UW Student Abroad Insurance (2023)

 

2023 Insurance Information

• Note that students traveling in 2024, this insurance information does not apply to you. See upcoming changes in insurance and information about International SOS here.
• UW students engaged in educational activities abroad – including study, research, internships or community engagement – are required to purchase UW Student Abroad Insurance. Why? Because of the Official International Student Travel policy.
• UW Student Abroad Insurance can be purchased through the Travel Registration process for independent travelers and through the pre-departure process for students enrolled in an official UW Study Abroad program (faculty-led program, exchange or provider program).
• UW Student Abroad Insurance is provided by Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI).

CISI coverage overview

The UW Student Abroad Insurance plan is tailored to the needs of UW students abroad. Its broad coverage and reasonable price makes it the best choice for most students. You are advised to maintain your U.S. health insurance while you are abroad. Here is an overview of services provided by the plan:

• • • 24/7 call center available at 877.714.8179 (toll-free) or 603.952.2660 (accepts Collect calls)
    • Comprehensive medical coverage abroad
    • Medical, security and natural disaster emergency evacuation services
    • Travel assistance service
    • Current cost of the insurance is $1.74 per day.

Benefits

• • • Low cost ($1.74 per day), calculated by days of coverage
    • Major medical insurance benefits while overseas
    • Limited trip delay coverage
    • Emergency evacuation and repatriation services in the event of a medical, political, or natural disaster emergency
    • 24/7 travel assistance and support
    • Enroll and pay online

Plan coverage

Covered:

• • • Treatment outside the U.S. for injuries or illnesses that occur abroad.

Not covered:

• • • Medication for pre-existing conditions. Please plan to bring enough medication with you for your entire time abroad.
    • Loss arising from participation in professional sports, scuba diving, hang gliding, parachuting, skydiving, or bungee jumping. If you plan to engage in these activities abroad, please contact your UW Study Abroad adviser.
    • Elective medical care includes dental care, routine physical exams, and routine eye exams.

Important notes

• • • • You cannot pay for this insurance plan through MyUW. The premium cannot be charged to your UW student account, and it will not be automatically paid by financial aid.
      • If you would like to complete a revision request so that the cost of insurance can be reflected in your financial aid package, contact UW Study Abroad.
      • Students enrolled through UW Study Abroad enter their insurance policy information into their online study abroad account.
      • The UW Student Abroad Insurance plan is distinct from the UW International Student Health Insurance Plan (ISHIP). Enrolling in the UW Seattle, Bothell or Tacoma international student insurance plan for the same time period will not automatically enroll you in the UW Student Abroad Insurance plan.
      • All students (including international students) should list a U.S. address as their address of record on the application.

Additional information

UW International Student Health Insurance Plan (ISHIP)

ISHIP and international coverage

• • • • • • For students on F-1 and J-1 visas, this plan provides limited coverage for care worldwide and limited medical evacuation services.
          • ISHIP is more expensive than the UW Student Abroad Insurance plan and provides coverage outside the US on a reimbursement basis only. With ISHIP, you must pay up-front for care, then file a claim with the insurer when you return to the U.S.
            If you will be returning to the U.S. in the middle of the quarter or have dependents staying in the U.S. while you are studying abroad, consider purchasing both plans to prevent gaps in coverage.
          • If you have other special considerations and need to discuss coverage coordination, please email the International Health Insurance Counselor to discuss your options.

Requesting a waiver if you have ISHIP

• • • • • • In most cases, we strongly recommend that ISHIP students also purchase the students abroad insurance plan for the period of their study abroad. However, in certain cases, ISHIP alone could be an appropriate option. Students with ISHIP that would like to waive the students abroad insurance requirement must submit a waiver. Waivers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applying for an Insurance Waiver