Take MESSA on your vacation, domestic or international

No matter where you go, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have exceptional health benefits and unmatched personal service with MESSA.

You should always take your MESSA card with you when you travel, whether domestically or internationally. That said, if you happen to leave home without your plastic card, you can pull up your virtual MESSA card in the MESSA app — because we know you’re not going to leave your phone at home.

Domestic travel, in-network
If you or a covered dependent receive treatment in an accredited hospital, the billing office will send the bill directly to MESSA or the local Blue Cross plan. If you receive any other type of service performed by a non-Michigan physician, the doctor’s office will either bill the local Blue Cross plan directly or ask for payment. If you have to pay upfront, ask for an itemized statement and receipt, fill out a claims reimbursement form and send them to MESSA when you get home.

Domestic travel, out-of-network
If you’re traveling out of state, a visit would be billed as out-of-network, so deductible and coinsurance would apply. If you are referred to that provider by an in-network provider, or if you need care for an accidental injury or medical emergency, your in-network benefits apply.

Find Care
While you’re away and you need to find an in-network health care provider, visit messa.org/FindCare or go to your MESSA app and click on the “Find Care” button.

International travel
Before you travel abroad, download the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core mobile app, which can help you find care, translate medical terms and access local emergency information. You can also call 800-810-BLUE or call collect at 804-673-1177 if you need help finding a provider or facility. You may need to pay for all costs at the time you get care, but MESSA will reimburse you once you’re back home. You will have to submit a claims reimbursement form and send it with your itemized bills to MESSA.