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Health Coverage Management for Employees on Business Travel
Know your covered services and how to access care while traveling to avoid unnecessary stress and expenses
Know Your Benefits Before You Go
Before traveling, take a moment to ensure you are equipped with more than just your itinerary. Being informed about your coverage can make a significant difference when navigating unexpected medical needs away from home.
Whether your travel takes you across the state or across international borders, preparation is key. Familiarizing yourself with covered services and knowing how to access care while traveling can help you avoid unnecessary stress, delays, and expenses.
New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) Participants
Employees who require medical treatment while traveling, unrelated to a workplace accident or injury, should seek medical care as needed and use their personal health insurance for any medical expenses incurred. Review your health insurance coverage before traveling to understand any limitations, out-of-network costs, or coverage restrictions.
Domestic Travel
Empire Plan programs have nationwide networks. Use a network participating provider and pay only the applicable copayment for most covered services without a claim form to fill out. Consult the Empire Plan by calling 877-769-7447 or utilizing the provider directories.
To further reduce out of network costs, the Basic Medical Provider Discount Program offers discounts for services from providers who participate in the Empire Plan MultiPlan group when participating providers are not available. Call the Empire Plan at 877-769-7447 for more information.
Prescriptions can be filled at any network pharmacy within the United States. Restrictions may apply to controlled substances in certain areas due to various state laws.
International Travel
To access hospital benefits outside the United States, consult bcbsglobalcore.com (enter code YLS) or contact 800-810-2583 to identify a participating facility within the area of your stay.
- Inpatient Services: Claims for services at a participating facility arranged through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core Service Center may be submitted directly by the provider. For expenses already paid by the enrollee, a claim must be submitted.
- Outpatient Services: Claims must be submitted to Empire BlueCross for review and reimbursement. It is recommended to request medical records from the hospital and, if applicable, have records translated into English for submission with the claim. For further instructions regarding claims filing, contact The Empire Plan or the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core Service Center.
In the event of a medical emergency, proceed to the nearest emergency department. The Empire Plan may review the claim to determine whether the visit constituted a medical emergency, which may affect coverage and claims submission. For services from a non-participating provider or hospital, enrollees must submit a claim which may be subject to deductible and coinsurance.
Prescription drug services are not available outside of the United States (and its territories). A claim may be filed for partial reimbursement after paying out of pocket for a valid prescription at a pharmacy.
An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) is a type of health insurance plan that provides access to a network of doctors, hospitals, and other providers within a specific geographic area. Western New York NYSHIP HMO plans include:
- Independent Health Association
- Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY
Emergency and urgent care services are covered outside your NYSHIP HMO's local network. Out-of-network benefits are otherwise not available.
NYSHIP Plan Changes
There is no open enrollment period for NYSHP. Employees enrolled in a NYSHIP program may change their health plan only during the annual Option Transfer Period, typically held at the end of each calendar year.
However, certain qualifying life events may allow changes outside of this window. If you are relocating due to work-related travel or reassignment, this may constitute a qualifying event. We encourage you to contact Benefit Services to discuss your specific situation and explore your options.
Workers' Compensation
Accidents or Injuries During Work-Related Travel
Employees injured while traveling for work while actively engaged in a work-related activity, whether domestically or internationally, should seek medical attention as needed and inform the provider that the injury is work-related.
Injuries and/or accidents should be reported to the University by contacting the Accident Reporting System at 888-800-0029 (get an ARS incident number) and completing an accident or injury report. Claims will be processed through workers' compensation and not NYSHIP health insurance (if enrolled).
New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF)
The New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) is New York State's workers' compensation carrier.
Contact the Benefits Team
The State Benefit Services Team is available to answer your questions. Use our contact information below to access all team members for the fastest response.
Department Leadership
Contact our department leaders for additional assistance.
![Lissa Jasinowski.]()
Lissa Jasinowski
Assistant Director
Benefits and Work Life Balance
Phone: (716) 645-4488
Email: lmt22@buffalo.edu
