Travel Resources

Western Washington University requires that students engaged in international educational activities be insured through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) prior to travel outside the U.S.  Western requires evidence of health insurance (photocopy of insurance confirmation letter or I.D. card) and a completed Health Insurance Questionnaire in the online EdAbroad application.

The insurance plan provides the following minimum amount of coverage:

• Medical expense coverage of $100,000 per injury or sickness.
• Accidental death & dismemberment indemnity in the amount of $10,000.
• Repatriation expense benefits of $15,000.
• Medical evacuation benefits of $50,000.
• Family air fare expense of $1,500.
• Overseas travel and assistance services.

Where can I purchase this insurance? **

• CISI: self-enrollment in group CISI plan for individual Western students.  WWU sponsor code is: WWAU

What if my current medical insurance plan provides coverage abroad?

Although domestic medical insurance plans may provide some coverage abroad, they may not provide medical evacuation, repatriation expense and other important travel assistance benefits.  You can enhance your current plan to meet the University’s requirements with the following travel assistance programs:  

• MEDEX 1-800-732-5308 or http://www.medexassist.com/Default.aspx  Click on “Individual” and then “Select Your Plan.”  The plans are listed under “Evacuation Coverage.”
• Int’l SOS 1-800-767-1403 or https://www.internationalsos.com/personal-membership

Note: Not all plans meet the University’s requirements.  Make sure that you become familiar with an individual plan’s eligibility requirements, coverage, limits, exclusions and premiums before purchasing it.  Be certain the plan meets your personal needs for health insurance coverage.

If you have any questions, please contact WWU’s EdAbroad office at (360) 650-3298 or WWU’s Risk Manager at (360) 650-3065.

**Participants of the programs listed below do NOT need to purchase additional insurance. 

Academic Programs International (API), American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), CEA Study Abroad, Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), International Studies Abroad (ISA), SAI Programs, School for International Training (SIT), The Intern Group, University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC), WWU Global Learning faculty-led Programs.

The University policy Traveling Outside the U.S. (POL U5950.17) applies to travel abroad for students, faculty and staff.

Other resources:

• Travel Insurance Guide
• MEDEX Assistance
• Insure My Trip