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GeoBlue for Students

GeoBlue is Northwestern’s provider for international medical assistance and insurance. Starting January 1, 2025, Northwestern will use a blanket health insurance plan from GeoBlue. All eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, including those in Kellogg MBA and EMBA programs, will be covered when traveling internationally on Northwestern-affiliated trips.

All undergraduates studying abroad through the Global Learning Office must have international health insurance. Depending on the program, students will either be covered by Northwestern's GeoBlue plan or an approved third-party provider with similar coverage. Visit the Study Abroad Health Insurance webpage to learn more.

 

Eligibility

  • The GeoBlue for Students plan is available to Northwestern students and their eligible dependents on university-affiliated international travel.
  • In general, students are not eligible in their country of citizenship, though some exceptions apply for short-term group travel.
  • For independent leisure travel before or after the program, students should consider enrolling in a commercial health insurance. 

Activating Coverage

  • Solo Travelers: Independent travelers must complete the trip requirements in Northwestern’s International Travel Registry.
  • Group Travelers: Students traveling as part of a faculty, staff, or student-led group will receive an email notification from the International Travel Registry when it's time to register. They can then use the link provided in the email to complete their registration.

Registration / Pre-Travel Preparation

  • Before travel, download the GeoBlue app  or go to complete a one-time registration using the Group Access Code GTB9999NWBKT and your Northwestern email. 
  • View and share your electronic ID card via the app or print your ID card before traveling.
  • Students with pre-existing conditions should meet with a GeoBlue nurse before traveling to manage their health abroad. Start by completing the questionnaire linked to this flyer.
  • Some prescription medications may not be available or are illegal in some countries. For details, read Traveling with Medications.

Plan Highlights

  • There is no deductible, no co-pay,  no co-insurance, and no cost to eligible travelers.
  • Routine non-emergency care for illness or injury
  • Emergency treatment for accidents, injuries, and illness.
  • Continuing services for pre-existing conditions (e.g., physical therapy, allergy shots, counseling, routine blood work).
  • Mental health services, including counseling/therapy.
  • Prescription medication refill including preventative meds.
  • Remote care services available 24/7/365.
  • Additional benefits requiring approval from GeoBlue include medical evacuation and escort for those unable to return alone and security or natural disaster evacuation.

Limitations

  • Crisis24, Northwestern's political, security and natural disaster evacuation (PEND) provider requires disclosure of planned travel to countries it considers high risk
  • Loss from activities such as scuba diving, sky diving, mountaineering (where ropes and climbing equipment are customarily used; including rappelling and abseiling), ultra-light aircraft, parasailing, sailplaning/gliders, hang gliding, parachuting, bungee jumping or professional sport competition is excluded.
  • More details on monetary limits, conditions, exclusions and other terms refer to the Student Member Guide.

Care and Claims

  • In a medical emergency abroad, visit the nearest clinic or hospital and follow emergency directions.

  • While abroad, use the free GeoBlue Mobile App to find healthcare providers, hospitals, and pharmacies abroad; coverage is not limited to network providers. Through the app, access medicine translations, drug equivalents, and global health and safety information including emergency contacts.

  • For routine care, use a GeoBlue network provider, an external provider recommended locally, or access remote medical or mental health care.
  • Typically, travelers pay upfront, keep receipts, and file for reimbursement. Follow reimbursement for care instructions. 

 Frequently Asked Questions 

Find answers to frequently asked questions about general information, registration and claims, eligibility and coverage, and visa letters.

For comprehensive information regarding GeoBlue for Students, please refer to the GeoBlue Student Guide, the Certificate of Insurance or contact globalsafety@northwestern.edu.