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International SOS – New Program Effective May 1, 2009!

With the well being of international travelers as a top priority, Utah State University has contracted with International SOS (SOS) to provide travel assistance services for the university community traveling abroad on university business or sponsored activities. SOS provides security and medical evacuation services, and a variety of online health, safety, and security resources.

You do not need to enroll; coverage is immediately available to all faculty, staff, students, and family members traveling with you. While abroad, if an emergency arises, the Philadelphia Center (1-800-523-6586 or 1-215-942-8226) is your primary contact, but any of the 24/7 SOS Alarm Centers can assist you immediately during an emergency and will notify USU of your situation.

Membership cards should be carried at all times when traveling. To obtain a membership card, either login to the Utah State University International SOS portal below and print a copy, or contact the Office of Risk Management at (435) 797-1844. Information about how to use SOS can be found in the FAQ's document.

We encourage you to review the list of program services provided by SOS. Please be aware that some of SOS's services carry additional charges. If you request a service which has an additional charge, SOS will inform you in advance and will require a credit card number in order to activate the service.

Access International SOS Here

Health Insurance

International SOS is NOT health insurance. Utah State University has contracted with Nationwide Life Insurance company to provide all international travelers with Medical Insurance. The insurance covers:

Schedule of Benefits:

Accident and Sickness Medical Maximums Lifetime	$100,000 – Primary Insured $ 50,000 – Spouse and Dependent
Deductible – Per Injury or Illness	$0
Coinsurance	Company pays 100% to Plan maximum
Benefit Period	Covered Expenses incurred during the Period of Coverage
Maternity	Covered as any other illness
Mental Illness	Inpatient: $10,000 payable at 80%, up to a maximum of 30 days Outpatient: $500 payable at 80%
Injuries from a Motor Vehicle accident	Up to a Maximum of $50,000
Hazardous Sports Related Injuries	Up to a Maximum of $50,000
Dental (emergency)	$250 per tooth to a maximum of $500
Accidental Death & Dismemberment	$10,000 per Insured
Hazardous Sports Coverage	$50,000
Home Country Extension of Benefits	Up to $2,500, expenses must be incurred within 30 days of returning to your Home Country

Some Exclusions Apply – Click on the following link to review the Description of Benefits.

SOS will assist you in obtaining the best medical care available locally or, if necessary, make arrangements for you to return home to receive appropriate medical attention. In most instances, medical expenses incurred abroad will have to be paid out of pocket and reimbursement sought later from the insurance carrier. If you are unable to arrange for payment of medical expenses at the time of service, SOS may contact Nationwide Life Insurance or Utah State University to guarantee payment of costs associated with your care. Any expenses not covered by Nationwide Life Insurance paid by the university on your behalf must be reimbursed and will be billed to you at a later date.

Program Cost

In order to recover the costs for this program, a fee schedule has been set by the University Provost. USU Students will be charged $1.25 per day. Faculty and Staff $50 per Travel Authorization regardless of the amount of time abroad. Alumna traveling on alumni tours will be charged $5 per day.

For student travel, the formula is (the # of student's times the # of days in country times $1.25).

Faculty staff and others traveling on approved travel authorizations should include the $50 surcharge on your TA.

Exclusions

Some countries may be excluded from the program. They change from time to time and you should check with SOS if you have any questions. Presently, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and North Korea are excluded. If you need to visit an excluded country, please consult with the University Risk Manager about your options.

Leisure Travel

Coverage for Pre or Post program leisure travel is available. The coverage consists of two parts and you can buy one or both separately. For SOS security and emergency evacuation coverage simply go to the Leisure Travele r link and complete the application and pay for the coverage. For the medical insurance portion, complete an Application and return it to the University Risk Management office along with the payment of either $30 or $60 for processing.

Spouse and Dependent Coverage

Spouses and Dependents are eligible for coverage during your trip. Coverage can be purchased through the Risk Management Office. Simply complete the Dependent form and send it along with payment to the Risk Management office at UMC 1445. Check Only.

Resources and Links

Questions? Please contact the Office of Risk Management at (435) 797-1844.

Guidelines for International Travel Management

The following is intended to be used as a check-list for group travel planning and management. List items should be considered but may not be applicable. Forms are available through Risk Management Services.

See: Road Accidents Are the Greatest Danger Travelers Face Abroad

Preliminary Planning and Actions

Trip itinerary has been fully identified.
Availability of all transportation required (common carriers and chartered) has been verified.
Emergency alternative carriers and providers have been identified.
Availability of all required lodging and other planned service providers has been verified.
American Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements have been met as applicable.
Lodging and transportation arrangements conform to acceptable safety standards and verified by knowledgeable person(s).
Contracts (or terms) of carriers and providers have been approved and secured.
Most recent State Department Consular Information Sheets, Public Announcements and Travel Warnings have been reviewed.
The need for Emergency Medical Evacuation insurance has been evaluated.
All necessary visas have been identified and preparations made to obtain them.
Deviations in final plans from advance brochures and advertisements have been identified.

Informing Participants

Participants have been informed of:

Complete itinerary and anticipated costs.
All changes from advance brochures and advertisements.
Possibilities for and consequences of trip cancellation or interruption.
Health concerns per CDC information releases.
Immunizations required and recommended.
State Department's Consular Information concerning each destination and intended routes:
- Entry requirements
- Crime and security
- State Department's Consular Information concerning each destination and intended routes for: a) Currency regulations; b) Political stability; c) Other significant risks disclosed
Currency exchange rates (recent).
General health, safety and security tips.
Cultural differences and health and safety tips specific to itinerary locations including food and drinking water warnings.
Names, address and telephone numbers of contact persons in countries on itinerary at Utah State University.
Address and phone number of U.S. Embassies for countries on itinerary.
Insurance coverage required or recommended (medical, evacuation, trip interruption, baggage loss, etc.)
University's limited responsibilities and restricted liability.
Need for International Drivers License if participant's driving is planned.
Instructions for what to do if separated from group.

Participant Documentation

The following information has been obtained from each participant as applicable:

Names of relatives or other persons to contact in case of an emergency.
Medical Insurance policy number and carrier name and address.
Signed Release of Liability and Parental Consent forms (if a minor).
A copy of the Certification of immunizations.
Copies of all required passports and visas .
Any medical conditions, allergies, medications, etc. that may need special attention in an emergency and instructions.

Monitoring Travel

The following arrangements are in place:

24-hour primary and backup campus contacts for each trip.
Names and addresses of contact persons for each planned destination on the itinerary .
Plans for interim communicative contact(s) when the duration of the trip or the itinerary warrants updates.
Agreement on criteria that may warrant termination of the trip.