The UA System requires that all students traveling internationally for UAB-related programs/or business are enrolled in the International Travel Assistance Program. The Office of Education Abroad will initiate this enrollment on your behalf. The International Travel Assistance Program helps UAB students before departure and during their time abroad for medical purposes and some travel-related incidents.
As a UAB student, your student account will be automatically billed for this expense. If you are traveling as part of an organization, conference, or internship/service-learning group, check with your sponsoring department to see if they will incur the cost on your behalf.
Information regarding the International Travel Assistance Program can be found on the UA System website.
The International Travel Assistance Program applies to any student categorized in the “UAB-Related International Travel Policy."
This program costs $50 per month and includes
International SOS (ISOS) emergency assistance coverage.
- UAB Member # 11BCAM831609
Though some students will be dually covered by a national health care program and/or a program provider insurance policy, all UAB students are required to enroll in mandatory coverage through UAB.
It is recommended that all students retain their domestic (US-based) health insurance coverage while abroad in case of a forced return to the United States before the conclusion of their program for any reason, such as a medical emergency.
How to Use International SOS (ISOS)
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International SOS assists students during health, safety, and security issues. The ISOS website has information on
- Online country guides including cultural tips and health and safety information.
- Online travel advisory information for every country, and current travel recommendations.
- The availability of medications in a host country.
- To access the site, visit Internationalsos.com and enter the UAB membership number: 11BCAM831609.
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Call ISOS before leaving the country for information about
- specific prescription drug benefits abroad
- questions about coverage for expected (anticipated) medical expenses abroad
- itinerary specific security advice
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Call ISOS collect at 1-215-942-8478 at any time if while abroad you
- need to see a doctor due to illness or injury
- need to speak to a nurse or Western-trained doctor
- need to speak to a counselor or therapist, either over in person or over the phone
- need to be evacuated due to civil uprisings or natural disasters
- are the victim of a crime and need emergency services
- lose your travel documents or need legal help
- want UAB officials to be aware of your situation; you will have to give consent to ISOS to share the information with UAB officials
ISOS Assistance App
The International SOS Assistance App allows for UAB individuals to sign up for updates regarding their travel destination, research and seek advice on medical and security risks, check-in during crises, and utilize one-click assistance from International SOS. Through the LiveChat feature, individuals can securely chat with an ISOS representative to receive prompt answers to your questions and safely contact them in situations where a phone call may not be possible. All UAB travelers are strongly encouraged to download the ISOS Assistance App before traveling abroad.
Download the ISOS Assistance App → How to Access LiveChat? →
Emotional Support
Studying abroad is incredibly rewarding but it can also be a stressful experience. This stress can lead to particular challenges for students' mental health. To assist our students as they navigate their mental health during their time abroad, International SOS provides a short-term counseling service called Enhanced Emotional Support through a partnership with WorkPlace Options. With Emotional Support, students are able to call International SOS any time, day or night, and receive counseling from an English-speaking mental health professional. Depending on the needs of the student and availability, students can receive counseling over the phone, through a video-call, or face-to-face. To receive support, contact International SOS at +1-215-942-8059 or +1-215-942-8478 or through the ISOS Assistance App.