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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.
Research Foundation Health Insurance Plan 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
The RF Anthem PPO plans offer nationwide networks. Use a network participating provider and pay only the applicable copayment for most covered services without a claim form to fill out. For more information on accessing care nationwide and internationally please review the detailed summaries found at the following links.
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 HMO plans include:
- Independent Health Association
Emergency and urgent care services are covered outside your Independent Health HMO's local network. Out-of-network benefits are otherwise not available.
Personal International Travel
When travelling internationally for personal reasons your RF health plans provide coverage for emergency services worldwide. Please contact your health insurance provide prior to your trip for more information on what to do in a medical emergency outside of the United States.
Official RF Business Travel
When travelling internationally on official RF sponsored business the RF provides blanket international travel assistance coverage, as well as emergency health insurance benefits.
GeoBlue provides Worldwide Emergency Assistance and Global Security Services for RF and SUNY employees traveling outside the country on official RF business. Services include:
- Emergency and routine medical advice and referrals
- Medical and emergency evacuation
- Lost document assistance
- Legal referrals
- Contact information for embassies
- Emergency messages to family members
- Emergency telephone translation services
GeoBlue: Before You Travel
Register your trip with GeoBlue before traveling. Registering in advance ensures:
- Your coverage is active and verified for emergencies
- You avoid paying out-of-pocket and requesting reimbursement later
How to Use GeoBlue Services
- Register at www.geo-blue.com using group code QHG999999RSF
- Download your ID card from the Member Hub
- Always carry your GeoBlue ID card
- For assistance, call customer service 24/7: +1-215-798-3714 (collect call)
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.
Contact
Zachary Jenney
Manager
Research Foundation Benefit Services
Phone: 716-645-4439
Email: zjenney@buffalo.edu