- Home
- Health & Safety
- Travel Health
- International Health Insurance
- International Health Insurance FAQs
International Health Insurance FAQs
Find answers to common questions about GeoBlue for Students, Northwestern’s international health insurance plan. FAQs are divided into four categories: general insurance information, registration and claims, eligibility and coverage, and visa letters.
General Insurance Information
What is the new insurance program for Northwestern student travelers?
Northwestern has transitioned to a GeoBlue blanket program effective January 1, 2025, for all student travelers. This means that students no longer enroll directly with GeoBlue for coverage, and that there is one group plan number for all Northwestern student travelers. A student may travel abroad for different university purposes while at Northwestern but have the same plan number.
Why does Northwestern require that I maintain my domestic plan while abroad?
Although GeoBlue applies only while abroad (and not in the United States), ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ’s Student Insurance Office requires all full-time students to maintain domestic health insurance coverage during study abroad enrollment. This is to avoid any gaps in coverage in case a medical emergency abroad requires the student to return home early for continued treatment or recovery.
When might travelers want to purchase the commercial policy for international travel?
Students and employees should consider enrolling in a separate commercial health insurance for independent leisure travel or personal travel before or after the program.
Registration and Claims
How do I register for the new GeoBlue blanket program?
Registering is optional but allows you to access important health information in your destination. Download the free GeoBlue mobile app or go to and register using your Northwestern email address and group access code: GTB9999NWBKT.
I traveled abroad with Northwestern before 2025. When I log into the GeoBlue mobile app, I receive an error message. How can I resolve this?
If you traveled abroad with Northwestern before 2025 and are experiencing an error message when logging into the GeoBlue mobile app, it may be due to your previous enrollment under the daily pay plan. To resolve this issue, you have two options:
-
Remove Existing Email Registration: Email customerservice@geo-blue.com and request them to remove your existing email registration (NU email). This will allow you to use the same email address to register under the new blanket plan using the group access code: GTB9999NWBKT.
-
Keep Existing Registration Intact: Use a personal email address to complete the registration process. This will enable you to access the appropriate information during your current time abroad under the blanket plan and benefits.
How do I submit claims for medical services paid out of pocket?
Claims forms for medical services paid out of pocket should be emailed to claims@geo-blue.com, as the eClaim functionality is not available for blanket users. Find a claim form and instructions at Reimbursement for Care.
Eligibility and Coverage
I am an international student returning to my country of citizenship and permanent residence, am I eligible for the Northwestern GeoBlue Student Plan?
In general, students are not eligible in their country of citizenship, though some exceptions apply for students traveling on short-term (two weeks or less) Northwestern-sponsored travel. Students on short-term Pritzker or Kellogg Exchange Programs may be eligible for coverage. Check with your school contact for confirmation.
If my undergraduate study abroad program provider includes a health insurance product, am I also covered under Northwestern’s GeoBlue for Students plan?
Many of the third-party program providers with whom we work (see “exempt programs”) provide participants with a high-quality insurance plan and 24/7 support services. As a result, those students are not eligible for the Northwestern GeoBlue Student Plan. Refer to Study Abroad Health Insurance for a list of exempt programs.