Health and Safety
The health and safety of both incoming and outgoing students is our first priority.
All students are given orientation prior to their departure and again on-site upon arrival. In addition to the health and safety orientation materials provided to all students, here are some extra resources.
Health Insurance while abroad
All UTC students participating in an approved UTC study abroad program must be covered by a comprehensive international medical health insurance.
ALL UTC students will be enrolled in a comprehensive international insurance provided by CHUBB. Office of Study Abroad staff will enroll at UTC students in the Chubb insurance plan. Details on the International SOS membership and Chubb insurance will be provided to students by the Office of Study Abroad prior to their departures.
Students going through a provider/affiliate program will typically have insurance incorporated into their program fees (through the provider/host study abroad organization). This insurance will be in addition to the UTC insurance plan.
Students going through an exchange program will be enrolled in the insurance plan by Office of Study Abroad staff. Please note, on exchange programs host universities/host countries may require students to purchase additional insurance (per government requirements).
Students participating in a UTC faculty-led program will have insurance fees incorporated into their study abroad program fee. Students will pay the insurance fee to UTC via the program fees collected by the academic department or the Office of Study Abroad. Office of Study Abroad staff will enroll all faculty-led program participants (students) in insurance coverage.
Information regarding International SOS/Chubb insurance can be reviewed below.
- International SOS/CHUBB Insurance Coverage Details
The University of Tennessee, Chattanooga's international insurance is provided by CHUBB. Policy information can be found here.
All UTC students on university-approved programs are automatically covered by a blanket international travel insurance policy underwritten by Chubb insurance with 24/7 travel assistance services provided by International SOS.
Who is International SOS?
International SOS will give expert advice to students to take care of any medical or security that will be needed while students are abroad. Students simply carry the International SOS membership card and download the International SOS Assistance App to use this complimentary service. Both contain the membership number and key phone numbers along with the website address (www.internationalsos.com).
The UTC Membership Number is: 11BCAS080063
International SOS 24/7 Travel Assistance Services Helpful Links
- Faculty and Staff International Travel
In addition to thoroughly reviewing the International SOS information, above, please also carefully review the following: Urgent: Complete These Critical Steps Before Your International Travel.
Safety while abroad
We recommend reviewing these sites for tips/suggestions on safety while abroad:
- Tips for Staying Safe While Studying Abroad
- While this is aimed at study abroad in Europe, the tips can be applied anywhere.
- Staying Safe While Studying Abroad
It is important to know the resources available to you while you're abroad. Make sure you have the contact information for your host university! In an emergency, you should contact the local authorities as well as inform your host university advisor/advisor with your specific program provider.
Additionally, you can always contact the UTC Police Department at 423-425-4357 and they can get you in touch with the appropriate on-campus representative (i.e. Center for Global Education, Dean of Students, etc).
Make sure you sign up to attend a Study Abroad 103: Pre-Departure Orientation session prior to your departure!
Resources
- Health Related Resources
- Safety Related Resources
- U.S. State Department - Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) (Register your travel with the US State Department)
- U.S. State Department Travel Advisories (UTC will not send students to countries that have a U.S. State Department Travel Advisory with a level three or four)
- US State Department: Crisis Management (What the State Department Can and Can’t Do in a Crisis)
- Campus Resources