Safety & Loss Prevention

Study Abroad Insurance Requirement

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are the terms of this insurance coverage?

    The specific terms of this insurance are described in the insurance brochure. The policy number of the University of Wisconsin insurance is CISI 0066.

    This insurance provides a comprehensive package of medical benefits and emergency services specifically designed to address the risks associated with study abroad. The coverage is primary. Specific benefits include:

    • Medical Expense (accident/sickness) $100,000 per incident
    • Deductible Zero
    • Accidental Death/Dismemberment $10,000
    • Emergency Medical Evacuation or $50,000
    • Repatriation of Remains
    • Team Assist Plan (see below) Included
    • Emergency Family Reunion (see below) $2,000

    Medical benefits are automatically extended 30 days after expiration of the insurance for conditions first diagnosed or treated while the insurance was still in effect.

    The Team Assist Plan provides participants with assistance by telephone in the event that travel-related problems arise. This service is available worldwide 24 hours a day at no extra charge to the participant. The Assistance Provider will coordinate and answer all questions related to claims, medical assistance, travel assistance, and technical assistance.

    The Emergency Family Reunion benefit provides one family member with limited coverage for travel to and lodging in the host country should the participant be hospitalized for at least seven days.

    This insurance is provided under contract with Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI).

  2. Am I required to purchase this insurance?

    Current UW System policy (ACIS-7.1) requires that every participant in international education programs purchase insurance for accident and health, repatriation and medical evacuation. Beginning in Fall 2002, purchase of the CISI insurance coverage is mandatory for students enrolled in a study abroad or international exchange program sponsored by a UW System institution.

    For the purpose of this System-wide requirement, a program will be considered to be a Study Abroad or International Exchange program if it meets the following criteria:

    • The program is operated under the auspices of an office with designated responsibility for international programs at a UW System institution
    • The primary focus of the program is academic
    • The program activities occur outside the United States

    Any questions regarding the application of this insurance requirement can be directed to Sheri Ackley in the UW System Office of Safety and Loss Prevention (608/265-5383).

  3. Who is eligible for this insurance?

    This insurance coverage is available to faculty, staff and students who engage in university-sponsored educational activities occurring outside the United States. A student is any person who is enrolled in a course or academic program at a UW System institution. Faculty and staff who travel abroad may be eligible for insurance benefits other than CISI.

    Eligibility for this insurance does not extend to relatives or dependents of participants in courses or programs abroad.

    Any questions regarding eligibility for this insurance coverage can be directed to Sheri Ackley in the UW System Office of Safety and Loss Prevention: (608/265.5383).

  4. How do I sign up?

    In most cases, enrollment for this insurance coverage is automatic for students participating in study abroad and international exchange programs. Participants in other international activities and programs should check with the sponsoring office at their UW System campus for further information about enrolling for this insurance.

  5. How do I file a claim if something happens?

    Prior to departure, all participants will receive an identification card and information explaining benefits under the program and what they need to do to file a claim. Detailed information and forms for filing a claim are included in the insurance brochure.

  6. Can this insurance be used for domestic travel, such as Geology field trips within the continental United States?

    No.

  7. I am taking a course for CEU credit. Does this requirement apply to me?

    Persons receiving Continuing Education Units (CEU) for coursework at a UW System institution are students for the purposes of this insurance requirement.

  8. I am going abroad on a University-sponsored Study Tour program. Does the insurance requirement apply to me?

    Perhaps. The insurance requirement automatically applies only for students enrolled in study abroad and exchange programs sponsored by a UW System institution. However, study tours and other university-sponsored activities abroad may require the participants to purchase this insurance.

  9. I am going to Canada with University Ski Club between terms. Can I buy this insurance?

    No. This insurance is intended to provide coverage for university-sponsored academic programs and activities outside the United States, and so does not extend to activities sponsored by student or community organizations or those that are primarily recreational.

  10. What if I already have insurance for international travel?

    To ensure that all students have the standard level of coverage, this insurance is mandatory for UW System students engaged in study abroad or exchange programs, regardless of what other insurance coverage the student may have.

  11. What about programs that require students to buy insurance coverage through the host country? Can I get a waiver from the UW insurance requirement?

    No. Some countries require the purchase of country insurance in order to secure an international student visa, and so purchase of the UW System insurance may seem unnecessary. However, there are some important differences between the two types of coverage. Country insurance generally provides no benefit for medical evacuation and repatriation. Country insurance is specific to the host country, and will not provide coverage for participants who travel to other countries while abroad. For these reasons, the UW System insurance requirement will not be waived in these circumstances. Please note that some foreign consulates may issue student visas without requiring purchase of the country insurance if the participant can provide proof of coverage under a valid group plan. The sponsoring UW System institution and CISI will work with participants to provide proof of coverage letters for submission to consulates.

  12. Are there any age restrictions associated with this coverage?

    No.

  13. Does this insurance cover injury resulting from acts of war or terrorism?

    The insurance policy contains an exclusion for injury resulting from acts of war, in countries in which war has been officially declared. The insurance does cover injury resulting from acts of terrorism, even when the State Department issues a warning not to travel to a specific location.

  14. Does this insurance cover program costs if the trip is cancelled?

    No. This health insurance policy does not provide for reimbursement of program fees or costs in the event of trip cancellation or trip interruption. However, CISI will refund the insurance fee if the trip is cancelled and will prorate the refund for insurance fees already paid if the trip is interrupted. All refunds for insurance are handled between CISI and the institution, not directly with trip participants.

  15. Can I cancel the insurance after I've paid for it?

    Yes, however the sponsoring UW System institution must request cancellation. Refunds are based on the number of full months of remaining coverage.

  16. 16. For how long am I covered by this insurance?

    This insurance coverage is purchased in one-month increments, where month is defined as any 30-day period. Programs shorter than one-month duration would still be charged the premium for a full month. The start and stop dates for the coverage are set at the time the insurance is purchased and reflect the duration of the program or activity in which the participant will be engaged.

  17. How much does the insurance cost?

    The monthly premium rate is $30.00 for the 2002-03 academic year. Beginning in August 1, 2003, the premium will increase to $31.

  18. 18. Does this insurance cover trip interruption?

    No. However, this insurance has a medical evacuation benefit that will cover all or part of the cost of emergency travel home as a result of an injury or medical condition experienced by the participant. This coverage does not extend to trip interruption for any other reason. For further information regarding provisions for trip interruption, check with the international education office at your institution.

  19. Is this insurance available to international students studying in Wisconsin?

    This insurance does not provide coverage for activities occurring in the United States. However, any student enrolled in a study abroad or exchange program will be required to purchase this insurance, regardless of nationality.

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