Long Distance & International Travel
There are some additional considerations to take into account for long distance and international travel.
Preparing For Your Trip
Before you travel, make sure your are informed, prepared, and know what to do in case of an emergency.
Five College Risk Management has worked with its participating Colleges to develop policies, procedures and support services for its students, faculty, staff and alums who travel long distances or even overseas (Travelers). Travelers may travel as part of a formal study abroad program, participate in faculty-led educational or research programs, travel with an athletic team or student organization, or travel independently for research, career development, or community service.
This site is intended to assist Travelers in appropriately managing the risks associated with travel or organizing travel for others. For policies and procedures specific to your college, we encourage you to seek additional guidance from your institution's Global Education Office. For Five College Risk Management resources, information, and forms, please see below.
AIG Travel Guard Insurance Program
AIG/Travel Guard is a comprehensive, 24 hour medical and emergency response organization. Additional benefits include VIP concierge and identity theft services. Services are available to students, faculty, staff and alumnae traveling on official College business. This program is provided to all member colleges of Five Colleges, Inc. excluding UMass travelers.
In addition to the information below, consult the AIG/Travel Guard Program Overview.
All students, faculty, staff and alumni/ae traveling on official College sponsored trips (for Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith) automatically have Medical Evacuation and Repatriation coverage through AIG/Travel Guard Insurance. This plan provides assistance in the event you become seriously ill or injured while traveling. These plans provide emergency medical evacuation to the nearest appropriate care facility or, with some plans, to your hospital of choice. Repatriation means medically assisted travel to a medical facility in your home country or repatriation of mortal remains.
Travel Accident Coverage
Our program through AIG/Travel Guard provides coverage for catastrophic injuries, with very limited benefits, for death, dismemberment, loss of sight or hearing, and similar catastrophic losses. Benefits are in addition to any other benefits that may be available to a traveler, including Workers’ Compensation Insurance, Life Insurance or health insurance.
Travel Assistance Services
AIG/Travel Guard can also coordinate certain travel assistance services on behalf of our travelers. Many of these services are provided free of charge (Such as arranging for a translator) . Examples of services AIG/Travel Guard provides include arranging for a translator, event ticketing, wireless device assistance, local activity recommendations, roadside assistance, assistance with identity theft, legal referrals, etc.
Payment of Services
The ONLY services the college insures are medical evacuation and repatriation. All other services that require payment for services including medical treatment, or shipping a prescription to a traveler, are the financial responsibility of the traveler. Any transaction that would require payment for services including medical evacuation or repatriation MUST be coordinated and approved by an Authorized Person at the college or by the Five College Director of Risk Management. If needed, System Administration or the applicable institution will work with AIG/Travel Guard to provide pre-payment for services required. Your home institution will bill you for all charges incurred upon your return.
Benefits of the AIG/Travel Guard Website
By utilizing AIG/Travel Guard’s exclusive, members-only website, you can access a wide array of resources including, but not limited to, Email or text alerts for your destination, detailed and comprehensive country reports, travel health concerns and vaccinations, general safety or security concerns, and the latest travel tips and tricks.
It is highly recommended that travelers register your trip using the AIG/Travel Guard “My Alerts”. This will give you the opportunity to receive e-mail or text alerts from AIG/Travel Guard.
To access the site for the first time, travelers should use the following steps:
- Go to the AIG Travel Guard website
- Select sign in (top right hand corner of the site)
- Click the orange “Register Here” button to register for the first time
- Register with your information and input 9144090 (Five College’s Policy number) in the Policy Number field
AIG/Travel Guard Web User Guide
How to Contact AIG/Travel Guard
Toll-Free: 1-877-244-6871
Overseas Collect: +1 715-346-0859
Insured Group: Five Colleges, Inc.
Policy #: GTP 9144090
Review the AIG/Travel Guard Brochure
If you have any questions regarding coverage, please contact the Office of Risk Management.
GeoBlue Health Insurance
Before leaving for your international trip, be sure to sign up for GeoBlue! While AIG Travel Guard can kick in during certain medical emergencies arising from accidents, it does not cover treatment for other medical needs that may arise while travelling abroad. You still need a health insurance plan that will cover you if you contract an illness, experience symptoms related a new or existing medical diagnosis, or experience a health crisis. GeoBlue is a Health Insurance Plan that will cover you while travelling outside of your home country, whatever unforeseen medical needs may arise.