Risk Management for Travel Abroad

1
Risk Management for Travel Abroad

• Capt. Joy Aull

2
Why is the Department of Public Safety involved
in travel abroad programs?

• We have the primary responsibility for risk
  management for the College
• We are the only 24 hour department in the College
• We will serve as your parents primary contact in
  the United States

3
Insurance

• The College has travel insurance through our
  Foreign Liability policy
• It does not include trip cancellation insurance
• It is free
• Individual students who have the College
  insurance may have additional coverage
• Administered through DPS
• Policy changes annually

4
Foreign LiabilityWhen are you covered?

• Institution sponsored events outside of U.S. and
  Canada
• Personal Sojourn extension up to 14 days

5
Foreign Liability Insurance Limits

• Accidental death and dismemberment 200,000
• Emergency Medical Evacuation 100,000
• Emergency Family Travel 100,000
• Repatriation of Remains 100,000

6
Foreign Liability Insurance Limits

• Accident and Sickness 100,000
• Covers medical expenses while overseas
• Loss must occur while participating in an college
  sponsored trip
• General deductible 250/person/injury
• Mental Disorders 10,000 deductible
• Preexisting conditions 1,500 limit

7
Emergency Travel Assistance

• Lost documents
• Lost personal effects
• Emergency travel services
• Emergency Cash
• Language interpretation
• Currency Rates

• Embassy information
• Legal Referrals
• Bail Bonds
• Security Evacuations
• Emergency Medication
• Hospital Guarantee

8
Forms to complete

• Emergency Response authorization Form
• Study Abroad Registration
• 2 copies of your passport
• Risk Waiver

9
Health Issues

• Do you know what immunizations are
  recommended/required?
• Vaccinations need to be properly documented
• What and where can you safely eat and drink?
• Preventative health measures
• such as mosquito spray, nets, malaria medication

10
Preexisting Medical Conditions

• Letter from doctor describing
• The condition
• Prescription medicines including generic names
• Verify the drugs are legal in destination country
• Medications should be left in original labeled
  containers

11
Passports

• Make copies of the data page of passport
• Carry one copy with you separate from passport
• Leave one copy in the States
• Store passports in hotel safes whenever possible
• One member of group should not carry all the
  passports

12
Passports

• Check to see if passports are current
• Check to see if visas are needed
• Check on potential issues with dual citizenship
• Suggest that at least one family member have a
  valid passport

13
Foreign laws

• Differences in laws between the U.S. and
  destination country
• Local currency and customs regulations
• Photographing police military installations,
  industrial structures, borders, civil
  disturbances is done only with permission
• Independent travel use only trusted sources for
  transportation.

14
Local customs and traditions

• Hygiene customs, energy conservation, hot water
  usage, room temperature if staying in private
  homes
• Appropriate dress
• Drinking alcohol
• Offensive gestures
• Offensive vs neutral topics of conversation

15
Finances

• Bring a limited amount of cash
• Consider Travelers checks
• Store extra cash in safe
• Know currency exchange rates/regulations
• Carry with you the telephone numbers for your
  bank to transfer money if needed

16
Credit/Debit Cards

• Consider a travel debit card
• Prepaid ARC Travel MasterCard
• Visa TravelMoney
• Make sure your debit card will work in the
  destination country
• Notify your credit card companies that you are
  traveling

17
Credit/Debit Cards

• Bring two credit cards in the event one is
  canceled
• Leave extras at home
• Carry separately information on the cards such as
  name, expiration date, account numbers and 24
  hour hotline.
• Do not exceed your limit.

18
Personal Belongings

• Do you have adequate homeowners insurance?
• College insurance does not cover personal
  belongings
• You should not bring expensive jewelry or other
  valuables
• Be aware of voltage and plug sizes for portable
  appliances

19
Out and about on your own

• Use the buddy system
• Carry maps/travel guides
• Do not go into high crime areas at night
• Carry a business card/flyer from hotel
• Know emergency telephone numbers
• How to use the local telephone system

20
Emergency Procedures

• Develop an emergency plan
• Template can be found at
• http//www.studentsabroad.com/creatingpeap.html
• Know the 24 hour stateside emergency numbers and
  the local program emergency contacts
• Will your cell phone work abroad?
• International phones/chips

21
United States Customs

• Know regulations/laws regarding
• Wildlife products
• Ceramics
• Export permits for antiques/artifacts
• Fresh produce, meat, plants, animals
• Other restricted items
• Keep receipts of all purchases