Will a PPO Health Insurance Plan cover me while I'm overseas?

Some preferred provider organization or PPO plans offer the same or similar benefits to an insured person overseas. The international or foreign claims process is often different, though. Aetna, for instance, has a program that offers the same benefits internationally, but the covered person must submit a claim after payment.

On its website, GuideStone Financial Resources encourages its customers to contact the company before going overseas to switch to a plan that offers international benefits. Upon returning to the states, the customer may restore his coverage to the traditional domestic plan. Details of plan-specific health benefits and payment obligations are typically outlined in a Summary of Benefits booklet.