worldwide.
Direct Billing: Single Trip Platinum includes a Direct Pay option designed to eliminate out-of-pocket medical costs and the need for reimbursement. By notifying Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions at least 24 hours before a scheduled visit with an in-network provider, your medical expenses are settled directly with your doctor. Emergencies are handled immediately regardless of advance notice.
Out-of-network providers are also covered under the plan, but in those cases, you may need to pay upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement.
Where Can I Get the Best Travel Insurance for International Travel?
Blue Cross Blue Shield has been a trusted name in the U.S. healthcare system for over 90 years. BCBS Global Solutions extends that same standard of care to international travel, giving seniors the confidence of a household name in any hospital, in any country.
Seniors should also have that confidence when initially looking for travel insurance. With VisitorsCoverage’s travel insurance comparison tool, seniors can secure a quote that is tailored to their needs. This allows senior travelers to get customized travel insurance based on their individual needs, ensuring they make the right travel insurance decision.
However, if there are any questions along the way, our licensed travel insurance experts are here to help answer your questions, compare plans, and support you every step of the way.
- Since Medicare and many domestic plans do not provide international coverage, Blue Cross travel insurance, a well-renowned insurance provider in the U.S., serves as a vital medical supplement for seniors overseas
- To be eligible for Single Trip Platinum, travelers must have a primary health policy such as Medicare or a private employer plan. Medicaid and “accident-only” plans do not qualify
- Unlike many standard travel insurance plans that restrict coverage for older travelers, this plan provides full benefits for seniors up to age 95
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Cross Travel Insurance Single Trip Platinum
Can I buy Single Trip Platinum if I’ve already left for my trip?
No. Single Trip Platinum must be purchased while you are in the United States before your departure date. Trying to purchase this plan after your trip may result in no coverage at all, hence why it is best to buy your travel insurance as soon as you have booked your trip.
How long can Blue Cross Single Trip Platinum cover me while on a trip to Europe?
Blue Cross Single Trip Platinum can cover stays of 2 days to 182 days. This plan can also be extended for another 182 days, provided that you request the extension before your initial travel insurance plan expires and that you have no active claims.
Does my ‘Medigap’ policy count as a primary health plan?
No. Medigap is often a secondary insurance to a Medicare plan, which is a primary plan. If you are on Medicare, Single Trip Platinum is highly recommended for an international trip.
Will Blue Cross travel insurance pay the hospital directly, or do I have to pay out of pocket first?
Yes, the Single Trip Platinum plan can pay hospitals directly. Its “Direct Pay” feature is available for medical expenses through its global network of doctors, often removing the need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement later.
Who determines if I need a medical evacuation?
The evacuation benefit pays for a medical evacuation to the nearest hospital, appropriate medical facility or back to the U.S. Evacuations require written certification by a physician that the evacuation is medically necessary and must be approved by the BCBS Global Health and Safety team.
Is my routine medication covered under Single Trip Platinum?
No. In general, many travel insurance policies do not cover routine care. This is because it can be deemed as a foreseeable event, while travel insurance is designed to cover unexpected events like medical emergencies or trip disruptions.
Is there a waiting period with Single Trip Platinum before pre-existing condition benefits begin?
Single Trip Platinum coverage begins as soon as you depart your home country. For emergency care related to a pre-existing condition, there is no waiting period.
Who do I actually call if I’m in a hospital in Paris and don’t speak French?
Single Trip Platinum offers travelers a 24/7 assistance hotline. This service can be vital in a public hospital, providing translation assistance with healthcare providers in a country like France.
