Insurance
All Columbia University affiliates traveling internationally on Columbia Travel have health insurance for emergent illness and injury while abroad. This insurance is provided at no cost to the traveler via Zurich. No additional steps are required to sign-up for this coverage once you have completed the steps of the Travel and Activity Planning Policy.
Services provided through Crisis24 and Zurich include primary coverage for all urgent and emergent medical expenses, medical and security evacuations, and repatriations.
Overview
Services and coordination of benefits are initiated by contacting Crisis24. In most cases, Columbia affiliates no longer need to verify coverage with their personal (domestic) insurance provider or purchase a supplemental plan.
All students, employees, and other university affiliates engaged in Columbia Travel outside of their country of residence for trips lasting less than 365 consecutive days. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Academic study or research abroad;
- International work assignments or trips; and
- Participation or attendance at international conferences.
Who is Eligible for Coverage?
Yes, all students on international Columbia-related travel outside of your home country qualify for this coverage. For non-U.S. citizens, home country is defined as your country of residence.
Students are required to register their international Columbia-related travel in Crisis24 Horizon Registration also helps ease the process when calling Crisis24 for assistance.
Yes, all Columbia affiliates on international Columbia-related travel outside of your home country qualify for this coverage. For non-U.S. citizens, home country is defined as your country of residence.
All travelers are required to register their international Columbia-related travel in Crisis24 Horizon. Registration also helps ease the process when calling Crisis24 for assistance.
Going Abroad Longer than Six Months?
Columbia University benefits (such as health insurance and retirement plans) generally continue for Columbia employees who are assigned overseas, and who continue to be paid through the U.S. payroll. Employees who are assigned overseas for six months or longer may be eligible to enroll in the Cigna International Medical Plan, which provides comprehensive health coverage overseas and in the U.S.
- For additional details, please refer to the Policy on Faculty and Staff Working Overseas.
Personal Travel
"When you are covered under the University's Basic Term Life Insurance Plan from New York Life Group Benefit Solutions, you and your eligible dependents are also covered for emergency travel assistance when traveling 100 or more miles from home or when traveling in a foreign country for up to 180 days. Travel can be personal or work-related for situations as serious as needing evacuation from a foreign country to something as simple as visa information. Find help during travel emergencies in the U.S. and abroad." New York Life Group Benefit Solutions (NYL GBS) Secure Travel is the provider. View Secure Travel flyer
For more information, please visit Human Resources Travel Resources.
What are the Benefits?
Services provided through Crisis24 and Zurich include primary coverage for all urgent and emergent medical expenses, medical and security evacuations, and repatriations.
At a high level, health insurance benefits also include:
- A $0 deductible and no out-of-pocket expenses when the traveler contacts Crisis24 for assistance;
- Sojourn travel coverage when it occurs 28 cumulative days before, during, or after Columbia Travel*;
- Outpatient prescription drugs when prescribed by a doctor while abroad or if medications are lost or stolen; and
- Family/friend visitation benefits for hospitalizations, to include flight and accommodation expenses.
Additional benefits include:
- Lost or stolen baggage and belongings reimbursement ($250 per item, up to $1,000);
- Post-departure trip interruption reimbursement (up to $2,000)**; and
- Trip delay benefit (up to $2000/ $200 per day)**.
*Sojourn travel/personal travel to your home country is not covered under this policy.
**Terms and conditions apply.
- Routine and preventative care;
- Non-emergency evacuation;
- Expenses incurred before you depart for your trip;
- Expenses incurred during strictly personal travel or travel not related to international Columbia Travel; and
- Personal or sojourn travel/side trips to your home country
How to Use This Coverage
Medical Coverage
Individuals participating in Columbia-related International Travel should call Crisis24 at +001-208-758-8809 or use the Crisis24 mobile app for urgent/emergent medical assistance.
Zurich coverage is coordinated through Crisis24.
Trip Interruption or Trip Delay
If your trip is interrupted, canceled or delayed while in route to your CU-Travel destination or at the conclusion of your CU-related international travel, you have coverage through Zurich. You pay for expenses out of pocket and file a claim through GRSO.
If you received medical assistance while abroad, and DID NOT call Crisis24 for medical assistance, please complete the appropriate claim form below and submit to [email protected].
'Certificate of Coverage' Letter
The 'certificate of coverage' letter is sometimes required for visa applications and refers to the university's coverage for medical evacuation, repatriation, and repatriation of mortal remains to home country or home campus from any other overseas country for a certain amount for Columbia University travelers going abroad on behalf of the University.
To submit a request for a coverage letter, complete this form: Coverage Letter Request
If you have any questions about your coverage letter, please email [email protected].
If you have any questions, please contact Global Risk, Safety, and Operations at [email protected].