Whether you're traveling across the country or around the world, our unique BlueCard program helps you access physicians, hospitals, and health services across the nation and in more than 200 countries around the world.* More than 90 percent of all hospitals and 80 percent of physicians in the United States contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) Plans.
To learn if your plan includes BlueCard benefits, look for the little suitcase logo on the corner of your member ID card:
For more information about your coverage, before traveling check your benefit booklet or call the Customer Service number on the back of your ID card.
*Does not apply to Medicare Supplement Plans A and B, Medicare Carveout, Blue Medicare PPO Value Plan, or Blue Medicare PPO Advantage Plan members.
For PPO and BlueEdge Plan Members
| In the United States | Outside the United States |
1. Always carry your BCBSNM member ID card; it contains important information your health care providers need. 2. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital. 3. If not an emergency, call 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) (or collect at 1-804-673-1177) to find a participating physician. Or search the BlueCard Doctor and Hospital Finder on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Web site to locate nearby participating physicians and hospitals. 4. You are responsible for getting prior approval from BCBSNM for certain procedures or admission. Call the Customer Service number on the back of your ID card if you have questions. 5. When you arrive at the participating doctor's office or hospital, present your BCBSNM member ID card. If the physician, hospital, or other provider is a participating provider with a BCBS Plan, they are considered "In-Network" (Self-Coordinated) providers. You will be responsible for paying the usual out-of-pocket expenses (noncovered services, deductible, copayment, and coinsurance), but you should not have to file a claim. If you're a PPO member, remember to use a Preferred Provider to receive the PPO level of benefits. |
1. When you travel or live outside the U.S., you should always carry your passport and your BCBSNM member ID card. Your BCBSNM ID card contains important information your health care providers need. 2. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital. 3. If not an emergency, call 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) (or collect at 1-804-673-1177) to find a participating physician. Or search for providers at BlueCard WorldWide® on the BCBS Association Web site to locate nearby participating physicians and hospitals. 4. In most cases, if you receive care from a participating physician or hospital, you will not have to pay up-front for the services. You will be responsible for the usual out-of-pocket expenses such as deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or noncovered services. 5. If you receive care from nonparticipating physicians or hospitals, you will pay the provider up-front. Later, complete an international claim form and send it to the BlueCard Worldwide Service Center. 6. Medical assistance services are also available by calling 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) or collect at 1-804-673-1177, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, around the world. A medical assistance coordinator, in conjunction with a medical professional, will make an appointment with a physician or arrange hospitalization, if necessary. |
For HMO Plan Members
| BlueCard Program: Access outside New Mexico for short trips |
Away From Home Care Program: Access when temporarily residing outside New Mexico |
The BlueCard program covers HMO members when they are traveling and need urgent or emergency care. Members can access BCBS participating providers (providers contracted with any Blue Plan) in the U.S. and in over 200 foreign countries. Participating providers will file the claim and accept payment from the local Plan as payment in full. Members make the same payment (copayment or coinsurance) as they would make at home. Short Trips – If you need emergency or urgent care when traveling or away from home for less than 90 consecutive days, follow these easy steps: 1. Always carry your BCBSNM member ID card; it contains important information your health care providers need. 2. In an emergency, go directly to the nearest hospital. Notify your PCP or BCBSNM about your visit within 48 hours if possible. 3. For urgent care that is not an emergency, search the BlueCard Doctor and Hospital Finder on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBS) Web site, or call 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) to find participating physicians and hospitals in or near your location. Remember to call your PCP or BCBSNM for prior authorization, if necessary. 4. When you receive urgent care, present your member ID card. You'll pay your usual out-of-pocket expenses (deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or noncovered services). |
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico HMO members may also become guests of an affiliated HMO when they are away from home for at least 90 consecutive days through the Away From Home Care® program. This is ideal for members who have dependent children living in other states (attending school, for example). This guest membership benefit ensures ongoing access to medical care. Extended Stays – If you need ongoing access to medical care when away from home for more than 90 consecutive days, follow these easy steps: 1. Always carry your member ID card; it contains important information your health care providers need. 2. Contact BCBSNM Customer Service at the number on the back of your ID card and let them know that you will be away from home for at least 90 consecutive days. BCBSNM will let you know if there is a participating HMO in the area where you'll be staying. 3. BCBSNM will work with you to complete a guest membership application and will forward the application to the participating HMO (the "Host") in your destination location. 4. The Host HMO will provide you with a membership ID, a PCP, and information on your benefits. Please note that your copayments for services may be different than those required by BCBSNM. Learn more about the Away From Home Care program. |
Coverage may vary for each Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plan, so be sure to check with your Plan before traveling.
For the names and addresses of providers in the area
where you need care, call BlueCard at:
1-800-810-BLUE (2583)
