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Season’s Greetings
Dear Valued Brokers and Partners,
We want to wish you a wonderful holiday season and thank you for your partnership in 2022.
As we look back on 2022, it was great to see educational institutions hitting the resume button on study abroad and inbound programs as we return to our “new normal” since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Across the board, we’ve seen study abroad and inbound enrollment numbers increase significantly. Higher education institutions reported a 68% increase in new international student enrollment and 83% noted an increase in study abroad participants compared to the 2021-22 year. Additionally, 282,000 visas were issued this year, which is a 10% increase from 2021. |
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| Throughout 2022, we’ve seen increased usage of our telemedicine programs, Global TeleMD™ and Global Wellness Assist. Among our three business segments, students led the pack in being the highest users of our Global TeleMD program. Overall in 2022, we had a 67% utilization rate and students represented 50% of that rate. Students have also been extremely receptive to our Global Wellness Assist program, which helps those struggling with mental health issues receive free counseling sessions anywhere in the world. GeoBlue is committed to making continuous product and process enhancements to support our clients, students, faculty and staff. |
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These statistics are encouraging as we look to 2023, and we’re excited to continue to work with our brokers, partners and educational institutions to do everything we can to simplify the international healthcare experience. As always, please reach out to your GeoBlue client manager or sales representative if we can help with anything.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
– Your GeoBlue Student Sales and Client Management Team
Happy Holidays From GeoBlue
This holiday season, let’s come together and spread joy. Your sparkling spirit could make a world of difference. From our joyous hearts to yours, have a very fun, festive and fantastic holiday.
Protecting Student’s Mental Health This Holiday Season
‘Tis the season for family gatherings and, historically, a much-needed academic break. But the holidays aren’t always so merry for some individuals. According to a study by the National Alliance of Mental Illness, 64% of people with mental illness report that the holidays make their conditions worse. Up to 44% of college-aged students reported having symptoms of depression and anxiety, as the holidays tend to exacerbate their emotions. While it’s difficult to cope with anxiety or depression at its peak, there are roadmaps students can use to help combat these feelings before they become too overwhelming.
Students can also prepare and protect their mental health before and during the holidays by speaking to a counselor or reading resources provided through the Global Wellness Assist program. Members can speak to a counselor by phone or video via the GeoBlue mobile app along with reading helpful resources located in the Wellness Portal on the Member Hub.
Helpful Resources
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PRE-TRAVEL CHECKLIST
Guarding your member’s health away from home is important, so we’ve put together a list of things to do to help minimize the risks while abroad. Many of these recommendations are provided by the GeoBlue international community of physicians. Share this resource with your outbound programs so they can prepare for their trip. |
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MONKEYPOX FAQ
As monkeypox cases continue to increase, it’s important to arm our members with as much information as we can about the virus. Share this resource with members of your inbound and outbound programs to help them stay safe and alleviate concerns. |
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“Easy to communicate with, covered everything I needed, making an appointment was easy, overall, everything was very easy and fast, which was exactly what I needed.”
– MEMBER |
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Catch the Headlines: Be among the first to hear about news and issues impacting the globally mobile
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Grab a Seat: Register for upcoming events and webinars featuring relevant topics and industry experts
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Get to Know Us: Catch snippets of who we are and how we’re simplifying the international healthcare experience
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Telemedicine services are provided by Teladoc Health, directly to members. GeoBlue assumes no liability and accepts no responsibility for information provided by Teladoc Health and the performance of the services by Teladoc Health. Support and information provided through this service does not confirm that any related treatment or additional support is covered under a member’s health plan. This service is not intended to be used for emergency or urgent treatment medical questions.
Global Wellness Assist services are provided by WorkPlace Options, an independent company that is not affiliated with GeoBlue and does not provide Blue Cross or Blue Shield products or services.WorkPlace Options is solely responsible for referring participants for counseling, coaching and work-life services by providers who are appropriately licensed by local authorities. The evaluation and efficacy of any service delivered by a provider lies solely with the employee, spouse, dependent or other authorized party who inquires on behalf of the participant. GeoBlue shall have no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any aspect of the provider counseling or the counselor/participant relationship.
GeoBlue® is the trade name of Worldwide Insurance Services, LLC (Worldwide Services Insurance Agency, LLC in California and New York), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. GeoBlue is the administrator of coverage provided under insurance policies issued in the District of Columbia by 4 Ever Life International Limited, Bermuda, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
SCHL34350-BRK-12/22
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