UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Starting on Aug. 15, Penn State will use International SOS as the University’s travel risk management partner for Penn Staters traveling on University-affiliated business. No action is needed at this time on the part of travelers, as this insurance is paid for and automatically provided by the University.
International SOS is a market-leading company that aims to helps organizations around the globe protect their travelers from medical and security risks.
Below is a quick overview of the changes and how they may affect the Penn State community moving forward. A more detailed outline can be found on the International Insurance for University-affiliated Travel webpage.
For more information on this change, contact Penn State’s Global Safety Office at globalsafety@psu.edu.
Q: What does it mean that coverage is changing?
All University-affiliated international travel is automatically covered for travelers. However, users should download the assistance application to access the variety of services offered while they are abroad on University-affliliated business.
Click here to download the new app.
Penn State is committed to providing the best services to its internationally engaged population. When traveling outside the United States for University purposes, Penn State faculty, staff and students benefit from travel medical emergency insurance. This change will allow users to have a wider array of ways to engage with Global Safety and give them easier access to resources.
Who does it affect?
This change applies to employees and students traveling to an international destination on University-affiliated travel as outlined in the University’s international travel policy as of Aug. 15, 2023.
Is there a cost?
No. The coverage is being provided by Penn State to align with its priority to helping to protect University-affliated travelers while they are engaged internationally. It is blanket coverage for all University-affiliated travel.
Highlights of the new provider
There are several benefits given by International SOS. Some key examples include:
- In an emergency, travelers will have access to immediate health and security assistance wherever they are through the assistance app.
- Up-front assistance paying most medical fees
- Find a local nurse, internationally trained doctor, mental health professional, or security specialist, anywhere
- The assistance app connects users with teams of multilingual doctors, nurses, security and logistics experts.
Are there any services that are not covered?
The plan does not cover preventative and routine care, including but not limited to: travel immunizations, physicals, annual women’s wellness exams, birth control, and routine pregnancy-related expenses.
Additional items excluded under the plan mostly include activities deemed risky (such as extreme sports), illegal activities, or procedures that are elective in nature. For a full list, refer to the International SOS app.
Insurance for personal travel
It should be noted that this insurance only covers Penn State-affiliated travel. All travelers going to international destinations are encouraged to purchase medical travel insurance for personal travel. Many vendors are available that provide such coverage.