Atlas is a resource for departments and programs planning travel abroad for students or groups. If you are considering travel in the next eighteen months, with us to discuss your ideas. Review the ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ travel deadlines.
Insurance and Travel Assistance Abroad
ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ works with two companies to provide international emergency medical, travel, and security assistance to students, staff, faculty, and any other sponsored ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ traveler on university-sponsored international travel. Chubb Insurance is the insurance company and International SOS is the global medical, travel, and security assistance provider. Insurance covers the ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ dates of the sponsored activity/program abroad, including 14 days of personal deviation coverage.
An important part of travel preparation and risk management abroad is understanding the services available through International SOS, the coverage details of the , and how to seek assistance in an emergency.
Prior to Departure
Before departure, travelers should visit the to:
- Sign up for country-specific health and security alerts
- Review destination-specific country guides and reports
- Identify vetted hospitals and clinics in country
- Learn about local health, safety, and security risks
- Verify medication legality and availability abroad
By also downloading the International SOS app with a valid ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ email or membership number on the ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ International SOS Membership Card, the traveler can receive push notifications or alerts to their phones, notifying the traveler of timely location based events.
Mental Health Counseling
Travelers who are currently managing a mental health condition are encouraged to discuss the appropriateness of traveling abroad with their mental health provider before departure. Travelers should begin by speaking with their current therapist to determine whether ongoing support can continue while abroad; however, licensing restrictions may limit a provider’s ability to practice across state or international borders.
International SOS can assist travelers abroad by providing:
- Referrals to medical or mental health providers in the host location for ongoing counseling or therapy sessions.
- Immediate support and direct transfer to a mental health professional during a mental health crisis.
While Abroad
Travelers can contact International SOS 24/7 by phone or through the Assistance App using the information provided on the ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ International SOS Membership Card, which is preloaded within the app.
International SOS representatives will ask questions to verify the traveler’s identity and understand the nature of the situation. Travelers may contact International SOS for a wide range of support services, including:
- Medical advice
- Assistance locating hospitals or clinics
- Coordination of medical payments
- Medical transportation arrangements
- Security advice and crisis support
If medical care is coordinated through International SOS, payments for services within the approved network, security arrangements, or logistical support may often be arranged directly by International SOS. If travelers pay out of pocket for covered expenses, they should retain all receipts and supporting documentation, complete the appropriate claim form, and submit reimbursement requests within 90 days of the incident, subject to the terms of the travel insurance policy.
Emergency Response
In the event of a medical, mental health, safety, or security emergency abroad, travelers should seek the most appropriate immediate assistance based on the situation and local context. In some cases, contacting local emergency services or proceeding directly to the nearest medical facility may be the best first step. In other situations, contacting International SOS first may provide faster coordination, medical guidance, or logistical support.
Emergency response systems and available resources vary significantly by country and location, so Departments/Programs are required to complete a to understand local emergency numbers, nearby medical facilities, transportation options, communication plans, and how to access International SOS support while abroad.
In an emergency, International SOS can assist with:
- Coordination with local hospitals, clinics, or emergency responders.
- Medical referrals and treatment monitoring.
- Emergency medical evacuation or repatriation arrangements.
- Security evacuation support during political unrest, natural disasters, or other crises.
- Communication support between travelers, local providers, and ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½.
- Guidance related to travel disruptions, safety threats, or urgent logistical concerns.
Insurance Benefits
In addition to managing travel assistance and emergency response, International SOS works behind the scenes to verify coverage eligibility under the Chubb insurance policy and coordinate billing with Chubb directly.
If travelers expect to draw on the travel insurance benefits provided by Chubb/International SOS, travelers should contact them at the start of an incident. For example, if a program abroad relocates without a recommendation from International SOS, the associated costs and actions may not be covered under the insurance policy. Engaging International SOS is therefore a critical step in understanding the best available options and supporting travelers. See policy highlights in the .
Effective use of International SOS and local emergency systems depends on advance preparation, clear understanding of available resources, and timely decision-making in the moment. By reviewing emergency procedures before departure and knowing when to engage local responders versus International SOS, travelers and Program Coordinators are better positioned to ensure coordinated, appropriate, and efficient support in any situation abroad.