Health care that travels with you

July 05, 2023
diverse group of happy young people on hiking trail

If you’re planning to travel this summer,  know what to do if you or a family member gets sick or injured.

Amir’s Story:

Amir, a HealthSelectSM participant and his wife Sandra, decided to take their kids, Navi and Dev, on a road trip from Austin to Big Bend National Park for a family camping vacation. After a fun-filled week, they headed back to Austin. A couple of hours into their drive, Navi started complaining about a sore throat and headache. She was a little sniffly earlier that day, but her parents assumed it was just her allergies acting up from being out in nature. Now they wondered if it wasn’t something more serious.

They pulled into the closest gas station, and while Sandra took the kids to the restroom, Amir considered what they could do.

He remembered they have access to Virtual Visits, 24 hours a day, seven days a week as part of their HealthSelectSM medical benefits. He already had the app downloaded to his phone and an account set up, so he wasted no time getting started. By the time Sandra and the kids got back to the car, Amir had already requested a video call with a doctor.

Within minutes, he was connected to Dr. Davis. She reviewed Navi’s medical history and asked questions about her symptoms. Dr. Davis diagnosed Navi with an upper respiratory infection and prescribed medication. The order was sent to the pharmacy closest to their current location.

Thanks to medical Virtual Visits, Navi was able to start taking her meds while still on the road.

Options for care on the go:

  • Have questions about a health symptom and unsure where to go for care?
    • Consider calling the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) 24/7 Nurseline to get advice any time of the day or night.
  • Have a health concern that doesn’t require immediate attention and would like to speak with someone who already knows your health history?
  • Traveling within the U.S. and prefer an in-office appointment?
    • You can call a BCBSTX Personal Health Assistant or use Provider Finder® to find in-network providers near you.
  • Traveling internationally?
    • Use the international Find a Provider tool, or call Global Core customer service toll-free at (800) 810-BLUE (2583).

If you are unsure where to start and need extra assistance, you can always call a BCBSTX Personal Health Assistant toll-free at (800) 252-8039 (TTY: 711), Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. or Saturday from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. CT with any questions. You can also communicate via secure chat and secure messaging Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., after logging into Blue Access for MembersSM They can help direct you to the best option for your situation.

Visit the HealthSelect Care While Traveling page for more information.