Urgent and Emergency Care

Whether you are traveling in Massachusetts, within the United States, or traveling abroad (outside of the United States) you are covered for urgent and emergency care.  Learn more about Urgent and Emergency Care within the United States.

When traveling abroad you may need to pay for services up front and file for reimbursement later. You should obtain itemized receipts and your medical records at the time of your discharge for any care you receive. 

Note: Applicable copay, deductible, and/or coinsurance may apply for urgent and emergency care.

Planned or Foreseen Care Outside of Massachusetts and Outside the United States

Examples of planned care include having your cholesterol checked, receiving chemotherapy treatment, or receiving pregnancy care.

Planned or foreseen care is not covered for HMO Members outside of Massachusetts.

POS and POS Plus members are covered for planned or foreseen care outside of Massachusetts and outside the United States, however, this will result in higher out-of-pocket costs. You will be subject to the annual deductible and coinsurance, and you may be billed the difference between the provider’s actual charge and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts allowed amount. 

Learn more about POS out-of-network coverage.

Find a Doctor 

Within the United States
 

• In Massachusetts: Contact HUGHP Member Services at (617) 495-2008 or use the Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA Find-A-Doctor tool. Your primary care physician may also have same-day urgent care appointments available to you. 
• Outside of Massachusetts: Contact Blue Cross Blue Shield at (800) 810-BLUE (available 24/7) for assistance in locating a health care provider. When you call, you should have your ID card ready. You may also search for a provider online through the Blue Cross Blue Shield National Doctor and Hospital Finder. 

Outside of the United States
 

Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core Service Center can help you find a health care provider. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 800-810-BLUE or 804-673-1177 (collect if outside the United States). When you call, please remember to have your ID card ready. You may also search for providers worldwide online with BCBS Global Core.

Travel Immunization

Appropriate travel immunizations as recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices are covered. 

Covered travel immunizations must be done in your PCP’s office. A copayment, coinsurance, and/or deductible may apply. View your plan benefits for details. 

COVID-19

Vaccine Record
 

With the Smart Health Card, through the Express Scripts mobile app, you can share your vaccine status whenever and wherever you need to. Download the app on the apple store or get it on google plan. Learn more about Express Scripts mobile app. 

Antibody Test
 

The COVID-19 antibody test is not covered for travel requirements or administrative reasons (i.e., return to work/school/public health study). Learn more about HUGHP and COVID-19 information. 

Medication Coverage

Within the United States
 

You can fill or refill up to a 30-day supply of most prescriptions at any participating pharmacy in the United States. Your copayment(s) or drug benefits do not change.

If you purchase medication without using your member ID card you may file for reimbursement through Express Scripts. You will be reimbursed at the plan allowed amount* minus the applicable copayment. Submit a prescription drug claim form to receive reimbursement.

*The allowed amount can differ from the retail paid amount. 

Outside of the United States
 

Prescriptions that are purchased out of the country are reimbursed at the plan allowed amount minus the applicable copayment. Submit a prescription drug claim form to receive reimbursement.

Additional Assistance Outside of the United States

The University offers 24/7 medical, mental health, and security support and evacuations services through International SOS. While abroad, you can call +1-617-998-0000 for 24-hour access to physicians who can provide emergency and routine advice and referrals to vetted providers and hospitals. Visit the Harvard Global Support Services website for more information on eligibility and services. Please note that International SOS is not a health insurance policy.

Evacuation and Repatriation

Harvard University Group Health Plan does not cover evacuation or repatriation; however, the University offers evacuation and repatriation services through its International SOS membership. Visit the Harvard Global Support Services website for more information on eligibility and services. Please note that International SOS is not a health insurance policy.