International SOS
International SOS provides emergency medical and security evacuation services to all Harvard students, and benefits-eligible faculty, and staff who are traveling abroad for University business or a University-related activity. Harvard travelers who become sick or injured while traveling abroad, or who find themselves traveling in a location that has become dangerous, can contact I-SOS for assistance. In addition to evacuation services, I-SOS also provides country-specific travel advice, medical repatriation and repatriation of mortal remains, and other related services. While I-SOS is not health insurance, it provides valuable benefits for those traveling abroad for Harvard business. For a full list of benefits and additional information, please see the FAQs and summary of benefits below, or visit the I-SOS website directly. Harvard’s membership number is: 11BSGC000038.
If there is an emergency while traveling abroad:
- In a life-threatening emergency, first call local police, fire, or medical authorities.
- Call International SOS at +1 215-942-8478 (worldwide, 24/7) for additional help, including
non-emergency help. You may call collect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can use International SOS’s services?
Anyone traveling outside the territory of his or her home country on University business or for a University-related activity is eligible if they are
- A Harvard student registered in a degree- or certificate-granting program (including Summer School Study Abroad students)
- A benefits-eligible Harvard employee or a Harvard employee stationed abroad, including employees of affiliated entities.
- Certain other travelers on University business or receiving University funds, such as program volunteers, post-graduate fellows, etc. Consult GSS for guidance on eligibility.
What is "University business" or a "University-related activity?"
For this purpose, University business and University-related activities include any activity that can be broadly construed as part of academic or professional work at Harvard, including research, study abroad, attendance at a conference, travel with an officially recognized student organization, or even a summer or January job or internship if registered at Harvard the following term.
Personal travel, including vacations or travel home to visit family, is not covered.
Does International SOS replace health insurance?
No! I-SOS is not health insurance. Travelers should try to pay for the cost of medical care while abroad. If unable to pay, I-SOS can pay the clinic or health care provider on the traveler’s behalf. However, Harvard and I-SOS expect reimbursement from the traveler or his/her insurance for medical care payments. Therefore, travelers should familiarize themselves with their insurance provider’s policies on overseas coverage.
What should I do before traveling abroad?
Review and complete the steps outlined on the Travel Tools page of the Global Support Services website, including registering your itinerary in the Harvard Travel Registry and familiarizing yourself with International SOS services and resources. Be sure to visit Harvard’s I-SOS portal and review the country specific information available in tools section on the right of the page.
I am required to show proof of coverage for repatriation in order to obtain a visa. How can I request such a letter?
If you are applying for a visa and required to document repatriation coverage, please send an email to globalsupport@harvard.edu with the following information about yourself and your upcoming travel:
- Full Name,
- Harvard status (e.g. faculty, staff, undergraduate, etc),
- School or division (e.g. Graduate School of Design, Business School, College, etc.),
- Country of destination,
- Dates of travel,
- Purpose for your travel (research, study, conference, etc).
Global Support Services will send you the required letter as a pdf, or contact you within one business day if further information is required.
After traveling abroad:
If International SOS paid for medical care, Harvard will bill the traveler for the cost when it receives an invoice from I-SOS. The Benefits Office can assist with seeking reimbursement from health insurance providers.
How can I purchase an International SOS plan for personal or leisure travel?
You can receive a 20% discount on International SOS services by calling 1-800-523-8662 or online by visiting the International SOS Harvard portal here. Once you are on the I-SOS website, click the link at the bottom of the page, which reads "Inquire about/sign up for 20% discount on SOS services and assistance while traveling for leisure/on vacation." Next, select your country of residence, and click the "GO" button. Fill in all the required information under the "Get a Quote" column, and click "select my plan." Enter the required information, including the Harvard membership number (11BSGC000038) and click "See Plans & Pricing." Following these prompts will give you a list of options regarding pricing and coverage, and allow you to purchase I-SOS directly from this screen.
Summary of Harvard’s International SOS Benefits
Medical Assistance Services
- 24-hour access to I-SOS physicians who provide emergency and routine medical advice
- 24-hour access to I-SOS Alarm Centers for medical information, referrals and emergency assistance
- Medical and dental referrals
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Medically supervised repatriation
- Medical expenses guarantee and payment*
- Arrangement of ground transportation and accommodation for accompanying family members*
- Assistance with documentation for insurance claims
- Dispatch of prescription medication and medical equipment*
Security Assistance Services
- Security evacuation assistance
- Access to security crisis center
Travel Assistance Services
- Legal referrals
- Emergency message transmission
- Lost document advice and assistance
- Advance of emergency personal cash*
- Emergency translation services
Online Information
- Country guidelines
- Travel security reports
- Email notifications
*Some services may have additional charges. Costs associated with these services may be the responsibility of the traveler
