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International SOS
International SOS provides 24/7 access to English-speaking doctors, medical referrals, and evacuation assistance, as well as regional and country-specific risk and safety reporting.
All UTSA study abroad students are required to register their trip with International SOS.
Note: International SOS is not compatible with the Internet Explorer 9 browser. If you have difficulty, please download and use Chrome, Firefox or Safari.
International SOS's Flash-created demonstration of how to register your trip.
What is the role of International SOS?
International SOS provides University of Texas System travelers and expatriates with worldwide quality health care and emergency assistance services 24 hours a day.
How can International SOS help?
International SOS provides you with peace of mind. One phone call connects you to the International SOS network of multilingual specialists for immediate help in an emergency. International SOS services are designed to help you with medical, personal, travel, security and legal problems when away from home. Call International SOS at any time to speak with a physician or security specialist about simple or critical matters.
How does it work?
Carry the International SOS membership card with you at all times. It includes the telephone numbers of the three major worldwide International SOS Alarm Centers. In the event of an emergency, call one of the emergency phone numbers listed on the card.
What do I need to do to use the program?
In order to utilize any of the medical or travel services listed under Program Benefits, contact any Alarm Center from anywhere in the world by calling directly, calling collect or calling the toll-free number.
To ensure a prompt response when calling, you should be prepared to provide the following:
- Your name, location, age, sex and nationality
- Your International SOS membership number
- The telephone number from which you are calling (in case you are disconnected)
- Your relationship to the University of Texas System employee (if the person calling is not the employee)
- Name, location and telephone number of the hospital, clinic or treating doctor (when applicable)
What if I have pre-trip questions about my travel destination?
In addition to calling the Alarm Center for any pre-trip questions you may have, you can access Country Guides from the SOS website. These comprehensive guides provide both medical and general travel advice, such as information on the standard of health care, how to pay for medical care, the availability of medications, safety of the blood supply, embassy/visa information, dialing code information, cultural etiquette and financial and voltage/plug information.
Do I need to activate my membership?
No, your membership is already active. Simply carry the card in your wallet at all times while traveling. Whenever you need service, contact one of the emergency phone numbers listed on the back of the card. You do not need to report specific trip dates to International SOS each time you travel.
Are my spouse and children covered under the International SOS program?
Family members of expatriates are covered under the International SOS program.
What are E-mail Alerts?
You have the option to sign up for E-mail Alerts. You can choose to sign up for medical and/or security alerts. Medical alerts are issued when there is a unusual health risk that, in the opinion of the International SOS medical staff, may negatively impact travelers or expatriates visiting a country. Security alerts are issued when International SOS Security professionals have identified a security risk in a specific country.
What if I need a doctor?
The International SOS Worldwide Alarm Centers are listed on the back of your card. Call the International SOS Alarm Center that is nearest to you for a referral to a doctor who speaks your language.
What if I need a lawyer while overseas?
Call the nearest International SOS Worldwide Alarm Center for legal referrals.
What if I need prescription medication?
If you require a prescription that a local physician cannot obtain, or you need to replace lost, stolen or depleted medication, International SOS will, when permissible by local law, send the needed medication to you .
What if I am hospitalized?
Call the nearest International SOS Worldwide Alarm Center. International SOS will immediately take steps to evaluate the care you are receiving and determine what actions must be taken to ensure your safe and speedy recovery.
What if local medical facilities are not adequate?
If you are hospitalized in an area where adequate medical facilities are not available, International SOS will obtain approval from University of Texas System to evacuate you to a medical facility capable of providing the required care. A physician supervises evacuations and, when necessary, a medical specialist or nurse will accompany you during the evacuation. An air ambulance will be used when required.
What happens when I am released from the hospital and still need help?
When your condition is stabilized and International SOS has determined that it is medically advisable to bring you home or to a facility near your permanent residence, International SOS will again obtain approval from University of Texas System and arrange the repatriation under medical supervision.
Will International SOS pay my medical bills?
If necessary, after approval from University of Texas System, International SOS will guarantee and pay all costs associated with your medical care. International SOS will also medically monitor and evaluate your condition and ongoing medical expenses during your hospitalization.
In the event of death…
International SOS will render all assistance possible to obtain clearances and arrange transportation for the return of mortal remains.
What should I do in the event of a security emergency?
Contact International SOS, and a security specialist will assist you.
What is security evacuation assistance and coordination?
The International SOS Security Division will assist you in the event of threatening situations such as civil and/or political unrest, insurrections, revolution or similar situations by providing information, guidance and resources in the event personal safety and security can no longer be assured.
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