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Health Coverage That Goes Where You Go

As vacation season heats up, you’re covered for urgent and emergency care around the state, the country, and the world at your in-network cost shares. 

Outside California

If you need emergency medical care, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital or emergency room. For emotional distress or a mental health or substance-use crisis, call or text 988.

Whenever you receive emergency care while traveling outside your UC Blue & Gold HMO service area, be sure to notify your primary care physician (PCP) as soon as possible to let them know. You’ll need your PCP to refer you for any follow-up care. 

For care that isn’t an emergency, the UC Blue & Gold HMO offers several convenient options for care when you’re away from home.

  • Virtual care. 24/7 video appointments for non-emergency medical care through Teladoc.1 Board-certified doctors can diagnose and treat minor illnesses and conditions, including sore throats, rashes and anxiety, and can even prescribe certain medications if medically necessary.2 Plus, scheduled appointments for behavioral health services are available 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. PT.

  • Urgent care. Walk-in clinics can diagnose and treat non-emergency conditions. And you’ll likely pay less than going to an emergency room. If possible, contact your PCP before seeking care.

  • MinuteClinic. Health care services at select CVS stores throughout the U.S. are staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants — perfect for when you need non-emergency care but can’t see your doctor. 

Outside the U.S.

The UC Blue & Gold HMO health plan covers you for urgent and emergency care received anywhere in the world. 

Travel Immunizations

Your UC Blue & Gold HMO health plan covers certain immunizations for foreign travel at no cost to you.3

Filing Claims

For reimbursement for care received outside California or outside the U.S., download a claim form. Be sure to get an itemized bill and any available medical records from the facility or provider to submit with your claim.

Need Help or Coverage Information?

Call the Health Benefit Navigators at (800) 539-4072, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. PT.


Have an idea or a suggestion for a future topic?

Let UC know. Email us at ucmedicalplanresearch@ucop.edu. For benefit plan questions or issues, please do not use this mailbox; instead, contact your campus Health Care Facilitator.

1 You may receive services on an in-person basis or via telehealth, if available, from your primary care provider, a treating specialist or from another contracting individual health professional, contracting clinic, or contracting health facility consistent with the service and existing timeliness and geographic access standards required under California law. Any cost share for services received through Teladoc Health (Teladoc) will accrue toward your out-of-pocket maximum and deductible (if your plan has a deductible). By scheduling through Teladoc, you consent to receive services via telehealth through Teladoc. See your health plan coverage document for coverage information and for the definition of telehealth services. You have a right to access your medical records for services received through Teladoc. Unless you choose otherwise, any services provided through Teladoc shall be shared with your primary care provider.

2 Access to telehealth services does not guarantee a prescription.

2 For a detailed explanation about your coverage, costs, and how the plan works, see the UC Blue & Gold Evidence of Coverage (EOC).

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