blue cross travel insurance application form

Coverage that goes where you go: Travel worry-free with Blue Cross Blue Shield

Planning to hit the road this travel season?   You’ve got a lot to do!   You’ll have to book your travel, lodging and activities, pack and be sure your home is looked after while you’re gone.   That’s a lot to think about, and the list goes on. With so much to do, it’s easy to overlook one item that might prove crucial: ensuring that you will be covered if you need medical care while traveling.

Most Blue Cross Blue Shield members can rest easy since Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage opens doors in all 50 states and is accepted by over 90 percent of doctors and specialists.   And if your extended travel plans take you abroad, you can ensure you have access to quality care through GeoBlue .

BCBS Coverage Travels with You

If you aren’t sure what’s covered, it’s a good idea to call your Blue Cross Blue Shield company to find out what your benefits are if something goes awry while on vacation. When traveling within the United States, most Blue Cross Blue Shield members will be covered under the BlueCard program, which connects all 36 individual Blue Cross Blue Shield companies so that members can enjoy access to the savings the local Blue Cross Blue Shield plan has negotiated with its doctors and hospitals.

For example, if a member of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, whose Plan includes the BlueCard program, falls and breaks his arm while hiking in Yellowstone, he will be charged the rate Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming has negotiated with the local hospital rather than paying the steep fees he would otherwise encounter.   Likewise, a BCBS Wyoming member who falls ill in Dallas would be charged the rate BCBS Texas has negotiated with its local providers.   It’s one of the many benefits of belonging to the nation’s oldest and largest health insurance system.

If your plans include international travel, GeoBlue   has an extensive network of options to meet your needs when living or working abroad for an extended period of time.   Though many Blue Cross Blue Shield plans cover international care in emergency situations, GeoBlu e  plans offer the most complete set of benefits and access to services like emergency medical evacuation, which might not be covered by your regular plan.

Insurance Tips for Travelers

Here are a few steps you can take to take charge of your health while traveling:

Traveling Within the United States

• Call your BCBS company to find out what your benefits cover while traveling.
• Always carry your current BCBS ID Card .
• To find nearby doctors and hospitals, call BlueCard Access at 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) or visit the Blue National Doctor & Hospital Provider Finder .
• Call your Blue Plan for precertification or prior authorization if necessary. Refer to the phone number located on your Blue ID card.

Traveling Abroad

• Verify your international benefits with your Blue Plan before leaving the United States, or purchase a GeoBlue  plan.
• Always carry your Blue ID card.
• If you need to locate a doctor or hospital, or need medical assistance services, hotlines are available 24/7. You can reach the BlueCard Worldwide Service Center at 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) or call collect at 1-804-673-1177. If you’re a GeoBlue member, call collect at 1-610-254-8771, or 1-800-257-4823 from inside the U.S.

To learn more, visit BCBS.com or the GeoBlue website.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies.

• Company Information

Providers in Your Network

• Find a Doctor or Hospital
• Find a Dentist
• Find a Pharmacy
• Find a Vision Provider
• Telemedicine and Telehealth Services
• Virtual Visits with MDLIVE
• Hospital-Based Physicians
• Surgery Center Based Physicians
• Breastfeeding Counseling
• Teledentistry
• Behavioral Health

Blue Distinction® Specialty Care

• Bariatric Surgery
• Cardiac Care
• Cellular Immunotherapy
• Fertility Care
• Gene Therapy
• Knee and Hip Replacement
• Maternity Care
• Spine Surgery
• Substance Use Treatment and Recovery
• Transplants

Where You Go Matters

• Know Your Network
• Choosing Health Care Options
• Tips to Find a Doctor or Hospital
• Utilization Management
• What Is An Emergency
• Understanding Health Care Costs and Quality
• Provider Network Selection Criteria
• Provider Information Validation
• In-Network Provider Options
• HMO Provider Network Important Information

About Our Plans

• Renew with Blue

Individual and Family

• Individual & Family Plans Overview
• Shop Plans and Prices
• Explore Individual & Family Plans
• Medicare Overview
• Compare Medicare Plans
• Prescription Drug Estimator
• BCBSTX STAR Plan
• BCBSTX CHIP Plan
• BCBSTX STAR Kids Plan
• Group Plans and Products
• Small Business Center
• Product Portfolio

Dental & Vision

• Dental & Vision Overview
• Dental Wellness Center
• Vision Plans

Life & Disability

• Life & Disability Overview
• Submitting Claims

Other Plans

• Student Health Plans — AcademicBlue℠
• Travel & Expatriate — GeoBlue℠

Consumer-Directed Health Accounts

Pharmacy and Prescription Plans

• Pharmacy Prescription Plan Information
• Additional Resources
• QHP 2023 Benefit Changes
• QHP 2024 Benefit Changes
• Prescription Drug Lists
• Search Drug Lists
• Dispensing Limits
• Generic Drugs
• Pharmacy Programs

Understanding Health Insurance

• Health Insurance Basics
• Health Insurance Costs
• Types of Health Insurance
• Premium Tax Credits
• How To Enroll In a Plan
• Glossary of Health Insurance Terms

How Health Insurance Works

• What Is An HMO
• What Is An HMO POS
• What Is a PPO
• What Is a CDHP
• All About Flexible Spending Accounts
• Deductibles and Coinsurance

Coverage Information

• Health Insurance Tax Information
• Transparency in Coverage
• Mental Health Parity
• Teledentistry Services Covered

Importance of Health Insurance

• Benefits of Health Insurance
• Affordable Health Insurance
• Health Care Costs

Member Resources

• Member Services
• Welcome to Your Health Plan
• Making Your Health Insurance Work For You
• Surprise Medical Bills
• LGBTQ Support
• COVID-19 Support
• Your Member ID Card

Account Access

• Sign Up for Online Account Access
• Blue Access Mobile
• Digital Preferences
• Problems Logging In?

Why Choose Us

• Advantages of Membership
• Health and Wellbeing Programs
• Blue365 Discount Program
• BlueCard Program

Quick Links

• Language Assistance

Policy Documents

• 2024 QHP Small Group Actual Policy Documents
• Pre-Affordable Care Act
• 2023 Policy Documents
• Machine Readable Files for Transparency in Coverage
• Form Finder
• Privacy Forms
• Find Out What's Next After Applying
• Sign Up or Log In

Member Login

Returning Shopper

Make a Payment

Travel Medical and Expatriate Plans

GeoBlue SM  health insurance plans and services help keep you safe and healthy as you travel the world. GeoBlue members who are living, working or traveling abroad can find carefully selected doctors and hospitals in more than 190 countries.

With these plans, you'll have access to English-speaking international providers trained in western medicine so you can travel with confidence.

GeoBlue's travel medical plans are meant for short-term travel. They offer single trip plans for trips up to 182 days, as well as annual plans for multiple trips in one year. GeoBlue also offers long-term expat plans for individuals who reside outside their home country for at least three months a year.

Contact your independent, authorized Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) agent or visit the GeoBlue pages below to get a quote. You can find out more about eligibility and benefits and get answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Short-Term Plans

GeoBlue Voyager  — Health insurance and help for short-term international travel, up to 182 days.

• Get a Quote for  Voyager Choice  or  Voyager Essential  from GeoBlue.

GeoBlue Trekker  — Health and accident insurance for  frequent  international travel covering unlimited trips in a 364-day period (70-day maximum per trip).

• Get a Quote for  Trekker Choice  or  Trekker Essential  coverage from GeoBlue.

Long-Term Plans

GeoBlue Xplorer  — Expatriate health insurance for individuals who live outside their home country for at least three consecutive months a year.

• Get a Quote for  Xplorer Premier  or  Xplorer Essential  coverage from GeoBlue.

GeoBlue Navigator  — Long-term worldwide medical coverage for crew members and missionaries who live outside their country at least three consecutive months of a year.

• Get a Quote for  Crew Members  or  Missionaries  coverage from GeoBlue.

GeoBlue is the trade name of Worldwide Insurance Services, LLC (Worldwide Services Insurance Agency, LLC in California and New York), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. GeoBlue is the administrator of coverage provided under insurance policies issued by 4 Ever Life International Limited, Bermuda, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be an offering of goods or services to EU-based persons.  

Last Updated: July 31, 2023

Download forms

Need a quick form? Find our frequently used forms here.

Did you know?

Your claim may be eligible for online submission. Save time and paper with contactless claiming on our member site today.

Frequently used forms

• Dental claim form
• Disabled dependent declaration
• Health benefits claim form (includes vision)
• Health Spending Account (HSA) claim form
• Pre-authorization request form

Specialty claim forms

• Accidental dental claim form
• Ambulance/medical transfer claim form
• Assisted care nursing recommendation claim form
• Glucose monitoring special authorization request form
• Hospital claim form
• Orthotics, orthopedic shoes and modifications claim form
• Direct deposit application form
• Pre-authorized debit form (for individuals)
• Provider direct deposit form (for providers only)

Travel forms

• For emergency health claims : Travel Insurance claim form
• For trip cancellation claims : Trip Cancellation Insurance claim form
• For baggage claims : Baggage Benefit claim form

Disability benefit forms

To submit an application for disability benefits, an employee’s statement, employer’s statement AND attending physician’s statement are required.

• Employee’s statement
• Employer’s statement (including a Job analysis form or a detailed job description)
• Attending physician’s statement ( short-term disability – weekly indemnity OR long-term disability )
• Direct deposit authorization form

Learn more about our disability claims appeals process .

Group life forms

• Group life benefit claim form

Critical illness forms

To submit an application for critical condition benefit, two forms are required:

• Application for critical condition benefit
• Attending physician’s statement

Canadians are optimistic about travel in 2024: Blue Cross Travel Study

• In Our Community
• Member Savings

Take off with Canada’s #1 travel insurance provider

Enjoy the confidence and peace of mind with Blue Cross when exploring Canada or around the world

#1 in Travel Insurance

Out-of-province emergency medical expenses are not generally covered by your provincial medical plan and these expenses can be financially overwhelming.

For millions of Canadians, comprehensive emergency travel coverage offered by Blue Cross has become an essential part of their holiday plans.

As a recognized symbol of health care globally, being trusted, professional and familiar is what you need in your coverage provider when travelling out of province.

Travel Worry Free

Let Blue Cross travel coverage take care of any unexpected medical emergency costs so you can make the most of your trip.

Whether you travel frequently during the year, take regular sun destination trips or do only occasional short trips, there is a plan that’s right for you.

Blue Cross is a member of a trusted global network, including the American Blue Cross & Blue Shield Association and the International Federation of Health Funds.

Canadians are optimistic about travel in 2024

The cost of travel is on the rise, but that isn’t stopping most Canadians from planning a vacation.

A ccording to a new study from Blue Cross , Canadians spent an average of $4,200 on their last vacation, and 94 per cent feel the cost of travelling is increasing .

H owever , the 2024 Blue Cross Travel Study also reveals that more Canadians are feeling optimistic about travel and are planning more trips this year.   

Find the Right Plan

We understand making the right choice for your benefits and coverage is important.

We’re here to help!

Please click below to be redirected to your local Blue Cross for more specifics, including local contact information.

Newsletter Heading

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet till, consectetur adipicing elit till.

Choose your region

For Members

Find a plan, advice center, common questions, travel medical insurance.

Emergency Medical coverage for British Columbians travelling outside BC.

Buy Now Find a Plan Make a Claim

The Government of Canada has issued an official global advisory to avoid non-essential travel (Level 3) outside of the country to limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, coverage related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) will be affected:

Travel Medical Insurance For trips that depart on or after March 13, 2020, Coronavirus (COVID-19) related illness will not be covered unless you are fully vaccinated. You can learn more about how Government travel advisories impact coverage in our Travel Insurance FAQs .

Trip Protection Insurance (Cancellations/Interruptions) Effective March 12, 2020, we are considering Coronavirus (COVID-19) to be a known event for individually purchased Trip Protection. Travel insurance is intended to cover losses arising from sudden and unforeseeable circumstances. Any claims resulting from events known to a policyholder at time purchasing the trip are not covered.

These conditions will remain in effect until the advisory is lifted or otherwise stated by Pacific Blue Cross.

We want you to enjoy your trip...

You're going to relax, have a good time, unwind… but before you leave do the one thing that could save you thousands or millions of dollars. Buy travel insurance.

It would be nice if you could guarantee good health and a safe trip, but in our world today, we know life, and certainly travel, are not predictable. When we travel in an unknown environment, we face risk from all angles. Don't stop exploring; just protect yourself from the unexpected — our travel plans can help you do that.

Who do we cover?

You're eligible for travel coverage if:

• You are a resident of Canada
• You have coverage with the government health plan of your province or territory
• You are applying for coverage prior to departing

We provide travel coverage to people of any age. However, persons 61 and older may be required to complete a Health Declaration form as part of their application.

If you're a visitor to Canada and want to apply for health coverage while in BC, you may be eligible for our Visitors to Canada plan.

Pacific Blue Cross travel plans are known everywhere you want to go. Whether you're looking for $10 million travel health coverage or a comprehensive package that includes baggage and trip cancellation, single or multiple trips– we have a solution for you!

What coverage is available?

Our basic travel plan covers costs related to emergency medical care resulting from an accident or sudden illness. Additional coverage is also available for trip cancellation or interruption, air flight accident, emergency return, as well as baggage loss, delay or damage.

All of our plans include:

• 24/7 access   to a team of professionals to connect you with local resources.
• Direct Pay—We will pay any providers directly.
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions—As long as your pre-existing condition meets a minimum stability period you can receive full protection.

Plan Highlights:

Basic plan coverage.

Our base plan covers the following costs for emergency medical care to a maximum of 10 million dollars:

• Emergency medical expenses:   This includes any hospital fees (for a private or semi-private room), nursing fees, drug costs, incidental hospital expenses (television, parking etc), the cost of medical appliances (crutches, canes, wheelchairs), physician and professional fees, diagnostic services (lab tests, xrays), and emergency dental care. F r ee fo r Kids! Only Pacific Blue Cross covers kids of all families for free when you buy travel medical insurance – whether its for one parent or two.
• Repatriation costs:   In addition to paying for you to return to your province or residence to receive immediate medical attention*, we will arrange to have your vehicle returned, your pet returned and your baggage returned. Should an insured person pass away, we cover the cost of repatriating the deceased.
• Medical Follow-up in Canada:   We cover select treatment costs following repatriation.
• Ambulance and taxi fees:   We will pay for the cost to transport a sick or injured person to the nearest Hospital or accredited medical facility.
• Transportation to visit the covered person:   We will cover the cost of round trip, economy class transportation for a family member or friend to visit a sick or injured person in hospital. We also cover the expenses of this visitor while he/she is staying close by up to $300 per day to a maximum of $1,200.
• Subsistence allowance:   We will reimburse you up to $300/day to a maximum of $3000 for accommodation, meals, essential phone calls and transportation by taxi if your return is delayed due to illness or injury.

*Requires the authorization of the attending physician and CanAssistance.

Additional Coverage Options

You can add the following individual benefits to your plan or choose a package and save:

• Trip Cancellation or Interruption:   We will reimburse your travel costs if your trip is cancelled before the planned departure or interrupted after your trip has begun.
• Air Flight Accident:   We insure you if you lose your life or the use of a limb in an air flight accident.
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment:   We insure you if you lose your life or the use of a limb in a non-air flight-related accident.
• Emergency Return:   We will cover transportation expenses for you to return home and possibly back to the holiday destination in the event of an emergency.
• Baggage loss, delay or damage:   We provide payment to cover the cost of lost baggage or the cost to purchase items while baggage is delayed.

This is not a policy. Actual terms and conditions are detailed in the policy issued by Pacific Blue Cross upon approval of application. Our policy will detail plan limitations and exclusions.

Call us if an emergency strikes

Medi-Assist is our 24/7 medical travel assistance line that will help you locate medical care, provide advisory services, refer you to interpreters, assist with transportation, contact relatives and more. It means you can focus on getting healthy and leave it to us to manage your care while in an unfamiliar environment.

If you do experience an unexpected emergency while travelling, we are here to help.

During your trip, you can call our   Medi-Assist   service to determine your level of coverage and receive help:

• In Canada or the U.S., call toll-free:   1-888-699-9333
• Outside of Canada or the U.S. or where toll-free is unavailable, please call collect to   1-604-419-4487   and we will pay for the call.

Claims Process

Out-of-Province Emergency Medical Claims  — Four simple steps

Trip Cancellation / Baggage Claim Form   — Form for claiming Trip Cancellations or Lost Baggage [pdf]

Visitors to Canada Travel Plan Claim Form   — Form for claiming against a Visitors to Canada Travel Plan contract [pdf]

Choose one of our Travel Insurance plans below to get started

Travel Medical

Emergency medical coverage for British Columbians while travelling outside of BC.

Visitors to Canada

Emergency health coverage for tourists, workers, new immigrants and students visiting BC.

Trip Protection

Peace of mind coverage for travel costs related to unexpected cancellations, interruptions and delays.

• Inbound Travel Insurance - Premier Plan
• Personal AccidentSafe Insurance
• Fire Insurance
• Employees' Compensation Insurance
• BusinessSafe Insurance
• Tycoon Medical Insurance Plan
• CareForYou Flexi Plan for VHIS (Not available for new application)
• Employee Medical Care Plan (formerly known as “Employees Medical Contract”)
• Blue Cross Employee Critical Illness Care Plan New
• Cancer Screening Programme
• Preventive Checkup and Immunisation Programme
• U Care Medical Checkup Scheme
• VHIS Conversion New
• Change of Particulars
• Premium Payment Exchange Rate
• Download Files Insurance-related forms and documents, including application forms, product brochures, terms and conditions, and more
• List of Panel Hospitals
• 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance
• Windscreen Repairers Network
• Travel Insurance Domestic Helper Insurance
• Pet Insurance Other General Insurance
• Motor Insurance
• Claim Procedures & Claim Forms
• CareForYou Flexi Plan for VHIS(Not available for new application)
• Insurance-related forms and documents, including application forms, product brochures, terms and conditions, and more
• Travel Insurance
• Domestic Helper Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Other General Insurance
• Super Agent

High-end VHIS

Travel Protection

Home Protection

Helper Protection

Decoration Protection

SmartPro Drive

Sports Protection

Travel Smart

• Plan Features
• Benefit Details

Latest Offer

Type of coverage, coverage highlight, total 1 day(s), policy effective date, client type, premium package, no. of insured, period of coverage per trip, use promo code.

• Product Leaflet
• Terms & Conditions

About Blue Cross

Legal notices, © copyright. blue cross (asia-pacific) insurance limited 2024. all rights reserved..

This website uses cookies for the purpose of enhancing your user experience. You can find more information on the types of cookies we collect, what we use these for, and how to manage your cookie settings in our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy Statement .

Chat now with BC Buddy

• Find a Doctor

Most Common Forms

Medical - Member Submitted Claim File a claim for medical services.

Pharmacy - Member Submitted Claim Complete and mail with all pharmacy receipts to Prime Therapeutics.

Authorized Representative Give permission to others for ongoing access to your health information.

Direct Pay Plans (On and Off Exchange) Authorize BCBSND to deduct your monthly health care premium payment or change your bank account information.

Appeal Form Request to review an adverse decision.

Apply or change coverage (non-employer plans)

Get a Quote and Apply If you purchase health insurance through your employer, please contact your plan administrator for application forms.

Change to existing coverage? If you purchase insurance individually (not through an employer) and need to make a change, please call us at 800‑280‑2583 . If you get your insurance through work, please contact your HR Department.

Prefer to download and mail your application? Application for new coverage

Automatic payment

Bank Account Change & Automatic Payment Withdrawal Authorize BCBSND to deduct your monthly health care premium payment from your bank account. If you have a direct pay plan, please use this form to sign up for electronic payments (ACH). This is not applicable if you purchase insurance through your employer.

Authorizations

Authorized Representative Complete online Authorized Representative Form

Authorization to Release Information Complete online Authorization to Release Information Form (i.e., life insurance company request or child immunization records).

Prefer to download and mail your form? Authorized Representative Authorization to Release Information

Medical Services – Member-Submitted Claim Form File a claim for medical services.

Pharmacy Services – Member-Submitted Claim Form File a claim for pharmacy services. The form must be completed in its entirety and pharmacy receipts must be provided for claims to be processed through Prime Therapeutics. If you get pharmacy coverage through your medical plan, use the form below.

Pharmacy Services – Major Medical Member-Submitted Claim Form File a claim for pharmacy services if you have prescription coverage through your medical plan.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core International Claim Form Use for international claims from providers outside of the United States.

Eligibility

Application for Dependent Disability For dependent children incapable of self-support because of mental or physical disabilities, request coverage beyond the standard age.

Out-of-Area Waiver Form For dependents living outside of their network provider due to divorce or school attendance. Also use to change your network affiliation. In most cases, changes can be submitted one month prior to your group anniversary.

Authorization for Enrollment or Eligibility Authorize release of health information for purposes of enrolling in a health insurance plan.

Authorization for Release of Medical Information to Primary Applicant Authorize BCBSND to disclose to the primary applicant medical information that was used in making insurability decisions.

Coverage Change Request Form Use to change health plans if currently enrolled in an employer plan and there is no change in covered individuals on plan.

Demographic Change Form Update demographic information such as name, address and date of birth.

Request for Cancellation Cancel a health insurance benefit plan. NOTE: Members on a plan with prefix YEP should contact the Federal Marketplace (FFM) at 800-318-2596 to cancel coverage.

Medical review

Appeal Form Request to review an adverse decision with supporting documentation.

Continuity of Care Form Request a review for continuing coverage for specific medical conditions from a nonparticipating or out-of-network provider.

Member External Review Form – Non-Grandfathered Request an independent external review. This form can only be used for members on non-grandfathered plans. Please contact Member Services at 844-363-8457 to check if your plan has the option for an external review.

Member External Review Form – Grandfathered Request an independent external review. This form can only be used for members on grandfathered plans. Please contact Member Services at 844-363-8457 to check if your plan has the option for an external review.

Member Pharmacy Coverage Exception Form – External Review Request an independent external review for a noncovered medication. This form is to be used for members who purchased coverage directly through an insurance company or through an insurance exchange (for example, a BlueCare, BlueDirect or BlueEssential plan).

Forms to be completed by your provider

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota has additional forms to be completed by your provider

Can't find the form you need?

Contact Member Services Please send completed forms as indicated on each form. Or, if in question, you may send via U.S. mail to:   4510 13th Avenue South Fargo, ND 58121

• Sales: 800-280-2583
• Member Services: 844-363-8457
• Caring Foundation
• Privacy & Legal
• Our Partners in Health:

Fargo (Headquarters) 4510 13th Ave. S. Fargo, N.D., 58121

Attention : This website is operated by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota and is not the Health Insurance Marketplace™ website at  HealthCare.gov . This website does not display all Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) available through  HealthCare.gov . To see all available QHP options, go to the Health Insurance Marketplace™ website at  HealthCare.gov .

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serving residents and businesses in North Dakota. All rights reserved.

© 2023 Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota

• Non-Discrimination Notice
• العَرَبِيَّة
• Diné Bizaad

Processing...

Please wait while your form is being submitted

• Moscow Tourism
• Moscow Hotels
• Bed and Breakfast Moscow
• Moscow Holiday Rentals
• Flights to Moscow
• Moscow Restaurants
• Moscow Attractions
• Moscow Travel Forum
• Moscow Photos
• All Moscow Hotels
• Moscow Hotel Deals
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Holiday Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travellers' Choice
• Help Centre

Visa application questions 16 and 17-- how to answer? - Moscow Forum

• Europe    
• Russia    
• Central Russia    
• Moscow    

Visa application questions 16 and 17-- how to answer?

• United Kingdom Forums
• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Holiday Rentals
• Central Russia forums
• Moscow forum

Question 16 asks the name and reference number of the tourist group. We are independent travelers not connected to a tour group. Should I simply write "independent traveller"?

Question 17 asks if we have a medical insurance policy valid in Russia. How specific do they want my answer to be? Should I simply write "Blue Cross"? Do they want policy numbers?

I just emailed our invitation requests to our hotel. They said they will be able to email the letter of invitation back to me. If I can just figure out how to fill out the visa application correctly, I can send it all off to the embassy with plenty of time to spare.

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer.

As for the insurance question, I have always just answered yes, and given the name of my insurance carrier, as in your example, "Blue Cross." For the tour group, I would just put "not applicable", although I have to admit that I've always traveled here on a business visa, so that question wasn't on my application.

A safer bet would be to use a visa service, which will provide assurance that your paperwork is properly filled-out and submitted. Of course, they charge a fee, but the assurance and speed of processing is worth something. You can find lots of services in Houston (your location shows Louisiana, so assume that the Houston consulate is the one you will use, rather than sending it all to DC) that will help you with your visa processing.

Thanks! You're a wealth of information. I've enjoyed reading your many posts on this forum. They're helping me to plan our trip.

Our tour group, gct, said to leave the line on insurance blank. Now I am worrying.

I would certainly recommend following the advice of any tour group or visa facilitator that you are using. I think a lot of the questions on the application are, frankly, not that important, so it really doesn't matter much what you put down, but there are some questions that are very important, and the wrong answer or no answer on those will cause a problem. Unfortunately, I can't tell you which ones are critical and which ones aren't, which is why I usually recommend using a visa service that specializes in Russian visas, if you are not working through a tour company. If you follow the advice of your tour operator or your visa service, then they are more likely to help solve any problem that arises, but if you don't follow their advice, then they can simply say, "Hey, you didn't do what we told you to do, so it's not our problem."

On question 17, they are looking for insurance that is "valid in Russia." My med insurance is with BlueCross BlueShield of TN and is not valid abroad. You might look at an international travel insurance plan. The one I use is from AIG - www.travelguard.com. The coverage is quite good and the cost for me is $71.00. It's very inexpensive, has great coverage, and they can e-mail you a policy and number immediately after purchase. On question 16, I don't use a tourist group and leave the space blank. I too recommend using a visa service. They can help with the application, invitation, etc. and can be relatively cheap. My experience with http://www.passportvisasexpress.com has been very good. Call them and they can guide you through the necessary steps. Enjoy your trip. I am going back again in May too.

DavidM makes a good point, that your medical insurance may not be good outside the US. Visa application issues aside, it would be a good idea, if this is the case with your insurance, to get a temporary policy while traveling.

It also depends on where you lodge your application. The rules from the US vary from those in the UK for instance, where I have had to submit a copy of the insurance policy wording to the consulate. But then another time I did not have to do this anymore.

But whether it is a question on the form or not, I wouldn't travel without travel insurance.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

• Planning trip to Russia 09:26
• Train Booking Moscow to St. Peter 24 April 2024
• SIM card. Russian SIM cards, do they still work in the UK? 09 April 2024
• Union Pay debit card 27 March 2024
• Russian trying to book a hotel in Jerusalem 14 March 2024
• Dual Citizen Arrested in Russia 12 March 2024
• about clothes 27 February 2024
• NOTE - border crossing from Finland into Russia closed 09 February 2024
• Snow boots in Red Square 04 February 2024
• Travelling to Moscow & Murmansk with toddle in winter 02 February 2024
• Anyone traveling from London to Moscow this week ? 27 January 2024
• Booking accommodation 11 January 2024
• Traveling friends (Designers preferred) :) 05 January 2024
• Are shops and things closed during Christmas and New Week ? 15 December 2023
• Moscow to St Petersburg train or air?? 32 replies
• How do you purchase Bolshoi Ballet tickets at a great price? 2 replies
• Just Go Russia Tour Company 43 replies
• Moscow 2013 World Athletics 5 replies
• 3 days in Moscow - Where to stay and what to do? 7 replies
• The Sleeper Train St Petersburg > Moscow 13 replies
• Select-a-room.com Are they legitimate? 3 replies
• New Sapsan Express Train from Moscow to St Petersburg 18 replies
• Best area to stay in Moscow 29 replies
• Moscow New Years Eve for 2011/2012 6 replies

Moscow Hotels and Places to Stay

• Where can I get initial answers to ANY question?