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Home Health, Safety & InsuranceInternational Travel Insurance

HEALTH INSURANCE

The University requires that all students, faculty and staff maintain some form of primary medical insurance coverage - valid in both the U.S. and host country - before, during and after the time abroad.

1. Primary Insurance

All participants are required by University policy to maintain some form of primary medical insurance coverage—valid for emergencies in both the U.S. and the host country—before, during and after the student’s time abroad.

Students must make sure their own primary medical insurance is not cancelled while abroad, whether it is insurance through a parent’s policy, or through your home university’s insurance arrangement. Many insurance companies have specific guidelines for “out-of-area” use and it is the student’s responsibility to follow those guidelines.

NOTE FOR UMASS STUDENTS: If UMass Health Services is your PRIMARY insurance, then students need to contact Health Services to continue the “out-of-area” plan so that upon return to the USA, they have health insurance coverage.

2. Secondary Insurance for UMass Students on UMass Programs and approved Partner Programs

All matriculated UMass student participants also have an international travel insurance package provided by the University through the International Programs Office specifically for the dates covered by the short-term program. Any additional travel that the individual undertakes on their own initiative either before or after the program is NOT covered by this insurance. This insurance specifically covers:

• Emergency Medical Evacuation back to the United States
• Repatriation of Remains to the United States or home country
• Accident Sickness Medical Benefit

Participants are enrolled in this plan automatically by completed the required application paperwork for IPO, and students will receive a wallet card through their Faculty Director. To view a summary of this insurance coverage, click International Travel Accident and Sickness Insurance.

International Student Identity Card (ISIC). If a UMass students wants to plan additional travel on their own to other countries either before or after the program, IPO strongly encourages students to purchase the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) which will provide the two types of insurance mentioned above, at a very low cost. See: www.myisic.com/

3. Secondary Insurance for Non-UMass students participating in UMass programs:

a. Check with your home institution’s Education Abroad Office to obtain a printed copy of the insurance policy information & policy number for the coverage they provide to students who are going on a study abroad program. Take this with you when you get ready to depart.

b. If your home institution does not provide insurance coverage for study abroad, you will be covered through the insurance policy described above under #2. Please note that any additional travel that the individual undertakes on their own initiative either before or after the program is NOT covered by this insurance. This insurance specifically covers:

• Emergency Medical Evacuation back to the United States
• Repatriation of Remains to the United States or home country
• Accident Sickness Medical Benefit

Participants are enrolled in this plan automatically by completing the required program application documents for IPO, and participants will receive a wallet card through IPO.

International Student Identity Card (ISIC). This insurance can easily be purchased at a low cost through something like the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). See: www.myisic.com/ This card will provide insurance for the three categories mentioned above throughout your travel abroad, either on the program or outside of the program dates. This card also includes some emergency travel services.

Important Information about the UMass Insurance Policy

A&H Ambassador Out of Country Accident & Emergency Sickness. Policy Holder: University of Massachusetts. Policy Number: GTP 9126798, Assist 5488

24-Hour Toll Free Assistance Hotline: +1-713-260-5592 (collect calls accepted) outside the U.S. (within U.S. and Canada, 1-877-244-6871) or email: aigtacallcentersupervisors@aiuholdings.com

Note for students: In case of a medical emergency while abroad, UMass Amherst students are advised to first turn to their program staff or host university staff for help in accessing local medical resources. This will save valuable time. We recommend that upon arrival at their program site students familiarize themselves with the location of the campus clinic and the nearest hospital.

How to Get Insurance Card: To receive a wallet-sized card with this information, and the UMass policy number, please visit IPO, Hills South, 111 Thatcher Road. It is made available in application acceptance materials prior to going abroad.

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UMass Faculty, Staff and Directors

Supplemental Medical, International Travel Insurance coverage is also provided for UMass Faculty and Staff on approved international travel for university business. This insurance covers the primary employee as well as spouse or dependents. In addition, faculty and staff have supplemental overseas liability insurance coverage. Ask for more information before leaving campus to assure this coverage.

SUPPLEMENTAL FOREIGN TRAVEL LIABILITY INSURANCE: F aculty & Staff only

• Foreign Commercial General Liability
• Foreign Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage
• Foreign Voluntary Worker's Compensation
• Foreign Travel Accident and Sickness
• Medical Assistance, Evacuation, Repatriation, Accidental Death & Dismemberment

Eligibility: faculty & staff on university-sanctioned international travel
Contact for Services: Call Travel Assist at the 24-Hour Toll Free Assistance Hotline at +01 (713) 260-5508 Outside U.S. & Canada or (800) 401-2678 Within U.S. & Canada. Same policy holder & number, as listed above.

** Class 1 - All Active Employees, including Directors and Officers and Members of the Board traveling on behalf of the Policyholder (University of Massachusetts).

* Class 2 - All Chaperone, Volunteers and Students traveling on behalf of Umass or engaged in University-sponsored travel and study.

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Additional Resources

CDC Travel Health Tips for Students Studying Abroad 

Resources for Travelers Abroad 

International Student Identity Card (ISIC)

IPO International Travel Tips

U.S. Passport Services (Including Lost or Stolen Passport Replacement; Expedited Passport)

SAFETI Clearinghouse (Safety Abroad First Educational Travel Information)

ASIRT (Association for Safe International Road Travel)

Medex: Worldwide Travel Assistance & Insurance

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Contact for Services