Insurance and Travel Assistance

All students participating in a Boston University program are required to demonstrate that they are covered by a comprehensive health insurance policy. Many students are covered by their parents’ policies. Students may also purchase the health insurance plan offered by Boston University.

It is very important to review your health insurance policy to verify what coverage it provides while you are outside the United States. Many American health insurance companies provide only limited coverage out of the United States or, in a few cases, no coverage at all outside of the United States. It is the responsibility of each student to verify that he or she has adequate health coverage while abroad. Boston University is not responsible for any costs a student might incur for medical care, and cannot act as a student’s agent when dealing with health care providers or insurance companies.

Also please review how your health insurance company processes payment. In most cases you will be expected to pay in cash for any medical services provided while abroad and seek reimbursement later from your insurance company.

Emergency Travel Assistance Coverage

In addition to the student’s own health insurance, all students participating in BU Study Abroad are provided with an emergency travel assistance program as part of their program fee.

For the majority of students, this program is provided by OnCall International, and includes a range of emergency services as well as medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. It takes effect any time the student is more than 100 miles from Boston.

OnCall International service centers can be reached at any time by calling 1-800-525-1956 from within the U.S., or by calling collect from anywhere in the world to 1-603-328-1956.

Please note that this emergency travel assistance coverage is not health insurance. OnCall International will help you find emergency medical care and help you find admission to a hospital. It will not, however, pay for emergency room visits or any other medical treatment.

Visit the OnCall International website for a complete overview of what they offer, or download an overview. You will need your health insurance in addition to this emergency travel assistance coverage in order to pay for medical treatment of any kind.

Register with the U.S. State Department

We strongly recommend that all students register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) of the U.S. State Department. When registered, students will automatically receive information and updates from the State Department. In addition, enrollment will make it easier for U.S. officials to contact students or their loved ones in event of an emergency.

STEP App

An app for the STEP program, which provides immediate access to your STEP account and itineraries, as well as State Department country information and travel alerts, can be found at:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smart-traveler/id442693988?mt=8