Insurance When You Travel | Avera Health Plans

Inside Our Coverage Area

If you’re traveling away from home but still located in the Avera Health Plans service area in South Dakota and parts of Iowa, you’ll find many in-network providers and facilities available – if it’s not your normal doctor or clinic. Just log into the member portal before or during your travels, so you know.

Outside Our Coverage Area

If you need immediate medical care, but are outside of your Avera Health Plans service area, your member ID card has instructions for notifying us.
When it's medically appropriate, arrangements may be made for you to transfer to the care of an in-network provider in order for you to receive benefits at the lowest cost.
It's important to note that you may be required to pay for medical services at the time they're provided, but you'll be reimbursed for any covered services.

Learn more about the convenient after-hours and emergency care you have access to as an Avera Health Plans member.

Medicare Supplement While Traveling

If you have our Medicare Supplement Insurance, here are some important things to know.

Coverage

If you’re outside the service area: Necessary health services will be covered from the first day you receive services through the 180th day in one calendar year (January - December). Travel must be for purposes other than the receipt of medical care.
If traveling in South Dakota: You may use any hospital or surgical center listed in the Network Hospital Directory for Select Plans (pdf). This restriction does not apply for Standard plans.

Emergency Care

Avera Health Plans benefits will be paid at any Medicare-approved hospital or clinic for up to 90 days.

If you need treatment that's not available from an in-network hospital, you or your physician should call 888-322-2115 or email us for admission procedures to a non-network hospital.

Health Insurance Traveling Tips

Before you travel, make sure you have your member ID card and contact details with you – in case you need medical attention while away from home.

Member ID Card in App

Download the Avera Health Plan mobile app for 24/7 access to member ID cards on your smartphone for you and all your dependents. If you don’t have the app, pack your member ID card and take a photo of the front and back of it with your smartphone.

Phone Number

Add our Customer Care Center direct phone number (605-322-4545) into your phone contacts, so it's easily accessible to you. Note that the toll-free number (888-322-2115) may not work while traveling overseas. You can also find all contact information in the Avera Health Plan mobile app.

Medications

Make sure you have enough of all of your medication(s) and, if needed, request a refill at your home pharmacy before you leave. Your pharmacy may be able to refill your medications early to allow for your travel plans.

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