Faculty/staff health insurance
When traveling abroad, you should maintain your U.S. health insurance coverage. You may also seek out and purchase a special travel insurance policy if you wish; however, the University of Missouri provides broad health insurance coverage for MU faculty and staff members traveling internationally on university business, including leading a study abroad program. The university also provides emergency evacuation coverage in case of a medical emergency, political emergency or natural disaster at no cost to the MU employee. This insurance can also guarantee payment in advance if a provider requires it.
Before leaving the U.S., you should obtain a copy of your AIG Travel Guard insurance card and review the AIG travel resources. Additional information and a summary of benefits is available on the Risk and Insurance Management website. Use this letter as proof of evacuation and repatriation coverage if required for a visa application.
If you experience a medical emergency abroad, go immediately to the nearest physician or hospital, then contact the 24/7 AIG Travel Assistance (+1 715-346-0859). If you need non-emergency medical care, contact AIG Travel Assistance at the same number and provide the requested information to the assistance coordinator. AIG will assist you and monitor your care until the situation is resolved.
Keep all documents and receipts provided when receiving medical care abroad. These will be needed to process your claim for reimbursement.
Student health insurance and health information forms
It is important to have some background about MU students’ pre-travel health planning and insurance to assist students with medical situations.
Student health information
Students are asked to disclose any on-going physical or mental health conditions as part of their study abroad application. Student health information may not be used to disqualify a student from participating in study abroad. It may be used to guide students to appropriate physical and mental health resources. In emergency situations in which a student is unable to speak, you may share student health information with health care providers abroad. Student health information in the hands of program leaders is protected by FERPA and should only be shared with those who have need to know.
The Office of International Health, Safety and Security will provide student health information for your program participants prior to your departure. Students requesting disability accommodations should be referred to the office at globalhealthsafety@missouri.edu.
Student health insurance
All participants in MU faculty-led study abroad programs are enrolled in international sickness and accident insurance through GeoBlue. This also automatically enrolls them in emergency evacuation insurance (political emergency or natural disaster) through AIG Travel Guard.
Accessing medical care
If a student needs to receive medical care (physical or mental health), call GeoBlue Global Health and Safety: +1 610-254-8771 (24/7, collect calls accepted). In an emergency situation, go to the nearest emergency room, then contact GeoBlue.
Students may contact GeoBlue themselves, or you can open a case with GeoBlue on a student’s behalf. You can also call the International Programs emergency number and ask them to open a case for a student. To open a case for a student with GeoBlue:
- Call GeoBlue Global Health and Safety: +1 610-254-8771 (24/7, collect calls accepted)
- Tell them you want to open a case for a student.
- Provide the student’s name and birthdate and GeoBlue insurance ID number.
- Provide details about the student’s location and medical condition — MU has contracted with GeoBlue to triage symptoms.
- GeoBlue will provide you with a case number for the student — write it down. You will refer to this number throughout the situation and should provide it to International Programs.
- Ask GeoBlue if they can make an appointment with the appropriate health care provider. GeoBlue can often arrange direct payment if the student is going to undergo a major medical procedure, even at a hospital that is not contracted with GeoBlue.
GeoBlue remote physical and mental health care
In addition to covering all health care providers, GeoBlue provides remote health care through GeoBlue TeleMD. It also provides MU students with six one-hour remote counseling sessions through Global Wellness Assist. Learn more in the GeoBlue service guides.