Care outside the Cambridge area
You can receive routine care from any provider in the nationwide Blue Cross Blue Shield (“Blue Card PPO/EPO”) network for the same out-of-pocket cost you would have in Massachusetts. “Routine care” includes regular physical or gynecological exams, telehealth (in the US only), allergy testing, and most immunizations, including flu shots and travel vaccines.
You may also receive non-routine, non-urgent care, including office visits to healthcare providers for illnesses or injuries, maternity care, mental health and substance abuse services, diagnostic tests, and physical therapy. Your out-of-pocket costs will always be lower if you receive these services from a Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)-participating provider.
Questions about using your insurance while studying remotely? See our FAQ.
Medical Emergencies (including COVID-19)
The MIT Student Extended Insurance Plan covers your care if you have a medical emergency or need urgent medical care anywhere in the world. If you receive emergency care or urgent care from a provider or facility that participates with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), the provider or facility will simply bill Blue Cross for your treatment. However, if you receive care from a non-participating provider, you may have to pay for your care up front and file a claim for reimbursement.
You will not pay copays, coinsurance, or deductibles for testing, counseling, vaccination (once available), and other COVID-19 care provided at doctors’ offices, emergency rooms, and urgent care centers. Any medically necessary treatment for coronavirus is covered under the Extended Plan within the United States or internationally. Blue Cross will not require prior authorizations or referrals for medically appropriate care for COVID-19.
Finding Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) providers
- In the United States: Go to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Doctor and Hospital Finder, and choose “Blue Cross PPO/EPO” from the pull-down menu, or call 1-800-810-BLUE (2583).
- Outside of United States: Go to Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core, and log in by entering the first three letters of the identification code on your insurance card.