International Insurance

All Students enrolled in University of North Carolina System institutions (including ECU students) who participate in international exchanges, study abroad programs, or who conduct research or other “for credit” activities related to their academic work or are receiving financial support from ECU to travel outside of the US are required to purchase the GeoBlue International Health Insurance for Higher Education. The policy is written specifically for the University System of the State of North Carolina and was adopted after extensive study and review by several State of North Carolina agencies and university officials. All universities in the University of North Carolina System participate in the insurance program.

ECU students enroll in the medical insurance program through the Office of Global Affairs. The premium is calculated on a per day basis (currently $1.50 per day for the 22-23 academic year) for the days of the study abroad or exchange program.*

The insurance coverage is described in the brochure, “GeoBlue Student Member Guide” which is distributed to students during the pre-departure orientation session.

*Students participating in exchanges through the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) are required to enroll in the ISEP Student Health Insurance Program. For more information about this health insurance policy please visit the ISEP Health Insurance website.

What to do in the event of an emergency:

  • When taken to Hospital or Clinic, show GeoBlue Insurance Card immediately.
  • Contact GeoBlue at first available opportunity to follow up on claim.
  • If sufficient services are not being provided to student (ex. Doctor cannot speak English and proper translation is not being provided), contact GeoBlue and they can provide appropriate assistance and make sure that students are receiving correct care. If they are not receiving appropriate care, GeoBlue can arrange for students to be taken to another facility.
  • Keep the Assistant Director of Education Abroad at ECU and the International Coordinator at the Host University abreast of the situation as it progresses.

What to do in the event of a non-emergency:

  • Contact GeoBlue first to get information about doctors in their network. If a GeoBlue contracted doctor is not available in the area where the student is living, they can provide information about other doctors available. GeoBlue will continue to provide coverage to student if they must go to a doctor outside of the network.

Contact Information:
In the event of a medical emergency: As a GeoBlue customer, you are eligible for global emergency assistance, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For immediate assistance:
Inside the US, call 1.800.268.2686
Outside the US, call +1.610.263.2847
Geo Blue Website

If you require medical evacuation, you must contact GeoBlue in advance or your evacuation may not be eligible for reimbursement. Available services include:

  • Medical evacuation planning and coordination
  • Medical monitoring and referral
  • Worldwide 24-hour assistance in locating medical care
  • Coordination of hospital payment guarantees

For more information send an e-mail to customerservice@geo-blue.com