International Travel Assistance

The University of Alabama System (UAS) maintains a robust program to help protect and assist our international travelers engaged in Educational Travel and Business Travel abroad. All travel involves risk, requiring individuals to be primarily responsible for their personal safety, security and health. The UAS International Travel Assistance Program has been established to assist travelers in times of unexpected circumstances that call for prompt action. While not a substitute for personal preparation and diligent emergency precautions, our objective is to provide assistance in times of need.

FAQ

What does it cover?

The current program includes benefits for medical expenses while traveling abroad, emergency evacuation and assistance, and security evacuation. The program provides assistance in these and other emergencies as well as general advice and consultation for international travelers through International SOS (ISOS).

You can find additional information in the one page flyer, and details in the plan benefit brochure.

Who is eligible?

The program applies to students, faculty, staff, and individuals acting in an official capacity on behalf of all UAS institutions – UA, UAB, UAB Health System, and UAH – while traveling outside the U.S. for study abroad programs, business, conferences, research, independent study or internships recognized and authorized by their institution.

What activities are excluded from coverage?

Certain hazardous activities are excluded, such as off-road motorcycling, mountain climbing, sky diving, auto racing, bungee jumping, spelunking, white water rafting, parasailing, and others. Refer to the plan benefit brochure for a full and detailed list.

Who pays?

Program fees for covered faculty, staff, students, and individuals are typically paid as part of your Educational Travel expenses and/or by UAS for Business Travel.

Can other travelers purchase coverage?

Dependents and companions of covered travelers, such as spouses or others on your trip, are not covered by the UAS program. There are many sources for global medical/travel accident insurance available on-line. One source for coverage for leisure travel is travelinsured.com

What if I need additional information?

What Should I Do Before My Trip?

First, register your travel plans with your individual campus. To receive destination alerts and access important medical and security information, download the ISOS Assistance App to your smartphone. Carry your International SOS membership card with you at all times.

To receive destination alerts and access important medical and security information, download the assistance app or visit the ISOS website

Travel Booking Information

For any travel bookings made outside of your campus international travel offices or agent, please forward your trip confirmation emails (flight details, hotel reservation, etc.) just as they are received from the carrier or hotel to International SOS at UASystemTravel@itinerary.internationalsos.com. Do not change the subject line or add anything to the body of the email. Your trip details will be processed into our system and will be available to International SOS and campus representatives. 

You should receive a confirmation email. Please forward any changes or updates to your itinerary to the same address.

What Do I Do in an Emergency?

In a medical emergency or an immediate safety/security threat, first seek help from local authorities, then contact our 24/7 Travel Assistance Provider for expert guidance for your specific situation.

You can use the “blue button” on the ISOS app or call International SOS at (215) 942-8478.

ISOS Membership Number: 11BCAM831609

What if I Have Questions?

University of Alabama

UA Education Abroad Office
(205) 348-5256 
studyabroad@ua.edu

UA Office of Risk Management
(205) 348-4534

The University of Alabama System

Risk & Compliance 
(205) 348-3779