INTERNATIONAL SOS
Villanova University has partnered with International SOS to provide worldwide assistance and evacuation services for all students on University-sponsored study abroad programs. The services provided by International SOS range from telephone advice from a physician; referrals to more than 68,000 global, vetted providers; to medical and security evacuations. One phone call connects Villanova students to the International SOS network of multilingual specialists for immediate help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. International SOS services are designed to help students with medical, personal, travel, security assistance and legal referrals when away from home.
Please note:
- International SOS is not health or medical insurance.
- International SOS coverage only applies to international trips less than 365 days in duration.
- International SOS does not cover you while in a country in which you are a citizen.
- Some study abroad partner programs also include worldwide assistance and evacuation services through their own membership with International SOS or another provider. In this case, the partner program will provide additional information about these services.
Students can call International SOS at any time to speak with a physician or security specialist about simple or critical matters. While most pre-departure and on-site services are included in the Villanova membership, some International SOS services will charge an additional fee.
Pre-Departure Planning Assistance
In addition to calling International SOS for any in-trip assistance or emergencies, students are encouraged to contact International SOS for any pre-trip questions. International SOS can provide pre-trip planning assistance for students with pre-existing medical conditions, from prescription drug questions to connecting students with local medical care, if necessary. International SOS can also offer a current perspective on the current living situations in many locations around the globe.
Students can also access Country and Security Guides from the International SOS website.
the International SOS comprehensive guides provide medical, security, and general travel advice, such as information on the standard of health care, how to pay for medical care, the availability of medications, embassy/visa information, dialing code information, cultural etiquette, and financial and voltage/plug information.
In-Country Medical Services
- Emergency evacuation
- Medically-supervised repatriation
- Companion ticket
- Travel and accommodation arrangements after medical evacuation
- Repatriation of mortal remains
- Return home of minor children
- Medical monitoring
- Inpatient admission and identification of receiving physician
- Emergency and routine medical advice
- Pre-trip information on travel health issues
- Medical and dental referrals
- Outpatient referrals
- Outpatient case management
- Claims assistance
- Outpatient medical expense guarantee and payment (Additional fees will apply.)
- Inpatient medical expense guarantee, cost review and payment (Additional fees will apply.)
- Dispatch of medication and medical supplies (Additional fees will apply.)
Security Services
- Security evacuation assistance
- Online travel security information
- Access to security crisis center
- Travel Services
- Legal referrals
- Emergency message transmission
- Translations and interpreters (Additional fees will apply.)
- Lost document advice
- Ground transportation and accommodations for accompanying family members (Additional fees will apply.)
- Emergency personal cash advances (Additional fees will apply.)
- International SOS Clinics
All Villanova students will receive an International SOS membership card at their pre-departure orientation meeting and they should plan to carry this card with them at all times while overseas. This card will include the Villanova member ID number which must be used to log in to the International SOS website and would be requested by the International SOS representative during any phone call to an Alarm Center. An online version of the International SOS membership card is also available, along with an International SOS app.
International SOS provides you with worldwide quality health care and emergency assistance services 24 hours a day. Prior to seeking care, if possible, you should notify your program's on-site staff or the Villanova Faculty Program Coordinator. Some Partner Programs may recommend that you utilize their medical assistance provider, instead of International SOS. If the on-site emergency contact is not available, then proceed to contact International SOS for assistance.
Contact International SOS from anywhere in the world by calling directly or calling collect. To ensure a prompt response when calling, you should be prepared to provide the following:
- Your name, location, age, and nationality.
- The program with which you are associated: (i.e. Villanova University Office of Education Abroad program in ______.)
- Your Villanova membership number (found on your Wallet Card)
- The telephone number from which you are calling (in case you are disconnected)
- Your relationship to the member (if the person calling is not you.)
- 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)