Northwestern University has contracted with a company called International SOS (SOS) to provide worldwide assistance and evacuation services for all students and employees who travel outside the United States to study or conduct University business.

The services provided by International SOS range from telephone advice and referrals to full-scale evacuation by private air ambulance. The SOS network of multilingual specialists operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from SOS Alarm Centers around the world. SOS membership is provided by Northwestern free of charge to its students and employees to protect against a variety of difficulties that could arise while abroad. The International SOS program is designed to supplement the policies, procedures and support staff, which Northwestern University already has in place.

It is important to understand that, although International SOS will offer students and employees travel, medical and security advice and services, as well as on-line access to information which many in surance companies do not offer, International SOS is NOT health insurance. Northwestern University continues to require all students participating in study abroad—or any other official University sanctioned activity, such as internships or research abroad—to maintain health insurance coverage that meets the standards set forth by the University's Office of Risk Management and to make certain that their policies cover them while abroad.

Whenever traveling or living abroad, students and employees can access up-to-date reports on more than 200 countries worldwide on health issues, medical care and vaccination requirements via the International SOS website—your home page for travel health and safety information (located at www.internationalsos.com ). The International SOS website also contains an on-line Personal Locator form for inputting travel and destination information. Northwestern University requires all student travelers to complete this form so that important information is available to International SOS and Northwestern on-call staff should you need to be located in the event of a crisis or emergency. Although not required, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to complete the Personal locator form. Once a Locator Record is completed an Automated Travel Advisory (ATA) will be sent to you. ATA's enable Northwestern University to effectively communicate pre-travel Medical and Security information to you via email.  The information will educate and prepare you for safe travel during your trip abroad and also includes vaccination recommendations when applicable for your trip destination.  If a situation changes while you are abroad, you will continue to receive updates via email until you return.

While you are abroad, your first contact should always be the director of your overseas program, as instructed during your orientation. If you are traveling, and/or in a situation where you are not able to reach that person, you should contact the Northwestern Study Abroad Office (847-467-6400) during normal business hours; the University Police (847-491-3254) during off-hours; or International SOS, who will work to meet your needs immediately and will contact the University's on-call staff in the United States while coordinating services with Northwestern. Please be aware that some of International SOS's services outlined on the following pages carry additional charges. These services have been marked so that you are aware of them. Should you request a service which has an additional charge, International SOS will inform you in advance and will require a credit card number in order to activate the service. Also, please be aware that any event occurring when an expatriate student is within the territory of his/her home country or, in the case of U.S. citizens, within the territory of the United States , is not covered.

Please note: Important instructions for activating these services are on the following pages. The wallet card, which contains the Northwestern University group membership number and the Alarm Center phone numbers, should be carried by students at all times when they are overseas.

Should you have any questions about the coverage, please contact Christopher Johnson, Director of Risk Management: 847-491-8518.

A Step-by-Step Guide for Registering with International SOS

Registration Steps:

1. Using Firefox or Internet Explorer (some features do not work with Safari), go to http://www.internationalsos.com/
   
2. Log on to the Members' Website (left hand side of the homepage) by entering Northwestern's group account number (11BCAS000003)
   
3. Click on “Print Card” at the bottom of the page; be sure to carry the SOS wallet card with you at all times
   
4. After printing the page, return to the International SOS homepage
   
5. Click on “Personal Travel Record” (in fourth paragraph)
   
6. Register by clicking on “New User? Register Here”
   
7. After registering, you'll receive a message stating that your Personal Travel Locator has been created.  You can log into this Personal Travel Locator at any time to add travel itineraries and update your profile

Northwestern requires undergraduate and graduate student travelers, who are studying abroad or conducting research or independent study in conjunction with their work at Northwestern, to create a Personal Travel Locator so that important information is available to International SOS and Northwestern on-call staff should students need to be located in a crisis or emergency.

Travelers have the option to sign up for medical and/or security email alerts by logging on and signing up. Medical alerts are issued when there is an unusual health risk that, in the opinion of the SOS medical staff, may negatively impact travelers or expatriates visiting a country. Security alerts are issued when SOS security professionals have identified a security risk in a specific country.

Remember to carry the SOS wallet card with you at all times when you are abroad!

Using the SOS Program

Medical, Security and Travel Services

In order to utilize any of the medical, security or travel services listed under Program Benefits, contact an SOS Alarm Center from anywhere in the world by calling directly, calling collect, or by calling the toll-free number. While SOS has designated the Philadelphia center in the United States as its primary contact, any of the SOS alarm centers will assist you.

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

• Your name, location, age, sex, and nationality
• The program with which you are associated:
  i.e., Northwestern study abroad program in ______.
• Your International SOS membership number: 11BCAS000003
• The telephone number from which you are calling (in case you are disconnected)
• Name, location, and telephone number of the hospital or clinic (when applicable)
• Name, location, and telephone number for the treating doctor, and where the doctor can be reached (when applicable)

Program Benefits

Under the Access program, fees apply for all services listed below, unless otherwise noted

Medical Services

Travel Services

Security Services

Q: What is the role of International SOS?

A: International SOS provides you with worldwide quality health care and emergency assistance services 24 hours a day, designed to supplement and integrate with Northwestern University’s services, procedures and policies. You should always attempt to contact Northwestern University and/or your program’s on-site emergency contacts first, who will assist you. If they are not available, then proceed to contact International SOS.

Q: How can International SOS help?

A: International SOS provides you and your parents with peace of mind. One 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 information and legal referrals when away from home. Call International SOS at any time to speak with a physician or security specialist about simple or critical matters.

Q: How does it work?

A: You will be provided with an International SOS membership card. 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 on the card.

Q: What do I need to do to use the program?

A: In order to utilize any of the medical or travel services listed under contract, call any SOS Alarm Center from anywhere in the world by calling directly, calling collect or calling the toll-free number. To ensure a prompt response when calling, you should be prepared to provide the following:

• Your name, location, age, sex, and nationality
• The program with which you are associated:
  i.e., Northwestern study abroad program in ______.
• Your International SOS membership number: 11BCAS000003
• The telephone number from which you are calling (in case you are disconnected)
• Name, location, and telephone number of the hospital or clinic (when applicable)
• Name, location, and telephone number for the treating doctor, and where the doctor can be reached (when applicable)

Q: What if I have pre-trip questions about my travel destination or questions about the current status in that location?

A: You may call the Alarm Center for any pre-trip questions you may have. You can also access Country and Security Guides from this website: www.internationalsos.com
Use your membership number, 11BCAS000003, as your member login.

Q: Do I need to activate my membership?

A: No, your membership is already active. Simply carry the card at all times while traveling. Whenever you need service, contact one of the emergency phone numbers listed on the back of the card. You do not need to report specific trip dates to International SOS each time you travel. However, you can create a personal on-line account with SOS into which you can save medical, family and emergency information. Unless you input your information into an account, it will not be available for staff. Medical and personal information can only be accessed by an SOS doctor.

Q: What are Email Alerts?

A: You have the option to sign up for Email Alerts. You can choose medical and/or security alerts by logging on and signing up. Medical alerts are issued when there is an unusual health risk that, in the opinion of the SOS Medical staff, may negatively impact travelers or expatriates visiting a country. Security alerts are issued when SOS Security professionals have identified a security risk in a specific country

Q: What if I need a doctor?

A: You should first activate the on-site emergency support network for your location. If you are traveling, or in a situation where you cannot contact the on-site program staff or Northwestern University, you should then contact SOS. 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.

Q: What if I need a lawyer while overseas?

A: Call the nearest International SOS Alarm Center for legal referrals. If you are in a situation where you require legal assistance, your off-campus program director should be informed of this immediately.

Q: What if I need prescription medication?

A: 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. (Additional Fees for the Medication Apply)

Q: What if I am hospitalized?

A: In most cases, Northwestern University staff should be able to assist you via our on-call emergency staff. However, if you are in a situation or location where you cannot reach the program director, other on-site staff or Northwestern University, 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. International SOS will notify Northwestern University immediately if you have not already done so.

Q: What if local medical facilities are not adequate for my specific requirements?

A: If you are hospitalized in an area where adequate medical facilities are not available, International SOS will obtain approval from Northwestern University to 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.

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

A: 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 again obtain approval from Northwestern University and arrange the repatriation under medical supervision.

Q: Will International SOS pay my medical bills?

A: After a line of credit is opened in your name, International SOS will guarantee and pay all costs associated with your medical care. You are responsible for the costs of medical care. This is why Northwestern University requires you to have health insurance coverage that will cover you while abroad. International SOS will also medically monitor and evaluate your condition and ongoing medical expenses during your hospitalization. In situations where medical care is critical, by activating SOS you authorize medical care as necessary, and acknowledge that you will be billed for such care.

Q: How can International SOS assist in the event of death?

A: International SOS will render all assistance possible to Northwestern University to obtain clearances and arrange transportation for the return of mortal remains. In such an event, Northwestern University will be the point of contact for the family in this situation.

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

A: Call an alarm center listed on the back of your membership card, and a security specialist will assist you.

Q: What is security evacuation assistance and coordination?

A: The SOS Security Division will assist Northwestern University 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.

Q: How do I access up-to-the-minute information about security alerts, warnings and the latest situations?

A: You can visit the website below:
www.internationalsos.com/members_home/Security

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Christopher Johnson, Director of Risk Management: 847-491-8518.