FAQs

Overview

Stanford University partners with external experts to provide support for international travelers and aid in managing international incidents. For Stanford travelers excluding postdocs we partner with International SOS (ISOS). For Stanford postdocs, we partner with Assist America.

International SOS and Assist America are NOT travel insurance.

International SOS

International SOS provides you with peace of mind. A phone call connects you to the International SOS network of multilingual specialists for immediate help in an emergency. International SOS services are designed to help you with medical, personal, travel, security and legal problems when away from home. Call International SOS at any time during travel to speak with a physician or security specialist about simple or critical matters.

General

What is International SOS?

International SOS is a third party provider which supports travelers with worldwide quality health care and emergency assistance services 24 hours a day.

Who is eligible?

Faculty, staff, and students, as well as their spouses, domestic partners and dependents, who are traveling abroad while participating in Stanford University program or Stanford University sponsored business, research, experiential learning opportunity.

If you are on leisure/vacation travel contact your medical provider for help with medical assistance and medical evacuations.

Note: Students in the Cardinal Care program are covered year-round for both academic and personal/leisure activities.
Note: ALL Postdoctoral Scholars are covered by Assist America (see below).

How does it work?

Download the ISOS app before you travel and/or carry the International SOS membership card with you at all times. It includes the telephone numbers of the three major worldwide International SOS Alarm Centers. In the event of an emergency, call one of the emergency phone numbers listed.

How do I get a membership card?

Use the Stanford University Membership ID, 11BCPA000272, to login and access your virtual membership card or you can contact globalrisk@stanford.edu for a physical card.

Do I need to activate my membership?

No, your membership is already active. Simply carry the card in your wallet at all times while traveling and download the ISOS app. Whenever you need service, contact one of the emergency phone numbers listed.

If you have booked your travel through Stanford Travel (e.g. Egencia, FCM (formerly Casto), United Corporate Direct, or Student Universe), your itinerary is automatically registered and you do not need to do anything further.

If you qualify for an exemption and have not used Stanford Travel, before departing on your trip, register your trip details by forwarding your itinerary confirmation from your Stanford email address to StanfordTravel@itinerary.internationalsos.com.

More information can be found here.

What is my financial responsibility?

Services are available through a participating vendor (International SOS or Assist America). Faculty, staff, and students may be financially responsible for services rendered and are expected to assist and cooperate with the University in recovering any expenses which may be covered by group medical insurance plans or individual insurance.

What if I have pre-trip questions about my travel destination?

In addition to reaching out to International SOS Assistance Center for any pre-trip questions you may have, you can access Country Guide and Security Online reports from this website.

During Travel

How do I use the program?

In order to utilize any of the medical, travel, or security services listed under Program Benefits, contact any International SOS Assistance Center from anywhere in the world by calling directly, calling collect, or calling the toll-free number.

Call collect from anywhere in the world: +1-215-942-8478

To ensure a prompt response when calling, you should be prepared to provide the following:

Your name, location, age, sex and nationality
Your organization's name: Stanford University
Your International SOS membership ID: 11BCPA000272.
The telephone number from which you are calling (in case you are disconnected)
Your relationship to the employee (if the person calling is not the employee)
Name, location and telephone number of the hospital, clinic or treating doctor (when applicable)

What should I do in the event of a security emergency?

Contact the nearest International SOS Assistance center and a security specialist will assist you.

What is security evacuation assistance and coordination?

The International SOS Security Division will assist you in the event of threatening situations such as civil and/or political unrest, insurrections, revolution or similar situations by providing information, guidance and resources in the event personal safety and security can no longer be assured.

Medical

What if I need prescription medication?

If you require a prescription that a local physician cannot obtain, or you need to replace lost, stolen or depleted medication, International SOS will, when permissible by local law, send the needed medication to you.

What if I need a doctor while traveling internationally?

The International SOS alarm centers are listed on the back of your card. Call the International SOS Alarm Center that is nearest to you for a referral to a doctor who speaks your language.

What if local medical facilities are not adequate?

If you are hospitalized in an area where adequate medical facilities are not available, International SOS will evacuate you to a medical facility capable of providing the required care. A physician supervises evacuations, and when necessary, a medical specialist or nurse will accompany you during the evacuation. An air ambulance will be used when required.

What if I am hospitalized?

Call the nearest International SOS Alarm Center. International SOS will immediately take steps to evaluate the care you are receiving and determine what actions must be taken to ensure your safe and speedy recovery.

What happens when I am released from the hospital and still need help?

When your condition is stabilized and International SOS has determined that it is medically advisable to bring you home or to a facility near your permanent residence, International SOS will arrange for the repatriation under medical supervision.

Can I arrange my own evacuation?

No, International SOS must be contacted in advance to arrange and approve the emergency evacuation. The service is not available for self activation or self organization or by claim for subsequent reimbursement by International SOS. Should a member arrange their own evacuation, International SOS will not cover the cost.

In the event of death…

International SOS will render all assistance possible to obtain clearances and arrange the transportation for the return of mortal remains.

Will International SOS pay my medical bills?

After approval from your organization, International SOS will guarantee and pay all costs associated with your medical care. You will be expected to assist and cooperate in recovering any expenses which may be covered by group medical insurance plans or individual insurance. International SOS will also medically monitor and evaluate your condition and ongoing medical expenses during your hospitalization.

Assist America

Stanford Postdocs can access travel assistance provided by Assist America. The program can assist with finding qualified medical providers, legal services or with the replacement of lost credit cards and passports. For more information visit Travel Assistance Programs.

In the event of an emergency, call 800.872.1414 within U.S. or 1.609.986.1234 outside U.S. Additionally, postdocs can use the Assist America Mobile App, available on Google Play and Apple App Store. Reference Number: 01-AA-STD-5201

Campus Resources

Looking for additional campus resources available for international travel? Here are some useful Stanford sites: