International SOS FAQ
- Q: What is the role of SOS?
- A: International SOS provides you with worldwide quality health care and
emergency assistance services 24 hours a day designed to supplement and integrate
with the policies, procedures and other resources of the University.
- Q: How can SOS help?
- A: One phone call connects you to the SOS network of multilingual specialists
for immediate help in an emergency. SOS services are designed to help you with
medical, personal, travel, security information and legal referrals when away from
home. Call International SOS at any time to speak with a physician or security
specialist about simple or critical matters.
- Q: How does it work?
- A: You will be provided with an SOS membership card. Carry the International
SOS membership card with you at all times. It includes the telephone numbers of
the three major worldwide SOS Alarm Centers. In the event of an emergency, call
one of the emergency phone numbers listed on the card.
- Q: What do I need to do to use the program?
- A: In order to utilize any of the medical or travel services listed under
contract, call any SOS 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
- The program with which you are associated (i.e., UTHSCSA study abroad
program in the United States)
- Your SOS membership number: 11BSGC000037
- The telephone number from which you are calling (in case you are disconnected)
- Your relationship to the member (if you are not the memeber.)
- Name, location, and telephone number of the hospital or clinic (when
applicable)
- Name, location, and telephone number for the treating doctor, and where
the doctor can be reached (when applicable)
- Q: What if I have pre-trip questions about my travel destination or questions
about the current status in that location?
- A: In addition to calling the Alarm Center for any pre-trip questions you
may have, you can access Country and Security Guides from this website:
http://www.internationalsos.com
Use your membership number, 11BSGC000037, as your member login. In addition to
the information covered at the pre-departure sessions and on-site by your program,
the SOS comprehensive guides provide medical, security 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.
- Q: Do I need to activate my membership?
- A: No, your membership is already active. Simply carry the card 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 SOS each time you travel. However, you can create a personal on-line account
with SOS into which you can save medical, family and emergency information. Unless
you input your information into an account, it will not be available for staff. Medical
and personal information can only be accessed by an SOS doctor.
- Q: What are Email Alerts?
- A: You have the option to sign up for Email Alerts. You can choose to sign
up for medical and/or security alerts by logging on and signing up. Medical alerts
are issued when there is an unusual health risk that, in the opinion of the SOS
Medical staff, may negatively impact travelers or expatriates visiting a country.
Security alerts are issued when SOS Security professionals have identified a security
risk in a specific country.
- Q: What if I need a doctor?
- A: You should first activate the on-site emergency support network for your
location. If you are traveling, or in a situation where you cannot contact the
on-site program staff, you should contact SOS directly. The SOS Alarm Centers are
listed on the back of your card. Call the SOS Alarm Center that is nearest to you
for a referral to a doctor who speaks your language.
- Q: What if I need a lawyer while overseas?
- A: Call the nearest SOS Alarm Center for legal referrals. If you are in a
situation where you require legal assistance, your off-campus program director should
be informed of this immediately.
- Q: What if I need prescription medication?
- A: If you require a prescription that a local physician cannot obtain, or you
need to replace lost, stolen or depleted medication, SOS will, when permissible by
local law, send the needed medication to you. (Additional Fees for the Medication
Apply.)
- Q: What if I am hospitalized?
- A: You should first activate the on-site emergency support network for your
location. However, if you are in a situation or location where you cannot reach the
program director call the nearest SOS Alarm Center. 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. SOS will notify the University immediately
if you or your program director have not already done so.
- Q: What if local medical facilities are not adequate for my specific requirements?
- A: If you are hospitalized in an area where adequate medical facilities are
not available, International SOS will obtain approval from the University 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.
- Q: What happens when I am released from the hospital and still need help?
- A: When your condition is stabilized and SOS has determined that it is medically
advisable to bring you home or to a facility near your permanent residence, SOS
will again obtain approval from the University and arrange the repatriation under
medical supervision.
- Q: Will SOS pay my medical bills?
- A: SOS is not health insurance. However, if a medical provider requires payment
or a guarantee of payment in order to provide services, SOS will guarantee and
advance payment to that provider once a family member or the University has
authorized a line of credit in your name. You are ultimately responsible for the
costs of medical care. This is why you should maintain separate, comprehensive
international health insurance coverage for the duration of your time abroad.
SOS will also medically monitor and evaluate your condition and ongoing medical
expenses during your hospitalization. In situations where medical care is critical,
by activating SOS you authorize medical care as necessary, and acknowledge that
you will be billed for medical expenses incurred. These expenses may be reimbursable
to you from your personal health insurance company.
- Q: How can SOS assist in the event of death?
- A: SOS will render all assistance possible to the University to obtain clearances
and arrange transportation for the return of mortal remains.
- Q: What should I do in the event of a security emergency?
- A: Call an alarm center listed on the back of your membership card, and a
security specialist will assist you.
- Q: What is security evacuation assistance and coordination?
- A: The SOS Security Division will assist the University 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.
- Q: How do I access up-to-the-minute information about security alerts, warnings
and the latest situations?
- A: You can visit the website below:
http://www.internationalsos.com/members_home/Security/