Coverage When Traveling Outside of California

April 6, 2022

Staying Covered When Traveling

It’s important to know your health insurance benefits when you’re away from home. Spending just a little time preparing before a trip can provide greater peace of mind and help prevent surprise healthcare expenses later. Here are a few tips to ensure seamless health care coverage while traveling:

Before your trip:

  • Notify. Call your health plan member services phone number and let them know your travel plans.
  • Research. Familiarize yourself with your destination. Check out the nearest medical facilities and clinics should the need for care arise.
  • Plan ahead when it comes to prescriptions. If needed, your plan may be able to authorize additional medication in order to cover the duration of your trip. Always pack your prescriptions in an easily accessible spot (like your carry-on bag) to ensure your medications arrive with you.
  • Check your wallet. Make sure you’re carrying your current medical and pharmacy ID cards.

Our UC HMO plans only cover urgent and emergency care when the member is outside of the designated service area. Our UC Anthem PPO plans offer more broad coverage and greater flexibility in where you can obtain care.

When receiving care while traveling within the U.S., make sure to:

  • Show your health plan ID card and Medicare card (if applicable)
  • Call your health plan as soon as possible (or request the admitting hospital to call) in the event of any inpatient admittance.

Planning international travel?

  • Emergency and urgent care is generally covered when traveling outside of the United States. UC HMO plans offer no additional coverage. Keep in mind, you may need to pay up front and submit claims after the fact. Call your health plan’s customer service before departing on your trip. They can provide guidance, support and supply you with any necessary forms.

• For more information on international coverage with our Anthem PPO plans, see the following document.

Wherever your journey may take you, it’s important to stay covered, know your health care benefits and know who to call should the need for care arise. Wishing you the best of health in all of your travels.