International Travel Insurance

WSU has partnered with On Call International to provide WSU employees with international travel insurance while traveling on WSU-related business. WSU’s international travel insurance includes broad coverage for emergencies that may arise during international travel. Please access On Call’s Resource Hub for detailed information about WSU’s travel insurance. On Call offers Telehealth as part of its medical assistance services.

Emergency Guide for International Travelers

This guide outlines what to do in an emergency, how to contact On Call, how to file a claim, and how to act confidently without waiting for WSU approval during urgent situations.

Immediate Steps in an Emergency

• Prioritize your safety and the safety of students, if applicable.
• Move to a secure location and contact local emergency services.
• Once safe, contact On Call International for assistance.
• You are encouraged to act decisively. Do not wait for WSU approval during emergencies.

How to Contact On Call International

On Call is available 24/7 for emergencies, telehealth, evacuation coordination, and medical/security support. Use the contact numbers listed on your Group Insurance ID Card.

• Phone: +1 603-952-2034; toll free (U.S. & Canada): +1 855-257-4627
• Text only: +1 844-302-5131
• Email: mail@oncallinternational.com
• 24/7 live chat: https://www.oncallinternational.com/chat/direct   

Filing a Claim using the On Call Resource Hub

• Keep all receipts and documentation for any medical care and related emergency expenses.
• Contact On Call first, as they will guide you through claim submission.
• Submit all required documents promptly to ensure reimbursement.
• Claims may include medical expenses, medical evacuation, and emergency transportation.

When Travel Plans Change

• Notify On Call immediately if your trip must be extended due to an emergency.
• Inform your department as soon as possible after contacting On Call.
• Follow On Call’s guidance for safe relocation, medical care, or evacuation.

Tips for Acting in an Emergency

In an emergency, travelers should prioritize calling emergency services. Contact On Call as soon as possible when emergency assistance is needed and notify WSU thereafter.

Student-Specific Considerations

• Ensure all students follow emergency instructions and remain accounted for.
• Contact IP (ip.edabroad@wsu.edu) and Risk Management once emergency conditions are stabilized.
  • If immediate help is needed via telephone support, faculty leading students may call 509-592-8208 to reach the on-call Education Abroad responder, or
  • Contact Whitcom dispatch at 509-332-2521 and ask to be connected to the Education Abroad responder.
• Support students in accessing medical care, documentation, and claims.

Key Reminders

• Carry your insurance ID card at all times.
• Review emergency procedures before departure.
• Know local emergency numbers for your destination.
• Stay informed about Travel advisories.
• Utilize On Call as your first point of contact in any emergency.

BPPM 95.53 – International Travel Policy

Washington State University (WSU) personnel engage in international travel for research and educational activities, and the institution takes reasonable steps to mitigate risk and ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff, and itself. To support this objective and meet government regulations, BPPM 95.53 was created to ensure effective risk management and compliance. 

High Risk Destination (HDR)

BPPM 95.53 defines a High Risk Destination as any country, region, and/or city with a Level 3 or Level 4 travel advisory rating issued by the United States (U.S.) Department of State, Travel Advisories. WSU may also consider as a HRD any location that poses a health, safety, or security risk, as indicated by other agencies such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC). WSU does not generally impose restrictions on faculty and staff to HRDs. However, faculty and staff are expected to be familiar with current Travel Advisories and comply with other federal regulations.

International Programs and Global Learning requires all faculty, staff, and authorized volunteers traveling with students to HRD’s to complete and submit an assumption of risk and release liability form.

Below are risk management tips when engaging in international travel.

Pre-Travel Tips

• Review BPPM 95.53 for pre-travel requirements such as the spend authorization process.
• Obtain the country travel advisory rating from the U.S. Department of State. BPPM 95.53 lists additional requirements for travel to countries rated a level 3 or 4.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important information from the US Embassy in the destination country, and for the US Embassy to contact you in an emergency.
• Ensure you have WSU’s International Travel Insurance information provided by On Call International. Travelers are highly encouraged to save the Plan ID Card and/or On Call’s contact information on their mobile devices.
• Provide your department, friends, and family with your emergency contact information before travel.
• Review WSU ITS Electronic Device Security Tips for International Travel.
• Review international Research and Export Control guidelines from the Office of Research Support and Operations.

International Travel Registry

As required by BPPM 95.53, WSU maintains an international travel registry for all university personnel. One purpose of this travel registry is to provide authorized travelers, including faculty, staff, graduate students on paid assistantships and timeslip appointments, and volunteers, with information about the university’s Global Assistance and Insurance Program through On Call International.  

WSU On Call Orientation video

Risk Management Services administers this insurance program and makes it available to all authorized international travelers.  

Students, please reach out to International Programs