If you live overseas, you have the option of the Blue Cross PPO or Core medical plans. Please keep in mind that Core has a $3,000 deductible. UC-sponsored HMOs and the Blue Cross PLUS Plan provide only emergency benefits to employees living abroad.

You will have a Period of Initial Eligibility (PIE) to change health plans if your overseas appointment is for two months or more.

Emergency Medical Care
If you have a medical emergency while living abroad, you should seek medical care immediately. You will generally be required to pay for the services when they are rendered and then submit the bill to Blue Cross.

Blue Cross PPO covers medical evacuations, if they are considered "medically necessary."  You should contact Blue Cross prior to the medical evacuation to determine if the situation is medically necessary.

Processing claims
To file a claim while living abroad, you must submit an itemized bill (translated to English) for the services along with a Blue Cross Medical Claim Form [PDF]. You should allow four to six weeks for the claim to be processed, and it may take longer if your claim requires clarification.

For prescriptions, use the prescription drug claim form [PDF]. Be sure to ask your pharmacy to use the scientific name of the drug rather than the marketing name.

Family Member Coverage
Your enrolled family members will be covered by your plan, whether they join you overseas or stay in the U.S. If you are enrolled in the Blue Cross PPO, your family members will generally be covered at the 80% level for In-Network services and the 60% level for Out of Network services. Contact Blue Cross to determine if your local doctor is in the Blue Cross PPO network.