BCBS Global Solutions Travel Insurance for Iowa Residents
Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa covers you in the US. The moment you board that international flight, your coverage stops. BCBS Global Solutions picks up exactly where your domestic plan leaves off — in 180+ countries, with up to $1,000,000 in medical benefits.
A medical evacuation from Mexico to Des Moines typically costs $40,000–$70,000 without coverage.
Critical: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa Does Not Cover International Medical Care
Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa plans do not cover medical care outside the United States or Canada in most standard plans. This means if you have a heart attack in Mexico, a car accident in Italy, or a surgical emergency in Japan — your IA BCBS plan pays nothing. BCBS Global Solutions is the international travel health plan built specifically for travelers from Iowa who want the Blue Cross Blue Shield name to follow them everywhere.
International Travel Insurance for Iowa Residents
Iowa residents travel to Mexico and the Caribbean for warm-weather escapes, with a growing number exploring Europe. Agricultural and insurance industry professionals in Des Moines travel internationally for business.
Without international travel insurance, a single emergency abroad can be financially devastating. Hospital admission in Western Europe commonly runs $5,000–$15,000 per day. Emergency surgery in popular tourist destinations can top $80,000. Emergency medical evacuation back to Iowa — the most expensive scenario — can easily exceed $100,000 to $200,000. BCBS Global Solutions caps your exposure at zero above your deductible for covered events.
Side-by-Side
How BCBS Global Solutions Compares
Tower Hill offers plans from multiple A-rated carriers. Here's how BCBS Global Solutions stacks up against two other top international travel plans.
| Feature | BCBS Global Gold | BCBS Global Platinum | IMG Patriot Intl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Limit | $500,000 | $1,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Deductible | $0 or $250 | $0 | $250+ |
| Pre-existing Coverage | Acute onset | Full coverage | Acute onset |
| Annual Multi-Trip | ✓ Available | ✓ Available | ✗ Single trip |
| Emergency Evacuation | Included | Included | Included |
| 24/7 Assistance | Included | Included | Included |
| Brand Recognition | BCBS (trusted) | BCBS (trusted) | IMG |
| Countries Covered | 180+ | 180+ | 180+ |
Plan details accurate as of 2025. Coverage terms and exclusions vary. Get a full quote for exact pricing specific to Iowa residents.
Available Plans
BCBS Global Solutions Plan Options for Iowa
Four plan tiers — two single-trip and two annual multi-trip. Get exact pricing for IA residents through our free quote tool.
Single Trip Gold
- Emergency medical & hospitalization
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Accidental death & dismemberment
- 24/7 multilingual assistance
- Prescription drugs (emergency)
Best for: Occasional international travelers who want solid coverage at a competitive price.
Single Trip Platinum
- $1M emergency medical coverage
- Pre-existing condition coverage
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Trip interruption benefit
- 24/7 multilingual assistance
Best for: Travelers with pre-existing conditions or those wanting maximum protection.
Multi-Trip Gold
- Unlimited international trips/year
- Up to 70 days per trip
- Emergency medical evacuation
- 24/7 multilingual assistance
- Consistent annual coverage
Best for: Frequent travelers who want one plan to cover all trips without buying per trip.
Multi-Trip Platinum
- Unlimited trips, $1M medical coverage
- Pre-existing condition coverage
- Up to 70 days per trip
- Emergency medical evacuation
- 24/7 multilingual assistance
Best for: Frequent travelers who need maximum coverage and pre-existing condition protection all year.
Get exact pricing for Iowa residents — takes under 2 minutes.
Get Exact Pricing for IA Residents →Coverage Detail
What BCBS Global Solutions Covers — and What It Doesn't
What's Covered
- Emergency medical treatment & hospitalization
- Emergency room visits abroad
- Physician & specialist care
- Ambulance services (ground & air)
- Emergency medical evacuation to the nearest adequate facility
- Repatriation of remains
- Prescription drugs (emergency fills)
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions (Gold) / Full pre-existing coverage (Platinum)
- Accidental death & dismemberment
- 24/7 multilingual assistance line
What's Not Covered
- Routine, preventive, or wellness care abroad
- Elective or cosmetic procedures
- Pre-existing conditions (Gold plans — beyond acute onset)
- Dental care (unless result of accident)
- Pregnancy / maternity care
- Mental health & substance abuse (varies by plan)
- War zones or sanctioned countries
- Activities excluded under adventure sports riders (unless rider added)
Coverage terms are subject to plan documents. Review the certificate of insurance for complete terms, conditions, and exclusions. Need clarification? Our licensed agents are available Mon–Fri 9AM–6PM CST at (844) 950-3468.
How It Works
How to Get BCBS Global Solutions Coverage in Iowa
Get Your Free Quote
Click "Get a Free Quote" above. Enter your travel dates, IA home state, and the number of travelers. Takes under 90 seconds.
Choose Your Plan
Compare BCBS Global Gold and Platinum plans side by side. Select single-trip for a one-time journey or multi-trip for unlimited annual coverage.
Get Covered Instantly
Complete your purchase online. Your policy documents are emailed immediately. Coverage begins on your departure date — no waiting period.
Why Iowa Residents Trust BCBS Global Solutions
BCBS Global Solutions is the international travel product of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association — the same organization that covers 1 in 3 Americans domestically.
Trusted BCBS Brand
Blue Cross Blue Shield is the most recognized health insurance name in America. When you need help abroad, you're dealing with a brand hospitals worldwide already know.
Worldwide Coverage
180+ countries covered. Whether Iowa residents are heading to Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, or Asia — BCBS Global travels with you to every covered destination.
Emergency Evacuation
Medical evacuation can cost $50,000–$200,000. BCBS Global covers emergency air evacuation back to the US when medically necessary — with no separate limit on evacuation for Platinum plans.
24/7 Global Assistance
Round-the-clock multilingual assistance: hospital referrals, interpreter services, emergency cash advance coordination, and direct claims support anywhere in the world.
Emergency Medical
Covers inpatient hospitalization, emergency room visits, surgery, physician fees, ambulance transport, and ICU care up to your plan limit — at covered hospitals worldwide.
Pre-existing Options
Platinum plans include pre-existing condition coverage (subject to look-back period). Gold plans cover the acute onset of pre-existing conditions — sudden emergency flare-ups.
Top Destinations for Iowa Residents
These are the most popular international destinations for travelers from Iowa. BCBS Global Solutions covers all of them — and 180+ countries beyond.
Ready to Get Covered?
Compare BCBS Global Solutions plans for Iowa residents. Get exact pricing in 2 minutes. No broker fees. No credit card required to compare.
BCBS Global Solutions FAQ for Iowa Residents
Common questions from IA residents about BCBS Global Solutions international coverage.
Does Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield cover international travel?
Is BCBS Global Solutions available in Iowa?
What is the best travel insurance for Iowa residents visiting Mexico?
How much does BCBS international travel insurance cost from Iowa?
Does BCBS Global Solutions cover annual multi-trip plans for Iowa?
BCBS Global Solutions by City in Iowa
Looking for city-specific BCBS Global Solutions information? We have dedicated pages for major Iowa cities.