Bupa Global Access

Frequently asked questions

Two of the biggest and most respected names in health care, Bupa and Blue Cross Blue Shield, have teamed up to deliver high quality health care products and services. Customers with worldwide cover will have access to the largest network of healthcare providers worldwide, utilizing both the Blue Cross Blue Shield network in the U.S. and Bupa’s networks outside the U.S.

This combined strength, knowledge and expertise means customers can be confident in knowing that they have access to quality healthcare when and where they need it.

Who is the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association?

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 36 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. The Blue Cross Blue Shield companies provide coverage for over 107 million members.

What is Blue Cross Blue Shield Global?

Blue Cross Blue Shield Global is a brand owned by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

How does this co-brand differ from what is already in market?

From January 2015, the partnership was formalised via the distribution of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global card, giving customers access to the

  • BCBS network in the U.S.
  • The U.S. service centre
  • The U.S. prescriptions savings program.

From 2016 we took another important step to strengthen this partnership by using the Blue Cross Blue Shield Brands and the Bupa Brand on selected products. We are very excited about this new step which enables us to reinforce the value of the partnership and its benefit to our customers.

There is no change to the insurer of this plan.

What products does this affect?

We are excited to be applying the co-brand expression to our new global health plans and corporate portfolio in a phased approach.

Does anything change for existing customers on the selected products?

No. All customers with U.S. cover as part of their plan will receive a new card at renewal or available within their online service area to download. If a customer needs a replacement card before your renewal they will receive a new Blue Cross Blue Shield Global or Blue Shield Global card. Your Bupa Global card will not be replaced unless it is required. This change does not affect your product benefits or services available to you; however you might still see / hear GeoBlue whilst the migration is underway. There are no changes to the insurer of this plan.

Which hospitals and doctors are covered by the network?

The network remains unchanged and access to this network is subject to the terms and conditions of your existing policy. Please use the U.S. National Doctor and Hospital Finder to find a full database of treatment providers. If you have a product that requires pre-authorization please call the number on the back of your card.

How do I find out further information?

Please feel free to call us at any time using the number shown on the back of your card.

I haven’t received a physical card. How do I obtain a card and how can I gain access to the network?

A digital Blue Cross Blue Shield Global or Blue Shield Global card will allow you to access the U.S. network. Details on how to obtain this card are available online via your customer portal.


Blue Cross Blue Shield Global is a brand owned by Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. GeoBlue is the trade name for the international health insurance program of Worldwide Insurance Services (WIS), an independent licensee of Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Bupa Global is a trade name of Bupa, an independent licensee of Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. Restrictions and limitations apply in some areas. For more information, visit bupaglobalaccess.com.