Assistance and Insurance While Abroad
If you are a Swarthmore student or faculty/staff member who is traveling outside of the United States on approved Swarthmore Global Travel, you will be registered by the Global Engagement Office (GEO) for global assistance services through International SOS as well as Swarthmore's travel medical insurance policy.
Per the International Travel Policy, to receive coverage, all students/faculty/staff traveling overseas on travel that is funded or sponsored by Swarthmore must submit their information to the Travel Registry prior to departure. These trip registration details are necessary to assist in an emergency.
This travel medical coverage does not replace your primary medical insurance. Travelers are instructed to maintain ongoing coverage for the duration of their travel.
- What should I do if I am injured, feel sick, or need to see a doctor while abroad?
If participating in approved Swarthmore Global Travel, contact International SOS to find out what medical facility you should go to for medical assistance in your host location. Please contact International SOS FIRST before seeking healthcare abroad to facilitate the payment process. See details below on how to find additional information and contact International SOS.
- Are International SOS and Travel Medical Insurance the same thing?
While ISOS works closely with Zurich (Swarthmore’s Travel Medical Insurance Provider), no, the International SOS program and membership is not an insurance plan.
Instead, International SOS maintains a direct relationship with the College’s travel medical insurance company and with the Global Engagement Office (GEO). When a traveler contacts International SOS to facilitate medical services, the associated fees will be promptly reviewed for eligibility. If approved, a financial guarantee will be provided, and no up-front payment will be due from the student/faculty/staff.
If you do not reach out to International SOS to arrange care/coverage for a medical incident, and need to submit receipts for reimbursement of medical expenses, you will need to contact geo@swarthmore.edu to request an insurance claim form.
- What is International SOS?
International SOS (ISOS) is the College’s 24/7 emergency assistance provider for international travel. As a member of the Swarthmore community, you have access to ISOS information services at no charge.
Through the portal or app, Swarthmore travelers can access curated information on security risks, medical travel recommendations, immunization requirements, travel document requirements, and other key advice.
International SOS worldwide helpdesks can assist 24/7 with urgent medical issues, security and logistical questions, medical advice, or other concerns and situations that may arise.
Through International SOS, participants in Swarthmore Global Travel have access to a full range of services, including:
- Medical and security consultation
- Access to medical doctors via phone consultation
- Referrals to English-speaking doctors
- Hospital referrals
- Translation services in case of hospitalization
- Emergency evacuation assistance
- Where can I find more information?
The complete summary of International SOS member benefits is available on the International SOS Swarthmore Portal. Print a copy of your International SOS Card and keep it with your important travel documents while abroad. Take note of Swarthmore’s membership ID #399GDA1058913IT
- How can I contact International SOS?
ISOS can be contacted 24/7 by phone at 215-942- 8478, by email at: philadelphia@internationalsos.com or by using the ISOS app (available in your mobile phone's app store). Contact details for additional global offices are available on the membership ID card.
- What communications can I expect from International SOS?
Before You Go: Once registered, International SOS will email you a "Pre-Trip Advisory" with important security and medical advice specific to your destination(s).
While Abroad: Should any medical or security updates occur within proximity of your location during your program/activity dates, you will be emailed medical and security alerts outlining the details along with any action needed.
In an Emergency: If a critical incident occurs (political unrest, natural disaster, outbreak, etc.), Swarthmore will require you to confirm your safety by clicking your response to a “check-in” message sent via email/text/phone.
- What if my trip is not Swarthmore Global Travel?
If you are seeking health and safety information regarding a non-registered trip, you can still access “Destination Guides” through International SOS. We encourage everyone to take advantage of the specialized knowledge International SOS provides regarding security, medical, prescriptions, and other needs.
IMPORTANT: Only participants on trips approved as Swarthmore Global Travel will be eligible for travel medical insurance and/or emergency assistance support.
- Will I receive a separate insurance card?
Always carry your International SOS card while traveling abroad. You will not receive a separate card or policy number for Swarthmore’s associated travel medical insurance policy through Zurich.
- Will I need a letter guaranteeing my insurance coverage and thresholds?
In certain cases, such documentation might be requested for a visa or to meet the requirements of a local in-country host. Contact globalsafety@swarthmore.edu if you require verification of insurance coverage.
- What activities and/or circumstances are exclusions under the travel medical insurance policy, and cannot be covered?
- The use of motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, e-scooters, or e-bikes.
- Off-road driving, whether as a driver or as a passenger.
- Participation in extreme sports – including auto-racing, base jumping, bungee jumping, cliff diving, hang gliding, mountain climbing (where ropes or guides are used), parasailing, piloting an aircraft, scuba diving (in depths exceeding 75 ft), skiing (jet/snow/water), skydiving, spelunking, and whitewater rafting.
- Injuries incurred during organized competitive sports (games or practices)
- Intentional self-inflicted injury (including suicide or attempted suicide)
- Consequences of being under the influence of drugs or intoxicants (unless prescribed by a physician)
- Elective medical procedures
- Holistic treatments
- Service in the armed forces of any country
- War exclusions (locations with no coverage due to war risk)
- Limits for pre-existing conditions (not an exclusion, but there are limitations)
Please contact globalsafety@swarthmore.edu as soon as possible if your plans outside the United States include any of the above.
While not an insurance exclusion, GEO highly discourages students from driving a car in a country where you are not licensed to do so.
- Does my travel medical insurance cover property theft or damage?
No, Swarthmore does not provide insurance for your personal possessions. Check to see if your family has a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy that will cover your personal property while abroad.
If not, you are also strongly encouraged to purchase insurance for loss of property due to the relatively high incidences of pick-pocketing and other theft abroad. Think of what you would do if your computer, camera, or other valuables were lost or stolen.
Important: If you do have a loss abroad, you will typically need to report the crime to local police and obtain a copy of your police report form to submit to your insurance company.
- Does my travel medical insurance include trip insurance coverage?
No, Swarthmore does not provide trip insurance to protect against any costs incurred due to flight delays, trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss, or rental car insurance.
