Four benefits that go with you when traveling

June 03, 2022

Planning a summer vacation? It's good to know that medical benefits through the Board of Pensions travel too, helping members access care throughout the United States and around the world when needed.


After two years of staycations and limited travel due to the pandemic, Americans are hitting the road again, with nearly 81 percent of U.S. adults expected to travel this summer according to The Vacationer Summer Travel Survey 2022. That’s a 19 percent increase from last year’s survey. If you are planning a summer vacation, it’s good to know that your medical benefits through the Board of Pensions go with you. Just be sure to pack your medical ID card so you can access your benefits anytime, anywhere.

Benefits that travel with you

Nothing can spoil a vacation like becoming ill or being injured, but things don’t always go as planned. From sunburn or allergies to sprains or lacerations, if you need to seek healthcare while you’re away from home, help is just a call, click, or tap away.

  1. Teladoc. Teladoc* is a telemedicine option that gives you 24/7 access to U.S. board-certified physicians by phone, video, or mobile app when traveling throughout the United States. Teladoc doctors can diagnose and treat many acute medical conditions, such as earaches, sinus problems, and allergies, and, if needed, phone in a prescription to a local pharmacy. To use Teladoc, call 800-835-2362, or log in to your account using the Teladoc website or mobile app. (Before using Teladoc for the first time, you will need to set up an account.)
  2. Care navigation. Offered in partnership with Quantum Health, care navigation* can help you get the care you need nationwide. If you need to seek in-person care in a different state, for example, Quantum Health’s Care Coordinators can help you locate a nearby network urgent care center or retail clinic. They can also assist with other travel-related healthcare needs, such as replacing medication that’s been lost or stolen. To speak with a Care Coordinator, call 855-497-1237, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, or connect with Quantum Health using the MyQHealth website or mobile app.
  3. Employee Assistance Plan. The Employee Assistance Plan (EAP),** administered by Cigna, offers a wealth of resources for travelers, such as tips for
  4. To find helpful articles, podcasts, checklists, and more, log on to Cigna’s website (one-time registration is required) and click See Work/Life Resources on the homepage; then click LIVING > TRAVEL AND LEISURE TIME. Similar to Teladoc, you can call the EAP 24/7 from anywhere in the United States and speak with a licensed clinician who can help with personal or family issues. Just call 866-640-2772 and ask for a telephone consultation.
  5. International SOS. If you’re planning a trip outside the United States, International SOS (ISOS)** provides medical advice, assistance, and referrals for travelers abroad. To access ISOS services, pack this handy ISOS reference card that includes a membership number to access services and contact information for ISOS. There’s also a convenient mobile app, which provides medical and security information by country. To download the app, open the iOS app store or Google Play and search for International SOS Assistance App.

Knowing your medical benefits will be there for you if you need them, can help you relax and enjoy your trip. Learn more about medical benefits through the Board.

*Teladoc and care navigation are available to employees and their family members with medical coverage through the Board of Pensions; they are not available to members enrolled in Triple-S, GeoBlue, or the Medicare Supplement Plan.

**Those enrolled in Triple-S or GeoBlue should consult their plan for information about behavioral health/substance use benefits as well as covered services while traveling internationally.