The UA System International Travel Assistance Program (ITAP), provided by International SOS (ISOS), provides support and coverage to UAB students before departure and during their time abroad, and all students traveling internationally for UAB-related programs or business are required to enroll. The Office of Education Abroad will initiate this enrollment on the student’s behalf.
UAB student accounts will be automatically billed for this expense prior to travel. ITAP costs may be found on the student’s UAB Education Abroad application. If a student is traveling as part of a student organization, conference, or internship/service-learning group, the sponsoring department can confirm if these charges will be covered on the student’s behalf.
The Office of Education Abroad will provide students with an International SOS membership card during mandatory Pre-departure Orientation. More information regarding ITAP can be found under “Learning Content” on the student’s Education Abroad application. Students are also encouraged to download the International SOS app from their app store.
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
With the International SOS Assistance App, students can sign up for updates and alerts for their destination, research medical and security risks and get advice, check-in during crises, and call ISOS for help or advice. We strongly encourage all students to download the ISOS Assistance App prior to going 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 UAB 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 Enhanced 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.