Medical, Security, and Safety Resources
This page is a compilation of information on medical, security and safety resources for faculty, staff and students traveling internationally.
International SOS Service
Health Insurance
Workers’ Compensation
Travelers with Disabilities
Personal Safety
Legal Issues
International SOS
Georgetown University has contracted with International SOS to provide worldwide travel services for faculty, staff, and students. These services will enhance the safety and emergency resources available to members of the University community traveling abroad on University business or sanctioned academic work or research. The following services are provided under Georgetown’s agreement with SOS:
- Security evacuation services which provide for emergency evacuations prompted by political instability or natural disaster.
- Medical services ranging from telephone advice and referrals to full-scale medical evacuation by private air ambulance. The SOS network of multilingual specialists operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from Alarm Centers located around the world.
- Online database of information which offers a variety of health, safety and security resources for international travelers. These include country travel reports, security advice, pandemic preparedness information, vaccination requirements, and the ability to store an online itinerary that can be accessed in the event of an emergency.
If you have any questions about Georgetown's International SOS program, please contact the Office of Risk Management at 202-687-6622 or visit their web site.
Health Insurance
It is important that you seek information from your health insurance provider to determine what insurance coverage you have outside the United States.
If you are Georgetown faculty or staff and obtain health insurance coverage through the University, the Office of Faculty and Staff Benefits has information on your international coverage.
If you are a Georgetown student covered under the Premier Plan, the Office of Student Health Insurance has information on your international coverage.
If you are studying abroad, information on the study abroad insurance plan is also available.
Workers’ Compensation
For information on workers’ compensation, visit the web site of the Office of Risk Management.
Travelers with Disabilities
Travelers with disabilities may wish to consult The Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality directory of travel resources for information on available facilities at their destination.
Personal Safety
The Office of International Programs has developed a set of personal safety guidelines for students traveling abroad.
Travelers should research safety and security issues in their country before departure. Sources that should be consulted include International SOS security country guides and the State Department’s Consular Information Sheets.
Legal Issues
When traveling abroad, your legal rights may be different than those you would have in the United States. As a victim of crime, you may find that law enforcement agencies operate differently than they would at home, and if you are arrested you may find that your legal rights and detention conditions are considerably different than American standards.
The State Department has a variety of fact sheets available for Americans who encounter legal difficulties abroad. If you are a victim of theft, consult the “Help for American Victims of Crime Overseas” document. Non-US citizens should consult their appropriate government agency for information on their own embassy's services.
There is also information available from the State Department on the rights of Americans who are arrested abroad. If you are a student traveler, there is a special fact sheet available.
