Can I waive my participation in the Zurich international travel accident and sickness insurance?
No. All students, faculty and staff participating in Ohio State funded, sponsored or affiliated travel are covered by this insurance plan. No waivers are available.
I have a primary insurance policy through my work, family, university or personal coverage. Do I still need the Zurich international travel accident and sickness insurance?
Yes, the Zurich policy is designed to provide coverage above and beyond those available in domestic insurance policies. This includes coordinated access to services through Crisis24, zero deductibles, coverage for medical evacuation, bedside visit coverage and medical repatriation. In addition, by working seamlessly with Crisis24, travelers have access to guarantee of payment for emergency medical services in most locations worldwide.
I am enrolled in Ohio State’s Student Health Insurance (SHI) program; do I still need to enroll in the supplemental travel insurance?
Yes, these are two different policies with different coverage. Students enrolled in the SHI must still be enrolled in the supplemental coverage while abroad for university travel.
Note: this does not apply if you are traveling for personal reasons such as vacation or with family. It also does not apply for international students returning to their home country, unless they are doing so as part of an education abroad program, research or other purpose related to their academic career at The Ohio State University.
Do I have to take any steps to enroll in the Zurich policy?
No. When traveling abroad on university business, study abroad or other Ohio State funded, sponsored or affiliated travel, you are automatically covered by the Zurich international accident and sickness insurance policy.
Students will be charged for this coverage when they apply for a Global Education program or complete a Travel registry through the OIA student portal.
Can I enroll in only the Zurich international travel accident and sickness insurance and waive my current primary coverage?
No. Though we do not you to submit proof of primary coverage, the Zurich insurance policyit is designed as a supplemental policy, not a substitute for a primary policy. If you return early from an international trip due to a medical or non-medical emergency, you will need to access your primary insurance coverage for services. Additionally, the Zurich policy does not meet the requirements for proof of coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
I am studying abroad on a program that is not managed by Ohio State. Am I still required to have coverage through the Zurich international accident and sickness plan?
Yes, if you are studying abroad and planning to use the credits towards your Ohio State degree, then enrollment is required.
I am a student, but I’m not “studying abroad.” Does the requirement still pertain to my international travel?
All Ohio State students traveling to international locations related to their academic or co-curricular career, including undergraduate or graduate independent research, field work, dissertation work, departmentally registered internships, service projects or with a university-registered organization are required to complete the Travel Registry and will be covered by the university’s international insurance accident and sickness program through Zurich.
Personal travel, including spring break vacation or family travel is not subject to enrollment.
I am an international student traveling to my home country; does the requirement pertain to my travel?
International students at Ohio State who are traveling back to their home country for a university related reason (e.g a study abroad program; funded research; departmental internship, etc.) should enroll. If you are traveling home on a university break or for personal reasons, enrollment is not required.
How much does the supplemental insurance cost?
The cost of the insurance is paid by each student traveler and depends on the duration of travel. Costs are outlined in the chart below.
| Length | Amount |
|---|---|
| Up To 2 Weeks (1-16) | $ 25.00 |
| Month (17-45) | $ 50.00 |
| Short Term (46-75) | $ 100.00 |
| Semester (76-195) | $ 200.00 |
| Academic Year (196-315) | $ 400.00 |
| Calendar (316-365) | $ 500.00 |
Does the insurance cover my personal property, cancellation of flight or other expenses?
No, the insurance is for health and safety purposes only. It does not include coverage for the loss, damage or theft of personal items. Travelers should check with any additional policies such as homeowners (including a parent’s policy if still a legal dependent) or renter’s insurance to verify if such coverage already exists. It also does not include coverage for the cancellation or delay of a flight, lost baggage or other travel related losses. If booking travel independently, travelers should explore an additional policy for this coverage.
Does the insurance cover a pre-travel medical consultation or recommended or required vaccinations?
No, the insurance does not cover pre-travel medical appointments or prescriptions, vaccinations or inoculations prior to travel. ITravelers should consult with their domestic insurance to seek coverage for pre-departure medical appointments and needs.
How can I find a hospital or medical professional abroad?
Unless in an emergency situation, always call Crisis24 before seeking care. Crisis24 will help guide you to the best provider depending on your medical needs. Crisis24 can be reached at +1 443-569-7893. Crisis24 will also help you set up appointments and, when possible, secure a guarantee of payment with the provider, helping you avoid unnecessary medical expenses when abroad.
What if I am traveling to a location where Crisis24 cannot find an approved medical or arrange for a guarantee of payment. Am I still covered?
Yes, subject to the terms and conditions of the plan, the insurance provides coverage of medical costs incurred abroad from any licensed medical facility or provider. If no guarantee of payment can be arranged by Crisis24, travelers will be expected to pay for services out-of-pocket, save all receipts and documentation and file a claim for reimbursement with Zurich.
You are encouraged to use the Crisis24 website or mobile app to identify medical providers and hospitals in the location(s) you will be visiting abroad. Please note that the online list of providers is not exhaustive. To ensure the best possible care and to set up a guarantee of payment, always call Crisis24 prior to seeing any type medical provider abroad.
Can I make an immediate appointment?
Just like standard, domestic insurance, Crisis24 does not provide any preferred or immediate access to care. Travelers seeking assistance will still need to schedule an appointment subject to the medical facility or professional's availability. Appointments may not be available on the same day and may conflict with planned activities. For immediate and urgent care, godirectly to the nearest emergency room or urgent care facility.
Will remote appointments or consultations with my home medical care professional will it be covered?
No. While abroad, any virtual appointments or consultations with your home medical care professional would be covered by your primary, domestic health insurance policy.
Travelers with preexisting conditions should involve their current medical providers in their travel planning and health management. The Zurich international accident and sickness policy is primarily designed to cover non-health maintenance medical appointments required during the dates of your travel abroad. Some covered services, especially mental health counseling, may be available through online providers.
Does the insurance pay directly for all medical costs abroad?
One of the advantages of working through Crisis24 is their ability to arrange a guarantee of payment in in advance of services in most circumstances. Call Crisis24 at +1 443-569-7893 for more information.
What if a guarantee of payment cannot be arranged or is not accepted?
In some locations, payment is expected upon treatment or admission. This is frequently the case in more remote locations or at smaller clinics. All travelers should have access to funds to cover routine medical care while abroad. Travelers should moreover keepitemized receipts and documentation, in English if possible, to file for a reimbursement directly from Zurich.
Is there a deductible or copay?
There is no deductible for covered expenses. Travelers who have worked with Crisis24 to arrange a guarantee of payment will not have any out-of-pocket expenses when seeking medical care.
Travelers who pay for services out-of-pocket can file a claim for reimbursement of their expenses (subject to the terms of coverage and exclusions).
If I seek treatment for an injury or illness after my return, am I still covered by the Zurich international accident and sickness policy?
In general, after you return to the U.S., coverage of your health care expenses are assumed by your primary insurance. The Zurich accident and sickness policy does include a limited Home Country Benefit that can assist in covering deductibles, copayments or other charges related to care after return from travel. To utilize this benefit, a case must be established with and handled by Crisis24 prior to returning home. This usually means that you have been under care at a local hospital or clinic while abroad.